Results 8,101-8,120 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, under the Seed Capital Scheme, income tax refunds of €2.3 million were issued to 76 individuals in respect of investments in 63 separate companies in 2007. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that income tax refunds amounting to €300,000 have been issued to individuals...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of VAT registrations in 2007 and for each of the past ten years is as set out. The figures for the years 1997 to 2006 have been published in the annual Statistical Reports of the Revenue Commissioners. VAT Registrations (effective on 31 December of Year) Year Total 2007 287,181 2006 270,663 2005 253,980 2004 236,090 2003...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I presume the Deputy is referring to one of the 93 recommendations of the National Taskforce on Obesity report "Obesity: the Policy Challenges" published in 2005. Primary responsibility in relation to policy on health promotion including healthy eating, active living and obesity rests with the Minister for Health and Children and the HSE. I understand that the Department of Health and...

Written Answers — EU Funding: EU Funding (27 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Since joining the Community in 1973 to the end of the financial year 2007, Ireland has received euro 59.9 billion in payments and made contributions to the EU Budget amounting to euro 19.5 billion. Thus in overall terms Ireland has been a net beneficiary from EU funding to the tune of around euro 40.5 billion. Table 1 sets out information for each of the years since 1973. It should be...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (27 Feb 2008)

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

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 9, motion re the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the report by the Minister for Defence regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2006, back from committee; No. 17, statements on pharmaceutical pricing; and No. 2, Student Support Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: We discussed this issue yesterday morning and, as has been said, it was well ventilated for three days at the Joint Committee on Health and Children under the chairmanship of Deputy John Moloney. Today's statements will give an opportunity for the Minister for Health and Children to update the House and the public on the situation and to explain precisely what is envisaged. As a result of...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Health and Children will outline the situation in full upon taking the statements and I ask that we proceed on that basis.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The criminal law (defence of life and property) Bill will amend existing legislation regarding the defence of the person and the person's home. The heads of the Bill were approved and we expect the Bill to be dealt with later this year. The Deputy can be sure that the Taoiseach will, in the appropriate way, convey the sympathies of all Irish people at the savage killings of these two Polish...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will always admit to a mistake. If I was in error yesterday, I am very sorry.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Dublin transport authority Bill is due this session and the social housing Bill is due in the middle of this year. A significant amount of progress has been made on homelessness in Ireland. That is accepted by all who work in the area. Significant resources have been devoted to it and I am not aware of any cutbacks this year. What was being suggested was that there would be further...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The existing level of service, which has been increased progressively in recent years, continues this year. There are some plans, as part of the implementation of the strategy, for further developments but I am not sure when and how they are going forward this year. That is the position.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand that, most likely, the Bill will be taken later this year.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand it is not intended to delay because of the issue raised by the Deputy. On the Bill itself, we expect the Cabinet to finalise the issues this coming month. Some technical and constitutional issues have arisen regarding the possibility of bringing this Bill forward. The question of retrospection is not one that can be easily accommodated. It is due to be finalised by Cabinet...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The heads of the Bill have been brought before Cabinet. Once the Cabinet approves the Bill in full, it will be put before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The complete Bill is not yet finalised before Cabinet.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Just to bring it to the Deputy's attention, nothing is ready for publication until the Government approves it.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have nothing further to add.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The road traffic Bill, which will deal with a number of road safety and road traffic issues arising from the road safety strategy, will be before us later this year at the earliest.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Six Bills were passed last year. Two health Bills are on the A list. A number of the Bills the Deputy has just mentioned, which show our commitment to continuing reform in this area, are currently under preparation. The nurses Bill has gone for consultation. In fact, we are still awaiting a policy paper from the Deputy's party regarding that matter.