Results 15,801-15,820 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Tax Code. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is being done.

Social Partnership. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy knows more about the media than we do.

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (18 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The National Development Finance Agency is not covered by Freedom of Information legislation. However, the extension of the FOI Act to various bodies, including the NDFA, is being considered at present.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (18 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Single Farm Payment (SFP) was introduced in April 2005. The VAT treatment of the Single Farm Payment (SFP) scheme is subject to EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. I am, however, informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the transfer of SFP entitlement, by way of a gift for no consideration, is not subject to VAT.

Written Answers — Ministerial Responsibilities: Ministerial Responsibilities (18 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government appointed Mr. Tom Parlon, T.D. as Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works on the 18th of June 2002. There has been no delegation to him under Section 2 of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1977 of any of the statutory powers of the Minister for Finance.

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (18 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to furnish precise figures of the VAT take on fuel, as the information furnished on VAT returns does not require this to be identified. However, estimates of the VAT yield on fuel, based on consumption levels of oil products as well as statistical data derived from non-Revenue sources, are as follows: VAT Yield from Fuel ...

Written Answers — Vehicle Registration Tax: Vehicle Registration Tax (17 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: There are two environmental criteria on which a vehicle may receive vehicle registration tax relief — each at the rate of 50% — that it is (i) a series production hybrid electric vehicle or (ii) a series production flexible fuel vehicle. "Hybrid electric vehicle" means a vehicle that derives its motive power from an electric motor and an internal combustion engine and is capable of being...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (17 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, that the number of first preference applications on the Central Applications Facility for Athy is currently as follows: Grade Number of CAF applicants Number of Revenue Applicants Number of Applicants from other Departments Principal 1 1 0 Assistant Principal 10 8 2 Higher Executive Officer 15 12 3 Executive Officer 42 39 3...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (17 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Public Appointments Service has provided the following information in relation to first preference applications to decentralise to Kildare with my Department on the Central Applications Facility (CAF). Grade Number of CAF Applicants Number of CAF Applicants from the Department of Finance Number of CAF Applicants from Other Departments/ Offices Principal Officer 2 2 0 ...

Written Answers — Cross-Border Funding: Cross-Border Funding (17 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Operational Programme for the INTERREG IIIA Ireland-Northern Ireland was adopted by the European Commission in March 2002 and it was formally launched in November 2002. During 2003 there was some expenditure incurred in getting the Programme up running and payments were issued to projects during 2004. The total value of the Programme is €179m and spend can be incurred until 2008. Actual...

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

Brian Cowen: It is assumed that what the Deputy requires are the numbers of income earners, both PAYE and self-employed, on the income tax record for the years in question who have a tax liability. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information is as follows: Numbers of income earners 1995/96 to 2005 (rounded to the nearest hundred) Tax Year Income earners with a tax...

Written Answers — Nursing Home Funding: Nursing Home Funding (17 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Capital expenditure incurred on the construction or refurbishment of registered nursing homes may be written off for tax purposes over 7 years at the rate of 15% p.a. over the first 6 years and 10% in year 7. A number of changes to this scheme were introduced in the 2006 Finance Act. The tax life of these buildings or structures that are first used or first used after refurbishment on or...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (16 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I presume the Deputy is referring to the Primary Medical Certificate required to qualify for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, which scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to certain limit) on the purchase of a car adapted for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, as well as relief from excise on the fuel...

Written Answers — Motor Vehicle Registration: Motor Vehicle Registration (16 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 214 together. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as a general rule all vehicles imported permanently into the State must register for VRT purposes within one working day of arrival. This rule applies equally to vehicles imported by EU and non EU persons. In practice, Revenue allows latitude of a maximum of seven days for registration. Where...

Written Answers — Motor Vehicle Registration: Motor Vehicle Registration (16 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information available in this regard refers to the number of cars (new and used) imported into Ireland and registered within the Vehicle Registration Tax System. The following schedule gives details of gross registrations for cars together with the total number of exemptions from VRT of new and used cars for the full calendar years 2002 to...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (16 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: This building has been allocated to the Department of Transport for use as a Driving Test Centre to service the Dublin 15 area. Preparations are under way for the submission of a planning application to the Local Authority.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (16 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 246 together. The Business Expansion Scheme is currently being reviewed. Any decisions on the scheme's remit will be taken in the light of the objectives of assisting risk investments, the cost of the scheme, the benefits gained and the equity of the reliefs involved. Any proposals in this regard are a matter for the next Budget.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (16 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 — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (16 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government introduced a suite of measures relating to childcare in Budget 2006, along with increased Child Benefit payments, which include the Early Childcare Supplement of €1,000 in a full year for each child up to his or her sixth birthday, a new National Childcare Investment Programme which aims to fund an additional 50,000 childcare places over the next five years, as well as...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (16 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I reject entirely the Deputies allegations about the role and equity of the indirect tax system. A simple look at the facts will show that the conclusions in the report she refers to are misdirected. Firstly, there is no VAT on the main low income items such as food, oral medicines, childrens' shoes and clothing. Secondly, most excise revenue (60%) comes from excises on petrol, diesel and...