Results 4,561-4,580 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The question I am answering——

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I will leave it at that, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I could not be bothered.

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The State encourages individuals to supplement the social welfare pension arrangements with private pension arrangements by offering tax relief on private pension provision. The tax relief arrangements for private pension provision are long-standing and have helped a significant proportion of the workforce to provide for supplementary pensions, thus reducing the pressure on the Exchequer to...

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with the basic contention outlined by the Deputy. I introduced measures in this year's budget and Finance Act to limit the Exchequer cost of tax relief on pension contributions by high earners while encouraging those on lower incomes and older workers to make provision for or improve their pension arrangements. A pension is deferred income. The issue relates to the benefit...

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I will not remember all the questions and I might be accused of not answering questions again.

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: On the last question, I have accommodated that aspect on the basis that the amount will stay in the product for at least a year. The idea behind this measure was to move the money into a pension product. If one is already a pensioner, one has to make some arrangement that shows the bona fide nature of the operation, rather than simply move to take out a new product tomorrow with the benefit...

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is equitable, if one believes in——

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I do not want to make this the cube of the Western Hemisphere.

Tax Code. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Exactly.

Written Answers — Customer Services: Customer Services (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have seen the recent newspaper report about the survey. Customer surveys can be useful in providing feedback on service delivery. In fact, I am advised that Revenue has recently conducted its own survey of SMEs, and while they are currently in the process of analysing the preliminary results, the indications from this survey are generally very positive as regards Revenue's service to...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: There is no system of prior application and approval under the scheme of tax relief for the construction or refurbishment of buildings used as private hospitals. When the relevant facilities have been completed, and provided they meet the necessary criteria, investors can then claim tax relief on the expenditure incurred under the scheme in their annual income tax returns as part of the...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will appreciate that in line with normal practice in the run up to the annual Budget and Finance Bill I do not wish to comment on the intention or otherwise to make changes in taxation. However, as I have pointed out in previous replies, I cannot in any way agree that North Mayo, or indeed any part of Mayo, is being persistently ignored by the Government. I would like to refer the...

Written Answers — Export Performance: Export Performance (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Provisional data for the first half of 2006 show that the volume of exports in goods and services increased by almost 6% on an annual basis in that period. This compares with an annual increase of 3.9% for 2005 as a whole. In the medium term, the outlook for Irish export performance remains broadly positive. Our existing strong export base, particularly in pharmaceuticals, food, medical...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that receipts for VRT in respect of the last seven years are as follows: €m 1999 771 2000 1,001 2001 788 2002 793 2003 819 2004 946 2005 1,149 The figures reflect the large increase in car sales over this period which is primarily a function of Ireland's strong economic growth where disposable incomes have grown significantly partly...

Written Answers — Tax Policy: Tax Policy (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government's approach to tax policy is set out in the Agreed Programme for Government and in recent Budgets and Finance Bills. Furthermore, under the Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, the Government is committed to a taxation policy designed to maintain and strengthen the competitive position of the economy, foster improvements in productive capacity, economic and social development,...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 113 together. The Deputies will be aware that office holders and members of the Dáil and Seanad may accept a significant gift in only limited circumstances. The Taoiseach and Tánaiste issued statements last week indicating that the Ethics legislation will be amended to require an office holder or member, before accepting a significant gift or loan, to...

Written Answers — Price Regulation: Price Regulation (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The annual rate of Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was 4.0 per cent in September, down from 4.5 per cent in August. However, a better measure of underlying inflation is the EU comparable measure of inflation, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). The HICP differs from the CPI in terms of coverage. The most notable difference relates to the exclusion of mortgage interest...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the stamp duty yield in residential property sales where the relief for first-time buyers applied is estimated at €44 million in 2005 and €40 million in 2006 to end August. The Stamp Duty yield from all residential property (including first-time buyers) broken down by reference to the consideration price bands corresponding to the rates of...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The EPA report referred to by the Deputy points out that although the emissions from individual vehicles will continue to fall as a result of technological advances and cleaner fuel, emissions from the transport sector look set to increase due to increased vehicle numbers and engine size. It has to be borne in mind that Ireland has had historically low car ownership levels (compared with...