Results 17,341-17,360 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: Three tax incentives relating to renewable energy are currently in operation. Investments in companies engaged in renewable energy generation may qualify for the business expansion scheme, BES, tax relief. Individual investors holding a BES equity investment in such companies for a minimum period of five years can benefit from tax relief, at their marginal rate, in respect of investments of...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: Relief for interest paid on certain home loans, mortgage interest relief, under section 244 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is available to individuals in respect of interest paid on loans used by the individuals solely for the purpose of defraying money employed in the purchase, repair, development or improvement of their main residence. The relief is not intended as a support in respect...

Written Answers — Tax Clearance Certificates: Tax Clearance Certificates (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a P21, for the year 2004, has issued to the person concerned on 19 October 2005.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: The answer to the first question is "no". With regard to the second point, these are matters to be dealt with on an ongoing basis. I can look at the code of practice and the question of a review of governance mechanisms and semi-State bodies. I will come back to the Deputy on it.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 18, Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005 — Second Stage (resumed); No. 1, Statute Law Revision (Pre-1922) Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Second Stage; and No. 2, Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Second Stage.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: Will the Deputy repeat his second point?

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: I thank Deputy Kenny for his comments and join him in expressing the common sentiment of the House that Deputies hope the kidnap of Rory Carroll will be ended immediately. The House calls on anyone who has influence with the group in question to use it. Obviously, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and our diplomatic staff in the general area are doing all they can through their contacts to...

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand that Bill was taken off the list. If a question is tabled, the Minister will explain the policy decision for it.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand the heads of that Bill are being prepared. If the Deputy wishes to raise the specific question on the Mental Health Commission perhaps an alternative way, rather than waiting for the Bill to be published, might be found so that the matter can be discussed.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: On that matter, legislation is not required in that instance. The situation here is to increase the capacity in the health service to deal with more cases and ensure there is public patient access, and also take the private beds out of the public hospitals so there are more public beds in public hospitals. I, therefore, really do not know the point of the Deputy's question.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: The real Bill of which the Deputy spoke will be available next year.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: The imaginary Bill remains within his own remit.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: The first Bill to which the Deputy referred is due next year. On the second matter, I understand this was raised in the House yesterday. The Law Reform Commission is currently finalising a draft report on the law on management of multi-unit developments. The Government will consider any recommendations the final report makes. Yesterday the Taoiseach indicated a need for legislation in this...

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: On the follow-up question, the facts are that any conditions attaching to planning permissions requiring the establishment of a management company do not remove the primary responsibility of developers to finish developments satisfactorily. Planning authorities have extensive powers under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to make developers finish estates in a satisfactory manner in...

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: I will have to get back to the Deputy on that. It is a matter for the line Minister.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: I explained in my previous reply that the Law Reform Commission is finalising a draft report on the law on the management of multi-unit developments. We will consider any recommendations the commission makes in its final report.

Order of Business. (20 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: A Supplementary Estimate is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in that regard.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (19 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: In the period since 1997 my Department has paid a subscription to the company referred to by the Deputy in each of the years 1997, 2002, 2003 and 2004, and paid a fee to the company in 2003. The following table sets out the details, including the payment made in each year in which there was a payment to the company, the services provided and the controls applied in the procurement process. In...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (19 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: In the period since 1997, my Department has engaged the company referred to by the Deputy to undertake three consultancies. The following table sets out details of the contracts, including the payment made in each year in which there was a payment to the company, the services provided and the controls applied in the procurement process. In each case I am satisfied that my Department achieved...

Written Answers — Valuation Office: Valuation Office (19 Oct 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have no role in the valuation of properties, which is the function of the Valuation Office. However, I am informed by the Valuation Office that an application was received from Kildare County Council on 14 June 2005 under the 1995 tenant purchase scheme in respect of a local authority house at Kilcock, County Kildare. The tenants are disputing the council's valuation on the premises and the...