Results 9,661-9,680 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Written Answers — Departmental Schemes: Departmental Schemes (28 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I assume the Deputy is referring to the cycle to work scheme that became available from 1 January this year. There is no provision in the tax code that imposes a duty of care on employers toward employees who participate in the scheme. Such issues are a matter for agreement between each employer and its participating employees. Accordingly, the circular implementing the cycle to work...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax liability of the person concerned has been reviewed and that a refund will issue next week.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In many cases, new tractors are subject to Irish VAT irrespective of where they are purchased, and as such VAT would not be a factor that would influence a farmer in purchasing tractors outside the State. A new tractor purchased in the UK by an Irish VAT-registered farmer...

Written Answers — National Asset Management Agency: National Asset Management Agency (28 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Legislation to establish and govern the operation of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) will be introduced during the summer legislative session. Initial work on the preparation of the legislation is under way in parallel with preparation for the operation of the NAMA. I am currently considering the establishment of NAMA on a non-statutory interim basis with a view to undertaking...

Written Answers — Public Service Contracts: Public Service Contracts (28 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The procurement procedure for a public works contract comprises a qualitative selection and an award stage. Qualitative selection involves the assessment by a public body of all applicants who have expressed an interest in a tender competition in order to determine which of them have the competency to undertake the work. The award stage, on the other hand, deals with the evaluation of...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (28 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am fully aware of people's concerns following the introduction of the pension-related deduction. However, the key objective is the realisation of the savings needed from the public service pay bill, given the severe economic and budgetary circumstances we face. The approach to the pension related deduction is that it applies generally given the fact that public servants enjoy the benefits...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (29 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together. As I mentioned in reply to previous Parliamentary Questions on this matter, the implementation of the bicycle purchase scheme for the Civil Service is being dealt with by my Department. Introducing the scheme in the Civil Service has given rise to a number of issues including that of public procurement. These issues will be resolved...

Written Answers — Public Service Contracts: Public Service Contracts (29 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Standard forms for Suitability Assessment for Works Contractors have been developed in compliance with EU procurement rules and health and safety legislation. Suitability assessment procedures involve inviting applicants to submit information in response to a customised standard questionnaire. This questionnaire was developed in response to difficulties which had been experienced by firms,...

Written Answers — Property Prices: Property Prices (29 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Valuation Act 2001, which came into effect on 2 May 2002, provides for the revaluation of all commercial and industrial property. The revaluation programme began in November 2005 in the South Dublin County Council area and has since been rolled out to Fingal and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils. The South Dublin County Council revaluation was completed in December 2007. Fingal...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (29 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As I stated during the Finance Bill process, it has been my intention to widen if possible the tax base on which betting duty would be applied. Bets placed either on-line or over the phone are generally with out-of-State companies so applying betting duty is therefore problematic. My officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners,...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (29 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The implementation of the bicycle purchase scheme for the Civil Service is being dealt with by my Department. Introducing the scheme in the Civil Service has given rise to a number of issues including that of public procurement. These issues will be resolved shortly. I also understand that the Office of Public Works will be advertising soon seeking expressions of interest from those selling...

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (29 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The purpose of the charge is to cover the long-term costs of borrowing to the Exchequer that arise out of the provision of the Guarantee to the covered institutions. These additional costs initially were estimated to be about €1 billion. The charging model for recouping these costs was based on covered liabilities of circa €450bn. However, as I have pointed out previously, about €90bn...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (29 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 allows tax relief on donations made by either individuals or corporate bodies to eligible charities and other approved bodies, including first and second level schools and third level institutions providing education based on a programme prescribed or approved by the Minister for Education and Science. The arrangements for allowing tax relief...

Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: It is proposed to take No. 12a, motion regarding a referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European Asylum Support Office; No. 3, Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill 2009 - Second Stage (resumed); No. 21, Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad] - Second Stage (resumed); and...

Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The decision in principle was made at the time of the budget. I commend RTE for the very responsible coverage it gave this issue this morning and the extensive explanation the Revenue Commissioners gave on the implementation of this measure.

Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The question of principle is that the Government proposes to restrict the availability of mortgage interest relief to a seven year period. That applies to anybody who has bought a house for the first time, moved up to another House or who has improved their house. It applies in all those circumstances.

Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Revenue Commissioners have made it clear that in the implementation of this measure there will be no change for a first-time buyer. For those who have improved their houses or traded up to another house and taken out a mortgage in the last seven years, the interest relief continues to be available. However, the Revenue Commissioners have made it clear that non-first time buyers do not...

Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: They are satisfied that the vast majority of non-first time buyers can be dealt with through their arrangements with the relevant financial institutions. There is a small number of non-first time buyers whom the Revenue may wish to contact and they will make the necessary contact before the position is finalised.

Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I urge those who are concerned about this matter to refer to the Revenue website where extensive information is available on this matter. The issue of principle has been decided and this is a matter of implementation.

Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputies Bruton and Ó Caoláin raised the long standing practice that the House does not sit until the Wednesday after a bank holiday Monday. It has always been the tradition and custom of this House. If it is wished to review that arrangement it can be discussed between the Whips.