Results 1,201-1,220 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: A consultation paper has been issued by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to enable people in the industry to give their views before the final drafting of the legislation. It will more than likely be next year before it is enacted.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand it is not possible to say at this stage. Any further inquiries would be best directed to the Minister concerned.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: A cross-governmental working group is reporting to the Minister on proposals for the reform of vetting of employees by the Garda. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has appointed an implementation group to advise on the implementation and necessity for legislation. The Department of Education and Science and the Department of Health and Children are in discussion regarding the...

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand it is too early to say when it will come before the House.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the Ombudsman's Bill should be coming forward next year. The other matter has been before Government.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to say at this stage when the animal health Bill will be brought forward.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: Perhaps the Deputy should table a parliamentary question to the Minister for Agriculture and Food.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The foreshore legislation is under review, I understand——

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: ——in the context of a comprehensive new statement and strategy for the Department. That is the current position.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: That matter is to come before Government in due course.

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: There are currently eight EU directives for which my Department has responsibility which are awaiting full implementation. The details of each of the Directives are as follows. Council Directive 2003/98/EC: Re-use of Public Sector Information. This directive lays down ground rules for the re-use of public sector information for commercial purposes. The deadline for implementation is 1 July...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The decentralisation programme to Kanturk involves the proposed relocation of part of the Office of Public Works. The Commissioners of Public Works are currently at an advanced stage in the acquisition of a site in Kanturk. The current number of civil servants who have applied for relocation to Kanturk is 82. With regard to the posts prescribed for Kanturk, the application list shows an over...

Written Answers — Vetting Procedures: Vetting Procedures (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: Appointments to statutory boards under the aegis of my Department are in the first instance subject to the relevant legislation governing the establishment of the board. In considering a person's suitability for appointment to such boards I would have regard to a range of factors including any known, or potential, conflicts of interest. Following appointment to a board, the normal disclosure...

Written Answers — Unclaimed Moneys: Unclaimed Moneys (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I do not have any information to hand on the matters raised in the question. Moreover, the issues raised by the Deputy would not come under the remit of my Department.

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together. I have no direct responsibility for the day to day operation of the medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions, scheme. As the Deputy may be aware, there have been a number of administrative difficulties with the board of appeal. However, these have now been resolved, and in this respect I...

Written Answers — Official Travel: Official Travel (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: Under established arrangements governing transport for office holders, Ministers of State other than the Chief Whip, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad are provided with two civilian drivers. The Leader of the Seanad became an office holder when section 7 of the Ministerial, Parliamentary and Judicial Offices and Oireachtas Members (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act...

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 177, 183, 186 and 188 to 192, inclusive, together. The Freedom of Information Act has been extended gradually as experience has been gained in its application. Proposals for a further extension of freedom of information are being finalised in the Department of Finance. The organisations in question are being considered as part of that proposal.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not aware of any basis on which the person in question might be entitled to a refund of income tax. If the person would like to discuss the matter further, he should contact the Cork north-west tax district at Government office, Sullivan's Quay, Cork. Its telephone number is (021) 4325000.

Written Answers — Tax Clearance Certificates: Tax Clearance Certificates (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement for 2003, showing details of earnings and tax deductions, issued to the taxpayer in question on Friday, 6 May 2005.

Written Answers — Debt Relief: Debt Relief (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: At the recent spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, referred to in the Deputy's question, there was a preliminary discussion of key issues relating to proposals for further multilateral debt relief and its financing options. The meeting called for further discussions with shareholders and examination of the issues, including the possible use of IMF resources, ahead of the annual...