Results 12,021-12,040 of 27,019 for speaker:Michael Noonan

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Black Economy Issues (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: The shadow economy has a distorting effect on the business environment and can have a serious negative impact on the competitiveness and sustainability of legitimate businesses. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are committed to tackling shadow economy activity, working in close co-operation as appropriate with other State agencies and international bodies. There is...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Credit Availability (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: Senior officials of the Department of Finance have already exchanged working papers on this subject with KfW and the German Ministry of Finance.  There have been meetings on this matter in Berlin, Frankfurt and Dublin as well as numerous teleconferences. The NTMA and the Department of Finance are currently working on the detail of the debt products to be offered to the SME sector with...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: State Banking Sector (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I have stated in the past that I do not see the State as a long-term investor in the banking sector and I am keen to return the banks to private ownership at the appropriate time, having considered the overall interests of the taxpayer. The State has already executed the successful disposal of some of its investments in the banks. Last year the State completed three transactions the...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Small and Medium Enterprises Debt (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: The Government recognises that SMEs are the lifeblood of the economy and will play a vital role in the recovery of employment growth in our country. Government policy is focused on ensuring that all viable SMEs have access to an appropriate supply of credit from a diverse range of bank and non-bank sources.  In June 2013 the Central Bank, in consultation with the European Central...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Banking Sector (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: In Autumn 2013, following a review of its operations by the UK Treasury, RBS reaffirmed its commitment to the Irish market.  As part of that process, Treasury officials engaged with officials from my Department.  In February 2014, I met with RBS executives to ascertain their outlook for the bank both here and in the UK. RBS is currently reviewing the operations...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: IBRC Liquidation (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I am advised by the Special Liquidators that they are unable to estimate the final cost of the liquidation at this time. There are a number of matters that remain outstanding, including the disposal of assets that were not included in the recent portfolio sales, that are likely to have an impact on the ultimate outcome of the liquidation, I have been advised that the Special...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Code (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: As the Deputy is aware, the Competition Directorate of the European Commission is currently conducting a review of corporate tax ruling procedures in various EU Member States in order to assess such practices under EU State Aid rules. What is involved at this stage is a preliminary gathering and examination of information on the part of the Commission for the purposes of getting an overview...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Property Taxation Exemptions (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I am advised by Revenue that, while there is no specific exemption from Local Property Tax (LPT) for a person with a disability, or for domestic properties that have been modified to cater for a person with a disability, an exemption may apply in certain limited circumstances. Section 10B of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides that an exemption from the charge...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Fuel Rebate Scheme (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 93 and 106 together. I introduced this scheme in the Finance Act 2013 in order to provide for a repayment to qualifying road haulage and bus operators of a part of the mineral oil tax paid on their purchases of auto-diesel for use in the course of business.  In order to address the risk of widespread abuse of the scheme, provision was made for certain...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Costais Aistriúcháin (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: Tuigim go maith an t-ábhar seo maidir le hárachas i leith tuilte agus na deacrachtaí atá ann maidir le hárachas tuile a fháil.  Tuigim freisin na deacrachtaí a chothaíonn easpa árachais tuile do theaghlaigh agus do ghnóthaí.  Níl sé de chumhacht agamsa ná ag Banc Ceannais na hÉireann, áfach, treoir a...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Property Taxation Administration (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I am advised by Revenue that a dedicated phone number is available specifically for persons living abroad wishing to make enquiries with regard to Local Property Tax (LPT).   The dedicated number is +353 01 7023049 and is included alongside the 1890 200255 Helpline number on the various LPT notifications (i.e. the 2013 LPT Return, Form LPT1, and the LPT Booklet, which issued to property...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: State Properties (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: The End March 2014 Exchequer Statement included capital receipts of €202.5 million under the heading "National Lottery License payment". This is the first instalment of the upfront Licence Fee payable by Premier Lotteries Ireland Limited for the next licence to operate the National Lottery.  The second instalment of a further €202.5 million is due to be paid by Premier...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Health Insurance Levy (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amount of Health Levy collected from self-employed taxpayers in 2010 was €188m. The amount of the Health Levy collected from PAYE taxpayers was included in the overall PRSI receipts for 2010 transferred to Department of Social Protection and is not separately identifiable by the Revenue Commissioners.

Written Answers — Department of Finance: VAT Rate Application (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: Under EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply, economic activity in general is subject to VAT. In this context, the greyhound industry involves a variety of supplies of goods and services that come within the scope of VAT.  In the first instance, betting on greyhound racing is generally exempt from VAT. With regard to greyhound food, the supply of dog food is liable to VAT at...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Bank Charges (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I, as Minister for Finance have no role in the regulation of bank charges in Ireland. The Central Bank approves maximum charges under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995.  The Central Bank has informed me that credit institutions have discretion in relation to the charges actually imposed, within the maximum levels approved.  Also, a credit institution can choose...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Deposit Interest Rates (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: The increase in the rate of Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) arising from the Budget changes announced in October 2013 took effect in respect of interest paid or credited on or after 1 January 2014.   I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the legislation governing the operation of Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) is set out in Chapters 4 and 5 of Part 8 of the...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Banks Recapitalisation (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 112 together. The European Stability Mechanism's (ESM) Direct Recapitalisation Instrument (DRI) was not on the Agenda for the March meeting of the Euro-area Heads of State or Government (HoSG). As the Deputies are aware, the Euro-area Heads of State or Government (HoSG) agreed in June 2012 that "it is imperative to break the vicious circle between...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Single Resolution Mechanism (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I am of the view that the agreement on the Single Resolution Mechanism is a significant achievement that helps increase the stability of banks and the overall banking system in the participating Member States and should also significantly reduce the spill-over effects of crises into non-participating Member States  and will thus facilitate the functioning of the internal...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Disabled Drivers Grant Eligibility (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant legislation governing the Drivers & Passengers with Disabilities Scheme is contained in Section 134(3) of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended) and Statutory Instrument No: 353 of 1994 (Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994 (as amended). The Scheme provides for relief from VAT and VRT...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Property Taxation Collection (8 Apr 2014)

Michael Noonan: For the Deputy s information, I previously outlined in detail the overall cost of the Local Property Tax (LPT) project in Question Number 7 (49077/13) on 20 November 2013. In regard to the specific Questions asked by the Deputy, I am advised by Revenue that the operational components of the Local Property Tax (LPT)/Household Charge (HHC) project that have been outsourced to external providers...