Results 1,321-1,340 of 27,019 for speaker:Michael Noonan

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (23 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: The previous Government set out a multi-annual fiscal consolidation strategy in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, which projected the General Government deficit being reduced to under 3 per cent of GDP by 2014. While remaining fully committed to reaching the 3 per cent of GDP deficit target, we believe that the appropriate time-scale to achieve this is over the period to 2015. It is...

Written Answers — State Banking Sector: State Banking Sector (23 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: As the Deputy is aware, the day to day running of the bank's operations is a matter for the Board of Anglo Irish Bank. However, the Bank has confirmed that it's tendering does not focus on new I.T. systems other than what is required to maintain the Bank's business and provide essential I.T. maintenance services to support its existing infrastructure and systems. The maintenance of these...

Written Answers — Motor Fuels: Motor Fuels (23 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: Ireland, as with other countries, has experienced an increase in the cost of petrol and auto-diesel. The increase in fuel prices is an international phenomenon. Fuel prices are driven by a number of factors including the price of oil on international markets, exchange rates, production costs and refining costs. The rise in oil prices over recent periods reflected additional factors such as...

Written Answers — School Services Staff: School Services Staff (23 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No 2) Act 2009 provides for the reduction in the pay rates of all persons employed by public service bodies with effect from 1 January 2010. Such reductions apply irrespective of whether a particular post is funded in whole or in part through non-Exchequer funds or income. The non-teaching staffs referred to in the question are, whether...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (23 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: Section 473 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides tax relief for rent paid, up to certain limits, for private accommodation used as a sole or main residence. A phased withdrawal of this relief was announced in the recent National Recovery Plan 2010 – 2014, Budget and Finance Act. The amount of rent that can be relieved will reduce on a gradual basis, culminating in the total...

Written Answers — Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products: Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (24 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, that Revenue employs a multi-faceted strategy for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and other tobacco products. It includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: There is a commitment in the new Programme for Government to carry out a review of the Universal Social Charge (USC). I expect the terms of reference to be finalised shortly and I would anticipate that the review will be completed in time for Budget 2012.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: Section 13 of the Finance Act 2011 provides for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works that are carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. Relief will be available for qualifying expenditure of up to a maximum of €10,000 for single individuals, or up to a maximum of €15,000 per...

Written Answers — Register of Lobbyists: Register of Lobbyists (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: The Government has committed to introduce a statutory register of lobbyists and to establishing rules concerning the practice of lobbying. The Government will advance these matters as part of its implementation of its other undertakings on Open Government, including corporate donations and whistleblowers provision and the creation of a new Electoral Commission. It will be necessary to...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no taxation restrictions on businesses registered for tax in one EU Member State transacting business with customers in other EU Member States. As the Deputy will be aware, Value-Added Tax is a European Community wide-tax governed by the EU VAT Directive 2006/112/EC and all Member States must ensure their domestic VAT legislation...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: The Programme for National Government 2011-2016 sets out the Government position with regard to the credit union sector. The Government recognises the important role of credit unions as a volunteer co-operative movement and the distinction between them and other types of financial institutions and will establish a Commission as described by the Deputy. The Deputy will be aware that, under...

Written Answers — Tax Clearance Certificates: Tax Clearance Certificates (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have written to the taxpayer in question advising him to contact his local tax office so that an agreement can be reached regarding the payment of the arrears outstanding. The issue of the Tax Clearance Certificate will then be considered.

Written Answers — Public Sector Staff: Public Sector Staff (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: The Government is committed to reducing public service numbers by up to 25,000 by 2015, subject to there being no compulsory redundancies and to the protection of front line services. The measures necessary to give effect to these reductions are being developed by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, taking account of the existing projections for staff numbers over the coming years.

Written Answers — Civil Service Staff: Civil Service Staff (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: Vacancies for Temporary Clerical Officers arise, from time to time, in various Government Departments and Offices throughout the country. Such vacancies are filled by way of recruitment campaigns undertaken by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The most recent campaign was announced on 24th February 2011 and closed on 2nd March 2011. In excess of 13,500 applications were received. A...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: The position is that legislation to provide the same tax treatment for civil partners as that provided for spouses is currently in preparation. It is intended that the legislation will have effect for the tax year 2011 and subsequent years. As the Deputy is aware the shortened timescale for this year's Finance Act meant that it was not possible to include the legislation in that Act but it is...

Written Answers — Universal Social Charge: Universal Social Charge (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: The position is that the Universal Social Charge (USC) does not apply to social welfare payments or payments of a similar nature made by any other state or territory. Therefore, an individual in receipt of a UK pension, which is of a similar nature to payments made by the Department of Social Protection, will not be subjected to USC on that payment. However, if that individual is in...

Written Answers — Licensed Premises: Licensed Premises (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a register of renewed licences (up to 1st March 2011) is available on the Revenue website at the following link: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/excise/index.html

Written Answers — Tax Reliefs: Tax Reliefs (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: Section 13 of the Finance Act 2011 provides for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works that are carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. Relief will be available for qualifying expenditure of up to a maximum of €10,000 for single individuals, or up to a maximum of €15,000 per...

Written Answers — Banks Recapitalisation: Banks Recapitalisation (29 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: The NTMA stands ready to engage in discussions with potential investors in the banking system, has done so in the past and will continue to do so in the future. In this respect, the NTMA has worked closely with the institutions and others to explore possibilities.

Universal Service Charge: Motion (Resumed) (30 Mar 2011)

Michael Noonan: I followed last night's debate in the House with interest and want to recap on four of the points made on both sides. First, there will be a review of the universal social charge. It is a commitment in the programme for Government and I have already invited submissions in this House from Sinn Féin and any other interested parties or Members. Second, the universal social charge is...