Results 7,421-7,440 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

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

Brian Cowen: The Valuation Act, 2001 which came into effect on 2 May 2002 provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose including constructions affixed thereto are rateable. In regard to the Valuation Act, 2001, I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act, and that I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, have no...

Written Answers — Public Service Contracts: Public Service Contracts (11 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: Government recognises the important business opportunities that public service contracts represent for small businesses in the local and national economy and encourages participation to the greatest extent possible. Public procurement guidelines issued by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit (NPPPU) in my Department recommend that contracting authorities ensure that recently...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (11 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics on tax receipts are not recorded in such a manner as would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be provided. Such information could not be obtained without conducting a protracted investigation of the Revenue Commissioners' records. I refer the Deputy to the recent combined answer to PQs 32018/07 — 32023/07 on 4th...

Written Answers — Departmental Communications: Departmental Communications (11 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: The staff provided with mobile access to e-mail varies in accordance with business needs. At present, twenty-one (21) members of staff have such access.

Written Answers — Departmental Communications: Departmental Communications (11 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: The table shows the number of databases used by my Department; and the number of these that are wholly and partly operated by external organisations or individuals and operated solely within my Department. The number of databases used by my Department The number of databases wholly and partly operated by external organisations or individuals The number of databases operated solely within my...

Written Answers — Departmental Communications: Departmental Communications (11 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: The table shows the number of information technology projects undertaken by my Department since 2004, the number delivered over budget, the number after their original deadline, the number on budget, the number under budget, the number delivered on their original deadline and the number delivered ahead of their original deadline. Number of information technology projects undertaken by my...

Written Answers — Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (11 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: On foot of the commitment in the Programme for Government on carbon offsetting of official air travel, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is developing a scheme for use by all Government Departments and bodies under their aegis. My Department will fully implement the terms of the scheme outlined as soon as they become available.

Written Answers — Data Protection: Data Protection (11 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: All of my Departmental databases including those holding personal information relating to members of the public are protected from hackers by modern firewall infrastructures. The first layer of protection is provided at the Government Network Internet access point with a further layer located at the Department's access point to the Government Network. Both infrastructures provide industry...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (12 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand from the Chief State Solicitor's Office that it has been in correspondence with the applicant's solicitor and expects to submit the matter to my Department very shortly. I can assure the Deputy that this matter will be dealt with as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I indicated in my Budget Statement that the tax code will be amended to assist in maximising the take up of decommissioning payments and full details will be provided in the Finance Bill. There are no plans to extend these provisions to other sectors. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources established a Hardship Fund of up to €25 million to address the hardship...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: The reform of stamp duty on residential property has been introduced with immediate effect from Budget day, 5th December. However, and as with the abolition of stamp duty for first-time buyers which I introduced earlier this year, the benefit of the changes will cover some conveyances executed prior to that date. Conveyances executed on or after 5 November 2007 had a statutory 30 day period...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (12 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no plans at this stage to move the location of the Wicklow Revenue District. The information on the CAF website relating to the relocation of the Wicklow Revenue District to Athy is incorrect and will be removed as quickly as possible.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 7, Supplementary Estimates for Public Services [Votes 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 35, 37 and 40] (back from committee); No. 7a, motion re establishment of joint committee on economic regulatory affairs; No. 7b, motion re appointment of Members to committee; and No. 3, Legal Practitioners (Irish Language) Bill 2007 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed,...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: Some issues were raised on the Supplementary Estimates in the Select Committee on Health and Children and I understand the Minister has undertaken to put forward that information during the course of the day. The real issue here is the question of the taking of Supplementary Estimates at the end of the financial year. On the Health Estimate, we are seeking the approval of Dáil Éireann to a...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: ——but today we are talking about whether further moneys were being voted in the Supplementary Estimate. The second point I would make relates to matters raised by Deputy Bruton. There is a programme commitment about revising and seeing how we can improve the economic regulatory environment generally. That does not take away from the work of any parliamentary committee. These are...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I join the Deputy in saying that the referendum proposal will require a full effort from everybody in the House who supports our membership of the EU and its development to make sure that the issue at stake is the one that dominates the campaign. It is clear that the reform treaty being signed this morning is in many respects a modernisation of the institutional arrangements, which is...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: My consideration of this matter is not a reflection on any outgoing member of the commission. The tenure of office is six years and the former Member, Mr. Liam Kavanagh, who was also a former Minister for the Environment, gave that service. There is a discretion to consider the appointment once the tenure is finished. I would not have been aware of the consultations in 2001, but I will...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: Yes.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I will be brief. Were I aware of a previous procedure — there was no evidence of such in the file, but if it took place, it took place — I would have put the position I am now putting to the House, namely, that Mr. Smith be recommended for appointment. While Deputy Gilmore stated unequivocally that he was making a bona fide political point, which I accept, the former Deputy, Mr. Smith,...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I reject the suggestion that there is not a former member of my party who could do this job equally as well as his predecessors.