Results 15,641-15,660 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The primary mechanism for placing general service 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. It is expected that a significant number...

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The SSIAs were introduced in the 2001 Finance Act and give a credit to all SSIA investors of 25%. The aim of the SSIA scheme was to encourage savings. This aim has been successfully achieved with 1.1 million persons availing of the special scheme. It is widely acknowledged that one of the reasons for the success of the SSIA scheme was its simplicity. It was clearly stated from the very outset...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission is independent of Government in the exercise of its functions. It controls and manages the Fund with discretionary authority to determine and implement the Fund's investment strategy in accordance with the Fund investment policy set out in the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000. This investment policy is based on a commercial investment...

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as the maturity date for SSIAs maturing in May 2006 is 31st May, it is not possible to provide an accurate number of maturity declarations (SSIA4s) outstanding at this stage. Neither is it possible at this point to estimate the tax accruing on accounts not fully matured. I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is their...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenue's Construction Industry Project commenced in December 2005 and is progressing satisfactorily. A National Relevant Contract Tax (RCT) Monitoring Group has been established, comprising of one full-time officer in each of the four Revenue Regions and supported by the audit, compliance and customer service officers involved in construction in...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy is aware, the European Union agreed to provide €200m towards the PEACE III programme in order to build on the valuable work of its predecessors. The relevant EU regulations are being finalised at present by the European Council and European Parliament. The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), one of the six North South Implementation Bodies set up under the Good Friday...

Written Answers — National Development Plan: National Development Plan (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 114 and 150 together. The preparation of the next NDP (2007-2013) which is being coordinated by my Department is proceeding. The content and focus of the next NDP and the resultant allocations and prioritisation will be a matter for decision by Government. The new Plan will seek to address the investment now necessary to maintain national competitiveness...

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I welcome the Information Commissioner's Annual Report for 2005. I particularly welcome her finding that the FOI Act continues to achieve positive and notable outcomes both for individual requesters and for society generally. In the Report, the Information Commissioner sets out her thinking on a number of issues, including a need for amended FOI legislation concerning access to the personal...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: In line with the recommendation of the Decentralisation Implementation Group, a more individualised approach is being adopted to the implementation of the programme in State Agencies such as FÁS. The practical management of the programme is the role of the management of each agency in the first instance. Progress on decentralisation is discussed regularly by agencies with their parent...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: This Government acknowledge the continuing cost pressures on parents, particularly those with young children. The Government have substantially increased Child Benefit since coming into office in 1997. From last month Child Benefit payments have increased to €150 per month for the first and second children and €185 for the third and subsequent children. These Child Benefit payments, which...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Following the announcement by Revenue clarifying the stamp duty treatment on purchases of shares underpinning the contracts for differences (CFD), my Department received strong representations that there would be severe consequences for the liquidity of the Irish Stock Market and, therefore, on the ability of Irish companies to raise capital here. In particular, representations were made by...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 249 together. The plan for private hospitals in the grounds of public hospitals is designed to be a cost effective way of expanding the supply of beds for public patients. However, there have been no decisions yet in regard to approving any particular proposal. It will be a matter for the HSE to assess any proposals. The scheme of capital allowances for...

Written Answers — Price Inflation: Price Inflation (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Inflation, as measured by annual changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 3.8% in April. A large proportion of the rise in the annual inflation rate is due to external factors such as higher oil prices and recent rises in interest rates by the ECB. On Budget day, my Department forecast that CPI inflation will average 2.7% in 2006. This forecast was calculated using the usual technical...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: A reduction in the higher rate of tax is one of a number of ways in which the level of personal taxation may be reduced. The question of such a reduction is a matter for consideration in the context of the annual Budget.

Written Answers — Taxation Policy: Taxation Policy (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government's approach to taxation and to the delivery of public services is set out in its Agreed Programme for Government and recent Budgets, Finance Bills, Estimates for Public Services and Public Capital Programmes. Our taxation policy is designed to maintain and strengthen the competitive position of the economy , foster economic and social development, and equity, while maintaining a...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that inquiries relating to residence are a feature of the risk based programmes operated by Revenue. The procedures adopted in relation to validating a claim to non-residence status depend on the circumstances in each case. The administration of the validation procedures is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and the methods used to verify claims...

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government's budgetary strategy is based on the objective of continued budgetary sustainability both in the medium-term and the long-run, in line with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. This Government considers that prudent fiscal policies underpin competitiveness, support growth and create flexibility to respond effectively to economic shocks. Of particular importance is...

Written Answers — Price Inflation: Price Inflation (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Inflation, as measured by annual changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 3.8 per cent in April. A large proportion of the rise in the annual inflation rate is due to external factors such as higher oil prices and recent rises in interest rates by the ECB. Higher energy costs largely reflect the trend in international energy prices. The Government has no control over international...

Written Answers — Household Indebtedness: Household Indebtedness (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Residential construction has grown rapidly in recent times. Supply of housing has increased in response to strong levels of demand, which, in turn, have arisen from a number of fundamental demographic and economic factors. Total completions in 2005 reached an historic high of about 81 thousand units. Construction employment growth was also particularly strong in 2005 and now accounts for one...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 140 and 267 together. The range of services offered by credit card providers to subscribing retailers and cardholders is primarily a matter of private contract, and I have no legislative role in specifying the form of those services. Commercial considerations such as demand, cost and technical feasibility will influence the range of features offered by...