Results 5,621-5,640 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: The arguments made are certainly worth considering, but we are sticking by our attitude to the points made. We are not accepting the amendments, but I would make one point. A company does not go into liquidation to avoid a debt of €100. In fairness, that is not the reason.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am not disputing some of the points made, but that is the reality. This is an interim measure. Senator Ó Domhnaill spoke of fairness in the case of the millionaires' property worth whatever in Dublin and the person in the bed-sit in Donegal. We will be bringing in a full property tax. This is an interim measure which will be in place probably for two years. We will be addressing all of...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Tá díospóireacht mór ar siúl inniu agus caithfidh mé cuid des na ceisteanna a fhreagairt. An rud bunúsach atá Seanadóirí Shinn Féin ag rá ná go bhfuil siad i gcoinne gach rud agus nach bhfuil siad i bhfábhar rud ar bith. An fáth go bhfuil an táille seo á leagadh ná nach bhfuil go leor airgid ag teacht isteach ón ghnáth cháin chun an tír a choimeád slán. Bhí ar an...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Tá sé léite agam.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Ach ní thuigim é.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: On that very point, I understand the wording is exactly the same as in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, and that is why we argue it must stand. Fianna Fáil, when in government, introduced that legislation.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Yes. That is why we say it must stand. It was brought in by Fianna Fáil in 2009.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: The words are the same.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is the same principle.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: This Bill is no different to the 2009 Act. The wording is exactly the same even if the issues are different. It is a standard process and we do not see any basis for the Senators' concerns.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Some very useful ideas have been mentioned and clarity has been brought to the proposition before us and the amendments. I want to discuss what this charge is all about and who will pay it. The Bill states anybody who lives in a house rented from a local authority will not pay the charge. The more likely person to fall into this category, to use it as a broad definition, would be living in...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am happy to respond to the Senator. Those who own their own homes but cannot pay the mortgage and are getting assistance under the definition of poverty of an exceptional need as used by a community welfare officer will not pay the charge. People living in housing estates which do not have the proper infrastructure, as defined under categories 3 and 4, will not pay the charge. Therefore,...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Section 12 makes provision for such circumstances.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is why we are introducing a property tax in due course.

Tax Code (8 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter which I am taking in the absence of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, who is unavoidably absent. I will begin by outlining the background to our 12.5% corporation tax rate and its importance to Ireland. I will then outline the background to the common consolidated corporate tax base, CCCTB, proposal before differentiating...

Tax Code (8 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I again thank Deputy Timmins for his comments. We have declared a willingness to participate constructively in the discussions on the common consolidated corporate tax base, CCCTB, draft directive and in the structured discussions on tax policy co-ordination in the framework of the Euro Plus Pact. We are committed to active engagement on the tax dossiers because only by actively engaging...

Financial Services Regulation (8 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: On a point of information. I understand the issue was directed to the Minister for Finance, not the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Financial Services Regulation (8 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I will be replying on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan. Deputy Mattie McGrath has placed serious issues on the record. I urge him to write to the Garda superintendent in his district-----

Financial Services Regulation (8 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: -----and to the Garda Commissioner about the issue in order to have it investigated. I understand there is also a complaints commission to identify the issue and respond to it because the Deputy has made serious charges in the House. I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I have been informed by departmental officials that the issue of such repossessions has not been brought...

Financial Services Regulation (8 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Deputy has raised very serious issues which I am glad to know he has already brought to the attention of a Garda superintendent in the Thurles area. They should also be known to the Garda Commissioner. The Deputy referred to a paddywagon. The implications for the gardaí who might have been present are serious and the matter needs to be investigated if a Garda vehicle was involved. In...