Results 6,161-6,180 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: There is a committee, including the Attorney General and the Government Chief Whip, which meets regularly. I am sure this system brought equal frustration to Deputy Higgins in his time as a Minister——

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy's legislative record is better than he is inclined to indicate.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is the Taoiseach's view that Ministers put on the list legislation which can be achieved in the timeframe of the list. Many Departments have ambitions for legislation which cannot be achieved in a timely fashion because of its complexity or because it is in the early stage of preparation. Rather than putting such legislation on lists and raising expectations of immediate legislative...

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Ombudsman Bill is such a Bill. I presume I can, with the consent of the leader of the Labour Party, drop it from the list, if that is the logical outcome of this interaction. The Chief Whip is anxious, with the co-operation of Ministers, to make sure the list is an accurate reflection of what will be possible during the coming term. There is a huge amount of legislation in various...

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The answer to Deputy Broughan's question is no, to my knowledge. With regard to Deputy Durkan's question, I do not know what is the process of consultation. The text of the broadcasting authority of Ireland Bill has been approved by the Government and is due for publication this year. There has been no change in the Postal (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. That wagon remains unrepaired and...

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I cannot answer that question directly. The Deputy will have to take it up with the Minister concerned.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I will ask the Minister concerned to return to the Deputy on it.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The heads of the Bill were approved some time ago and it is expected to be published this year.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: The property services regulatory authority Bill will provide for the establishment of a property services regulatory authority to give effect to the report of auctioneering-estate agency review group. Is that the issue to which the Deputy is referring?

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: A number of Departments have responsibilities for dealing with this matter which is at interdepartmental stage. I will get back to Deputy on the matter.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is on Order for Second Stage, which Deputy Kehoe, as Whip, should know.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: That will be a matter for formal advice from the Attorney General, but all the indications, based on previous experience, are that such a treaty will require a referendum. The Taoiseach indicated in a press conference immediately after the EU summit that it will be some time next year before he will consider bringing it before the people. It is likely, subject to detailed advice from the...

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: We are blamed for the weather now.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: It will be introduced this year rather than this summer.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: This issue arose in the past couple of days as a result of a case that has been publicised. Consideration must be given to its impact and applicability.

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: In relation to the issue of delays for appeal assessments by the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, I wish to inform the Deputy that following a period of difficulty in organising sufficient meetings of the Medical Board of Appeal, I reconstituted the Board in early 2005, and have incrementally expanded the panel of doctors from three to seventeen members. This facilitated more...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I should say, in the first instance, that no tax reliefs have been specifically designed or introduced to encourage support for the Government's plans for co-located private hospitals on public lands. The scheme of capital allowances for the construction or refurbishment of buildings used as private hospitals was introduced in the Finance Act 2001 and came into effect in May 2002. Provided...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that suitable accommodation has been identified for the Revenue Commissioners in Kilrush. The Chief State Solicitor is in consultation with the landlord's solicitor with a view to concluding the leasing of the premises. I am also advised by Revenue that its networking, telephony installations and other preparations are all completed and that...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and VAT may be payable on the importation of a car from Great Britain and Northern Ireland into the State. As a general rule all cars imported permanently into the State from Great Britain and Northern Ireland or elsewhere must register for VRT purposes within one week of their arrival in the State. VRT is payable...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Jun 2007)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will be aware, this Government acknowledges the continuing cost pressures on parents, particularly those with young children. Childcare is probably the single biggest issue facing working parents today. That is why in Budget 2006 the Government introduced a suite of support measures in tandem with further increases in Child Benefit payments. These support measures include the...