Results 13,561-13,580 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Code of Conduct for Office Holders. (3 Apr 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is disgraceful.

Written Answers — Drug Seizures: Drug Seizures (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that one drug detector dog is permanently based at Shannon Airport. A dog has been used by customs officials at the airport continuously since 1991. The annual cost of the dog team — including the salary of the dog handler — is approximately €86,000 with an initial start up cost of €54,000. The dog based in Shannon is trained to quickly pass...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: A number of areas in Mayo are already designated for relief under the 2 main area based tax incentive schemes, Ballina was among the 42 towns and cities that had integrated areas designated for tax relief under the 1999 Urban Renewal Scheme, while Belmullet, Charlestown and Foxford had sub-areas and sites designated for tax relief under the Town Renewal Scheme. Under both of these schemes...

Written Answers — Employment Conditions: Employment Conditions (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have had enquiries made into the concerns raised by the Deputy on behalf of the person in question. I am informed by his employing Office that the person involved has had lengthy correspondence concerning aspects of his conditions of service and that the concerns have been fully considered and addressed appropriately. I am also informed that in the light of recent developments, certain...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer has been assessed for tax in accordance with the returns he has submitted as a self employed person and that there are no refunds due to him by the Revenue Commissioners at this time.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: He will have to reconcile his distance from Fine Gael with his new profession. The argument put forward on radio by the gentleman in question is that the Fine Gael proposal is a great idea because stamp duty stops sellers from getting more money for their houses and that the houses would be worth €50,000 or more extra if the stamp duty did not have to be paid. His client would win but the...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: To pick up on what Senator Mansergh stated, I have sought to be circumspect and I have not engaged in any speculation regarding the future of stamp duty and the role it plays in our taxation system for the obvious and valid reasons outlined by him in terms of the budgetary context of how all these matters are handled. Now that it has been decided to put out this as a centrepiece of Fine...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I thank the Seanad for the good debate we had on the Bill. I always enjoy the nice contrast in the approach to the Bill in this House compared to that in the upper House.

Seanad: Schools Funding (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Senator has outlined in detail the situation that applies to Drumnigh school and the wider role the Montessori movement plays in education. We welcome the plurality of approaches which now characterises the provision of education in Ireland, as exemplified not only by the Montessori movement but by Educate Together and various other providers, in addition to the established, traditional...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: In accordance with Standing Order 121, I request the Leas-Chathaoirleach to direct the Clerk to make four minor corrections to the Bill which are of a formal or verbal nature. In section 9, page 16, line 26, the reference to "subsection (6)(c)" should read "subsection (6)(b)". Corrections of a similar nature are required to be made in sections 18, 19 and 35.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am glad to have the opportunity to say a few words on this issue. Senator Terry's amendment gives her an opportunity to discuss the Fine Gael proposals in this area, in particular the suggestion that we increase the threshold for first-time buyers of second-hand houses from €317,500 to €450,000. There is a duty on all of us, in view of the speculation being caused by reason of the fact...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2007 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I look forward to hearing from him.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: The position is that the incapacitated child tax credit is only available to parents or guardians in respect of a child who is permanently incapacitated either physically or mentally from maintaining himself or herself as outlined in Section 465 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. I have no plans to extend the credit to parents or guardians of children with Asperger's syndrome who would not...

Written Answers — Irish Language: Irish Language (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: There is currently no prerecorded message service on my Department's main switch line. As outlined in the Department's scheme 2006-2009 under Section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003, any telephone prerecorded oral announcements introduced will be provided in Irish and English. Individual staff record messages on an ongoing basis on their dedicated phone extensions and are free to...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are aware of licensing arrangements between developers and landowners. The arrangement mentioned in the question arises where the developer obtains a licence from the landowner that entitles the developer to enter onto the land and erect buildings. The usual way of achieving this is for the landowner to grant the developer or his bank or...

Written Answers — Ministerial Appointments: Ministerial Appointments (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: The following vacancies have arisen recently or are due to arise in the coming months on State boards, State bodies or other entities under the aegis of my Department and I would envisage filling the majority of these vacancies by 31 May 2007. Name of Body No. of Vacancies Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) 7 State Claims Agency (SCA) Policy Committee 5 Valuation Tribunal 4 Civil Service...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am not convinced of the need for the Bill. The current system for appointing people to State bodies has been in existence for a long time. It has worked well. Governments of various hues have tapped into the advice and experience of experts, business people and professionals, which has informed Government and helped to make progress. The Bill is drafted to include State bodies, boards,...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is amazing that party membership should mean disbarment from public service.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand Deputy Boyle will close the debate. I am entitled to speak uninterruptedly in the House.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 Mar 2007)

Brian Cowen: If that is the case, fine. I am just making the point to the Deputy that I have been Minister for Transport, Industry and Communications in charge of commercial State bodies. I have been Minister for Health, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Finance. On all of the board appointments I make I seek to appoint competent people. I do not regard political party membership as a...