Results 6,521-6,540 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Order of Business has been set.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Bill referred to by Deputy Ó Caoláin is to give effect to the proposals arising from the Government's discussion paper, Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents, which will provide for the introduction of a new means-tested payment for lone parents and other families on low incomes and will replace the one-parent family payment. That is not due for publication until next year. The...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware of any promised legislation. In his response to that report, the chief executive of the Prison Service pointed out during the course of the week that it is intended by the end of 2010 with the capital programme in place to address some of the issues which have been raised perennially and which are historic features of the prison system. There is a significant capital...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand the first piece of legislation will be taken in the House during this session, while the second and third pieces of legislation referred to by the Deputy are due for next year. I am sure there will be other opportunities in the meantime to discuss the state of agriculture in respect of the Estimates over the coming weeks.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Discussion of any of these reports is a matter for the Whips. In respect of fosterage, there has been a significant investment by the Government in making this more widely available as an option for troubled children.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: There is no Supplementary Estimate promised. The point to be made about all this is that, in the context of resource allocation and reform of the health services, if we want to have sustainable improvements, we must work within the budgetary guidelines we have. If we do not do so, given the economic scenario of the next few years, we will put at risk many of the real improvements that have...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: To be frank, I have no idea how it will be dealt with.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It will be in the future.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: There are 18 Bills on the Order Paper, some of which will be dealt with in this session and others which will be published. The Bill in question will be published some time next year.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware that the money laundering Bill has any relevance to that particular matter.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Preparation of the Bill has commenced in developing a framework and clarification of policy objectives following the enactment of the Pharmacy Act 2007. It is not possible to indicate when it will be published.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: He is responsible and it was a Government decision.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the Whips. If the House wishes to have a debate on this important matter, it should be possible to arrange time for a short debate.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the persons in question purchased a site for the purposes of building a house thereon by way of deed dated 7 April 2006 They subsequently entered into a building agreement for the construction of the house. Section 91A Stamp Duties Consolidation Act, 1999 grants exemption to new houses whose floor area does not exceed 125 square metres and where...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that pension schemes fall into two general categories, namely, occupational pension schemes such as a scheme provided by an employer for his/her employees, and other pension schemes, for example, for those employees who are not in an occupational pension scheme and the self employed. Under current tax law, an individual may claim tax relief on...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no record of receiving a request for a refund of income tax from the individual concerned. However, if this person wishes to seek a refund, he should make a claim, with supporting documents, to the Revenue Commissioners, Kildare Revenue District, Grattan House, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.

Financial Services Regulation. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will be aware, the most important safeguard of financial stability is the existence and effective operation of the financial regulatory and supervisory regime. Following the establishment of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland in 2003, encompassing an independent Financial Regulator responsible for prudential supervision of financial institutions and...

Financial Services Regulation. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Developments in the financial system are taking place against a background of strong economic fundamentals. We have a well capitalised, liquid, robust and financially sound banking system, which has withstood recent turbulence in international markets ably and well. Lessons must be learned in terms of the globalisation of markets and we need to examine these matters, including the issue of...

Financial Services Regulation. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is not a question of waiting for the slowest mover in the European Union but of recognising the state of health of the Irish financial system. I spoke to those involved in the system and they continue to regard it as robust. With regard to the downturn in the property market to which the Deputy referred, stress-testing is being carried out by the financial institutions and there has been...

Tax Yield. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Exchequer tax receipts to the end of September were €31.462 billion, which was €490 million or 1.5% below profile. Based on the results to the end of September it appears likely that tax receipts will be up to €1 billion or about 2% below the budget day target. This deficit is largely accounted for by lower than expected receipts for stamp duty, capital gains tax and VAT, which...