Results 14,921-14,940 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Drug Seizures. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: A review is being undertaken by the Revenue Commissioners and it will include an examination of all the risks attached to the operation of and procedures attaching to aerodromes. The control of licensed aerodromes which do not have a permanent customs presence is carried out by dedicated anti-smuggling teams which focus on the smuggling of prohibited goods, including drugs and fiscal...

Drug Seizures. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: We must recognise that this seizure was carried out on the basis of intelligence through the various networks and agencies that co-ordinate actions in this area. I do not think one should draw a conclusion that the flights that pass through our aerodromes are all drug laden. That is not a fair reflection.

Drug Seizures. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I do not think it is a fair reflection on the professionalism of the staff or the confidence we should place in the ability of Customs and Excise staff to do their jobs. They have indicated that best international practice in regard to these sort of facilities is put in place. All the evidence from Customs and Excise administrations worldwide indicates that the most effective means of...

Motor Fuels. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have no proposals to extend the use of green diesel to hauliers. Green diesel, also known as marked gas oil, MGO, is a reduced-rate diesel containing a dye and a chemical marker. It is primarily used in the agricultural sector, for example, in farm tractors and certain vehicles used for the most part by the agricultural sector, and also by construction machinery and vehicles designed for...

Motor Fuels. (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Excise is charged on petrol and diesel at 44 cent and 36 cent per litre, respectively. Excise rates in the EU are subject to minimum rates under the EU energy tax directive. Irish rates are around the EU average and are considerably lower than many of our trading partners, particularly the UK. While rates could be potentially reduced to the basic EU minima, I remind the Deputy that EU...

Leaders' Questions (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Ó Caoláin should use shorter sentences.

Leaders' Questions (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: This is the oldest trick in the book.

Leaders' Questions (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: This is misrepresentation.

Leaders' Questions (18 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: There were no great increases in social welfare under de Rossa, which were the lowest in 30 years. He did a proper job.

Written Answers — Customs Service: Customs Service (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Customs Service of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. It has particular responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry to the State, specifically at ports and airports, including licensed airfields, and on the land frontier. The control of...

Written Answers — Customs Service: Customs Service (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Customs Service of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. It has particular responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry to the State, specifically at ports and airports, including licensed airfields, and on the land frontier. The control of...

Written Answers — Tax Clearance Certificates: Tax Clearance Certificates (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners that they do not issue forms P60. These are issued by a person's employer. The person in question should request a duplicate copy of the original P60 from her employer.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The primary mechanism for placing civil servants who are in posts which are due to decentralise but wish to remain in Dublin is by way of bilateral transfer. As staff who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin. To date, in excess of 2000 staff have been assigned to...

Written Answers — Budget Submissions: Budget Submissions (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have received a pre-Budget submission from the organisation concerned. Its contents will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget and Finance Bill. As Deputies are aware it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the Budget on possible Budget decisions.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The position is that charities and non-profit groups engaged in non-commercial activity are exempt from VAT under the EU Sixth VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. This means they do not charge VAT on the services they provide and cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services that they purchase. Essentially only VAT registered businesses which charge VAT are able to...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works, that a planning application for the new offices for the Revenue Commissioners in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, is expected to be lodged with Limerick County Council shortly. On receipt of a satisfactory planning permission, the Commissioners of Public Works will instruct the preferred tenderer to submit working drawings and a bill of...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: In general, matters relating to housing and housing policy are a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance. However, I would like to point out that the following tax incentives/reliefs are available to all owner occupiers when purchasing their homes irrespective of location or property type: Mortgage interest relief with larger relief for...

Written Answers — Industrial Relations: Industrial Relations (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: There have been no occasions in my Department since 1987 that civil servants have been forced to obtain an Order from the Courts enforcing or associated with enforcing their contractual rights and entitlements. Most civil servants are 'office holders', who hold office 'at the will and pleasure of the Government', under section 5 of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956. The terms and...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The position is that the rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the status of the customer. The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. There is no provision in European VAT law that would allow for a reduction or exemption from VAT on...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 285 and 287 together. I am aware of the extra expense that can arise for parents who have children with dyslexia. In recent years, the Government has increased significantly the supports available through the direct expenditure system for children with disabilities, including those with dyslexia. As with many areas where State support may be required, the...