Results 5,161-5,180 of 21,588 for speaker:Denis Naughten

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: The frustrating aspect of the proposed levy is that while the theoretical objective of the measure is to support the cost of pensions, non-pensionable income such as overtime and allowances will be subject to the levy. Even income generated prior to the introduction of the legislation will be subject to it. The Minister must clarify his position on these issues and what measures will be...

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: I understand the levy will be imposed on non-pensionable income, including overtime payments and allowances. The 1% levy applies to income that may have been generated prior to 1 January. I ask whether income generated before 1 March but paid after that date will be affected by the pension levy.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: I understand the 1% income levy applies to income also subject to the pension levy. Depending on when the income is taken, there can be an element of double taxation. I ask the Minister to clarify the matter. Section 3 provides for regulations for calculating and collecting the pension levy. Why are semi-State companies such as the ESB, RTE, Bord Gáis and VHI not covered? It causes...

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: It is, therefore, a form of double taxation.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: A double levy then.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: It is my understanding semi-State body defined benefit pensions are guaranteed by the State.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: We had to make provision for pensions when we dealt with previous legislation providing for the sale of semi-State companies. If the State is guaranteeing the moneys, they will fall within the terms of the Bill.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Where such understandings obtain, should the enterprises not be caught for the pension levy?

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Peculiar or particular?

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Section 7(1) states, "Nothing in this Act is to be read as conferring any additional benefit payable, or that may become payable, under a public service pension scheme." Perhaps the Minister might be in a position to clarify a matter that has been brought to my attention. I am aware of a person who earns €36,000, who is the family's sole earner and who has three children. As a result of...

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: The Minister understands the point I am making on medical cards and so forth.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Given that significant costs could arise for the Exchequer, would it not make more sense to exclude from the levy the individuals to whom I refer? Surely this issue should have been evaluated before now.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Will the Minister revert to me on the issue?

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: With all due respect, an additional benefit will arise under the Bill. The case I made was that someone would be financially better off as a result of the enactment of the legislation because he or she will receive a medical card. According to my figures, the Exchequer stands to lose out by about €6.6 million.

Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: I would like to speak on the amendment put forward by Deputy Bruton, even though Deputy Creed has already spoken on it. It is extremely interesting to read what has been written in this section. At the moment, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is legally liable to pay the moneys owed to the farmers. He signed a binding contract with them on the farm waste management grant....

Written Answers — Health and Safety Inspections: Health and Safety Inspections (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Question 116: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of meat plants inspected by the legal metrology service in the years 2006 to 2008; the date each plant was inspected; the breaches that were found; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7824/09]

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Question 118: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 2 December 2008, the Departments which have responded to the Secretary General and the Departments which remain to furnish a full response; the result of the examination of the enterprise agenda recommendations in the report; and if she will make a statement on...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Question 135: To ask the Minister for Finance if overseas allowance paid to gardaí and members of the Defence Forces is liable to the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7939/09]

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Question 138: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide telephone translation services for community welfare officers to assist in dealing with clients with poor or non-existent English language skills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7783/09]

Written Answers — Services for People with Disabilities: Services for People with Disabilities (25 Feb 2009)

Denis Naughten: Question 140: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7761/09]