Results 17,781-17,800 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: The revenue powers group was established in March 2003 to review Revenue's main powers and recommend changes. The group reported in late 2003 and its report was published in February 2004. At the time of publication of the report, the then Minister for Finance indicated his intention to allow a period for public debate and reflection on many of the wide-ranging issues raised by the...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: CGT is charged on the lifetime disposals of most assets whether the disposal is by sale, gift or exchange. The total CGT yield in 2004 was around €1.5 billion. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the precise information requested by the Deputy is not available. The information available is a proportional breakdown by reference to asset types of the aggregate consideration...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: The latest figures available are for what is termed the "short" income tax year from April to December 2001. They are contained in the 2003 Revenue Commissioner's report. The total cost of tax relief on pensions contributions is tentatively estimated by the Revenue Commissioners at approximately €2 billion. This total figure is broken out as follows both in terms of numbers where available...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: Tax relief on individual pension contributions is allowed at a taxpayer's marginal tax rate, which is the standard or higher rate as appropriate in each case. It is assumed that the change mentioned by the Deputy is to provide tax relief at the top rate of tax for all pension contributions by individuals, including those currently relieved at the standard rate. It is not possible to provide...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: Tax relief for mortgage interest and health insurance already operate as, in effect, refundable tax credits as relief is given at source to all, irrespective of tax liability. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost of making refundable the unused portion of the tax credits for home carers, one-parent families, widowed persons and rent paid in private tenancies is broadly in...

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: It will allow us to continue a process of operational and policy reform which it is hoped will ensure that the great majority of gardaí who are dedicated to their job and wish to do it properly are enabled to do so. Everyone in this House will have a contribution to make in that respect. The political parties will have an opportunity to give their points of view tomorrow and the Government...

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: We should certainly reciprocate with respect but pomposity makes it very difficult.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am sure Members of the House and, in particular, spokespersons, will be aware that a cross-departmental working party is engaged on a youth justice review and is due to report shortly. The reports that appeared in the media today are in anticipation of some recommendations that may be forthcoming from the working party. As soon as they come to Government they will be dealt with.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: A substantial amount of that legislation is being implemented. As the Deputy is aware, that legislation was agreed after a long period of consideration by successive Governments and committees. What is happening——

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy regularly calls for reform.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: Does the Deputy want the reply?

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: Did the Deputy not? I will try again.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: It will hardly satisfy the Deputy.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: I cannot satisfy him no matter what I do. That is the point.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have no problem in giving a reply.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: Exactly. I have no problem doing that.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: We have a new General O'Duffy in our midst.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: Perhaps I will return to the more serious wing of the Mullingar accord.

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: The answer I was about to give before Deputy Costello decided to give his views on the adequacy or otherwise of my reply, which he had not heard, is that a review is ongoing at present which will make recommendations to Government which will lead to a reform of the present situation, which is something for which the Deputy has probably called. As soon as the Government considers and makes...

Order of Business. (16 Jun 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Tánaiste gave the accurate Government position on the whistleblower's Bill. I understand my constituency colleague gave a view which was considered by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service, of which he is chairman.