Results 13,001-13,020 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Markets in Financial Instruments and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2007: Second Stage (2 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." This Bill started out as a very short item of legislation. Just a few short sections were needed to complement the regulations which I made last February to transpose the EU Markets in Financial Instruments Directive or MiFID into Irish law. The whole new MiFID regime comes into effect for the industry across the European Union with effect...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Valuation Act, 2001 which came into effect on 2 May 2002 provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose including constructions affixed thereto are rateable. In regard to the Valuation Act, 2001, I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act, and that I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, have no...

Written Answers — Tourism Development: Tourism Development (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: The mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme is a tax incentive scheme introduced in Section 29 of the Finance Act 2007. The legislation provides for the appointment of a mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Board which will be responsible for approving and certifying buildings and structures that qualify for relief under the Scheme. In carrying out this function the Board will be...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Inheritance tax is part of the capital acquisitions tax (CAT) code, which includes both gift tax and inheritance tax. It was first introduced in 1976 and replaced estate duty taxation. The Finance Act 2000 introduced a package of measures specifically designed to reduce the impact of CAT where assets are transferred. These measures included increased thresholds, the introduction of a...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Mineral Oil Tax is applied to mineral oil products which are released onto the market in the State by producers, importers and distributors located in the State. However, as part of the Government commitment to promote renewable energy I introduced a relief from Mineral Oil Tax for biofuel projects under the Finance Act, 2006. The relief from Mineral Oil Tax for biofuel projects under the...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: The tax treatment of income derived from the payment of diversification aid to former sugar beet growers is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am informed by the Commissioners that based on the information available to them on the current proposals for the payment of such aid the payments will be subject to income tax. My Department has advised the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a repayment for 2005 has been processed for the named person and a cheque will issue shortly. When a return for 2006 is filed, the question of a liability or refund for that year will be examined.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have every confidence in the collegiate nature of the Whips. I am looking at Deputy Stagg in particular who is well known for his co-operative nature. The first item on his agenda will be the establishment of the Deputy's finance and public service committee. I look forward to discussing these matters at the earliest opportunity.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to indicate when the Bill will come before the House. Perhaps a parliamentary question to the line Minister with the opportunity for supplementaries will divine more detail.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Not to my knowledge.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 11, motion re Shannon Airport and development of the mid-west region on the conclusion of No. 16. 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: (i) the speeches of a Minister or Minister of State...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate the Deputy's request.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am not in a position to accommodate Deputy Stagg's request.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Yesterday's schedule was altered because of the decision of the Opposition to put down a confidence motion. We are now dealing with the business as scheduled.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I join the Leader of the Opposition in conveying the sympathy of the House to the families of Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy who lost their lives while doing their job as fire fighters in Bray yesterday. In regard to the fire service generally, we have completed the first phase of a fire service change and modernisation programme which focused initially on the enhancement of fire...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Consideration can be given to that matter in discussions between the Whips in preparation for next week's business. The Government has been discussing it at some length at recent Cabinet meetings. The Taoiseach has allowed a considerable amount of time for it in next week's agenda. There was a further serious incident last night. Occurring in the same week when a garda carrying out his...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Debates on matters such as the Comptroller and Auditor General's report are normally dealt with in committee, be it the Committee of Public Accounts or the finance and the public service committee. That is the means by which this is done. They may also be considered in plenary session on the floor of the House if the Whips so decide. There will be many opportunities, as there always are,...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is time to recognise the role played by public private partnerships. They do not replace traditional procurement policy but they do play an important role in this area. There are many examples of where they have proven to be of extraordinary assistance in transforming areas at great speed. I have already named three.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Bill will be taken early next year. I join with Deputy Lynch in sending best wishes to the athletes travelling to Shanghai. I was glad to have been able to provide in my last budget a significant allocation to the organisation involved.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, the Taoiseach, in response to questions yesterday, conveyed the wishes of the new Minister of State with responsibility for children to continue with the work engaged in by the committee established by the former Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan. It is intended to establish a joint standing committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas and to provide it with the...