Results 18,041-18,060 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (31 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The focus of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003 was on enhancing the protections for Government records and records relating to the deliberations of Departments of State. No estimate of the type referred to by the Deputy has been made. The primary purpose of the Act was to ensure continued effective government and I am fully satisfied that it has fulfilled this objective.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (31 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have no plans to introduce such credits. If limited to those on Revenue's records, they would cost approximately €1.7 billion in a full year and considerably more if extended to everyone of working age irrespective of income or tax status.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (31 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The full year gain to the Exchequer from increasing the current standard rate of corporation tax from 12.5% to 17.5% is tentatively estimated by the Revenue Commissioners to be in the region of €730 million. This estimate does not take into account any possible behavioural change on the part of taxpayers as a consequence of such an increase. However, it should also be noted that Ireland's...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (31 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: To avail of first-time purchaser relief, the purchaser — or where there is more than one purchaser, each of the purchasers — must not have previously purchased a house. A person would not be precluded from obtaining first-time buyer relief where a parent or parents provided funds by means of an unconditional gift toward the purchase of a house or where a parent or parents has acted as...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (31 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a review of this taxpayer's liability will be completed for the three years ended 31 December 2004 on receipt of completed return of income forms that have been issued to the person's home address.

Written Answers — Diplomatic Representation: Diplomatic Representation (31 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Government has not made any representations to the Chinese authorities regarding the revaluation of the yuan. As Minister for Finance, I do not comment on any particular exchange rate of the euro or other currency. However, I would endorse the statement made by Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg in his capacity as chairman of the EU ECOFIN Council to the spring 2005...

Written Answers — Consumer Strategy Group: Consumer Strategy Group (31 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Government recently approved the recommendation of the consumer strategy group concerning the establishment of a new national consumer agency, NCA. The Government also agreed to the appointment by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of a board of the NCA to act on an interim basis until such time as the agency can be established on a statutory basis. The functions and role...

Written Answers — Computer Software: Computer Software (31 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: My Department spent €448,911.73 on software licensing in 2002. Of this, €239,124.76 was spent on software licences from the company referred to. The corresponding figures for 2004 are €548,903.68 and €318,076.91 respectively. My Department has been using open source software since 1995. In that regard, the Civil Service Internet access infrastructure, which my Department has managed...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: When the issue of introducing tax on aviation fuel arose in the context of discussions on the EU energy tax directive, 2003/96/EC, we expressed concerns, together with other member states, based on our peripheral status and dispersal of populations, which adds to transport costs, and the need to maintain competitiveness in the EU vis-À-vis third countries in regard to tourism. The directive...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 and any regulations made under that Act are the responsibility of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has responsibility for pensions of staff in local authorities and these are already covered by the provisions of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work)...

Written Answers — Public Service Contracts: Public Service Contracts (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The primary responsibility for the procurement of capital projects rests with individual contracting authorities and it is a matter for them to determine the appropriate tendering procedure to use. I understand the question relates to larger capital projects. Public works contracts with an estimated value above the threshold, currently €5.9 million, must be awarded in accordance with EU...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have adjusted the taxpayer's 2005 tax credits. An amended notice of determination of tax credits will be issued shortly, which will include the appropriate tax credit for a single person.

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their investigation into individuals who have invested in single premium life assurance products is confined to those circumstances where tax liabilities have been evaded. The Revenue Commissioners accept there are many individuals who have invested money from non-taxable sources as well as from income, gains and acquisitions which have already...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Revenue Commissioners have advised me that the individual mentioned above has no tax issues. The funds invested in the life assurance product were from taxed PAYE earnings. A Revenue Commissioners official has confirmed this to the family of the individual concerned.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Celbridge Mental Health Housing Association Limited has been granted charitable status, that there is no separate concept of "full" charity status and that the status granted in this case allows for all the exemptions applicable to charities. A charitable body is exempt from income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax, deposit interest...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The medical criteria for the purposes of the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions regulations 1994. Six different types of disablement are listed under the regulations and a qualifying person must satisfy one or more of them. The six types of disablement are: persons who are wholly or almost wholly without the use of...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Government is firmly committed to the implementation of the decentralisation programme, including to Buncrana. The decentralisation implementation group will report again presently about progress towards implementation of the programme. In its report it will also deal with the locations and organisations not covered in its 24 November report, including Buncrana.

Order of Business. (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the work permit Bill will be published and dealt with this session. On tax relief schemes, I explained in the budget the circumstances and objectives of the review, which is comprehensive, covering all 23 schemes included in its terms of reference. It is appropriate to review the benefits derived from these schemes and the extent to which tax relief schemes may play a part...

Order of Business. (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Tánaiste indicated that there were suggestions made about how private sector investment might assist in the development of psychiatric services. In the past, psychiatric services have not received the level of investment that we would have liked. The question of how the Government will proceed is a matter for the Government. I am not aware of any specific proposals currently before the...

Order of Business. (26 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The energy (miscellaneous provisions) Bill is due to be published this session. When it comes before the House, the Deputy will be able to make points on energy issues.