Results 13,161-13,180 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Hospitals Building Programme: Hospitals Building Programme (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: Capital allowances are available in respect of capital expenditure incurred on the construction or refurbishment of a private hospital which falls within the definition of a qualifying hospital set out in section 268 (2A) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 which was inserted by the Finance Act 2001 provision referred to by the Deputy. The scheme of capital allowances came into effect in May...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: The recently published Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007 introduces an exemption from stamp duty for first-time buyers in accordance with the commitments made in the Programme for Government to bring about immediate change to the stamp duty code for first-time buyers. This provides that deeds presented by first-time buyers to the Revenue Commissioners on or after 30 April 2007 will be exempt from...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a site for the new decentralised offices in Newcastle West was purchased by the Office of Public Works (OPW) from Limerick County Council in 2005. Following due process a preferred tenderer was identified and a planning application was lodged with Limerick County Council which was granted on 26 March 2007. Working drawing and other documents are...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007 introduces an exemption from stamp duty for first-time buyers in accordance with the commitments made in the Programme for Government to bring about immediate change to the stamp duty code for first-time buyers. This provides that deeds presented by first-time buyers to the Revenue Commissioners on or after 30 April 2007 will be exempt from stamp duty. As a deed...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in line with normal practice, the VAT refunds in question are being withheld pending the submission of returns under other tax heads and the discharging of any consequential tax liability. On receipt of these returns this matter will be dealt with.

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that based on the information supplied they have been unable to trace any claim by the named person under the Disabled Drivers and the Disabled Passengers [Tax Concessions] Regulations 1994. A claim under the above regulations can only be considered by the Revenue Commissioners from a person who has qualified for a Primary Medical Certificate which is...

Written Answers — Foster Care: Foster Care (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: Foster care payments are exempt by virtue of section 192B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. This measure was introduced by section 11 of the Finance Act 2005. Children in foster care are in the care of the State under the Child Care Act 1991. Foster carers undertake to care for foster children on the State's behalf and as such are a unique group in unique circumstances. However, I would...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) that they launched the Central Applications Facility on 12 May 2004 to provide an on-line application facility for civil and public servants interested in registering an interest in the Governments Decentralisation Programme. The site is accessed through www.publicjobs.ie. From this facility the PAS produces reports and statistics for...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 197 together. In the period since 24th May 2007 no appointments were made to bodies under the aegis of my Department. The following table lists the current vacancies and vacancies due to arise on bodies under aegis of my Department up to and including the 1st January 2008. Name of Body No. of current Vacancies Number of new vacancies due to arise...

Written Answers — General Medical Services Scheme: General Medical Services Scheme (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 17 of the Finance Act 2003 introduced new repayment provisions whereby a claim for repayment must be made within four years from the end of the period to which the claim relates. This four year time limit came into effect on 1 January 2005 where a claim is made on or after 1 January 2005 the overall time limit is reduced to four years....

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the person named has not applied for a tax clearance certificate. While it appears that she may qualify for tax clearance, Revenue requires the completion of an application form TC1 to progress the matter.The person concerned should contact Ms Kathyrn O'Connor, South West Region, Sullivan's Quay, Cork, telephone 021 4325475. Ms O'Connor will...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: My Department, together with the Office of Public Works, is examining possibilities for permanent accommodation in Kildare for circa 30 posts as part of the Government's decentralisation programme. Pending the identification of a suitable permanent accommodation solution, interim accommodation options in County Kildare are being examined, with a view to having an advance move commenced later...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works are in advanced negotiations for a five year lease on a premises in Athy that will accommodate 75-80 Revenue staff. The premises is expected to be available towards the end of the year.

Seanad: Ethics In Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I thank the Senators who contributed to the debate. I will try to deal with a couple of the points that were made. A number of Members do not seem to realise that gifts given to officeholders by a friend or relative for personal reasons only are, regardless of the amounts involved, exempt under existing legislation. We need to address that situation in light of controversies that arose. In...

Seanad: Ethics In Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: People have come out and voted. They have not voted because they think the people they elect are corrupted or unfit for public office. They entrust the running of the country, the parliamentary functions under our Constitution and our executive functions to us on the basis that they believe at this time that whatever Members have been successful, we will face the same sort of outcome. I...

Seanad: Ethics In Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: As Senators will be aware, there is already a substantial body of legislation in place to regulate the ethical standards of people in public office. This includes the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, as well as the Electoral Act 1997. There is also a statutory code of conduct for office holders and this House and the Lower House have adopted...

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: What cuts in stamp duty did I subsequently introduce?

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: There are no cuts.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am extending an exemption.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Committee Stage (3 Jul 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Senator is a man who insists on preserving the meaning of the English language.