Results 14,981-15,000 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I do not know, offhand, when the report will be debated in the House or if it will be debated in the House. The Whips should address the issue as that is their job.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: We will return to this issue.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Curragh of Kildare Bill will be dealt with during this session and I am really looking forward to it. The privacy Bill will be dealt with in the Seanad and the Citizens' Information Bill will be published tomorrow and taken in the House in the coming weeks.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am very interested in the Bord na gCon (amendment) Bill and it will be dealt with next year.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Some time next year. If the Deputy knows of any fast greyhounds he can give me a shout.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The heads were approved in September and the Bill will be published next year.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to say when the enforcement of fines Bill will be taken. The sale of alcohol Bill will be taken early in the next session.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The heads were approved in July and it should be taken during this session. The Minister for Education and Science dealt with this matter adequately.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government is anything but befuddled and confused.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I will have to return to the Deputy on that question as I do not have the relevant information.

Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: This session.

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The role of the Office of Ombudsman is to investigate complaints about the administrative actions of Government Departments, the Health Service Executive, local authorities and An Post. In order to discharge these functions the Office seeks to recruit staff with experience of, and expertise in, the various sectors covered by its remit, including the functions administered by the local...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Matters relating to the timber industry including contacts with the Irish Timber Council and issues affecting Coillte and Boardmill plants are for consideration by the Minister for Agriculture and Food in the first instance.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in accordance with normal practice, tax relief on mortgage interest has been applied at source in respect of the individuals concerned for both 2005 and 2006. This is reflected in reduced monthly mortgage payments as advised by the mortgage provider. While no application has been made for...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (11 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. I have not imposed any new age restrictions in relation to this incentive. There is no bar on retired persons availing of the scheme within normal pension rules. However, some publicity...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The position is that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the Sixth VAT Directive Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services, which have been in place since 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to other goods and services. It is therefore not possible to apply a zero VAT rate...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works (OPW) are assessing a number of possibilities for permanent accommodation in Athy for the Revenue staff. The assessment of these possibilities has not yet been completed. Proposals received to date relate to sites, however the OPW are prepared to consider accommodation solutions involving existing buildings, if these...

Written Answers — Tribunals of Inquiry: Tribunals of Inquiry (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I assume that the question relates to tribunals of inquiry, commissions of inquiry or investigation established for specific investigative purposes. In so far as my Department is concerned, no tribunal of enquiry, commission of inquiry or investigation has been initiated in the period since 1997.

Order of Business (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: On the third matter, we have been talking about setting up a Dublin transport authority in the context of the major investment envisaged for public transport in Dublin. This does not mean that the transport requirements of other areas will be neglected in any way. Unprecedented investment is planned, as the Deputy knows, throughout the country in respect of public transport, and I am glad...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The three Bills will, I understand, be published this session. While I cannot tell the Deputy in what order they will be brought forward, I understand they will be sequential.