Results 901-920 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Government's taxation policy is designed at maximising the employment and economic benefits of industrial development by creating an attractive climate for investment. In this respect Ireland offers one of the most beneficial corporate tax environments in the EU with a corporation tax rate of 12.5% applying since 1 January 2003. This is a general measure which applies across the board to...

Written Answers — Debt Relief: Debt Relief (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I assume the Deputy is referring to discussions within the G7. Ireland is not a member of the G7-G8 but I understand discussions are continuing there. I refer the Deputy to my reply to the House on this subject of debt on 8 March 2005 and subsequently. Adequate financing for debt relief is essential to help reduce poverty in many parts of the world. It is important to adequately finance the...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer's income for the past few years has been below the exemption limits and that as a result he paid no tax. In view of this and of the increases in exemption limits in recent budgets the taxpayer is now being advised that he no longer needs to file an annual return of income.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: The medical expenses claim for 2004 has been processed by the Revenue Commissioners. A PAYE balancing statement for the year 2004 together with a cheque for the refund due issued to the taxpayer on 1 April 2005.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: In budget 2005, I announced that I had directed my Department, together with the Revenue Commissioners, to undertake a thorough evaluation of the effect of all relevant tax incentive reliefs. This review will evaluate the impact and operation of certain incentive schemes, including their economic and social benefits for the different locations and sectors involved and to the wider community....

Written Answers — Debt Relief: Debt Relief (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I refer the Deputy to my reply to the House on this subject on 8 March 2005 and to subsequent questions on the same subject. In those answers, I said that adequate financing for debt relief is essential to help reduce poverty in many parts of the world. It is important to adequately finance the relief of debts owed to the International Monetary Fund in order that the fund can continue to play...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant available information relates to the exemption of certain earnings of writers, composers and artists as included in income tax returns filed for the four income tax years 1998-99 to the short tax year 2001, the latest year for which information is available. It should be noted that as PAYE taxpayers were charged to tax on their...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Finance Act 1999 made a number of changes to the structure of pension arrangements by introducing additional options for the holders of personal pensions and certain holders of occupational pension schemes. Traditionally the types of benefits available on retirement for such persons comprised a lump sum, a pension for life and an annuity for dependants. Under the new arrangements such a...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 344 together. It is not possible to provide disaggregated figures in regard to the take-up of the tax relief for all pension contributions across different income categories because the relevant data in regard to contributions is not captured in such a way as to make this possible. Disaggregated data is only available in respect of the tax relief for...

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 373 together. Special savings incentive accounts, SSIAs, will mature between May 2006 and April 2007 depending on when the account was originally opened. For an account to be matured, the account holder will be required to make a maturity declaration to his or her financial institution at any time within a period of three months ending on the maturity...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Office of Public Works has identified a particular site in Clonakilty and this land is now the agreed solution at this location. The Office of Public Works is proceeding with the acquisition of the land in question. The current indicative construction completion timeframe for the new office in Clonakilty is early 2007.

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I visited Savannah and Atlanta, in the United States, for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations and to attend at a number of other events promoting Ireland abroad. My wife, Mary, and my special adviser, Mr. Gerry Steadman, travelled with me in my official party. The visit covered the period 13 March to 20 March. The overall cost of the visit is not yet available.

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Medical Board of Appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme. In this regard, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that significant progress has been made in the reconstitution of the Medical Board of Appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme. It is expected that the board will...

Written Answers — Site Acquisitions: Site Acquisitions (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Commissioners of Public Works are dealing with legal aspects concerning this property. When these are completed the intention is to dispose of the property.

Written Answers — Vehicle Registration: Vehicle Registration (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers of second-hand vehicles registered in their Bridgend, County Donegal, office were as follows: 2003, 672; 2004, 1,190. The increase in registrations of second-hand vehicles in Bridgend in 2004 is generally in line with national trends.

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: The SSIA scheme opened on 1 May 2001 and entry to it closed on 30 April 2002. The accounts are due to mature between May 2006 and April 2007. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that all qualifying savings managers are furnishing their 2004 SSIA annual returns at present. The Revenue Commissioners are analysing these returns and it is expected that final details of this analysis will...

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: The SSIA scheme opened on 1 May 2001 and entry to it closed on 30 April 2002. The accounts are due to mature between May 2006 and April 2007. A total of 1.17 million accounts were opened during the period outlined. The specific goal of the SSIA scheme was to encourage people to save over a period of at least five years. Its effect has been to stimulate such savings over varying income ranges...

Written Answers — Debt Relief: Debt Relief (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I refer the Deputy to my reply to the House on this subject on 8 March 2005. Adequate financing for debt relief is essential to help reduce poverty in many parts of the world. It is important to adequately finance the relief of debts owed to the International Monetary Fund so that the fund can continue to play a role in the poorest countries. The managing director has stated that he will, as...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that significant progress has been made in the reconstitution of the medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme. It is expected that the board will resume its meetings very shortly. I appointed a new chairperson to the board on 14 March 2005 and I...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Apr 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for individual taxpayers to ensure that they claim the relevant tax credits to which they may be entitled. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the appropriate tax credit for a widowed person has now been granted to the person concerned for the current tax year. Following the granting of the credit for each of the tax years 1999-2000 to 2004 inclusive, overpayments of...