Results 6,701-6,720 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Members may not like the medicine but they should at least listen to what I have to say. That particular plan which was rejected by the people would have pushed prices far higher and resulted in an even greater crash.

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Government's changes to the stamp duty regime were measured and they were only introduced when it was clear the market was already correcting and when it was safe to do so. Our concern has always been the long-term stability and sustainability of the housing market.

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The rapid deterioration in our economy and the speed with which international factors outside of our control have impacted on us has taken everybody by surprise.

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: When we brought forward our savings initiative last July, my Department forecast a revenue shortfall of €3 billion for this year. At the time, I said the savings of €440 million to be achieved this year was the very minimum we had to do and that additional savings would have to be made in the event of a further deterioration in our fiscal position. We monitored the position throughout...

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I assure Deputy Richard Bruton that he will be briefed subsequent to the end-September forecast. I will do everything in my power to ensure he is properly briefed in what I appreciate is a tight budgetary cycle in time terms. It is clear the scale of the economic and fiscal challenges require us as a Government to take immediate steps to ensure Ireland is fiscally sustainable in the years...

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In previous economic downturns, we have made the mistake of cutting back on capital investment.

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: It is easy to cut capital investment. The challenge now is to ensure that in the changed economic circumstances we produce more with less money. That is possible given the competitive environment that now exists for tendering.

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Of course, the delivery of Transport 21 and the national development plan is affected by the level of economic growth and the resources available to the Government in the medium term. It is clear that we will have to prioritise and extend the period within which it can be implemented, but the plan stands. Last year alone, we spent €8 billion of Exchequer funds on capital projects. By...

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: However, I appeal to Deputy Bruton to rein in the worst excesses of those in his party who, in their pursuit of political advantage——

Irish Economy: Motion (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In pursuit of political damage, they are undermining confidence in our economy. I advise Deputy Ring that careless talk cost lives in the last war and careless talk can cost banks as well.

Written Answers — National Development Plan: National Development Plan (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In response to the deteriorating position of the public finances, the Government decided on 8th July 2008 to introduce a range of cost-saving measures in 2008 and 2009 including some capital savings. As I indicated to the Dáil in July 2008, the capital savings in 2008 and 2009 are as set out in the table below: Capital Savings 2008 and 2009 € million Description 2008 Arts Sport...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Section 105 Finance Act 2007 provides for a stamp duty exemption, subject to conditions, on the conveyance, transfer or lease of lands to an approved sports body. An approved sports body is an "approved body of persons" within the meaning of section 235(1) Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Section 54 of the Finance Act 2007 made changes to Schedule 15 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 which lists...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a vehicle imported from the United Kingdom can be declared for registration at any Vehicle Registration Office irrespective of where the individual or purchaser is living or located.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they currently have forty-eight (48) staff located in temporary accommodation in Limerick, ready to decentralise to Newcastle West. This team will relocate to NewcastleWest as soon as the building is available for occupation. It is currently expected the building will be completed in late 2008. Revenue do not anticipate any difficulty in...

Written Answers — Departmental Transport: Departmental Transport (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: My Department does not purchase or lease vehicles. I have been informed by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners that they purchased the following vehicles in the years 2005 to 2007. Year 2005 Revenue Commissioners Make /Model No Purchased Total Cost Emissionsg CO2/km € DAF 95XF FF Fitted with Dyson Commander CL500H 1 279,184 Euro 4/5* DAF CF. 75.310 Road Vehicle Fuel Tanker 1...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 270, 271 and 280 together. The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive contained special derogations that allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In Ireland's case, these derogations allowed for reduced rates of excise duty for fuel used for public transport services, including school transport services. These derogations expired...

Written Answers — Betting Industry: Betting Industry (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of licences issued to bookmakers and the betting tax paid by bookmakers in each of the past 10 years for which figures are currently available is set out in the following table: Year Betting Tax Paid Licences issued € 2007 (Prov) 36,437,009 704 2006 54,295,658 496 2005 45,850,201 588 2004 45,552,353 535 2003 38,422,170 584...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Since 2000, no contracts have been awarded to the company in question by my Department or by the following bodies: The Special EU Programmes Body Valuation Tribunal Office of Revenue Commissioners Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General Office of the Appeals Commissioners Office of Public Works State Laboratory Valuation Office Public Appointments Service Office of the Commission for...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The position is that the VAT regime generally and the rate of tax applying to the supply of goods and services are subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the rate at which Irish VAT is charged on the supply of buildings and on the service of carrying out home improvements is generally the reduced rate of...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The existing legislation does not provide for any circumstances in which any taxpayer may qualify for tax relief or credits for expenditure incurred on childcare. However, I assume the Deputy's question refers to the benefit-in-kind exemption where employers provide free or subsidised childcare for their employees. This exemption applies where an employer provides such childcare facilities...