Results 6,441-6,460 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Written Answers — Departmental Strategy Statements: Departmental Strategy Statements (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Since taking up office, I have been acquainting myself with the economic, budgetary and other policy issues which are the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. As the Deputy is aware, new policy directives are normally made principally in the context of the annual Budget and Estimates cycle. I have not found it necessary as yet to issue formal policy directives. However, I am...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a dedicated unit within their organisation, the Offshore Assets Group, is tasked with identifying Irish residents who have assets located abroad, including overseas property. This area is considered to be of considerable tax risk because of the possibility that some individuals may fund such acquisitions with untaxed income or gains, and it is...

Written Answers — Battle of the Boyne Site: Battle of the Boyne Site (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together. Negotiations for the purchase of the Battle of the Boyne site were conducted by the Commissioners of Public Works. The Department of Finance sanctioned the expenditure of £7.85m (€9.97m) on the purchase of the property, which was completed in August 2000.

Written Answers — Motor Taxation: Motor Taxation (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As announced in the 2008 Budget Statement the revised VRT system to take greater account of CO2 emission levels will be introduced on 1 July 2008. I have no plans to amend the scheme for people who register cars prior to 1 July 2008.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that while pensioners may claim tax relief on health expenses incurred, the amount of relief is available at the taxpayers marginal rate and cannot exceed the tax paid in any year of assessment. It follows that if no tax is paid in the year of assessment (because the income in the year of assessment is below the exemption limit or is already fully...

Written Answers — Ombudsman Report: Ombudsman Report (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Ombudsman that in any case where the Ombudsman conducts an investigation into a complaint it is a matter for the Ombudsman to decide if she wishes to publish a report or not at the conclusion of such an investigation. I have been advised that the investigation in question is ongoing.

Written Answers — Public Private Partnerships: Public Private Partnerships (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Government remains committed to the use of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) process as a viable procurement option for appropriate projects within the overall parameters set out for public investment in infrastructure and public services. My Department has the same role in relation to PPP projects as it does in relation to capital investment projects generally, in terms of setting...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The following is the up to date position regarding the significant refurbishment and building of new Garda stations in Mayo in 2008. Claremorris: A new district headquarters is being built in Claremorris and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2008. Ballyvary: The tender process for the construction of a new basic unit Garda Station will commence shortly. Ballyhaunis: Planning documentation...

Written Answers — National Drugs Strategy: National Drugs Strategy (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In accordance with the requirements of Article 11 of the Constitution, revenues accruing to the State, including those seized from drug dealers through the functions of the CAB, are paid into the Central Fund, from which the Government draws for expenditure on all necessary public services and investment. There are no proposals to alter these arrangements. With certain exceptions,...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer may have entitlement to additional tax credits in respect of the one-parent family tax credit and rent relief. Explanatory leaflets incorporating claim forms in respect of both tax credits were issued to the taxpayer on 28 May 2008. Following the processing of any claims to these credits, a revised certificate of tax credits...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the exemption in respect of stamp duty — first time purchaser relief, will apply to a person who, has not, either individually or jointly with any other person previously purchased another dwelling house or apartment. Based on the information provided by the Deputy, first time purchaser relief would appear not to apply, as the person concerned...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Office of Public Works will carry out a survey during June to identify potential options to address the problem in Co. Mayo.

Written Answers — Public Sector Employment: Public Sector Employment (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As Minister for Finance I have responsibility for appointments to positions in the Irish civil service. Such appointments are governed by the terms of Article 39(4) (formerly Article 48(4)) of the EC Treaty as interpreted by the European Court of Justice. Citizens of non-European Economic Area (EEA) States are not eligible to compete for general service posts. The EEA consists of the member...

Written Answers — Departmental Projects: Departmental Projects (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The details requested by the Deputy in relation to pilot schemes or projects which my Department is overseeing are contained in the following table. Scheme name Purpose Start Date Projected Completion Date Evaluation Improved access to public service identity data To examine technical mechanisms to enhance identity data quality across the public service, while facilitating easier...

Written Answers — Concert Events: Concert Events (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together. A number of large-scale concerts — in excess of 100,000 — have been staged in the Park in the past, but in recent years, only relatively small-scale concerts have taken place. These have been confined to the Visitor Centre area, with the objectives of minimising any adverse impacts both on the Park environment and on local...

Written Answers — Oil Prices: Oil Prices (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The rise in the price of oil mainly reflects stronger demand from emerging countries where living standards are rising. The spot price of oil has traded at around $125 per barrel in recent weeks, although it has traded above that level at times. This is roughly double the level this time last year. From the perspective of the Irish consumer, this increase has been mitigated somewhat by the...

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together. In the year to April 2008, Sterling has depreciated sharply against the euro, falling by around 15%. Over the same period, the Dollar has also depreciated significantly. Given that approximately two-fifths of imports to Ireland are from the UK and the US, it is expected that these exchange rate developments should exert some downward...

Written Answers — Motor Fuels: Motor Fuels (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: While the promotion of biofuels is primarily a matter for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Deputy will be aware that the Finance Act 2006 provided for significant tax measures to promote biofuels in Ireland. Under the scheme, biofuel produced under projects approved by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are exempt from excise duty....

Written Answers — Motor Fuels: Motor Fuels (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together. The increase in fuel prices generally, and the increase in the price of diesel, is an international phenomenon. Fuel prices are driven by a number of factors including the price of oil on international markets, exchange rates, production costs and refining costs. The rise in oil prices over recent periods reflected additional factors such...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: While the promotion of biofuel is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Deputy will be aware the Finance Act 2006 provided for significant tax measures to promote biofuels in Ireland. Under the scheme, biofuel produced under projects approved by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are exempt from...