Results 1,021-1,040 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- Tax Collection. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: The recent Revenue Commissioners' report on the effective tax rates of the top 400 earners, which covers the short tax year 2001, indicates that between the years 1999-2000 and 2001, the number of high earning taxpayers with an effective tax rate of less than 15% decreased by 3.75%, while those with an effective tax rate between 15% and 29% increased by 3.25%. This upward movement in...
- Tax Collection. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: I am never surprised by Deputy Burton's ability to concoct a conspiracy where none exists. I had no say regarding the methodology used in respect of this study. It was the sole preserve of the Revenue Commissioners, who are independent. Deputy Burton should desist from imputing a dishonourable motive on my part because it detracts from her argument. Regarding the issue of deposit interest...
- Tax Collection. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: I have explained the situation regarding the Revenue Commissioners. The reasons for doing so were correcting oversights in the past and ensuring accuracy of information. Those who pay no tax will be in the 0% category.
- Tax Collection. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: If the Deputy wishes to suggest any impropriety, she should refer it to the Revenue Commissioners and not to me.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: Public private partnerships are part of the overall strategy to deliver on investment priorities. The multi-annual capital envelopes introduced in the 2004 budget set out the Government's commitment to invest significantly in capital infrastructure through both traditional and public private partnership-National Development Finance Agency funded investment. We expect PPP-NDFA funding to...
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: I made the point that I have nothing to conceal. The National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency are doing good work. We are witnessing the entry into contracts and the completion of major contracts before time and within budget in the area of transport, including the Kilcock-Kinnegad motorway, the Dundalk bypass, the Fermoy bypass and the second West Link bridge.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: Politicians in this House ask for something to be done. The point of this is the economic benefit derived from continuing our public capital programme. Some people say that we should now forget about PPPs if the Comptroller and Auditor General's report is to be believed. I disagree. There are lessons to be learned as we roll out this new procurement mechanism. Not every project is suitable...
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: ââor a wider economic benefit analysis, I would take the latter and I believeââ
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: I said I am in the process of doing something, which the Deputy indicated he knows. I have met many people on this matter to determine how to do this better.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: I am not in a position to share it with the House until I get agreement. Deputy Bruton was in Government. There are PPP units across the service. I have proposals that must be agreed and approved. I am in the process of developing ideas that will improve the situation and must get agreement on them. I cannot decide off the top of my head what I want to do.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: I look forward to the Deputy's support when the Government approves the ideas as they will improve the present situation. I do not have to give all my information today without Government approval simply because a question has been asked. Deputy Bruton knows this because he was in Government. I do not know why he would ask me to do so.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: Correct.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: Not at all.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: I am explaining why, for obvious reasons, I cannot be as expansive as Deputy Bruton would like.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: What was the Deputy's last point?
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: The PPP is an integrated procurement option and has an important role to play when applied to appropriate projects where there is the right scale, risk and operational profile to harness the benefits of the new approach. The assessment of value for money in a PPP project involving private finance takes account of issues such as the risks transferred to the private sector. The key test...
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: If the Deputy tables a parliamentary question, I will provide her with the detail.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: The benefit is in the roads programme being rolled out. In regard to the Comptroller and Auditor General's report, I respect his view which I will take on board. I will not run away from PPPs.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: The ESRI has given independent evaluation on the roads programme. The Deputy suggests the total capital programme is five schools in the north west or somewhere. Millions of euro are being spent. Huge contracts are being executed, finalised and completed before time and within budget through PPPs.
- Public Private Partnerships. (27 Apr 2005)
Brian Cowen: Should we forget about PPPs because the Deputy has a problem with a school or two which was the first PPP effort by the Department of Education and Science? Is the Deputy out of his mind?