Results 5,861-5,880 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: ——they will have enhanced equity. In some cases, equity has risen by 20% and 30% a year. Let us be fair and straight about it.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: They are the lifeblood of the housing industry. It is vital to have first-time buyers entering the market. In three budgets I made two carefully calibrated initiatives on stamp duty for first-time buyers: increasing the thresholds in 2005 and this year; and doubling the mortgage interest subsidy up to €125,000, not just for those going into the market to buy a house but also for those who...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is gross irresponsibility and it ill behoves anybody——

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am talking to Senator John Paul Phelan, given that Fine Gael is a prospective majority partner in an alternative Government which has come forward with the daftest idea I have yet heard from anybody.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: If Senator John Paul Phelan asks anybody in the industry, he or she will tell him it is nonsense.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: As for any changes to the stamp duty regime, as Minister for Finance, I want people to think through carefully what they are doing given the importance of this sector for jobs in every community. People should be very careful what they are talking about.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: Senator Quinn asked how the country would deal with the question of philanthropy. A dialogue is required on that area. There is no doubt that private wealth has increased. We have not had a culture of philanthropy in the past of any great magnitude because not many people had the wealth to be philanthropic. In all these issues we must have balance between the public policy objective of...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: ——that we are not providing the moneys due to the BMW region. It is not correct to say that €3 billion has not been spent in the BMW region that would otherwise be spent. One of the economic programmes was based on whether there would be a take-up from business. That did not happen and obviously that money was not spent. It is not just a question of money spent up to 2006. Under the...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I listened to the Senator in silence. On the Senator's specific question about the paediatric unit, etc., we can take it up with the Minister for Health and Children but major investments have been made in the health services and the road network in the west. Regarding the National Development Plan 2007-2013, I have reprioritised the Limerick-Galway road, including the outer orbital for...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: ——and the regional disparities will not be eliminated overnight but I refer the Senator to the ESRI report which shows they are reducing. I have confirmed that the national spatial strategy and the alignment of national development funding in the next seven years will greatly accelerate that trend in the right direction. It is true that unless we effect regional development and ensure...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: There are universities and multinational companies in the west. University College Galway is doing tremendously well in terms of research moneys, etc., because of its excellent relationship with——

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: ——all of those companies. I am proud, as I am sure is the Senator, to be a member of a party that has expanded university places by 40,000 in the past ten years. While I realise there are many in the Opposition who would like to highlight some shortcomings, as there will be in every walk of life at any time no matter how prosperous we are, I would make the point that the Government...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I will provide full clarification for the Senator and an accurate picture of the situation.

Written Answers — Drug Seizures: Drug Seizures (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that one drug detector dog is permanently based at Shannon Airport. A dog has been used by customs officials at the airport continuously since 1991. The annual cost of the dog team — including the salary of the dog handler — is approximately €86,000 with an initial start up cost of €54,000. The dog based in Shannon is trained to quickly pass...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: A number of areas in Mayo are already designated for relief under the 2 main area based tax incentive schemes, Ballina was among the 42 towns and cities that had integrated areas designated for tax relief under the 1999 Urban Renewal Scheme, while Belmullet, Charlestown and Foxford had sub-areas and sites designated for tax relief under the Town Renewal Scheme. Under both of these schemes...

Written Answers — Employment Conditions: Employment Conditions (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have had enquiries made into the concerns raised by the Deputy on behalf of the person in question. I am informed by his employing Office that the person involved has had lengthy correspondence concerning aspects of his conditions of service and that the concerns have been fully considered and addressed appropriately. I am also informed that in the light of recent developments, certain...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer has been assessed for tax in accordance with the returns he has submitted as a self employed person and that there are no refunds due to him by the Revenue Commissioners at this time.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: In accordance with Standing Order 121, I request the Leas-Chathaoirleach to direct the Clerk to make four minor corrections to the Bill which are of a formal or verbal nature. In section 9, page 16, line 26, the reference to "subsection (6)(c)" should read "subsection (6)(b)". Corrections of a similar nature are required to be made in sections 18, 19 and 35.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am glad to have the opportunity to say a few words on this issue. Senator Terry's amendment gives her an opportunity to discuss the Fine Gael proposals in this area, in particular the suggestion that we increase the threshold for first-time buyers of second-hand houses from €317,500 to €450,000. There is a duty on all of us, in view of the speculation being caused by reason of the fact...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I look forward to hearing from him.