Results 8,361-8,380 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (8 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The accounting standard IAS 19 is not used in the public service. However an exercise has been carried out to estimate the accrued liability for public service occupational pensions. As of 2007 the accrued pensions liability in respect of all serving and retired public servants was estimated at €75bn. The mortality assumption underlying this estimate is based on a special mortality table...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (8 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Further to Parliamentary Question No 47 of 25 February 2008, the OPW is checking availability of temporary offices in Youghal to accommodate an advance party of staff from the Public Appointments Service (PAS). To date no suitable temporary accommodation has been identified. The Public Appointments Service will transfer one hundred (100) posts to Youghal. Arrangements are proceeding in...

Written Answers — Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency (8 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: There are a number of developments underway relating to energy efficiency in the public sector. In this context, I have been advised by the Office of Public works that energy efficient lighting is used for all new buildings and refurbishment work except in exceptional circumstances. Even in the latter, new developments in lighting will mean that even in these unusual circumstances it will...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (8 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together. The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In the Irish context, these derogations allowed for reduced rates to apply to fuel used for public transport services which includes school transport services. While these derogations...

Written Answers — Statutory Instruments: Statutory Instruments (8 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Given the volume of data involved in the Deputy's question, the cost of providing the information requested cannot be justified. However, if the Deputy wishes to request information in regard to specific statutory instruments falling within the remit of my Department, I will have the relevant information forwarded to the Deputy. As the Deputy will be aware, statutory instruments are laid...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (8 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: 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 Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard. The Valuation Act, 2001 provides that "community halls" including clubhouses which are not licensed to sell alcohol and whose facilities are not used primarily...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (8 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that no claims for a refund of tax by the persons in question have been received. Claims for a refund of tax may be made to the Revenue Commissioners by writing to PAYE Mail Centre, P O Box 63, Ennis, Co Clare or by telephoning the PAYE enquiry line at 1890 22 24 25. Alternatively the persons concerned can register for PAYE online and request...

Written Answers — Tax Schemes: Tax Schemes (8 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme was introduced in the Finance Act 2007. It is a new pilot tax based scheme for tourism facilities in the mid-Shannon area. The scheme is aimed at encouraging the development of new tourism infrastructure, or the refurbishment of existing tourism infrastructure, in that area. When I announced the scheme I stated that its...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (9 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: 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 Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard. The Valuation Act, 2001 provides that community halls including clubhouses which are not licensed to sell alcohol and whose facilities are not used primarily for...

Written Answers — National Biodiversity Plan: National Biodiversity Plan (9 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Department of Finance is not a relevant Department under the National Biodiversity Plan and is not required to prepare biodiversity plan. The only office or agency under my aegis with ongoing activities relevant to implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan is the Office of Public Works. While a formal Action Plan has not been prepared, the Office is aware of its responsibilities...

Written Answers — Election Expenses: Election Expenses (9 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 1992, as amended by Section 14 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2001, sets out the statutory basis for the payment of expenses to Returning Officers in respect of Dáil elections. I, as Minister for Finance, sanctioned a Schedule of Charges (Charges Order) which sets out the scale of maximum charges for Returning Officers' for the purpose of the General...

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (9 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is Government policy to campaign for a complete ban on the use of cluster munitions and my colleague, Mr Dermot Ahern, TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs, is working to bring to completion negotiations on the first-ever instrument of international humanitarian law specifically directed against cluster munitions. I have raised this issue with the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission and...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (9 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The 2008 spending plans were set out in detail in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2008 which were published on 21 February 2008. I have no proposals to amend these plans. Total proposed gross expenditure for the year amounts to just under €62 billion made up of approximately €53 billion current expenditure and €9 billion capital expenditure. These are the totals set out for...

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 18, Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed), to adjourn at 1 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 1, Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) (Confirmation of Orders) Bill 2008 [Seanad] — Second Stage.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Aontaím le cheannaire an bhFreasúra maidir le cúrsaí polaitíochta an Tuaiscirt. Tá aontas i dTeach Laighin, i gcoitinne, mar gheall ar na polasaithe atá riachtanach chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh sa Tuaisceart ó thaobh cúrsaí eacnamaíochta, sóisialta agus polaitíochta de. Aontaím le gach rud a bhí le rá ag an Teachta Kenny faoi sin. Maidir leis an Ghaeilge, mar a dúirt mé...

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the commitment given in respect of the civil unions Bill was that the heads would be circulated to Government Members for the purpose of advancing proposals and discussing how to proceed politically. We are, therefore, in the midst of a deliberative process and we will not be in a position to bring forward the Bill until that process is complete. The Deputy will be aware...

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Réamhrá fada.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Níl aon reachtaíocht geallta maidir leis an ábhar seo.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Sea, os rud é go raibh an Teachta gearr leis an méid a bhí le rá aige, beidh mise gearr chomh maith. It is important to recognise the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and I will say one thing on it. I ask that this House, and everyone involved in politics, not make the assumption that now that the institutions have been put in place, we are seeing the full implementation of...

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The second Bill mentioned by the Deputy is expected to be published this session. I cannot give a commitment that it will be enacted this session because that will depend on the course of the debate in the House. I am sure many positive contributions will be made on all sides of the House and there is the possibility of amendments being accepted from any side depending on the merit of the...