Results 15,881-15,900 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Structural Funds: Structural Funds (3 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Structural Funds investments are delivered through seven Operational Programmes under the National Development Plan/Community Support Framework (NDP/CSF) 2000 to 2006. These Programmes are directly managed and implemented by Government Departments, the Regional Assemblies or other agencies. Under the EU Structural Funds regulations, expenditure incurred on EU co-funded measures can continue...

Written Answers — National Development Plan: National Development Plan (3 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The preparation of the next NDP (2007-2013) is proceeding at present. Proposals for investment under the next NDP will be considered across a wide range of policy areas. The final composition, priorities, structure and objectives of the next NDP with supporting financial allocations are ultimately a matter for consideration and decision by Government and the issue of NDP funding for...

Decentralisation Programme. (3 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am pleased to have this opportunity to update the House on the position regarding the decentralisation of FÁS. Under the Government's decentralisation programme, FÁS is due to move its head office to Birr, County Offaly. FÁS is one of the seven State agencies identified as early movers by the decentralisation implementation group from among the 30 agencies covered by the programme. It...

Decentralisation Programme. (3 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: They are the facts.

Seanad: National Pensions Reserve Fund: Motion. (3 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I welcome this motion, as it gives me an opportunity to reaffirm the Government's continuing support for the purpose for which the National Pensions Reserve Fund was established and to set out, without ambiguity, the Government's commitment to the future of the fund. Population ageing, and the profound issues it gives rise to, is emerging in the developed world as one of the major public...

Departmental Bodies. (3 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: We are taking it into account in all those areas.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the pension payable to a former officer of the Civil Service is chargeable to tax in the State irrespective of where he or she resides, unless such pension is relieved from the charge to Irish tax under the terms of a double taxation agreement between the State and another country. Article 18(2) of the convention for the avoidance of double...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that land leased in compliance with the terms of the schemes of early retirement from farming is a qualifying asset for capital gains tax retirement relief purposes provided it was owned and used for farming purposes by the individual claiming relief throughout the period of ten years immediately prior to it being first leased. Effectively the period...

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 17, Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006 — Second Stage, resumed; No. 16, Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 — Second Stage, resumed; and No. 18, National Sports Campus Development Authority Bill 2006 — Second Stage, resumed. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil, on rising today, shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on...

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: I understand that it is a bank holiday weekend. The suggestion was that the House returns on Wednesday, with the agreement of Members. On the legislative programme, we have a very good legislative programme for the coming session and I hope, with the co-operation of everyone, we will have a good outcome from the debate that will take place.

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the road traffic Bill, it is our intention to bring forward that legislation this session. It is something that has been sought by the House for some time. It will provide an opportunity for Deputies to discuss road safety and road traffic issues. Regarding the question of driver testing, the Minister is anxious to find an interim arrangement that will enable us to deal with that...

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised that the draft heads are being prepared in the Department, taking into account work done by the Constitutional Review Group, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution and the Chief Justice's committee on judicial ethics. While I do not wish to comment on a specific case, it is also fair to say that there has been a continuing legal challenge and a jurisprudence has...

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: The point I was making is that considered contributions have been made to the policy formulation process by eminent groups such as the Chief Justice's committee on judicial ethics, the Constitutional Review Group and Oireachtas joint committees. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution, under the chairmanship of Deputy O'Donovan, has been charged with the difficult task of trying to...

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill, it is often the practice that appointments are made pending statutory powers or amendments being brought before the House. It does not stop these public bodies from effectively discharging their functions and responsibilities. Following calls made in this House for some time we are bringing forward important legislation in this session in regard to...

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill, it will be taken in due course.

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is unlikely to be dealt with in this session——

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: ——given the priorities that this House has been calling for to be dealt with that will be dealt with.

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to indicate that.

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is not intended it will be forthcoming this year. It may emerge next year.

Order of Business. (27 Apr 2006)

Brian Cowen: Specific matters will be dealt with on the basis of the emerging facts. It is not possible to say when that Bill will be brought forward. I will make inquiries as to the current position regarding the specific matter raised by Deputy Quinn.