Results 15,061-15,080 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Let the man answer.

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: He has.

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is scheduled for next week. There were calls for it to be brought forward and that is happening. The content of the legislation should be dealt with on its merits, as should be the case with all legislation. This House does not control events in another place no more than that place controls events here. We should deal with the Bill calmly on its merits. That is how the matter stands.

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Work so far on this Bill has concentrated on developing procedures for vetting of convictions through the vetting unit and the development of a register. This gives rise to a range of legal, policy and practical implementation issues. The purpose of the Bill is to give effect to recommendations of the child protection joint working group. This legislation arises out of the North-South...

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: In terms of the orderly business of the House, these are matters for discussion among the Whips. If any member of a party wants a discussion, there is the Whips system to deal with it.

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe it helps the image of this House if Members seek debates willy-nilly when we should use the Whips system to do so. It does not make any sense and we end up with this stupid confrontation, which is ridiculous.

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: There is no promise of any further legislation other than that which has already been outlined by the Minister in respect of questions which have been raised before. If the Deputy has a specific query, she should deal with the line Department in order to get the accurate information. That would be a better way to handle it.

Order of Business (5 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for people to discuss.

Written Answers — Airport Customs Checks: Airport Customs Checks (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: In light of the seizure in Belgium of 50kgs of Heroin last week, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are reviewing the risks attached to the operation of all 27 licensed aerodromes in the State. I am further assured that the monitoring of licensed aerodromes in the State by the Revenue Commissioners is currently in line with international standards. The Customs and Excise...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The estimated level of output of residential units and commercial units under the four tax designation schemes namely the Urban Renewal Scheme, the Rural Renewal Scheme, the Town Renewal Scheme and the Living over the Shop Scheme are set out in the Review of the Area-Based Tax Incentive Schemes. This review was conducted in 2005 by Goodbody Economic Consultants. The consultants findings on...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that for the tax year 2003 and earlier years claims for tax incentive schemes on property were aggregated in tax returns with other claims and could not be distinguished from other reliefs claimed. Accordingly, the specific information on costs for 2003 and earlier years are not available. Provisions were included in the Finance Act 2004 to allow...

Written Answers — Court Rulings: Court Rulings (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: In the case of court rulings, including the rulings to which the Deputy refers, my Department seeks advice or clarification from the Office of the Attorney General when required. All primary legislation is, of course, submitted to the Office of the Attorney General for examination prior to drafting and enactment by the Oireachtas.

Written Answers — Dormant Accounts Fund: Dormant Accounts Fund (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I understand from the National Treasury Management Agency that there are at present about 9,500 unclaimed prizes in the Prize Bond scheme, dating back to the establishment of the scheme in 1957 and representing approximately €1.25 million in prize money. The number of unclaimed prizes for the years 2001 to 2005 inclusive is 5,585, or just over 1% of the total number of prizes awarded in...

Written Answers — Employment Rights: Employment Rights (4 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government wishes to encourage and facilitate an increase in work force participation by older people. Recent measures introduced in Budget 2006 such as an increase in the income tax age exemption limits for persons aged 65 and over and the introduction of an earnings disregard for recipients of the social welfare State Pension (Non-Contributory) (previously known as the old age...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenue Job Assist allows employers a double wages deduction in their accounts, if they employ a person who has been unemployed for 12 months or more. The double wages deduction may last for 3 years and applies to: Wages paid to a qualifying employee in a qualifying employment and Employer's PRSI contributions paid in respect of such wages. The...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have no proposals to abolish stamp duty on houses bought by first-time buyers. There are already significant reliefs in the stamp duty and income tax code for first-time buyers which put them in an advantageous position compared to other house buyers.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the benefit received by the person came from an estate in England. The solicitor acting on her behalf did not have a PPS Number for the deceased and had to apply to the Client Identity Service of the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs for a PPS number. Because of the delay in obtaining a PPS number and due to an oversight the...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that further information is required in this case and that the taxpayer has agreed to forward the necessary documentation concerning the deduction of tax from his retirement monies. On receipt of same, any repayment due to him will be processed without delay.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I understand that in this case no tax is due for 2005 and the tax already paid will be refunded. For 2006, I am told that it is likely that no tax will be due, given their income and the tax credits to which they are entitled. A certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut off point issued to the person's employer on 7 March showing the correct tax credits due. During 2007 the couple...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer's claim to repayment of tax has been processed and notification of refund arising has issued to him dated 2 October 2006. A cheque for the overpayment will issue in the coming days.