Results 12,121-12,140 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The taxation of remote betting operators is designed to level the playing field with traditional bookmakers and the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013, published in July, provides the regulatory framework for this. The Bill was subject to a three-month standstill period under the EU technical standards directive. This commenced in July and a number of communications seeking clarification around...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Section 52, which is opposed by Deputy Boyd Barrett, confirms the budget increases in the rates of tobacco products tax which, when VAT is included, amount to 10 cent on a pack of 20 cigarettes in the most popular price category with pro rata increases on other tobacco products. As a result of the budget increase, the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in the most popular price category has...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The fines applicable to an offence of evasion or attempted evasion of excise duty on excisable products were increased significantly in the Finance Acts 2008 and 2010. For a summary conviction, the set fine was increased to €5,000. For a conviction on indictment, the maximum fine was increased tenfold to €126,970, or where the value of the goods concerned, including duty and...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: On the face of it, there is an issue, but I do not believe the amendment, as structured, would resolve the issue. There could be unintended consequences. If trial judges believed defendants did not have the ability to pay the full fine, they would be forced to impose sentences or, more likely, suspended sentences in all cases and no fines would be paid.

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: May I step out to take an urgent call?

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose that the sitting be suspended for five minutes until 10.57 a.m.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: May I read the reply?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The question was to ask the Minister-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: And I cannot read the answer.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Is Question Time cancelled?

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Irish Water Staff (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary under the Companies Acts within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group. The Act also provided Irish Water with the necessary powers to undertake the domestic water metering progamme. The Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013, which was published on 2 December 2013, will provide for the transfer of...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: National Pensions Reserve Fund Investments (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 17 together. A key objective of the water sector reform programme is to rationalise the cost of the current service delivery and ensure more efficient operation of water services by moving from 34 water services authorities to a single body; following enactment of the Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 which is currently being considered bythe Seanad,...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The map referenced by the Deputy is a risk map that does not replace site specific investigations, but is appropriate for evaluating impact of potential contaminant release at the surface, or near surface, e.g. on site wastewater treatment systems, licensed landspreading and landfills. With respect to exploration for unconventional gas, the map would be appropriate for assessing the risk...

Electricity Infrastructure: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: First, I would like to assure Deputy Ferris that the Grid Link project has nothing to do with the export project. Grid Link is not being built to facilitate any traded sector that may emerge in the future. I have listened carefully to the points made by Members from both sides during this debate and previous debates and to the concerns raised by the Oireachtas committee in the past two...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (4 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: On Deputy Doherty's amendment, I would like to clarify any confusion which may exist in relation to the point he has raised in his amendment. I share his concern that the initiative should be targeted at the areas where it will do the most good and that it should not be available on a wide-scale basis. The landscape of this country is still scarred by the rampant tax-driven property...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (4 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I advise Deputy Doherty that the officials have offered to meet with him to clarify the issues he raised. If he is happy to accept that offer, they would be happy to do. However, the position still stands and we do not accept the amendments.

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (4 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I did not interrupt the Deputy. I ask him to be kind and to listen, difficult though that may be for him. There are more people working now than there were last year, tax returns have increased and a greater air of confidence is evident. Notwithstanding the difficulties families face - and no one is denying that such difficulties exist - when I knock on people's doors, I am met with hope...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (4 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Deputy should have some manners, as we say in my house, and listen to people rather than trying to interrupt them. He should refrain from interrupting. People have informed me that they believe the Government is succeeding in dealing with the issues, notwithstanding the fact that there is a long way to go. It is no surprise that Forbes magazine has an article on its website today which...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (4 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: If we were to refer to the troika representatives as "emigrants", then we would be extremely happy that they are leaving. We had the courage of our convictions and we dealt with the issues that arose. We did not shy away from difficult decisions and our policies are successful. That is the reality of the situation.

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (4 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I will conclude shortly. I just want to finish reading my reply.