Results 7,661-7,680 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Data Protection: Data Protection (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: There have been no instances of personal data held by my Department being compromised. In relation to the agencies under the remit of my Department, I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there have been a number of investigations into instances of inappropriate accessing of information by Revenue staff since 1 June 2002. Appropriate sanctions have been, and are, taken against...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to certain limit) on the purchase of a car adapted for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, to those who meet certain disability criteria. The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the Deputy's question refers to the National Pensions Reserve Fund. The estimated value of the National Pensions Reserve Fund at 26 December 2007, as published in the National Treasury Management Agency's Preliminary Results for the year 2007, was €21.3 billion.

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: The 2008 Pre-Budget Estimates for the Department of Social and Family Affairs were, in respect of social welfare unemployment payments, framed in the context of an average annual Live Register forecast of 170,000. When account was taken of the policy changes provided for in the Budget, including the increase in social welfare payment rates, the post-Budget estimated allocations for social...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy may wish to note that increased competition in the Irish financial services sector over recent years, reflecting such factors as new entrants and the introduction of a switching code for both personal customers and now for the business sector, has benefited consumers in Ireland significantly through increased choice, new products, lower prices and better service. The Financial...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: Since the £5 travel tax was abolished in Budget 2000 there have been no Irish Government taxes levied on flights into, out of or within Ireland.

Written Answers — Public Sector Pay: Public Sector Pay (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together. The increases recommended by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration are to be implemented on the following phased basis: (a)5% from 14 September 2007, the date of the Report, or where the total increase is less than 5%, the full increase from that date; (b) half the balance from 1 September 2008; and (c) the remaining balance from 1 March...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that for reasons of confidentiality they are not in a position to comment on the compliance or otherwise of any specific taxpayer in relation to compliance with the relevant tax obligations. I am also advised by Revenue that in relation to the requirement for timely filing of the P35 they undertake an extensive advertising campaign in the lead up to...

Written Answers — Departmental Applications: Departmental Applications (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: Given that the core work of my Department relates to policy matters, the processing of applications does not generally arise. However, if the Deputy has a specific process in mind, I will provide any relevant information.

Written Answers — Tax Clearance Certificates: Tax Clearance Certificates (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 to 251, inclusive, together. Responsibility for the administration of the various tax clearance schemes is assigned in legislation to the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by Revenue that a tax clearance certificate will normally be issued to a person whose tax affairs are up to date. This means that at the time of the application, the person: has made...

Written Answers — Tax Clearance Certificates: Tax Clearance Certificates (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Revenue Commissioners have identified tax clearance as an area amenable to reduction in the administrative burden for businesses, in line with the Government's policy of reducing compliance costs for businesses arising from regulation or other administrative requirements. Revenue has introduced an on-line verification facility, whereby a third party may verify that a taxpayer holds a tax...

Written Answers — Equal Opportunities Employment: Equal Opportunities Employment (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am satisfied that my Department has met the 3% target for employment of people with disabilities. In 2007, as part of a civil service wide measure, my Department conducted a survey, based on voluntary disclosure, using a method agreed with the National Disability Authority. The response to the survey indicated that at least 3.1% of the staff of the Department has a disability. My Department...

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: As outlined in the Budget in December the total cost of servicing the national debt in 2008 is projected at €2,490 million. This forecast was based on my Department's Budget 2008 arithmetic. As such both the estimate of the cost of servicing the national debt and the estimate of the actual level of debt at the end of the year remain valid. My Department will, of course, closely monitor the...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: Budget 2008 forecast tax revenues in 2008 of €48,910 million, a 31⁄2 per cent increase on the 2007 outturn. As is the norm, my Department actively monitors trends in tax receipts and reports publicly on a quarterly basis. The Budget forecasts have not been revised.

Written Answers — Banking Sector Regulation: Banking Sector Regulation (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: The primary responsibility for managing a bank and for preventing fraud within that bank rests with the board and management of that institution. No supervisory regime can ensure that a financial institution can never be a victim of fraudulent activity. However, it is a key principle of our regulatory approach that any financial institutions are expected to have in place internal oversight,...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: Recent IDA Ireland data show that 2007 was another positive year with regard to new investment projects coming to Ireland. The data also show that many of the new jobs were in highly skilled, high paying areas. Based on a healthy pipeline of prospective new projects, the IDA is confident that Ireland is well placed to secure considerable investment during 2008, from key target sectors such as...

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government recognises the importance of achieving sustainable export-led growth in order to enhance living standards in Ireland. In this regard this Government is pursuing a number of policies which will underpin the future growth of our economy, including pursuing responsible budgetary policies. We have for a number of years actively focussed on rewarding work and enterprise through...

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (30 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. While inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, averaged 4.9% last year, my Department's latest forecast is for an average CPI of 3% this year. Including the impact of mortgage rate increases in the CPI not only masks the underlying inflation...

Order of Business (31 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 11, statements on the reports of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights relating to violent incidents arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland, Barron reports, resumed. Private Members' business shall be No. 25, motion re confidence in the Mahon tribunal, resumed, to be taken immediately after the Order of Business and to conclude...

Order of Business (31 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: The specific matter relating to education policy would be best dealt with in terms of accuracy and informed comment by a parliamentary question being tabled to the line Minister. A comprehensive reply on the up-to-date position——