Results 11,721-11,740 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as same-sex couples are not separately identified in tax statistics, it is not possible to provide the precise information requested by the Deputy. However, in the event that a formal registration scheme for same-sex couples were introduced, it is estimated that the cost of extending married treatment under the income tax code to such couples...

Written Answers — Income Statistics: Income Statistics (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that statistics maintained by them on the incomes of taxpayers do not distinguish between incomes derived from full-time employment and part-time working. It would not be possible to arrive at meaningful figures for average incomes without conducting a protracted re-development of the...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy may be aware, informing Embassies located in the State on various matters is, generally, done by way of Note to the Heads of the Missions issued by the Protocol Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. In this regard, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Protocol Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, by way of Note dated 28th June 2005, encouraged...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Under the decentralisation programme both the Public Appointments Service and the Valuation Office will transfer 100 posts each to Youghal. The current status with both of these agencies is that arrangements for decentralisation are proceeding in accordance with their implementation plans which have been prepared and submitted by each of the agencies to the Decentralisation Implementation...

Written Answers — Social Partnership: Social Partnership (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The implementation of the modernisation agenda has been, and continues to be, driven by the various social partnership agreements across the public service. The current social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, builds on the progress made under previous agreements and ensures continued co-operation with change and modernisation initiatives as well as improvements in productivity right...

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I presume the Deputy is referring to one of the 93 recommendations of the National Taskforce on Obesity report "Obesity: the Policy Challenges" published in 2005. Primary responsibility in relation to policy on health promotion including healthy eating, active living and obesity rests with the Minister for Health and Children and the HSE. I understand that the Department of Health and...

Written Answers — EU Funding: EU Funding (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: My Department is responsible for, amongst other things, overall policy in relation to Ireland's EU Structural and Cohesion Funds. It also plays a central role in the development and monitoring of the programmes/projects through which the Funds are drawn down. Ireland has qualified for Structural Funds since we joined the EU in 1973 and for the Cohesion Fund from 1993 when it was established....

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as in all other Departments and Offices, it is possible to be listed for a priority transfer at grades represented by Civil Public & Services Union, i.e. Clerical Officer and Staff Officer grades. An Officer must be on the appropriate Central Transfer List for the Revenue location in question. Human Resources Division, Revenue, must receive...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: To date one hundred and twenty three (123) staff of my Department have decentralised to Tullamore and a further two (2) have accepted offers of decentralisation. It is envisaged that a further five (5) will have relocated to Tullamore by the end of 2008, bringing to one hundred and thirty (130) the overall number of posts which will have been decentralised to Tullamore. My Department...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax, VAT and excise duty on fuel (up to certain limits), and exemption from motor tax, on the purchase and use of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. Based on the most recent data available from the Revenue Commissioners...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand from the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which is independent in the exercise of its functions, that 420 appeals were received during 2007 by the Medical Board of Appeal against decisions by Senior Medical Officers of the Health Service Executive to refuse Primary Medical Certificates. The Medical Board of Appeal contacted some 460 people regarding offers of...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Parliamentary Questions are dealt with, as the need arises, by the staff in the sections dealing with the particular issue(s) raised in individual Parliamentary Questions. The number and level of staff and time spent on an individual answer depends on the complexity and importance of the issue raised , the form in which the information exists in the Department, and the form of the proposed...

Finance Bill 2008: Second Stage (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It will depend on the level of take-up.

Finance Bill 2008: Order for Second Stage (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Finance Bill 2008: Second Stage (5 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am glad to be able to introduce my fifth Finance Bill to the House. In previous Bills I introduced measures that supported business, made the tax system fairer and significantly lightened the burden on low and middle income earners. In this Bill I will continue with this approach, while also seeking to promote care for our environment...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (31 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: Up to 2006, DIRT was deducted from a customer's deposit interest regardless of whether or not the customer was actually liable to tax. At the end of each year some account holders, provided they met certain conditions, were entitled to claim a refund from Revenue of any DIRT deducted during the year. Section 34 of the Finance Act 2007 introduced a new scheme to allow the operation of DIRT...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (31 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Finance Bill will be published at 14:00 today and it is not the practice to comment on it, one way or another, before it is presented to the Dáil.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (31 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: From the details supplied by the Deputy, it is not possible for the Revenue Commissioners to comment on the actual case. However, the general position is as follows. Tax relief at source (TRS) is granted on a secured loan used for the purchase, repair, development or improvement of a principal private residence. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an individual wishing to...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (31 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: The position is that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive, Member States can only apply the standard VAT rate to fuel. In Ireland the standard VAT rate is 21%. Any reduction VAT paid on a litre of fuel for fishing vessels would have to apply to all goods and services subject to the...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (31 Jan 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that disability allowance is not taxable. The additional income from rehabilitative work earned by the person is, in general, taxable. However, the tax credits to which the person is entitled exceed any liability on this income and based on their current level of income they are not liable to tax. The taxpayer has not paid any income tax over...