Results 12,901-12,920 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Decentralisation Programme. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Proposals cannot be made in the absence of co-operation from all concerned and a commitment to resolve the problems. Up to now, we have had a stand-off. Indeed, the policy of non-co-operation has been stated on the SIPTU website, even in the aftermath of the Labour Court recommendation. Having got their clarification, it is time for us to get down to discussing the issues to see what can...

Tax Receipts. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: At €31,462 million, Exchequer tax receipts to end-September were €490 million or 1.5% below profile. They were up 6.1% on the same period last year. Corporation tax and income tax both performed well, coming in at €296 million and €56 million above profile respectively, reflecting the health of the economy generally. Receipts from each of the other main tax heads were below...

Tax Receipts. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Some of the offsetting issues relate to the cost of debt repayments. As of now, however, the deficit is estimated to be €1 billion over a projected estimate of €546 million at budget time.

Tax Receipts. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Yes, but we estimate that there will be some offsets in terms of debt repayment issues and NTMA issues. What was the Deputy's second point?

Tax Receipts. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: This year, together with the Central Bank, the ESRI and others, my Department examined the question of how to improve forecasting in order to be as accurate as possible, not that we were very inaccurate. Obviously, it is always difficult to project or predict improvement in property markets, depending on the extent of activity that occurs. I will receive that report shortly.

Tax Receipts. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Last year's points were made on the basis of maintaining current economic strength. In the first six months of this year the economy improved by 6.4% but there has been a different story in the second half. We will have to make decisions closer to budget time, when we know the outcome of revenue trends, where we stand on future expenditure levels, and how we will try to maintain a capital...

Tax Receipts. (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: We have had a strong budgetary position recently, bringing in surpluses in ten of the past 11 years, while also having an unprecedentedly large capital programme, enhanced by the national development plan, as well as increases in current expenditure. A significant amount of revenue comes in at the end of the year, in October and November, from the self-employed and in corporation taxes. We...

Order of Business (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy should get some rosin for his fiddle. He is out of tune.

Order of Business (16 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy should vary it a bit.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the persons in question purchased a site for the purposes of building a house thereon by way of deed dated 7 April 2006 They subsequently entered into a building agreement for the construction of the house. Section 91A Stamp Duties Consolidation Act, 1999 grants exemption to new houses whose floor area does not exceed 125 square metres and where...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that pension schemes fall into two general categories, namely, occupational pension schemes such as a scheme provided by an employer for his/her employees, and other pension schemes, for example, for those employees who are not in an occupational pension scheme and the self employed. Under current tax law, an individual may claim tax relief on...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no record of receiving a request for a refund of income tax from the individual concerned. However, if this person wishes to seek a refund, he should make a claim, with supporting documents, to the Revenue Commissioners, Kildare Revenue District, Grattan House, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 11, statements on the establishment of committees, and No. 3, Fines Bill 2007 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 11 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.30 p.m. today and the following arrangements shall apply: the statements of a...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: As I understand it, legislative change is not being advocated in respect of the lecture given last evening in Cork. The subject of the lecture was the issue of procedures within the court system. Such procedures are, in all circumstances, a matter for the courts. We should maintain the separation of powers between the Legislature and the Judiciary as regards the internal workings of the courts.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I only wish to say that the Taoiseach addressed this matter in the House last Tuesday when the leader of Deputy Burton's party asked this question. He was of the view that it should be possible for both parties to come together and try to resolve whatever differences exist between them in the interests of proceeding in an orderly fashion. Obviously, the industrial relations machinery...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Order of Business has been set.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Bill referred to by Deputy Ó Caoláin is to give effect to the proposals arising from the Government's discussion paper, Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents, which will provide for the introduction of a new means-tested payment for lone parents and other families on low incomes and will replace the one-parent family payment. That is not due for publication until next year. The...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware of any promised legislation. In his response to that report, the chief executive of the Prison Service pointed out during the course of the week that it is intended by the end of 2010 with the capital programme in place to address some of the issues which have been raised perennially and which are historic features of the prison system. There is a significant capital...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand the first piece of legislation will be taken in the House during this session, while the second and third pieces of legislation referred to by the Deputy are due for next year. I am sure there will be other opportunities in the meantime to discuss the state of agriculture in respect of the Estimates over the coming weeks.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Discussion of any of these reports is a matter for the Whips. In respect of fosterage, there has been a significant investment by the Government in making this more widely available as an option for troubled children.