Results 15,081-15,100 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the person concerned applied for the tax concessions under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme and that the application has been unsuccessful at first instance and on appeal to the Medical Board of Appeal for the Scheme. I have no direct responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Medical Board of Appeal for the Disabled Drivers and...

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Let me make it quite clear, I have not imposed any new age restrictions in relation to this product. There is no bar on retired persons availing of the scheme within normal pension rules. However, some publicity has been given recently to the possibility that SSIA holders who are already retired might transfer matured SSIA funds into a savings product, claim the Pensions Incentive Tax Credit...

Written Answers — International Money Transfers: International Money Transfers (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I presume that the Deputy's question arises from the EU's proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on information on the payer accompanying transfers of funds. This proposal has not yet been adopted by the European institutions, but when it is, it will have direct application in all Member States. It is likely to come into effect in January 2007 at the...

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

Brian Cowen: I have already acted in a systematic, detailed and radical manner to deal with the issue of inequitable use of tax incentives and allowances by a proportion of higher earners. I would refer the Deputy to Budget and Finance Act 2006. In these, I announced and introduced significant changes which mean that the potential for individuals to reduce their net liability for tax by using tax...

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

Brian Cowen: The position is that expenses in respect of tuition for children with dyslexia do not qualify for health expenses tax relief and have never qualified for the relief since it was first introduced in 1967. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners, who deal with such claims, that individuals may have been under the impression that tuition for children with dyslexia was allowable under the...

Written Answers — Estimates for Public Services: Estimates for Public Services (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: In the 2006 Budget and Stability Programme Update, I set out the Government's overall macroeconomic policy strategy for the medium term, including existing level of service gross expenditure projections for the period 2006 to 2008. These form the basis on which the Government will formulate the 2007 Estimates, taking due account of developments in the overall economy; the need to provide for...

Written Answers — Equal Opportunities Employment: Equal Opportunities Employment (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together. The Department of Finance, in common with all other civil service Departments and Offices, fully implements the Government's policy on the employment of people with a disability. The Deputy may wish to note that, as part of a review of policy on the employment of people with a disability in the civil service, my Department commissioned...

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Are we going to have order in the House when a Member from the Government side is speaking?

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, can we have order in the House, please?

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Burton should cop herself on. It is no wonder she is going to lose her seat with the way she carries on.

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: For the record, I did clap. I am glad the Deputy is observant.

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy should keep her compliments and stick to the subject matter.

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "—notes the Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the 2005 Appropriation Accounts and that in line with normal procedure it will now be passed for scrutiny to the Committee of Public Accounts; acknowledges the need to pursue best practice in the management of public...

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: A significant amount of resources have been invested in providing for people with disabilities and in placing them in mainstream education. This may have deferred in some instances the question of reducing pupil-teacher ratios which have been reduced by a further one this year and a further one next year, as outlined by the Minister for Education and Science. The Government's record in...

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: The real achievements cannot be ignored.

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: People expect us to recognise——

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: I remind the Deputy that heckling in a childish manner in this Parliament does nothing to add to the quality of debate.

Public Expenditure: Motion. (3 Oct 2006)

Brian Cowen: Significant progress is being made in a range of areas. The Comptroller and Auditor General's annual report to this House, as is the case for every Government of every composition, points out where we can do better and where we need to do better. The important point is whether we put in the systems of accountability that minimise the chance of risk and whether we can ensure that we have the...

Written Answers — Customs and Excise Service: Customs and Excise Service (28 Sep 2006)

Brian Cowen: Weston Aerodrome has been re-classified as a Category C airport by the Irish Aviation Authority. This classification now means that Weston has controlled airspace in conjunction with Dublin and Baldonnel airports. This reclassification does not change the type or size of aircraft currently capable of using Weston. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there have been no...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Sep 2006)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will be aware from previous replies to similar questions on this issue, I want to make sure any such relief can work and does not open up the VAT system to other very costly demands. The examination of the matter is ongoing and I will consider it in the context of the forthcoming Budget.