Results 4,441-4,460 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware of the intention that he should be in the House. Obviously he is dealing with other responsibilities——

Order of Business (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: ——during the course of the next few days, so I am not aware that alternative arrangements are envisaged. On the Tribunals of inquiry (Amendment) Bill, I understand it was taken off the schedule for this week. That does not mean it is withdrawn, and that is a matter to be taken up at the meeting of the Whips tonight.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: On the third Bill mentioned by Deputy Crawford, the eligibility for health services Bill is expected next year. Waiting times have been significantly reduced in many specialties as a result of many improvements.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The medical practitioners Bill is expected this session and the charities Bill is expected early next year.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: On the third matter, we have been talking about setting up a Dublin transport authority in the context of the major investment envisaged for public transport in Dublin. This does not mean that the transport requirements of other areas will be neglected in any way. Unprecedented investment is planned, as the Deputy knows, throughout the country in respect of public transport, and I am glad...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The three Bills will, I understand, be published this session. While I cannot tell the Deputy in what order they will be brought forward, I understand they will be sequential.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: As I told Deputy Crawford, this will be brought in next year.

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The role of the Office of Ombudsman is to investigate complaints about the administrative actions of Government Departments, the Health Service Executive, local authorities and An Post. In order to discharge these functions the Office seeks to recruit staff with experience of, and expertise in, the various sectors covered by its remit, including the functions administered by the local...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Matters relating to the timber industry including contacts with the Irish Timber Council and issues affecting Coillte and Boardmill plants are for consideration by the Minister for Agriculture and Food in the first instance.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in accordance with normal practice, tax relief on mortgage interest has been applied at source in respect of the individuals concerned for both 2005 and 2006. This is reflected in reduced monthly mortgage payments as advised by the mortgage provider. While no application has been made for...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Pensions Incentive Tax Credits scheme was introduced by me to encourage SSIA holders, particularly those on low incomes, to continue the savings habit and to commence or improve their pension arrangements. I have not imposed any new age restrictions in relation to this incentive. There is no bar on retired persons availing of the scheme within normal pension rules. However, some publicity...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The position is that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the Sixth VAT Directive Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services, which have been in place since 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to other goods and services. It is therefore not possible to apply a zero VAT rate...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works (OPW) are assessing a number of possibilities for permanent accommodation in Athy for the Revenue staff. The assessment of these possibilities has not yet been completed. Proposals received to date relate to sites, however the OPW are prepared to consider accommodation solutions involving existing buildings, if these...

Written Answers — Tribunals of Inquiry: Tribunals of Inquiry (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I assume that the question relates to tribunals of inquiry, commissions of inquiry or investigation established for specific investigative purposes. In so far as my Department is concerned, no tribunal of enquiry, commission of inquiry or investigation has been initiated in the period since 1997.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 1, Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2006 [Seanad] — Second Stage.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: As for the debate yesterday, I understand——

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I understand that no guillotine motion was in force yesterday in the House. Although Members had an opportunity to speak on the agreed issues, the Opposition did not appear to have much to say about it.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is not my problem if the Opposition is unable to get anyone into the House to say a few words.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: As for the legislation, it will be prepared as quickly as possible and will be brought before the Government for its approval. At present, the advice of the Attorney General is being sought by my Department. Hence, the Government will move on this matter quickly.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I note that Deputy Rabbitte has been energised by our 1-1 draw last night.