Results 11,321-11,340 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I stated in reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 177 [6226/08] on 19 February 2008, I have no plans to introduce a VRT refund scheme for people who register cars prior to 1 July 2008.

Written Answers — Departmental Schemes: Departmental Schemes (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The most recent figures available, supplied by the main public transport providers, show that the number of Travel Passes provided by the scheme have increased from 894 in 1999 to some 41,388 in 2007. These figures include both monthly and annual passes. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as the employer's tax return of income does not contain an entry in respect of Travel...

Written Answers — Departmental Correspondence: Departmental Correspondence (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: In the time available it has not been possible to retrieve the information requested by the Deputy. As soon as the relevant information for the period in question has been extracted I will forward it directly to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that on 21 January 2008 the Taxpayer submitted a claim for repayment of income tax in respect of a redundancy payment he received in 2007. This relief is known as Top Slicing Relief. The relief relates to the tax payable and ensures that the redundancy payment is not taxed at a rate higher than the taxpayer's average rate of tax for the three years...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: We discussed this issue yesterday morning and, as has been said, it was well ventilated for three days at the Joint Committee on Health and Children under the chairmanship of Deputy John Moloney. Today's statements will give an opportunity for the Minister for Health and Children to update the House and the public on the situation and to explain precisely what is envisaged. As a result of...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Health and Children will outline the situation in full upon taking the statements and I ask that we proceed on that basis.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The criminal law (defence of life and property) Bill will amend existing legislation regarding the defence of the person and the person's home. The heads of the Bill were approved and we expect the Bill to be dealt with later this year. The Deputy can be sure that the Taoiseach will, in the appropriate way, convey the sympathies of all Irish people at the savage killings of these two Polish...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will always admit to a mistake. If I was in error yesterday, I am very sorry.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Dublin transport authority Bill is due this session and the social housing Bill is due in the middle of this year. A significant amount of progress has been made on homelessness in Ireland. That is accepted by all who work in the area. Significant resources have been devoted to it and I am not aware of any cutbacks this year. What was being suggested was that there would be further...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The existing level of service, which has been increased progressively in recent years, continues this year. There are some plans, as part of the implementation of the strategy, for further developments but I am not sure when and how they are going forward this year. That is the position.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand that, most likely, the Bill will be taken later this year.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand it is not intended to delay because of the issue raised by the Deputy. On the Bill itself, we expect the Cabinet to finalise the issues this coming month. Some technical and constitutional issues have arisen regarding the possibility of bringing this Bill forward. The question of retrospection is not one that can be easily accommodated. It is due to be finalised by Cabinet...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The heads of the Bill have been brought before Cabinet. Once the Cabinet approves the Bill in full, it will be put before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The complete Bill is not yet finalised before Cabinet.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Just to bring it to the Deputy's attention, nothing is ready for publication until the Government approves it.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have nothing further to add.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The road traffic Bill, which will deal with a number of road safety and road traffic issues arising from the road safety strategy, will be before us later this year at the earliest.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Six Bills were passed last year. Two health Bills are on the A list. A number of the Bills the Deputy has just mentioned, which show our commitment to continuing reform in this area, are currently under preparation. The nurses Bill has gone for consultation. In fact, we are still awaiting a policy paper from the Deputy's party regarding that matter.

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will bring the Deputy's opinions to the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, but I am sure the Deputy has already articulated them directly. Sometimes, enabling provisions are enacted with commencement order provisions to ensure that elements are put in place sufficiently ahead of proceeding. I do not have the details to hand as to why the situation would be the case as outlined, but I will...

Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 9, motion re the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the report by the Minister for Defence regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2006, back from committee; No. 17, statements on pharmaceutical pricing; and No. 2, Student Support Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that...