Results 6,741-6,760 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (17 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, as well as relief from excise on the fuel used in the car, up to a certain limit. The disability criteria for these concessions...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (17 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer is jointly assessed with her spouse for income tax purposes. Her spouse is self-employed and therefore, as a chargeable person, is obliged to submit annual tax returns. The taxpayer's spouse should submit a 2003 tax return to enable the issue of a notice of assessment for 2003 (in lieu of form P21). Tax returns are...

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 14, Markets in Financial Instruments and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2007 — Committee Stage (resumed) and Remaining Stages; No. 8c, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of a proposal for a Council regulation extending the provisions of Regulation (EC) 883/2004; No. 3, Passports Bill 2007 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; and No. 13 — Land...

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: We will abide by the Ceann Comhairle's ruling in these matters. The Minister for Transport will take oral questions today and there are two priority questions on Shannon-Heathrow. There will be an opportunity by way of these mechanisms for the Minister to outline the position he described frankly and openly this morning. He has arranged for a report——

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: ——to be forwarded to him in a matter of days. There will be an opportunity to discuss these issues today.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The issue under discussion is a proposal for a Council regulation extending the provisions of EU social security regulations. The Ceann Comhairle has already ruled on the previous matter. The Minister has always been anxious to put the details of this matter on the record of the House.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The political charges and assertions made this morning for the purposes of the Opposition are not valid. The Minister will be in the House today and it is for the Ceann Comhairle to decide the length of time given to a Private Notice Question. The Minister is available and anxious to address the matter today and there are two Priority Questions dealing with it. The Opposition is seeking to...

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is interesting that in discussions on policy evolution and development Deputy Bruton is to the fore in the House in calling for considered consultation papers and highlighting the need for Green Papers to be provided in order that informed debate can take place.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I obviously paid the Deputy a compliment he could not accept. This is a matter of complexity and importance which looks to the long-term financial, economic and social sustainability of the pension system. It must take into account many factors, including the actuarial review that has taken place with regard to the PRSI system. A number of major documents were published and placed in the...

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The work to be undertaken by committees is a matter for each committee. It seems clear from Deputy Gilmore's statement that he has made up his mind on these matters already and sees an opportunity in so doing. The Minister is anxious to come into the House to explain the position in respect of the matter not brought to his attention but which everyone agrees should have been. Substantive...

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The road safety strategy was adopted by Government in recent weeks and therefore work will begin on it.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: We are awaiting a Law Reform Commission report, which is due next year, before deciding in what way or if we will proceed with that issue.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The presumption is that they are.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I do not know if there is any substance to what the Deputy has said. I will have the Minister's office contact her. There is a legal presumption that they are in order.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is not on our list. Ministers work on these issues and initiatives as they go through their five year term. A direct question to the Minister would indicate the progress she expects to make.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: There is no legislation on the list. There are initiatives in the programme for Government that we work on subject to the availability of resources. That is the normal course.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It was not discussed recently. That is a question for legislation next year, I understand.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand the property services regulatory authority Bill is due next year.

Order of Business (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: There are draft heads of a judicial council Bill, the purpose of which is to provide effective remedies for complaints about judicial misbehaviour including lay participation in the investigation of the complaints, in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The draft heads, taking into account the work done by the Constitution Review Group, the All-Party Committee on the...

Markets in Financial Instruments and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2007: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (18 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The regulatory requirements of retail credit and home reversion firms are different from those for bureau de change or money transmission businesses, particularly in relation to consumer protection and competency. As a result, the Financial Regulator may need to impose conditions or requirements on authorised firms which are not explicitly provided for in the 1997 Act. Accordingly, the...