Results 6,941-6,960 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The following are details of staff appointed by me. Name Title Date of appointment Annual Salary Range Allow-ance Gerry Steadman Special Adviser 30 September 2004 â¬99,195 Colin Hunt Special Adviser 13 September 2006 â 14 June 2007 â¬160,942* John Conlon Press Officer 11 November 2004 â¬69,179 â â¬86,504 10% basic salary Sinead Dooley Personal Secretary 8 October 2004...
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The position is that the VAT treatment of goods and services is governed by EU law with which Irish VAT law must comply. The rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the status of the customer. There is no provision in European VAT law that would allow the application of an exemption or reduction of VAT on supplies...
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: It is long-standing practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax or expenditure matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions. I do not intend to depart from this approach.
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I assume that the Deputy has in mind the re-introduction of roll-over relief. It was announced in the 2003 Budget that no roll-over relief would be allowed for any purpose on gains arising from disposals on or after 4 December 2002. This relief was introduced when CGT rates were much higher than current levels. The abolition of this relief was in accordance with the overall taxation policy...
- Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in the absence of a reply to a query raised in relation to a claim under the Disabled Drivers and the Disabled Passengers [Tax Concessions] Regulations, 1994, this case could not be finalised. Following reminders issued by Revenue's Central Repayments Office a satisfactory reply was received from the named organisation on 7 November 2007 and a...
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I have noted the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service regarding the time limit for claiming refunds of overpaid tax. My predecessor as Minister for Finance examined the whole question of taxpayers' entitlement to repayment of tax and interest with a view to introducing, in so far as practicable, a uniform scheme which was fair and reasonable for taxpayers,...
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: First-time buyers are exempt from stamp duty when purchasing either new or second-hand residential properties. However, the purchase of land, which is not connected with a contract to build a house, attracts stamp duty at normal non-residential rates, regardless of the status of the purchaser. This is a long standing provision and recognises the fact that land is bought and sold for a...
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The position is that the VAT ratings of all goods and services are subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive Member States may apply a reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed in Annex III of the Directive. In addition, Member States may retain a reduced VAT rate for goods and services to which a reduced VAT...
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In the Irish context, these derogations allowed for reduced rates to apply to fuel used for public transport services which includes school transport services. While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other...
- Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: It is assumed that what the Deputy requires are the numbers of income earners, both PAYE and self-employed, on the income tax record for the years in question who have a tax liability. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information is as shown in the table. Numbers of income earners 1997/98 to 2007 (rounded to the nearest hundred) Tax Year Income earners with a...
- Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The minimum wage in 2006 was â¬7.65 per hour. On an annualised basis, this is equivalent to â¬15,514.20 assuming a 39 hour working week. In 2006 the entry point to income tax under the PAYE system was â¬15,600 per annum for a single person under 65. The current minimum wage is â¬8.65 per hour. On an annualised basis, this is equivalent to â¬17,542.20 assuming a 39 hour working week....
- Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available is the amount of tax revenues collected as Mineral Oil Tax (excise) and VRT in respect of motor vehicles. The information furnished with VAT returns does not require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of trade to be identified. However, the estimated receipts of VAT from cars and motor fuels are...
- Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (13 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant information available is in respect of income tax relief allowed for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) for the income tax year 2004. RACs and PRSAs are available to the self-employed and to employees not in occupational pension schemes. The information is set...
- Leaders' Questions (14 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: He continues whining.
- Order of Business (14 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: The Taoiseach is on his feet. Deputies should have a bit of respect. It is the same racket from over there all of the time.
- Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (14 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: Licensed moneylenders are covered by a range of provisions under the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 including the annual licensing process administered by the Financial Regulator. In this regard, the draft Directive on credit agreements for consumers, which is now at second reading in the European Parliament, will, if adopted, give rise to the need to review the Consumer Credit Act. The...
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (14 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information on the scheme of tax relief for the development of private childcare facilities was for the first time specified and separately included in personal income tax returns for the tax year 2004, which were filed in October, 2005. Based on the information that has been received and collated for the 2004 tax year, a total of â¬9.2 million...
- Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (14 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the query raised by the Deputy regarding Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) gives rise to two separate and distinct issues: (a) the maximum possible pension contribution that can be made; and (b) the maximum tax relief attributable to the various scenarios outlined by the Deputy. As regards (a), this is a matter for the individuals and...
- Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (14 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: As Minister for Finance I have primary responsibility for the Civil Service Pension Schemes. The Deputy is aware that under current arrangements, appointment to a pensionable post in the Civil Service is conditional on (i) membership of the Main Superannuation Scheme which provides for the member's own pension benefits and (ii) membership of an associated Spouses' and Children's Scheme which...
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (14 Nov 2007)
Brian Cowen: I have received pre-Budget submissions from many representative groups on the matter of capital gains tax and capital acquisitions tax. In relation to the IFA submission, this was presented to me at a meeting on 11 October 2007 and its recommendations were discussed with IFA representatives. As the Deputy will be aware, it is not customary for the Minister of Finance to comment on possible...