Results 11,041-11,060 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Stamp Duty on non-residential property is charged at various rates based on the consideration involved and, in this regard, it can be regarded as one of the constituent costs of purchasing a property. It also follows that the costs relating to the purchase of property, including stamp duty and other costs such as legal fees, etc., have to be taken into account when an individual is...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The seafarers allowance, which is provided for under section 472B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, applies to the shipping industry and under EU rules constitutes a State Aid. The allowance of €6,350 at the marginal rate applies to seafarers who are at sea on a voyage to or from a foreign port for at least 161 days in total in a tax year on a passenger or cargo ship which is registered...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The R&D tax credit scheme is specifically designed to reward increased expenditure on R&D by allowing companies a tax credit of 20% of the increase in qualifying R&D spend as compared with such expenditure in a base year. Following further improvements to the scheme in Finance Act 2008, which fixed the use of the base year 2003 for a further 4 years, qualifying R&D expenditure incurred by a...

Written Answers — Employment Rights: Employment Rights (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The information requested by the Deputy is as follows. Department Legal Fees Compensation Payments Paid Travelling Costs Other Total € Agriculture and Food Nil Nil 1,158 Nil 1,158 Arts, Sport and Tourism Nil 25,000 Nil Nil 25,000 Communication, Marine and Natural Resources Nil 22,000 Nil Nil 22,000 Transport Nil 60,000 Nil Nil 60,000 Justice, Equality and Law Reform Nil 3,000...

Written Answers — Unemployment Levels: Unemployment Levels (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am aware of recent upwards pressures on this forecast. As is the norm, the unemployment forecast made at Budget time will be formally reviewed later this year in the Pre-Budget Outlook in the light of more complete data at that time. While I will continue to monitor the position closely over the coming months, I do not propose to re-cast the forecast at this stage.

Written Answers — House Prices: House Prices (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: My Department does not compile estimates of the nature requested by the Deputy. Negative equity, as the Deputy is aware, is where the nominal value of the mortgage exceeds the nominal value of the property to which the mortgage relates. A first-time residential property buyer who has obtained a '100% mortgage is the more likely type of mortgage holder to be affected by negative equity as...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 67 together. It is assumed that the thresholds for the proposed new tax bands mentioned by the Deputy would not alter the existing standard rate band structure applying to single and widowed persons, to lone parents and married couples. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2008...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: At Budget time my Department forecast that during 2008 tax revenues would increase by approximately €1.6 billion or 3.5 per cent and that there would be an Exchequer deficit of €4,866 million. Since the early part of this year, some of the international risks identified at Budget time have materialised, specifically in relation to the weaker international economic environment,...

Written Answers — Public Finances: Public Finances (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes, I am satisfied with the management of the public finances. As the Deputy is aware our record on the public finances stands for itself. The fundamentals of the Irish economy are strong. For example, General Government debt is estimated at 25 per cent of GDP at the end of 2007, which is one of the lowest levels of public debt in the euro area. When account is taken of the build-up of...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2008 incomes, of reducing the higher rate of income tax from 41% to 40% would be of the order of €268 million. This figure is provisional and subject to revision.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: If Deputy Durkan keeps quiet he will not be confused.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes, a Cheann Comhairle, I think that is so.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Sin í an tslí is fearr.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The health information Bill is not due until next year but I understand the Deputy's concerns. First of all, the situation needs to be dealt with sensitively with the families and then the HSE must see what it must do to resolve the problem.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Bill to which the Deputy refers will be published later this year. The Deputy might table a parliamentary question to the relevant Minister concerning the other legislative requirements, as I do not have those details here.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Try, try and try again.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The legislation is due this session subject to resolving problems that are currently with the Attorney General, as is the normal course of events with such legislation.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: There are five Bills due this session. There will be ample opportunity for Deputy Durkan, who is obviously expressing genuine concern about this matter, to put his views to the House when the legislation comes before it. Whilst I accept that he regards it as a matter or urgency, respectfully, I do not think it is necessary every morning, when we let people know when Bills are coming...

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot explain whether their publication has been affected by issues concerning the Official Languages Act. From my recollection, I know that more than that have been passed and approved by the Cabinet and have been circulated. I take the point, however, that these issues need to be addressed in a timely fashion, and they will be.

Order of Business (10 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the Whips but I agree with the Deputy. I know how active the committee he chairs is in this area in terms of developing all-party consensus on a critical policy issue for Ireland. This debate should be held in plenary session in this House. It is important that everyone participates so that we can hear Members' views and see what progress we are making in achieving...