Results 4,681-4,700 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Section 235 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997 gives an income tax exemption to sporting bodies, which have been approved by the Revenue Commissioners on the basis that the body has been established for, and exists for the purpose of promoting athletic or amateur games or sports. The administration of the sports tax exemption is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a Letter of Authorisation issued to the person (details supplied) on 21 April 2009. This authorises the registration of a vehicle for use by a disabled person/passenger without payment of Vehicle Registration Tax. No claim for relief in respect of a vehicle purchased and converted for use by a disabled person or passenger has been received to...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I have stated previously, it is my intention to widen, if possible, the tax base on which betting duty would be applied. Bets placed either online or over the phone are generally with out-of-State companies so applying betting duty is therefore problematic. My officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of...

Written Answers — Vehicle Registration Tax: Vehicle Registration Tax (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: While my Department does not publish a separate new car sales forecast, it does form a view as to the likely trends in the car market as part of the overall economic and fiscal forecast. Similarly, Vehicle Registration Tax is forecast as a component of Excise Duty. On 5 December, my Department will publish the White Paper on Receipts and Expenditure which will contain pre-Budget estimates of...

Written Answers — Vehicle Registration Tax: Vehicle Registration Tax (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am aware of the current challenges facing the motor industry, along with most other industries, arising from the impact of weak world economic activity. I recently announced, following discussions with the motor industry, the introduction of a new VAT Margin Scheme in respect of second-hand cars with effect from 1 January 2010. Under the Margin Scheme, dealers will account for VAT on their...

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Are we are not under attack ourselves?

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I did not know there would be questions.

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: There seems to be plenty of time not to have to do so. I was not aware there would be questions and answers sessions but I am delighted there is. Of course fairness enters into the equation. Those at the top must lead by example and must take a greater proportionate reduction. That is not in dispute. I am not aware of the particular comments to which Deputy Burton drew attention.

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Yes, I made a contribution myself but I was not present to hear Mr. David Went's speech. Deputy Burton is well aware that is often the case when Ministers address conferences. While I do not know the context in which Mr. David Went made his comments, for my part I want to make it clear there must be a proportionate contribution. We must also remember the proportionate contribution made to...

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Tax is one of the major methods of effecting redistribution in any economy. Almost half of earners are not in the income tax net at all. The numbers in the top rate have fallen from 20% to 12%. The numbers at the standard rate are the same. That illustrates a massive reduction of incomes across every sector of society. Tax receipts are coming disproportionately from the higher end. I...

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The discussion have not been confined to public service pay. If I inadvertently gave that impression, it was certainly not my intention. I tried to convey in my speech the urgency of addressing the need for an effective saving in public sector pay in order to prepare for the Estimates next year. The discussions are not confined to public sector pay. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, myself...

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am not getting into a pejorative argument on how many boards the Deputy is setting up to do this, but the essence of his proposals is that we should realise the value of the ESB and Bord Gáis.

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: One must generate the equity somewhere. The question arises in the current market conditions as to whether the taxpayer would get a decent return on the disposal of these assets. Having disposed of the assets, the Deputy is proposing that they be put into some form of public investment vehicle, which will then invest the proceeds in other forms of investment, such as broadband. The Deputy...

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: -----and the social insurance fund provides essential protection for those out of the workforce and for some in the workforce. These are all factors the Government will have to take into account. I will not comment on that in advance of a budget.

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: There are many big questions there. First, I believe we should have a strong, vibrant and proud public sector. As Minister responsible for the public sector, I am very concerned at the demoralisation that has taken place. However, no sector can be immune from criticism and no sector that is paid for by the taxpayer can be immune from cost control. These are fundamental matters for any...

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: There are two points. First, in response to Deputy Rabbitte, discussions are taking place with the organisations that represent public service workers. Clearly, we will continue to engage with them. The Taoiseach urged them not to engage in today's industrial action. I do not believe the public are impressed by today's industrial action. While I agree that there has been an amount of...

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: A minute or two, with the leave of the Ceann Comhairle. Deputy Varadkar made a very constructive suggestion. Were we to say that a combination of a pay reduction with improvements in work practices in the next year would secure the necessary savings for 2011 and bring certainty into the public service and certainty to their income, it would be of enormous assistance to the public sector....

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Lee introduced a wider question and I was somewhat disturbed by the thrust of his remarks. The issue is not how long we spend exiting from the excessive deficit position. It is true that we have an agreement with the Commission, which runs for five years. It is true we are the first European country to get into serious difficulties. Many other European countries are now surpassing...

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Please Deputy Burton, I am restricting myself to the public finances. That money has nothing to do with the figures we are discussing.

Industrial Action by Public Service Unions: Statements (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: It is not in the €22 billion I referred to in my speech, nor is it in the Stability and Growth Pact calculations-----