Results 11,621-11,640 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit), and exemption from motor tax, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled...

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand it will be introduced some time this year. It is not on the legislative list at present. Draft heads of the Bill are in preparation in the Department and its expected publication date is 2008.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will know from his time as a Minister, it is not a question of abandoning legislation but of preparing it properly and producing it on time, if possible. It may be that the promised date may not be met.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government remains committed to bringing forward a civil partnership Bill as soon as possible, given the drafting requirements that are involved.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the first matter raised by Deputy Howlin, his question will have to be directed to the line Minister for a detailed reply. I am not aware of any constitutional issue arising but I will ask the Minister to consult with Deputy Howlin, having heard what he has raised this morning.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: No, legislation is not promised or necessary. A parliamentary question to the Minister might elicit the information.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: There has been a protracted consultation process to try to get agreement on this matter. Preliminary advice from the Attorney General's office has been received in respect of the extent of licensing of employment agencies having regard to Article 49 of the EU treaty on related matters. The Bill is not before the House and the social partners have not signed off on what we are trying to...

Finance Bill 2008: Allocation of Time (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders: (1) The proceedings in the Select Committee on Finance and the Public Service on the Finance Bill 2008 shall be brought to a conclusion in accordance with the following timetable: Date: Proceedings: To conclude not later than: Tuesday, 19th February Chapters 1 and 2 (part) of Part 1 (sections 1 to 13) 2 p.m. Chapters 2 (contd.)...

Financial Resolutions: Motion (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I move: 1. THAT section 187 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (No. 39 of 1997), which provides for exemption from income tax and associated marginal relief, be amended in the manner and to the extent specified in the Act giving effect to this Resolution. 2. THAT Schedule 13 to the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (No. 39 of 1997), which contains the list of accountable persons for the purposes...

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 10a, motion re referral to the joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Limerick City Boundary Alteration Order 2008; No. 10b, Finance Bill 2008 — allocation of time motion for select committee; 10c, Finance Bill 2008 — Financial Resolutions; No. 15, Control of Exports Bill 2007 [Seanad] — Order for Report, Report and Final Stages, to...

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to indicate at this stage when the pharmacy Bill will be brought forward. On the matter raised by Deputy Kenny in respect of newspaper coverage, this issue relates to 272 prisoners out of a total prison population of 150,000 during a 16-year period. Deputies will be interested to know that the use of temporary release has decreased significantly from 20% when the Rainbow...

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: On the Deputy's second point, I would be amendable to inserting some of the recommendations into the Bill he mentioned earlier. That is why I am having amendments drawn up to take on some of those recommendations and incorporate them into the Bill under discussion.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have just explained the procedure to the Deputy. He asked a question and then criticised me for letting him know when I will take some of the recommendations made by the Standards in Public Office Commission last summer.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I answered the question but if I get a smart answer I have to give Deputy Gilmore a smart answer back.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It was a smart answer. Deputy Gilmore is trying to get a line in the newspaper.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Gilmore need not worry. He will achieve double digits eventually. He will break through that 10% mark any time soon. Recommendations were made, some of which I wish to incorporate. Those amendments are being prepared. When they are finalised and incorporated into the Bill it can come to the House and be dealt with comprehensively. I thought that was a comprehensive way to deal...

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes, with Government amendments. It will incorporate some of the recommendations of the Standards in Public Office Commission and when enacted here will return to the Seanad to take on those amendments.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Two more.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government has approved that course of action in principle. Work continues on some technical amendments and they will be provided as soon as possible. Once I have that I can come to the House with the incorporated Bill. I cannot say much more about it.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: How the House orders its business is a matter for the Whips, as the Ceann Comhairle said.