Results 8,301-8,320 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: It is also important that we do not——

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——lose sight of the very significant fiscal stimulus——

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——that is being provided through the measures taken in the October budget to protect incomes at the lower levels——

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——as well as through the maintenance of an historically high level of public capital investment.

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Capital investment, in particular, provides a significant fiscal stimulus while at the same time boosting the productive capacity of the economy and thereby providing the basis for future gains in living standards. We are also continuing to invest heavily in education, skills and training. Productive investment in infrastructure and in the skills of the population will help us to restructure...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——if we are to have a just and equitable tax system. We will certainly protect the vulnerable.

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: This year's social welfare increases are being paid at the same time as a fall in the cost of living. If this is not protecting the vulnerable, I hope——

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——some Deputy will explain to me exactly what "protecting the vulnerable" means.

Written Answers — Ministerial Salaries: Ministerial Salaries (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The table sets out the basic salary entitlements (i.e. Office Holders allowance plus Oireachtas Members salary) for the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister and Minister of State on 1 September 2008: Office Holder Post 1.09.08 € Taoiseach 185,392 TD 100,191 Total 285,583 Tánaiste 145,134 TD 100,191 Total 245,325 Minister 125,005 TD 100,191 Total 225,196 Minister of State 54,549 TD...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question has an annual pension in excess of the age exemption threshold of €20,000 and is accordingly liable to pay the income levy. A person entitled to a full medical card is, however, specifically exempt from the income levy. If the person in question holds a full medical card then evidence of this should be furnished to the...

Written Answers — National Wage Agreements: National Wage Agreements (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: There are a number of statutes governing the terms and conditions of staff in the different areas of the public service. As the Deputy is aware, sensitive discussions are taking place at present with the social partners. Among the issues being considered is the need to reduce public expenditure. The Deputy can be assured that any action taken by the Government will have regard to the position...

Written Answers — National Wage Agreements: National Wage Agreements (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The provisions of the agreement are not provided for in legislation. As the Deputy is aware, sensitive discussions are taking place at present with the social partners. Among the issues being considered is the pay provision of the national agreement. I would not consider it helpful to this process to comment further on the subject matter of the Deputy's question at the present time.

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy will be aware that the institution in question is covered under the Government's guarantee Scheme. Arising from the intensified scrutiny and oversight applying to beneficiaries under the Scheme, the Financial Regulator commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to report on the financial position of the six covered institutions. This report established that the institution in question...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In general my Department prints its reports in-house and in most cases these reports are also published on the Department's website. In some cases however, it may be decided to outsource the printing due to the volume of printing required to produce the report. In 2008 the European Regional Development Fund Financial Control Unit annual report was printed externally at a cost of €8,450 and...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I appointed Ms. Cathy Herbert in May 2008 as Special Adviser. She provides advice to me and monitors, facilitates and secures the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department, and performs such other functions as may be directed by me. I appointed Ms. Maura Cosgrove and Ms. Marian Quinlan in May 2008 as Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary respectively. They provide...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of imported used cars registered for VRT in the State for the specified periods is set out in the table. Used Cars registered in the State for VRT – July 2007 to December 2008 Period Gross Registrations Exempt(1) Net Registrations July – December 2007 27,607 3,216 24,391 January – June 2008 33,887 2,942 30,945 July –...

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: On 21 December 2008, the Government announced a recapitalisation programme for Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland. This decision reflects the Government's commitment to sustain the continued stability of these banks, to increase confidence and to ensure the capacity of the banks to lend into the economy to meet the everyday financial needs of individuals and businesses. Detailed...

Written Answers — Banking Sector Regulation: Banking Sector Regulation (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The issues that arose with Northern Rock in September 2007 were part of the wider global liquidity crisis. Given market developments at that time, I have been informed that the Financial Regulator required Irish licensed credit institutions to commence weekly liquidity reporting in October 2007. This was supplemented by increased direct contact with credit institutions, in some cases daily,...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As I indicated in a reply to Deputy Joan Burton on 17th December 2008 (No. 199), there are currently 614 people (wholetime equivalents) employed in my Department. More than 80 individual officers have qualifications in economics at various levels. 57 officers hold degrees in Economics and related disciplines, 44 hold a Masters qualification in Economics and related disciplines, and 2...

Written Answers — Financial Institutions Support Scheme: Financial Institutions Support Scheme (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The decision to introduce the Guarantee provided by the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 was taken after a prolonged and unfolding period of turmoil in financial markets characterised by deteriorating availability and cost of liquidity, which accelerated rapidly in the late summer and early autumn 2008. Throughout this period, and particularly in the weeks and months preceding...