Results 10,981-11,000 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have, with effect from 18 March 2008, implemented revised arrangements regarding the recovery of penalties in tax settlements involving deceased persons. Where the taxpayer dies before a settlement has been agreed with Revenue, Revenue will not seek recovery of any penalty element from...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: In Finance Act 2008, I introduced a new tax initiative to encourage the use of energy efficient equipment by companies for their business. This accelerated capital allowance incentive will allow companies to claim the full cost of specified energy efficient equipment against their profits in the year of purchase. Expenditure must be above a certain minimum amount for each class of technology...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The following table sets out the information the Deputy is seeking in respect of payments made to consultants by my Department. Name Purpose Firm or Individual Paid in 2007 Basis Rate (P/D etc.) Report Has it been published? When will it be published? € Hay Group (Ireland) Ltd. Public Service Benchmarking Body (PSBB) surveys of public service and private sector companies Firm...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Finance Act 2007 introduced a new scheme that allows senior citizens to operate DIRT-free accounts. The scheme is available to individuals or their spouses who are aged 65 years of age, or over whose total annual income is no more than the relevant income tax exemption limit — for 2008 this is €20,000 for a single or widowed person and €40,000 for a married couple. A joint account...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 122, inclusive, together. The issue of Deposit Guarantee Schemes (DGS) has received extensive consideration and examination over recent times at EU level. The Commission carried out a first review in 2006 of the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive (Directive 94/19/EC). The subsequent Commission Communication on that review acknowledged that Member...

Written Answers — Customs Service: Customs Service (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, in addition to the assistance provided by the Naval Service, they have a 23 metre cutter, the RCC Suirbhéir, with full sea-going capability. This vessel is used to patrol the Irish coastline and is also used in targeted operations where it operates in conjunction with shore-based resources. The cutter has not been withdrawn from duties along...

Written Answers — Customs Service: Customs Service (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 to 129, inclusive, together. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is a full time dog detector unit based in Sligo which covers the areas mentioned. Dog detector units are also located in Shannon and Dublin which can be called upon if required. The Commissioners are satisfied that the dog detector unit located in Sligo is sufficient to...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that for the purposes of both Gift and Inheritance Tax, the relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who received the gift or inheritance (i.e. the beneficiary), determines the maximum tax-free threshold — known as the "Group threshold". Three Group thresholds were introduced on 1...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The general instructions covering refund of fees, study leave and examination leave for civil servants are set out in Circular 23/07. The circular sets out the arrangements to facilitate Departments/Offices in building appropriate skill and expertise levels and in supporting officers' efforts in the area of self-development and life-long learning. The support provided for further study is...

Order of Business (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: They are not promised but, to be helpful, the Minister of State with responsibility for children in the context of the review that arises as a result of the case will take into account everything to improve the position for the future, which may involve putting the Children First guidelines on a statutory basis. That must be determined. However, doing so could be problematic in terms of...

Order of Business (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am trying to respond. What is the point?

Order of Business (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Consideration has been given to all this in the review. I have explained that there can be some problems with putting it on a statutory basis. There is empirical evidence from other jurisdictions to confirm where the problems exist when it is put on such a basis. That is all I am saying. I am not saying it in favour or against the notion of putting it on a statutory basis — it is being...

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Both Bills will be taken in this session.

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I join in that message of sympathy to the Mills family. Michael Mills was a doyen of political journalism in Irish parliamentary politics for many years. He was very distinguished and went on to be the first Ombudsman, a position he discharged with a great sense of fairness and justice and with great effectiveness. He was a fellow constituency man of mine as a native of County Laois. We...

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: With regard to the OECD report, can I say——

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: May I not say, therefore, on the OECD report——

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have no problem with the Whips considering a debate on the OECD report as that would give people the opportunity to discuss it. Both Deputy Burton and I would obviously need more time to deal with it, based on our interpretation of the report this morning. I regard it as far more positive than that.

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the employment agency regulation Bill is due this session.

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is due this session. However, with regard to the specific point raised by the Deputy, I will ask that the line Minister communicate with his office.

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: It was and my understanding is that the Minister suggested he would bring forward legislation later this year and, therefore, would not take up or agree with the view the Deputy has just expressed. All I can do is refer the matter to his office for further consideration. The possibility of a statutory instrument extending or expanding the existing landmines legislation as a method of trying...