Results 11,461-11,480 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. The OECD report, Regulatory Reform in Ireland, was published in 2001. In response to the OECD's report, the Government published the White Paper, Regulating Better, in 2004 which provides the framework for the better regulation agenda. Some of the key areas outlined in the OECD report and the White Paper relate to specific sectoral issues...

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I agree that the purpose is at the time of policy formulation and policy making before decisions are taken to be able to assess the likely impact any proposal would have in terms of its efficacy and how it impacts on business and regulation generally. The report or review indicates that, broadly speaking, this is working well. The use of websites is a matter for each Department. The Deputy...

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There are issues of competitiveness in the economy which are being addressed and which will need to be addressed in the context of the developments in recent days and certainly in the case of the months and years ahead. This has arisen for a whole range of reasons, many of which are not to do with regulatory issues but rather as a result of the depreciation of sterling, other exchange rate...

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The independent review of the economic regulatory environment, which is being carried out by the Economist Intelligence Unit, in partnership with Compecon Limited, commenced in May last year and is expected to be completed shortly. It is intended to publish the report following its presentation to the Government. I understand it will be brought to the Government from the middle to end of...

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I broadly agree with Deputy Barrett's comments. The committee system of the Houses should be the forum in which Departments can bring to the attention of the House, either through Question Time, the legislative programme or regular attendance of these committees in respect of these particular areas of responsibility, what European legislation, directives, regulations or decisions are likely...

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The VAT exemption threshold has been increased in successive budgets, a development which was welcomed by the business community.

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The approach has to strike a balance between those who are outside the formal economy and those who are not. When there are thresholds in respect of activity and VAT exemption, the position of businesses which are just above those thresholds and which must submit themselves to the regulatory burden must be taken into account. We must not create unfair competition for those who may obtain an...

Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy: Statements (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Ní raibh dúshlán eacnamaíochta riamh roimh Éirinn mar atá sa lá atá inniu ann. Tá cúlú domhanda oll-mhór ann faoi láthair, cúlú eacnamaíochta atá chomh dona le haon cheann a chonaic an tír seo fós. Socróidh na cinntí atáimid ag déanamh anois an dtréigfimid an dul chun cinn atá déanta againn go náisiúnta nó an dtabharfaimid saol eacnamaíochta níos fearr dúinn...

Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy: Statements (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is on the way. The framework agreed with the social partners endorses the fiscal plan submitted to the European Commission and commits to working together to eliminate the current budget deficit by 2013. The difficulty in achieving this cannot be overstated. The social partners have agreed that a credible start requires an immediate adjustment of the order of €2 billion. This must be...

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Savings of approximately €1.4 billion will be made in a full year. As has been said, we are talking about a reduction averaging 7.5% in the public service pay bill as a pension levy or a contribution to a pension. The Pensions Board has done work on the benefit of public sector pensions and the difficulties private sector pension schemes have had in recent times. This will be a...

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The levy is applicable to all people working in the public service and whatever legislative changes required to give it effect will be introduced as a matter of urgency. Regarding the impact it will have on the overall budget deficit this year, we are trying to stabilise the situation by providing a €2 billion provision in this series of announcements today. We will have an opportunity...

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The next €5,000.

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy referred to what the levies were. I have indicated — he is reading from the same page — the proposal that was put to the congress last night.

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Regarding a salary of €15,000 the deduction as a percentage of overall salary is 3%, which is €420; at €20,000 it is €750, 3.8%. It graduates up along as the Deputy said. At €25,000 it is a €1,250 deduction or 5%.

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I can forward the table.

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy wishes me to put it on the record I will put it on the record.

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have two conflicting requests. I will put it on the record if that is what the Labour Party leader wants me to do. at €30,000 it is €1,750 or 5.8%; at €35,000 it is €2,250 or 6.4%; at €40,000 it is €2,750 or 6.9%; at €45,000 it is €3,250 or 7.2%; at €50,000 it is €3,750 or 7.5%; at €55,000 it is €4,250 or 7.7%; at €60,000 it is €4,750 or 7.9%; at €65,000 it is...

Leaders' Questions (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Yes, it is on gross income. It is on full income. To answer the previous question the Deputy asked about the Exchequer returns, those Exchequer returns are in line with the profile in that we have factored in a reduction in revenue of more than €4 billion compared with last year in the 2009 figures. I understand from the Department of Finance that this profile of expenditure was what was...

Written Answers — Irish Language: Irish Language (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The primary objective of the Official Languages Act, 2003 was to ensure better availability and a higher standard of service to the public in Irish. This was already a key feature of my Department's Customer Charter, which undertakes that customers who wish to conduct their business through Irish can do so. Because the primary focus however, of my Department's work is on dealings with...

Leaders' Questions (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The figures are being released today. I do not know what the normal protocol is but I have no problem giving them to the House now. The January live register figure will be 36,500 higher than the December 2008 figure. The overall figure will be 327,900 in January. That is an indication of the change that has taken place in recent times. The whole purpose of the discussions with the social...