Results 43,401-43,420 of 46,456 for speaker:Simon Harris

Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Select Sub-Committee on Finance: Finance Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I am happy to do so. I do not have the figure in respect of an income of €1 million but I am sure we can work it out. If someone was earning €0.5 million under the enhanced the SARP, the one we are debating now, they would end up paying an effective rate of tax of 39.48%. If they were not availing of SARP, they would end up paying a tax rate of 49.68%. A person earning...

Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Select Sub-Committee on Finance: Finance Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: The Deputy asked about the loss of income to the Irish Exchequer and I argue that there is no loss of income to the Exchequer.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Applications (19 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: Kildare County Council submitted an application for funding for flood alleviation works at Ballymore Eustace under the Office of Public Works (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The application has been assessed and the OPW has this week sought further information in relation to it from the Council. When this information is received the OPW will be in a position...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Local Authority Funding (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank Senator MacSharry for raising this matter. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government who thanks the Senator for providing the opportunity to outline the situation regarding the financial difficulties of Sligo County Council. The continued deterioration of Sligo County Council's financial position is of serious concern to him,...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Local Authority Funding (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank Senator MacSharry who acknowledged that I am responding to the House on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, and outlining his position on this matter. Sligo County Council has made significant progress in achieving savings. There is also a good spirit of co-operation between the Department and Sligo County Council which was...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Health Services (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank Senator Whelan for raising this very important matter. It is clear from listening to his account the personal and deep feelings he has towards this day care centre and the important service it provides for the people of Monasterevin. I know the Senator declared an interest but being able to bring personal experience to formulate policy is a strength in our political system and one I...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Health Services (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I have no doubt the Senator will continue to pursue this matter and fight for the people in that community, but let us try to look at the common ground here and find a way forward. There is an acknowledgement from the HSE, the Senator and the wider community that this is an important service that we want to see continued within the community. There is also a reality that the building is...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Vocational Education Committees Expenditure (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I am pleased to have an opportunity to be in the Seanad this evening. I thank the Senator for raising this issue because it affords me the opportunity to clarify to the House the matters referred to in correspondence on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. The correspondent wrote to the Minister for Education and Skills in regard to a number...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Vocational Education Committees Expenditure (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: While I cannot confirm what is in anybody else's mind or thought processes, I can confirm to the House that I will convey Senator Bradford's views to the Minister, Deputy O'Sullivan, and ensure she has a transcript of this debate. My view on this, and one I will convey to the Minister and have conveyed on a number of occasions to the Committee of Public Accounts during my time there, is that...

Topical Issue Debate: Motor Fuel Fraud (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Calleary for raising the matter, the seriousness of which is not lost on me or any Member. I have acknowledged the devastation this has caused for people who are going about their business but who through no fault of their own have found themselves in this position. The Deputy asked a couple of very specific questions about how many times we have had such encounters and I...

Topical Issue Debate: Motor Fuel Fraud (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I will raise the matter with the Revenue Commissioners. It sounds pretty pragmatic. I will revert to Deputies Calleary and Naughten on those matters and we will continue to pursue this in every way we can.

Topical Issue Debate: Motor Fuel Fraud (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Dara Calleary for raising this matter. He had already acknowledged the presence of Deputy Denis Naughten in the Chamber. Deputy Naughten raised the issue previously, most recently when we were discussing legislation. I echo the sentiment of Deputy Dara Calleary about the sheer frustration felt by people who, through no fault of their own, have seen serious damage done to...

Topical Issue Debate: Motor Fuel Fraud (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: Deputy Naughten has made that point, and I will ensure it is rectified so that it is more prominent on the website. The matter is treated as a priority and I assure the Deputy that both Revenue and the State laboratory are currently doing everything that can be done, including the reallocation of resources where necessary to tackle this serious issue.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: Actions speak louder than words.

Leaders' Questions (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: Spitting.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Office of Public Works Properties (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: The Commissioners of Public Works are in the process of acquiring the former Newbridge Credit Union property from the Court appointed Liquidator. As the building is still occupied by Permanent TSB, the fit out works to allow for its conversion for use as an Intreo office for the Department of Social Protection must be completed in two phases. The second phase of work cannot commence until...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: The position in relation to this matter remains as outlined in my reply to the Deputy's Question of 17 September, 2014. Subject to compliance with the eligibility criteria it is open to Laois County Council to submit an application for funding under the Office of Public Works (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for works at this location. No application has...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Office of Public Works Staff (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: The Office of Public Works, through the Public Appointments Service, is currently recruiting for the post of Head of Technology Solutions. The total number of permanent staff recruited in 2013 was 11, 7 on the Established staff and 4 State Industrial Employees. In addition, 396 seasonal staff, were recruited to augment the existing guide service at Heritage sites for the tourist season and...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Sporting Events (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: The Phoenix Park, being the largest urban park in Dublin, is recognised as a green lung for the city and research has highlighted the major benefits to public health and well being arising from the wealth of opportunities that a facility like the Park has to offer. Organised sporting events are an important feature of the Park. These include national and international running, duathlons,...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (18 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: The Government Decision of 11 February, 2014 specifically addressed the allocation of funding for the repair of existing public infrastructure damaged by storms in the period of 13th December to 6th January 2014. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DoECLG) wrote to Kerry County Council on 27 February, 2014 indicating that, based on the estimate submitted by the...