Results 10,121-10,140 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Written Answers — International Monetary Institutions: International Monetary Institutions (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In recent years the Bretton Woods Institutions have taken a number of steps to bolster their accountability, including the reform of quota and voice within the institutions, improved transparency and evaluation and in the case of the IMF, budgetary reform. The IMF's 2005 Medium-Term Strategy included a broad programme of modernisation. Subsequently, the IMF has embarked on a process of...

Written Answers — Financial Services Remuneration Policy: Financial Services Remuneration Policy (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As Minister for Finance, I have no role in relation to the pay of senior executives of financial institutions, or indeed, any other private sector companies. Remuneration policies are ultimately a matter for the board of the directors of the institution concerned and should, in line with good corporate governance, be subject to oversight and approval by shareholders. As the Deputy may be...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The scope of the Freedom of Information Act has been extended on a number of occasions and the Act now applies to over 500 bodies across the public sector. My Department is currently involved in making arrangements for a further extension of the Act which I expect to implement before the end of 2008.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 150 together. The increase in oil prices is an international phenomenon which is impacting across all sectors of the economy and of society. I would draw to the Deputy's attention that, in terms of excise duties, fuel used by fishermen and farmers is already treated favourably compared to fuel used by other sectors. It should also be noted that the VAT...

Written Answers — Public Private Partnerships: Public Private Partnerships (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Apart from the one case referred to in the media, no similar concerns have been raised with me. The Government remains committed to the use of PPPs in appropriate circumstances as an option in delivering certain public investment projects.

Written Answers — National Development Plan: National Development Plan (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP) sets out a seven year financial framework within which Government Departments and agencies could plan the delivery of public investment and expenditure, including existing levels of service and enhancements of service. The great bulk of projected NDP investment comes from the Exchequer and this is particularly true of current expenditure....

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Both my predecessor and officials from my Department have regularly engaged with colleagues from other Member States within the EU on a whole range of policy issues, including tax issues and the common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB) and I will, of course, be making this a priority for my own term as Minister for Finance. The Deputy will be pleased to learn that it is clear from...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no change to their approach to collecting tax from business. The reports to which the Deputy has referred was a reaffirmation of Revenue's long standing message to businesses of the importance of early engagement with Revenue where a business is experiencing difficulties in paying its tax debts. Revenue is not alone in urging such...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, as with all categories of undeclared income, they are not in a position to provide an estimate of the number of investment properties in the State for which no rental income is declared, or the cost to the Exchequer of undeclared rental income on such properties. This is because Revenue can only provide data on the basis of the information that...

Written Answers — Departmental Strategy Statements: Departmental Strategy Statements (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Since taking up office, I have been acquainting myself with the economic, budgetary and other policy issues which are the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. As the Deputy is aware, new policy directives are normally made principally in the context of the annual Budget and Estimates cycle. I have not found it necessary as yet to issue formal policy directives. However, I am...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a dedicated unit within their organisation, the Offshore Assets Group, is tasked with identifying Irish residents who have assets located abroad, including overseas property. This area is considered to be of considerable tax risk because of the possibility that some individuals may fund such acquisitions with untaxed income or gains, and it is...

Written Answers — Battle of the Boyne Site: Battle of the Boyne Site (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together. Negotiations for the purchase of the Battle of the Boyne site were conducted by the Commissioners of Public Works. The Department of Finance sanctioned the expenditure of £7.85m (€9.97m) on the purchase of the property, which was completed in August 2000.

Written Answers — Motor Taxation: Motor Taxation (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As announced in the 2008 Budget Statement the revised VRT system to take greater account of CO2 emission levels will be introduced on 1 July 2008. I have no plans to amend the scheme for people who register cars prior to 1 July 2008.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that while pensioners may claim tax relief on health expenses incurred, the amount of relief is available at the taxpayers marginal rate and cannot exceed the tax paid in any year of assessment. It follows that if no tax is paid in the year of assessment (because the income in the year of assessment is below the exemption limit or is already fully...

Written Answers — Ombudsman Report: Ombudsman Report (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am informed by the Ombudsman that in any case where the Ombudsman conducts an investigation into a complaint it is a matter for the Ombudsman to decide if she wishes to publish a report or not at the conclusion of such an investigation. I have been advised that the investigation in question is ongoing.

Written Answers — Public Private Partnerships: Public Private Partnerships (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Government remains committed to the use of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) process as a viable procurement option for appropriate projects within the overall parameters set out for public investment in infrastructure and public services. My Department has the same role in relation to PPP projects as it does in relation to capital investment projects generally, in terms of setting...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The following is the up to date position regarding the significant refurbishment and building of new Garda stations in Mayo in 2008. Claremorris: A new district headquarters is being built in Claremorris and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2008. Ballyvary: The tender process for the construction of a new basic unit Garda Station will commence shortly. Ballyhaunis: Planning documentation...

Written Answers — National Drugs Strategy: National Drugs Strategy (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In accordance with the requirements of Article 11 of the Constitution, revenues accruing to the State, including those seized from drug dealers through the functions of the CAB, are paid into the Central Fund, from which the Government draws for expenditure on all necessary public services and investment. There are no proposals to alter these arrangements. With certain exceptions,...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer may have entitlement to additional tax credits in respect of the one-parent family tax credit and rent relief. Explanatory leaflets incorporating claim forms in respect of both tax credits were issued to the taxpayer on 28 May 2008. Following the processing of any claims to these credits, a revised certificate of tax credits...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the exemption in respect of stamp duty — first time purchaser relief, will apply to a person who, has not, either individually or jointly with any other person previously purchased another dwelling house or apartment. Based on the information provided by the Deputy, first time purchaser relief would appear not to apply, as the person concerned...