Results 7,641-7,660 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Written Answers — Departmental Transport: Departmental Transport (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Since my appointment as Minister for Finance on the 7th May 2008, I have not used public transport while on official business.

Written Answers — Departmental Transport: Departmental Transport (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In 2007 and to date in 2008 approximately €42,000 has been spent by officials of my Department on rail and bus travel while on official travel both at home and abroad.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 118 provides that a benefit-in-kind charge shall apply in respect of any benefit made available to an employee by an employer, and which is not made good by that employee, unless the provision of the benefit is specifically exempted from charge by legislation. In general there is no deduction against tax payable for the cost of travelling...

Written Answers — Banking Sector Regulation: Banking Sector Regulation (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: There are two categories of charges applied by the banks; interest-related banking charges and non-interest-related banking charges and fees. Interest-related banking charges are determined by the banks themselves on the basis of market considerations and neither the Minister for Finance nor the Financial Regulator have any statutory role in this matter. In setting the level of such charges...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Since the introduction of VAT in 1972, Ireland has operated a block on VAT deductibility thereby not allowing businesses recover VAT incurred on cars, petrol, meals, hotel accommodation (except when associated with a business conference) and entertainment expenses. The block was introduced to limit revenue loss and tax avoidance. The cost to the Exchequer of removing this block would be...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The point at which an increase in Capital Gains Tax could cause an inverse relationship between an increasing rate and an increasing yield, is a matter of judgment. The judgment would have to have regard to issues such as the prevailing economic and market conditions and so on. I do not propose to make speculate on the matter. As regards increasing the CGT rate by more than 2%, I have no...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. The numbers of earners and estimated amount of income tax in the various ranges of income are based on the adjusted data for 2005 projected forward in accordance with macro-economic data relating to actual and expected growth in wages and employment. Range of Taxable...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I assume the Deputy is requesting details of tax paid on rental income. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to provide a breakdown of tax paid on rental income in the ranges and categories requested. However, the total amount of tax paid by individuals on rental income is estimated at €324 million in 2005 and €334 million in 2006.

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am aware of the recently published report of the Public Accounts Committee on Taxation of Rental Income Receipts and the recommendations in respect of tax compliance contained therein. The Report is being examined in my Department and I will be responding to the Committee in due course in the prescribed manner. By way of general comment I can say that not all the recommendations require...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I announced in Budget 2009 that an Air Travel Tax will come into force in respect of passengers departing from Irish airports on and from 30 March 2009. A general rate of €10 per passenger will apply, with a lower rate of €2 for shorter journeys. This measure is estimated to yield €95 million in 2009 and €150 million in a full year. This is not an insignificant amount of money and...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that to date 48 staff have relocated to the advance office (based in Limerick city), for decentralisation to Newcastlewest, County Limerick. It is expected that the permanent office in Newcastlewest will be completed by the end of this year. The Revenue Commissioners do not anticipate any difficulty in filling the full quota of 50 staff in Newcastlewest.

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am taking the question to refer to those people appointed by me and by my Minister of State who were not already permanent civil servants, and who are paid for by voted Departmental moneys. The following people have been appointed to work with me: Name Grade Salary Range Responsibility Cathy Herbert Special Adviser €92,730 – €114,366 To provide advice to the Minister as required...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Registrar of Credit Unions has informed me that taken as a whole the Irish credit union movement has, at the moment, adequate liquidity resources to meet its needs. In addition, no individual credit union currently has a liquidity problem. Because of the ever changing nature of the market, however, the Registrar is monitoring this area closely. On this point, it should be noted that from...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I announced in Budget 2009 that the betting duty would increase from 1% to 2%. I have since met a wide range of representatives from the betting industry where the problems faced by the sector, including those arising from the Budgetary changes, were discussed. I will bear these in mind in the context of the Finance Bill.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The following is the information requested by the Deputy in tabular form for my Department and the bodies under the aegis of my Department. The decentralisation programme operates on a voluntary basis only and no staff were designated to move from Dublin to any location unless they applied to decentralise to a provincial location. Finance Location Number of staff decentralised to date...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As I announced in the Budget, the Government has reviewed the Decentralisation Programme in light of the changed economic circumstances and identified priority elements on which implementation should now proceed. The Government's decision will result in the relocation of up to 6,000 posts to over 40 locations outside of Dublin. This is made up of 2,500 posts already moved, together with an...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The position is that the income levy will be applied to gross income except social welfare payments and contributory and non-contributory State pensions. It is also intended to provide a threshold which will exempt those on low incomes. It is not intended to provide for the application of any tax reliefs or credits against the liability which an individual may have in respect of the income...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Eighth EU VAT Directive provides that businesses established in one Member State may claim a refund of VAT incurred in another Member State in certain circumstances. In accordance with that Directive, Irish businesses claiming refunds are required to forward the application and original supporting documentation direct to the other Member...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Revenue On-Line Service (ROS) allows filing of the normal regular VAT returns (VAT3 Returns) and the annual VAT return on trading details. It also provides for the payment and repayment of VAT liabilities. The payments and returns are due to be filed either bi-monthly, at four-monthly intervals or annually depending on the size of the...

Written Answers — Credit Union Fund: Credit Union Fund (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Section 44 of the Credit Union Act 1997 provides that an individual Credit Union may establish and maintain a special fund to be used for social, cultural or charitable purposes, including community development. There is no requirement under the Act to report to Government, or to the Registrar of Credit Unions, on the amounts held in these special funds or the exact projects or charitable...