Results 5,801-5,820 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy is aware, the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which determines appeals from a refusal of a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, is independent in the execution of its functions. Queries in respect of the appeal should be addressed by the person concerned to the Secretary to the Board, Disabled Drivers...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: As Minister for Finance I have primary responsibility for civil service pensions. Other Ministers have primary responsibility for pensions in their own respective areas. The following figures show Net civil service expenditure for the years 2001 to 2006 and projected expenditure for each year to 2016. Actual Expenditure 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000...

Written Answers — Waste Management: Waste Management (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that individuals may claim tax relief in respect of the cost of 'service charges' (i.e. charges in respect of the provision of water for domestic purposes, domestic refuse collection or disposal or domestic sewage facilities) the details of which are contained in Revenue's Explanatory leaflet and claim form IT 27 Tax Relief for Service Charges which...

Written Answers — Licensed Premises: Licensed Premises (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: My Department will forward to the Deputy a comprehensive and up-to-date list of premises in Dublin City and County on the Licence Register, as held by the Revenue Commissioners, on 21 March 2007. The list, amounting to 970 licences, includes all "publicans ordinary premises", "hotels" and "hotels with public bar".

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not undertaking any specific investigation into individuals who enter into building contracts with companies that they own. Whether a transaction is artificial or is a genuine business transaction, at arm's length or otherwise, is a question of fact having regard to the facts and circumstances of each case. As to an income tax charge,...

Written Answers — Waste Management: Waste Management (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: With the Deputy's permission, I will take Questions Nos. 257 and 258 together. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that individuals may claim tax relief in respect of the cost of 'service charges' (i.e. charges in respect of the provision of water for domestic purposes, domestic refuse collection or disposal or domestic sewage facilities) the details of which are contained in Revenue's...

Written Answers — Ordnance Survey Maps: Ordnance Survey Maps (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) that it developed a specific digital mapping product to address the particular requirements of the educational sector. The development of this product was possible as a result of the collaborative involvement of a number of software providers who contributed their data or expertise at significantly discounted rates. By agreement, this product and...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau is an independent body established under the Central Bank Act 1942 (as amended). The Financial Services Ombudsman Council was established under the same Act to, inter alia, prescribe guidelines under which the Financial Services Ombudsman is to operate, determine the levies and charges payable and keep under review the efficiency and effectiveness of...

Written Answers — Tax Certificates: Tax Certificates (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement form P21 for 2006 issued to the taxpayer on 22 March 2007.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that relief from income tax in respect of rent paid for residential premises is available unless the person/entity entitled to the rent is a housing authority. In this case, the rent is not actually being paid to Threshold but to Tuam Community Council Housing Aid Society. The claim for rent relief was erroneously disallowed on the mistaken...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information to be furnished by taxable persons on VAT returns does not require the yield from the supply of particular products to be identified. Consequently, the information requested is not available. I would add that under EU VAT law, with which Irish law must comply, it is not possible to introduce new zero rates of VAT, as we can only...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am not convinced of the need for the Bill. The current system for appointing people to State bodies has been in existence for a long time. It has worked well. Governments of various hues have tapped into the advice and experience of experts, business people and professionals, which has informed Government and helped to make progress. The Bill is drafted to include State bodies, boards,...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is amazing that party membership should mean disbarment from public service.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand Deputy Boyle will close the debate. I am entitled to speak uninterruptedly in the House.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: If that is the case, fine. I am just making the point to the Deputy that I have been Minister for Transport, Industry and Communications in charge of commercial State bodies. I have been Minister for Health, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Finance. On all of the board appointments I make I seek to appoint competent people. I do not regard political party membership as a...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry but the evidence is not with the Deputies on this. That is the point. They bring their prejudices to the legislation and expect us all to agree with it.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have outlined my experiences, as a Member of this House for 23 years. I challenge the Deputies to find any board under my aegis which did not comply with requirements. In fact I have reappointed——

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: ——-many people who were appointed by my predecessors, of other political parties, and who might not have shared my political view at all, because I regarded them as people who had done a very good job and shown a commitment to public service. They had shown a particular flair and ability as regards the boards to which they were assigned. I have done that——

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: ——on many occasions. The Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 requires the directors of prescribed public bodies to provide annual statements of interests to a nominated officer of the body concerned such as a chairperson of the board or the company secretary. The statements of interest must also be given to the Standards in Public Office...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: Is that a crime?