Results 4,201-4,220 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics are not available at this time which would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be provided. Budget 2006 introduced a new tax exemption for childminding where an individual minds up to three children, who are not their own, in the minder's own home. The cost of the exemption was estimated to be €4 million in a full...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: I take it that the Deputy is referring to payments made in each of the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. My Department did not make payments solely for public relations work in those years. It did, however, make payments in respect of two contracts in the period which, while mainly for other purposes, involved a public relations element. Details are in the first table. In addition, the Euro...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: During my tenure as Minister for Finance since September 2004, a Special Adviser, a Personal Assistant anda Personal Secretary have been appointed on an unestablished contract basis in my Department, the annual salaries costs and other expenses for whom are as follows: Position Held Special Adviser Personal Assistant Personal Secretary € € € Salaries (other expenses) ...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: The staffing of the office of the Minister of State in my Department is set out as follows: Minister of State's Office Grade Number Salary Range € Higher Executive Officer 1 42,180-53,541 Clerical Officer 1 20,995-34,050 Both of these staff members are permanent civil servants. To date in 2006, allowance payments amount to €9,344. The amount paid in expenses for the...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: The staffing of my private office and constituency office is set out below: Minister's Private Office Grade Number Salary Range € Administrative Officer 1 31,828-56,361 Executive Officer 2 27,692-43,944 Staff Officer 2 31,656-34,448 Clerical Officer 3 22,102-35,838 Minister's Constituency Office Grade Number Salary Range € Executive Officer 1...

Written Answers — Departmental Advertising: Departmental Advertising (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will appreciate, in the time available for answering the present question it has not been possible to compile the information sought. However, I am having the information compiled and it will be forwarded to him as soon as it is possible.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no circumstances in which it is appropriate for an officer of the Revenue Commissioners to 'threaten' a customer. As stated in Revenue's Customer Service Charter 'You can expect to be treated courteously, with consideration and in a non-discriminatory way in your dealings with Revenue'. There are separate mechanisms in place for a...

Written Answers — Departmental Correspondence: Departmental Correspondence (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 219 together. I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the telephone service for PAYE customers was temporarily restricted to deal with a backlog of correspondence and also to allow staff to become familiar with a major new computer system. This system will enable Revenue to provide an enhanced customer service to PAYE customers. A full...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: In the case of second-hand residential property, the rates of stamp duty are: Consideration First-time owner-occupiers Others % % Up to €127,000 0 0 From €127,001 to €195,500 0 3 From €195,501 to €254,000 0 4 From €254,001 to €317,500 0 5 From €317,501 to €381,000 3 6 From €381,001 to...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the net yield from DIRT collected in 2004 and 2005 was €144 million and €167 million respectively. The amount of DIRT due to be paid each year is dependent on the amount of monies on deposit and the rates of interest applying to such deposits rather than on the number of accounts involved. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of vehicles purchased in 2005 that had VRT remitted/repaid under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, was 1,884 for drivers and 2,729 for passengers (total, 4,613). There are around 9,500 persons, including both drivers and passengers currently availing of the scheme. In 2005, the scheme cost over...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: The age exemption limits system applies where total income is not more than €17,000 for a single person aged 65 or over and not more than €34,000 in the case of a married couple where one or other spouse is aged 65 or over. The system applies only as an alternative to the normal system of credits and bands. It is therefore not possible to combine elements of the two systems. To allow tax...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No a12a, motion re establishment of joint committee on child protection; No. a12b, motion re membership of committee; No. 12, motion re Standing Order 121; No. 13, proposals for legislation on broadcasting — instruction to joint committee; No. 14, Supplementary Estimate for Public Services [Vote 40] — back from committee; and No. 14a, motion re proposed approval by...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am taking the Order of Business on the basis that it is outlined. The report due to be published today will be aired in full in the media and elsewhere.

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: As I understand, in his reply to Deputy Kenny, the Taoiseach mentioned that it would probably be raised at the joint committee on child protection being established to deal with all issues surrounding child protection. One of the terms of reference will be to consider the implications arising from and the consequences of the Supreme Court decision of 23 May 2006 in the CC case. The failure in...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: The composition of the committee is based on proportionality of representation in the House. It is also important to have a committee with such numbers as will lend itself to effectiveness so that it can get through the important business it needs to do. Obviously the committee will report back to a plenary session of the House when every Member will have an opportunity to discuss and debate...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: Those nominated by the Government represent both parties in government. The main Opposition parties made their nominations and the Technical Group made its. In the interests of efficacy, proportionality of representation, getting on with the important business and reporting back to this House so that we can make the necessary decisions, we propose proceeding as suggested.

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: This is an important matter which has to be dealt with by the House today in compliance with legislation. The necessary work in terms of preparing for a successful IPO has been ongoing for some time. Subject to legal constraints and market sensitivities, the Minister of Transport will outline for the House the substantial progress which has been made. Consultations are ongoing between...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: ——I would have expected support for the development agenda outlined by management to ensure Aer Lingus plays a significant role in the economic life of north Dublin and the country.

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: The voters will note his objection to ensuring this matter proceeds.