Results 18,121-18,140 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business. (19 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: That is due this session and the Deputy will have an opportunity to raise these issues.

Order of Business. (19 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: It was not a wrong decision; it was very much the right decision strategically for both aviation generally and Aer Lingus given its role in the economy going forward in terms of tourism and so on. Under the proposals, we will decide on a set of advisers to advise us on what the proper investment mechanism might be for an equity share in Aer Lingus by the private sector. We will await that...

Order of Business. (19 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 14, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000 (Section 5) (Specified Period) Order 2005, back from committee; No. 14a, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Waste Management (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005; No. 22, Disability Bill 2004 —...

Order of Business. (19 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I acknowledge the difficulties the Opposition has indicated on this matter. However, I must emphasise that this is urgent legislation to address a problem that has arisen for the industrial development agencies, IDA Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta. This is a result of a settlement negotiated on legal advice by IDA Ireland which was notified to the relevant county...

Order of Business. (19 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The decisions taken by the Government on a second terminal at Dublin Airport do not require further legislation. It will be dealt with under existing legislation. The provision of external equity for Aer Lingus, should that be the analysis of the advisers appointed by the Government, does not require further legislation. It is already provided for in the Aer Lingus Act 2004.

Order of Business. (19 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the third terminal at Dublin Airport, the Government has decided it will commence pre-planning for this more long-term option by preparing the legislative and regulatory framework to facilitate the development. The Government's objective is to underpin the most cost effective, efficient and timely delivery of such a terminal, in line with emerging aviation trends through an open,...

Order of Business. (19 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: We are developing business plans for the three airports so they can expand.

Order of Business. (19 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: We are providing equity for Aer Lingus to enable growth in traffic, passengers, profit and jobs.

Order of Business. (19 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment intends to bring forward legislation later this year for a new consumer agency based on the recommendations, 34 in all, contained in the consumer strategy group report. Clearly I cannot indicate at this stage what model he may use or what previous work may be inputted.

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (18 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The particular tax arrangements for the company concerned date from an agreement reached in 1959, a copy of which agreement was laid before the House at the time. The scope and status of the agreement was covered in full by the Committee of Public Accounts in its 2001 report on the appropriation accounts, etc. I refer the Deputy to paragraphs 4.9 to 4.13 on pages 45 and 46 of the report.

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (18 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The consideration of public bodies being brought under the Freedom of Information Act during 2005 will be finalised within the coming weeks. Pending publication of the details of the extension, I do not propose to make any further statements about individual bodies in this regard.

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (18 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The proposal to enhance the pension entitlement of retired public servants on low pay is at an advanced stage. Discussions are ongoing with the public service unions. These discussions will be completed successfully and the relevant circular will issue in the near future to implement the new arrangements. The proposals will benefit public service employees who are on full pay related social...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (18 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The rules governing the approval by the Revenue Commissioners of retirement benefit schemes, such as occupational pension schemes, provide, among other things, that the basic benefit under such schemes must be a pension for the employee at a specified age not earlier than 60 years of age and not later than 70 years of age. It is a condition of approval that individual occupational pension...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (18 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested is not readily available but the Revenue Commissioners will source as much information as possible and forward this to the Deputy within a matter of weeks.

Written Answers — Third Level Institutions: Third Level Institutions (18 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will be aware, extending the term of office in the case referred to requires an amendment to the pension scheme of the institution concerned. Such an amendment requires the approval of the HEA together with the consent of the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Education and Science. A proposal to extend the term of office is being considered by my Department in...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (18 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Revenue Commissioners have informed me that this taxpayer has approached them with information concerning suspected undisclosed income in the case of another taxpayer or taxpayers. Because of the requirements of taxpayer confidentiality, the Revenue Commissioners are unable to advise this person of the outcome of any investigations made on foot of the information supplied. I am informed...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (18 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: For the purpose of gift and inheritance tax, the relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance, the disponer, and the person who received the gift or inheritance, the beneficiary, determines the maximum tax free threshold, known as the group threshold. Three such thresholds exist, which are indexed by reference to the consumer price index. The indexed group thresholds...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (17 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand that there are approximately 600 individuals on the disabled drivers medical board of appeal waiting list, with a current average waiting time in excess of three years. There were a number of operational difficulties with the board of appeal and these have now been resolved. The new chairperson of the board, whom I appointed on 14 March 2005, has been asked to address the backlog...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (17 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I assume the Deputy is referring to the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions scheme which is open to people with disabilities who meet the specified criteria and have obtained a primary medical certificate to that effect from the local Health Service Executive. The medical criteria for the purposes of the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the disabled...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (17 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a notification of tax refund issued to the taxpayer in question on 10 May 2005 and that a cheque in settlement issued on 12 May 2005.