Results 10,941-10,960 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe there is one promised. There are obviously issues under discussion with the social partners that we are finding hard to resolve. The issue the Deputy raised is one the HSE feels obliged to deal with under EU competition law. People might have different views on that but that is the basis of its approach. It is not actively seeking to abuse it.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: To answer the Deputy's question——

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: To answer the question, this issue has been discussed in the social partnership context for some time. It has been indicated that seeking legislation on this matter is predicated on reaching agreement in that context. Members can bring forward legislation without agreement if they wish——

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is the view of the Deputy. Perhaps some of the social partners brought that to his attention. For the purpose of trying to bring forward legislation, we discussed the benefits yesterday. The social partners have been trying to achieve consensus, even on the more tricky issues, and the matter in question is still under discussion. The whole process is predicated on trying to reach...

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill is due for publication this session.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the draft heads are being prepared for the criminal justice (cybercrime and attacks against information systems) Bill. I understand the health (information) Bill will be next year.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe there is any proposed legislation on that matter. It would be necessary to talk to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on how it is to be done.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Do I take it the Labour Party is opposed to the establishment of a new state in Kosovo?

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated cost of reducing the current 7% rate of stamp duty on residential property to 6%, 5% and 4% is estimated at €94 million, €188 million and €282 million respectively, based on Budget 2008 projections. The corresponding estimated cost of reducing the current 9% rate of...

Written Answers — Public Sector Remuneration: Public Sector Remuneration (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The following salaries are the current salaries in payment with effect from 1 March 2008 following the implementation of the third phase increase of 2.5% under Towards 2016 agreement. € Taoiseach 180,870 TD 97,747 Total 278,617 Tánaiste 141,594 TD 97,747 Total 239,341 Minister 121,956 TD 97,747 Total 219,703 Minister of State 53,219 TD 97,747 Total 150,966 The following are...

Written Answers — Theatre Licences: Theatre Licences (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the applicants in this instance were granted a licence for public music and singing under section 51 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1890 and section 33 of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act 1961 at Dunshaughlin District Court on 15 November 2007. On foot of the receipt of this licence, an application was made to the Revenue...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The overall current expenditures for Vote 6 (Office of the Minister for Finance), Vote 7 (Superannuation) and Vote 12 (Secret Service) will be maintained within the approved budget limits. No policy decisions have been made in this context.

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the money deducted in error will be refunded in the next pension payment on 1 May 2008. Any inconvenience caused is regretted.

Tributes to the Taoiseach (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Ar nós na cainteoirí eile, ba mhaith liom fíor-buíochas a ghabháil leis an Taoiseach as ucht an sár-obair atá déanta aige mar Thaoiseach éifeachtach den chéad scoth. Tá cúrsaí eacnamaíochta, sóisialta agus polaitíochta na tíre seo an-threán de bharr an cheannaireacht a thaispeáin sé le linn na 11 bliain ina raibh sé i gcumhacht mar cheannaire an Rialtais. I join with...

Tributes to the Taoiseach (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——and we accord to those who support us the same respect and weight of vote as I would accord to those who oppose us, although it is not often reciprocated, particularly in one exceptional case this morning.

Tributes to the Taoiseach (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Today is not a day for me to engage in self-celebration or self-congratulation for this party because we have among us an exceptional political figure of this generation, as has been graciously acknowledged not only domestically but abroad. There have been a few occasions — Deputy Kenny referred to them — when the hair stood on the back of the head because of the sense of achievement and...

Tributes to the Taoiseach (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is a matter of pride for all Irish people. I was there on that evening and I recall the pride I had in him, what he had achieved and the privilege it was to work and learn from him. There was much I had to learn. I say this to Bertie Ahern today as he heads to the United States, where a fitting tribute will be paid in another cradle of democracy, the Houses of Congress. The Irish...

Tributes to the Taoiseach (23 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Here we go again.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (22 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: My Department was responsible for managing the M.Sc (Management) Public Sector Programme for senior managers in the civil service delivered by the University of Dublin, Trinity College, in association with the Irish Management Institute. The programme, launched in 1993, was run over two years and modular in content. It was specifically designed to enhance the capacity and capability of senior...

Written Answers — Auctioneers' Licences: Auctioneers' Licences (22 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of auctioneers and house agents awarded licences by them for each of the past five years is as follows: Type 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Auctioneer 1,776 1,928 2,183 2,517 2,711 House Agent 6 9 18 11 13