Results 6,101-6,120 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: In April, I published the Ethics in Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007. The main purpose of this Bill is to amend the Ethics in Public Office Acts so as to require office holders and Oireachtas members to seek the opinion of the Standards in Public Office Commission before accepting significant benefits from a friend for personal reasons. The Bill is currently on the Order Paper of the Seanad.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: In my 2007 Budget Statement, I announced that I planned to introduce changes to the current VRT system to take greater account of environmental issues, and in particular Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The Programme for Government re-affirms this commitment. A public consultation in this regard has taken place. Work on the matter is ongoing and a range of possible options are being...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: Sub-prime lenders are regulated in Ireland in respect of their lending activities under the Consumer Credit Act 1995. The Act makes detailed provision for the form and content of loan agreements and for advertising of consumer credit. The Financial Regulator has powers of investigation, review and enforcement in relation to matters covered by the Act. Consumer complaints about the...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: Over ten thousand six hundred civil and public servants have applied to relocate under the Programme. Of these, approximately 5,600 or 53% are currently based in Dublin. The Central Applications Facility (CAF) remains open and continues to receive applications. My Department has requested an update of the CAF data from the Public Appointments Service and will make this available when...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: As part of the overall decentralisation programme, it is intended that 100 staff of the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and 100 staff of the Valuation Office will be decentralised to Youghal, Co. Cork. I am advised by PAS and the Valuation Office that the number of people who have indicated their desire to decentralise to Youghal with these offices is 100 and 28 respectively. In...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Programme for Government contains a commitment to examine the scope for reducing the VAT rate on environmental goods and services from the standard VAT rate of 21 per cent to the reduced rate of 13.5 per cent. I should mention that this is just one of a number of initiatives in the Programme aimed at delivering a cleaner environment. In carrying out this examination account will be taken...

Written Answers — Commission on Taxation: Commission on Taxation (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Programme for Government contains certain commitments in the area of taxation policy including a commitment to the establishment of a Commission on Taxation which will have a wide remit to consider the structure of the taxation system. The Commission will be specifically charged with considering and making recommendations on the following: Examine the balance achieved between taxes...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I accept that the tax system can be used either to encourage or deter certain behaviours that have impacts on the environments. In this regard I have been to the fore in using the tax system to promote environmental policies; examples include excise relief of over €200 million for biofuels over 5 years from 2006 50% VRT relief for flexible fuel vehicles, hybrid cars and electric cars the...

Written Answers — Revenue Commissioners Reports: Revenue Commissioners Reports (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I was pleased to note the strong performance on a number of fronts recorded in the eighty-fourth Annual Report of the Revenue Commissioners. The 2006 Report continues the practice of reporting on Revenue's Statement of Strategy, in accordance with the Public Service Management Act 1997. This is the second report on Revenue's Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 which highlights three main Goals:...

Written Answers — Employment Rights: Employment Rights (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Revenue Commissioners have advised me that an employer has an obligation to present the relevant parts of form P45 when the employee ceases employment. Should a reasonable request be refused, the Revenue Commissioners advise that the local Revenue office can provide assistance in obtaining the form P45, on receipt of all relevant employment facts from the employee. The person concerned...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 180 together. A special Interdepartmental Review Group reviewed the operation of the Disabled Drivers Scheme. The terms of reference of the Group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes,...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a site for the new decentralised offices in Newcastle West was purchased by the Office of Public Works (OPW) from Limerick County Council in 2005. Following due process a preferred tenderer was identified and a planning application was lodged with Limerick County Council which was granted on 26 March 2007. Working drawings and other documents...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a certificate of tax credits has issued to the taxpayer and her employer. In the absence of such a certificate employers are required to deduct tax on an emergency basis. The taxpayer's employer is now in a position to repay any excess tax deducted. If the taxpayer has any further queries on this matter, she should contact her local...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is currently planned to relocate up to ten officers to Roscommon Town. The relocation process is under discussion and once this is finalised it is expected that the officers will be in place within a short timeframe.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The recently published Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007 introduces an exemption from stamp duty for first-time buyers in accordance with the commitments made in the Programme for Government to bring about immediate change to the stamp duty code for first-time buyers. This provides that deeds presented by first-time buyers to the Revenue Commissioners on or after 30 April 2007 will be exempt from...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer has received and continues to receive full credit due in respect of rent relief for the years 2006 and 2007.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a repayment in respect of the named person has been processed and a cheque will issue shortly.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The benefit-in-kind system on company cars was substantially revised in 2004. Under the revised system the benefit to an employee of a car provided by his or her employer is calculated by reference to the original market price of the car and the employee's annual business mileage. For example, where an employee's annual business mileage is 15,000 miles or less the benefit of the car is...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will be aware, in my 2007 Budget Statement, I announced that I planned to introduce changes to the current VRT system to take greater account of environmental issues, and in particular Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The Programme for Government re-affirms this commitment. A public consultation in this regard has taken place. Work on the matter is ongoing and a range of possible...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that no previous request was received for issue of a P21 balancing statement for 2006. The relevant PAYE balancing statement (Form P21) will issue to the taxpayer in the coming days.