Results 4,361-4,380 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the benefit received by the person came from an estate in England. The solicitor acting on her behalf did not have a PPS Number for the deceased and had to apply to the Client Identity Service of the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs for a PPS number. Because of the delay in obtaining a PPS number and due to an oversight the...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that further information is required in this case and that the taxpayer has agreed to forward the necessary documentation concerning the deduction of tax from his retirement monies. On receipt of same, any repayment due to him will be processed without delay.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I understand that in this case no tax is due for 2005 and the tax already paid will be refunded. For 2006, I am told that it is likely that no tax will be due, given their income and the tax credits to which they are entitled. A certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut off point issued to the person's employer on 7 March showing the correct tax credits due. During 2007 the couple...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer's claim to repayment of tax has been processed and notification of refund arising has issued to him dated 2 October 2006. A cheque for the overpayment will issue in the coming days.

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the person concerned applied for the tax concessions under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme and that the application has been unsuccessful at first instance and on appeal to the Medical Board of Appeal for the Scheme. I have no direct responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Medical Board of Appeal for the Disabled Drivers and...

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Let me make it quite clear, I have not imposed any new age restrictions in relation to this product. There is no bar on retired persons availing of the scheme within normal pension rules. However, some publicity has been given recently to the possibility that SSIA holders who are already retired might transfer matured SSIA funds into a savings product, claim the Pensions Incentive Tax Credit...

Written Answers — International Money Transfers: International Money Transfers (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I presume that the Deputy's question arises from the EU's proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on information on the payer accompanying transfers of funds. This proposal has not yet been adopted by the European institutions, but when it is, it will have direct application in all Member States. It is likely to come into effect in January 2007 at the...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have already acted in a systematic, detailed and radical manner to deal with the issue of inequitable use of tax incentives and allowances by a proportion of higher earners. I would refer the Deputy to Budget and Finance Act 2006. In these, I announced and introduced significant changes which mean that the potential for individuals to reduce their net liability for tax by using tax...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The position is that expenses in respect of tuition for children with dyslexia do not qualify for health expenses tax relief and have never qualified for the relief since it was first introduced in 1967. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners, who deal with such claims, that individuals may have been under the impression that tuition for children with dyslexia was allowable under the...

Written Answers — Estimates for Public Services: Estimates for Public Services (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: In the 2006 Budget and Stability Programme Update, I set out the Government's overall macroeconomic policy strategy for the medium term, including existing level of service gross expenditure projections for the period 2006 to 2008. These form the basis on which the Government will formulate the 2007 Estimates, taking due account of developments in the overall economy; the need to provide for...

Written Answers — Equal Opportunities Employment: Equal Opportunities Employment (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together. The Department of Finance, in common with all other civil service Departments and Offices, fully implements the Government's policy on the employment of people with a disability. The Deputy may wish to note that, as part of a review of policy on the employment of people with a disability in the civil service, my Department commissioned...

Written Answers — Airport Customs Checks: Airport Customs Checks (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: In light of the seizure in Belgium of 50kgs of Heroin last week, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are reviewing the risks attached to the operation of all 27 licensed aerodromes in the State. I am further assured that the monitoring of licensed aerodromes in the State by the Revenue Commissioners is currently in line with international standards. The Customs and Excise...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The estimated level of output of residential units and commercial units under the four tax designation schemes namely the Urban Renewal Scheme, the Rural Renewal Scheme, the Town Renewal Scheme and the Living over the Shop Scheme are set out in the Review of the Area-Based Tax Incentive Schemes. This review was conducted in 2005 by Goodbody Economic Consultants. The consultants findings on...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that for the tax year 2003 and earlier years claims for tax incentive schemes on property were aggregated in tax returns with other claims and could not be distinguished from other reliefs claimed. Accordingly, the specific information on costs for 2003 and earlier years are not available. Provisions were included in the Finance Act 2004 to allow...

Written Answers — Court Rulings: Court Rulings (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: In the case of court rulings, including the rulings to which the Deputy refers, my Department seeks advice or clarification from the Office of the Attorney General when required. All primary legislation is, of course, submitted to the Office of the Attorney General for examination prior to drafting and enactment by the Oireachtas.

Written Answers — Dormant Accounts Fund: Dormant Accounts Fund (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I understand from the National Treasury Management Agency that there are at present about 9,500 unclaimed prizes in the Prize Bond scheme, dating back to the establishment of the scheme in 1957 and representing approximately €1.25 million in prize money. The number of unclaimed prizes for the years 2001 to 2005 inclusive is 5,585, or just over 1% of the total number of prizes awarded in...

Written Answers — Employment Rights: Employment Rights (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government wishes to encourage and facilitate an increase in work force participation by older people. Recent measures introduced in Budget 2006 such as an increase in the income tax age exemption limits for persons aged 65 and over and the introduction of an earnings disregard for recipients of the social welfare State Pension (Non-Contributory) (previously known as the old age...

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Let the man answer.

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: He has.

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is scheduled for next week. There were calls for it to be brought forward and that is happening. The content of the legislation should be dealt with on its merits, as should be the case with all legislation. This House does not control events in another place no more than that place controls events here. We should deal with the Bill calmly on its merits. That is how the matter stands.