Results 11,981-12,000 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the specific information sought on the number of cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos purchased is not available from Revenue records. However, figures of the quantities of cigarettes and other tobacco products on which Excise has been paid in the State are as set out on the table for the period 1997-2006, together with figures of the net excise...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, together. The National Pensions Reserve Fund was established in 2001 to meet as much as possible of the costs of social welfare and public service pensions from 2025 when these costs are projected to increase dramatically due to the ageing of the population. Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, the National Pensions Reserve...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: A total of one hundred and twenty (120) posts are now located in new offices in Tullamore. The amounts paid from my Department's Vote in respect of home travel and subsistence (which includes payments for any mileage) for the staff of sections of my Department which decentralised to Tullamore, were as set out in the table. These amounts include payments in respect of mileage, subsistence...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: My Department's practice is to make payments on foot of mature liabilities only. As such, apart from the usual prepayments in relation to contractual obligations, my Department has not paid in advance for works or services that will not be commenced before the end of the 2007 financial year. I have been informed that this is also the situation in relation to my Department's agencies.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: First-time buyers are treated favourably under the stamp duty code in recognition of the special circumstances of persons purchasing their first home. Preferential rates and thresholds were afforded to first-time buyers up until the Finance (No. 2) Act 2007, which introduced a full exemption from stamp duty for first-time buyers on the purchase of new or second-hand dwelling houses or...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: My consideration of this matter is not a reflection on any outgoing member of the commission. The tenure of office is six years and the former Member, Mr. Liam Kavanagh, who was also a former Minister for the Environment, gave that service. There is a discretion to consider the appointment once the tenure is finished. I would not have been aware of the consultations in 2001, but I will...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: Yes.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I will be brief. Were I aware of a previous procedure — there was no evidence of such in the file, but if it took place, it took place — I would have put the position I am now putting to the House, namely, that Mr. Smith be recommended for appointment. While Deputy Gilmore stated unequivocally that he was making a bona fide political point, which I accept, the former Deputy, Mr. Smith,...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I reject the suggestion that there is not a former member of my party who could do this job equally as well as his predecessors.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: That is the import of what is being said——

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: ——and it is an unfair reflection because former Deputy, Mr. Smith, is either suitable or he is not and from what I hear this morning he is eminently suitable. It remains with the incumbent Minister for Finance to make the appointment.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: It does.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: To be correct, it is for the Minister for Finance to recommend him for appointment. I have asked the former Deputy, Mr. Smith, if he will be available to take up the position if the resolution is passed and he is available to take up the appointment. I intend putting that resolution to the House and I do not believe it will be necessary to divide the House. Deputy Gilmore may wish to raise...

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: As I said, no discourtesy was intended to anybody.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand it was promised and that the Minister made it clear that some legal issues have arisen regarding its publication in respect of certain parties involved. That is my recollection of it. That being the case, they have to be——

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: No. They will be dealt with. There are parties who have certain rights in respect of this matter as well. I am not aware of the detail but these legal issues cannot be ignored, as the Deputy knows well.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand the designated land (housing development) Bill, the heads of which have been approved, is due for publication in early 2008. I suggest that tabling a parliamentary question on the specific detail he is inquiring about would be the best way for the Deputy to proceed.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: A number of Bills will be published before the resumption of the next term and will be taken in the next term. Others require further departmental and Government consideration and they give a general indication that they will be published next year. I cannot be any more specific than that.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Durkan is always hungry for legislation.

Order of Business. (13 Dec 2007)

Brian Cowen: He eats, drinks and sleeps drafting.