Results 14,941-14,960 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Government Expenditure: Government Expenditure (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Total Current and Capital spending and total tax revenue on an Exchequer basis over the period 2000-2005 are as follows: â'¬m 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Current Voted Current Expenditure 16,710 20,404 23,314 25,452 27,179 29,601 Non-Voted Current Expenditure (Central Fund) 3,924 3,605 2,812 3,295 3,584 3,895 Total Current Expenditure 20,634 24,009 26,126 28,747 30,764 33,496...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am pleased to say that substantial progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Commission on Public Service Pensions as endorsed by Government. In 2001, the Government accepted the thrust of the Commission's Report and the period since then has been marked by the progressive implementation, in consultation with the public service unions, of individual Commission...

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The SSIA scheme, which was introduced in 2001 is administered by the financial institutions under the guidance of the Revenue Commissioners. In excess of 1 million SSIAs were opened by 30 April 2002, the final date for opening of SSIAs under the scheme. Comprehensive guidelines, setting out the manner in which the scheme must be administered, was drawn up by Revenue, in consultation with the...

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Pensions Incentive Tax Credits scheme was introduced by me to encourage SSIA holders, particularly those on low incomes, to continue the savings habit and to commence or improve their pension arrangements under the scheme. For each €3 of matured SSIA funds invested by an eligible SSIA holder in an approved pension product, the Exchequer will contribute an additional €1 by way of tax...

Written Answers — Conservation Plan: Conservation Plan (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I expect the final draft of the Conservation Plan for Athassol Abbey to be submitted to me in the coming weeks. I expect that I should be in a position to publish the document towards the end of this year or early in 2007. Once the Plan is published it will be necessary for my officials to seek to reach agreement with both the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and...

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

Brian Cowen: Section 473 Taxes Consolidated Act 1997 is the legislative provision which provides for relief from income tax, up to certain limits, to an individual paying for private rented accommodation used as a sole or main residence. Student accommodation is likely to be temporary in nature, rather than the person's principal private residence. Accordingly, there is no provision granting relief from...

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

Brian Cowen: Section 50 of the Finance Act 1999 provided for a scheme of tax relief for rented residential accommodation for third level students. The relief provides for a deduction of 100% of the construction, conversion or refurbishment expenditure, which may be off-set against all Irish rental income – whether derived from the premises in question or from other lettings. The purpose of the relief...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (17 Oct 2006)

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 — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: For the purpose of Gift and Inheritance Tax, the relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who received the gift or inheritance (i.e. the beneficiary), determines the maximum tax free threshold — known as the "group threshold". Three Group thresholds exist, which are indexed annually by reference to the Consumer Price Index. The...

Written Answers — Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection (17 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code applies to all providers of retail financial services subject to regulation by the Financial Regulator. The Code including any exemptions in it is structured by reference to product and service rather than the type of regulated entity. Accordingly banks and other regulated financial institutions are subject to its provisions. The Deputy...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as part of the Government's decision on decentralisation, 380 Revenue posts are due to move to Kildare town. One hundred and twenty first preference applications were received through the central applications facility for Kildare. Of these, 82 staff are from within Revenue and 38 staff from outside Revenue. I am also informed that the Office of...

Written Answers — Budget Submissions: Budget Submissions (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have received a number of submissions on behalf of the group and will keep the Deputy's representations in mind in the context of the forthcoming budget.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as a general principle of taxation, as far as possible, income from all sources should be subject to taxation. In line with this principle, social welfare pensions, the single farm payment and, in certain circumstances, REPS are reckonable as income for income tax purposes. Treating these payments as income for income tax purposes is...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the net receipt of gift tax in 1993 and 1994 was €2.5 million and €4.2 million, respectively. The yield from penalties is included in these figures and cannot be separately identified. The net receipt of stamp duties in 1997 was €538.8 million, which includes penalties amounting to approximately €1.7 million.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I take it that the Deputy is asking the rates of stamp duty on residential property for first-time owner-occupying buyers, non first-time owner-occupying buyers and other buyers. New Houses — Owner-occupiers In the case of new houses with a floor area not exceeding 125m2, there is no stamp duty payable. Where the house exceeds 125m2, stamp duty is payable on the greater of the site value...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the content of Form 12, the Tax Return Form for the PAYE sector, is examined each year to ensure that only matters relevant to the proper administration of PAYE are included in it. The Form 12 seeks details of income and capital gains, but it also provides the taxpayer with full details of the Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs to which they...

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 1, Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2006 [Seanad] — Second Stage.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: As for the debate yesterday, I understand——

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I understand that no guillotine motion was in force yesterday in the House. Although Members had an opportunity to speak on the agreed issues, the Opposition did not appear to have much to say about it.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is not my problem if the Opposition is unable to get anyone into the House to say a few words.