Results 8,221-8,240 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I appointed Ms. Cathy Herbert in May 2008 as Special Adviser. She provides advice to me and monitors, facilitates and secures the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department, and performs such other functions as may be directed by me. I appointed Ms. Maura Cosgrove and Ms. Marian Quinlan in May 2008 as Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary respectively. They provide...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of imported used cars registered for VRT in the State for the specified periods is set out in the table. Used Cars registered in the State for VRT – July 2007 to December 2008 Period Gross Registrations Exempt(1) Net Registrations July – December 2007 27,607 3,216 24,391 January – June 2008 33,887 2,942 30,945 July –...

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: On 21 December 2008, the Government announced a recapitalisation programme for Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland. This decision reflects the Government's commitment to sustain the continued stability of these banks, to increase confidence and to ensure the capacity of the banks to lend into the economy to meet the everyday financial needs of individuals and businesses. Detailed...

Written Answers — Banking Sector Regulation: Banking Sector Regulation (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The issues that arose with Northern Rock in September 2007 were part of the wider global liquidity crisis. Given market developments at that time, I have been informed that the Financial Regulator required Irish licensed credit institutions to commence weekly liquidity reporting in October 2007. This was supplemented by increased direct contact with credit institutions, in some cases daily,...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As I indicated in a reply to Deputy Joan Burton on 17th December 2008 (No. 199), there are currently 614 people (wholetime equivalents) employed in my Department. More than 80 individual officers have qualifications in economics at various levels. 57 officers hold degrees in Economics and related disciplines, 44 hold a Masters qualification in Economics and related disciplines, and 2...

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The decision to introduce the Guarantee provided by the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 was taken after a prolonged and unfolding period of turmoil in financial markets characterised by deteriorating availability and cost of liquidity, which accelerated rapidly in the late summer and early autumn 2008. Throughout this period, and particularly in the weeks and months preceding...

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The implementation of the Bank Guarantee Scheme, announced in September 2008, has given rise to detailed engagement with the banks. In the period since September I have, along with my Department, the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator and the NTMA, worked with the covered financial institutions to examine all options to maintain stability and the proper functioning of the banking system....

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The implementation of the Bank Guarantee Scheme, announced in September 2008, has given rise to detailed engagement with the banks. In the period since September I have, along with my Department, the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator and the NTMA, worked with the covered financial institutions to examine all options to maintain stability and the proper functioning of the banking system....

Written Answers — National Pensions Reserve Fund: National Pensions Reserve Fund (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) was established in 2001 to meet as much as possible of the costs of social welfare and public service pensions from 2025 when these costs are projected to increase dramatically due to the ageing of the population. Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission controls and manages the National...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Do I not even have ten minutes?

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I welcome the debate that has taken place in the House over the last two days. It is clear from the contributions by Deputies from all sides that there is a recognition of the scale of the difficulties we face. That is encouraging because the manner in which we respond to our current economic difficulties will have a crucial bearing on the length and severity of the downturn. The agreement...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Shortall should note there is much tough talking yet to be done on the detail of how those savings can be achieved.

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Government has had its discussions on the matter and has identified clearly the need to make reductions in our payroll costs. It also shares a determination that all sectors of our country should contribute in accordance with their ability to so do and conversely, that the most vulnerable are insulated from the worst effects of this recession. The importance and value of agreement at a...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: A number of speakers referred to a loss of confidence among the international investment community. I am acutely aware of this and the need to restore that confidence is a top priority. I will put into context the deterioration in the public finances. Tax revenues last year were nearly 14% below 2007 levels with those tax heads most closely aligned to the housing and international...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: We have a strongly pro-enterprise system of taxation——

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——and, in budget 2009, I re-affirmed the Government's commitment to the 12.5% rate of corporation tax and to maintaining and enhancing our pro-business tax policies. In addition, the recently passed Finance Act introduces a number of very significant changes to the research and development tax credit scheme as well as a number of other pro-business tax measures. It is important that we...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Shortall has seen it already in the statistics I have already put on the record of the House——

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——on the progressive character of the burden of income tax in the State.

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: It is also important that we do not——

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——lose sight of the very significant fiscal stimulus——