Results 18,221-18,240 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 177, 183, 186 and 188 to 192, inclusive, together. The Freedom of Information Act has been extended gradually as experience has been gained in its application. Proposals for a further extension of freedom of information are being finalised in the Department of Finance. The organisations in question are being considered as part of that proposal.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not aware of any basis on which the person in question might be entitled to a refund of income tax. If the person would like to discuss the matter further, he should contact the Cork north-west tax district at Government office, Sullivan's Quay, Cork. Its telephone number is (021) 4325000.

Written Answers — Tax Clearance Certificates: Tax Clearance Certificates (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement for 2003, showing details of earnings and tax deductions, issued to the taxpayer in question on Friday, 6 May 2005.

Written Answers — Debt Relief: Debt Relief (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: At the recent spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, referred to in the Deputy's question, there was a preliminary discussion of key issues relating to proposals for further multilateral debt relief and its financing options. The meeting called for further discussions with shareholders and examination of the issues, including the possible use of IMF resources, ahead of the annual...

Written Answers — Special Savings Incentive Scheme: Special Savings Incentive Scheme (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is not a requirement per se of the SSIA scheme for an individual to earn any income. However, Part 36A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, as inserted by section 33 of the Finance Act 2001, requires inter alia that for a saver to get the full benefit from an SSIA account he or she must be the beneficial owner of the funds in the account and must have subscribed to the SSIA from funds...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The two reports of the decentralisation implementation group, of 31 March and 30 July 2004, provide detailed accounts of the progress made in implementing the decentralisation programme announced in December 2003. An analysis of the applications registered with the central applications facility by 7 September 2004 has also been published. The implementation group's report of 24 November 2004...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that some 66,000 income earners are estimated to have become exempt from income tax as a result of the changes announced in the 2005 budget. This figure is a provisional estimate. A married couple that has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as a single tax unit.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: Tax relief for unreimbursed medical expenses does not cover plastic surgery or other medical works or procedures undertaken on purely cosmetic grounds. The clinic referred to by the Deputy is not on the list of approved hospitals for medical treatments that might qualify.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a letter issued to the taxpayer on 3 May 2005 advising that no rent relief is due in respect of rent payments as only rent payable in respect of private rented accommodation is allowable.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (10 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Government's decentralisation programme, which was announced in the 2004 budget, will involve the transfer of 210 posts to Dungarvan. Initial data from the central applications facility indicates that 15 staff of Ordnance Survey Ireland have applied to decentralise to Dungarvan and a further 47 expressions of interest in decentralising to Dungarvan have been made by civil servants. All...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: There are currently eight EU directives for which my Department has responsibility which are awaiting full implementation. The details of each of the Directives are as follows. Council Directive 2003/98/EC: Re-use of Public Sector Information. This directive lays down ground rules for the re-use of public sector information for commercial purposes. The deadline for implementation is 1 July...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: The decentralisation programme to Kanturk involves the proposed relocation of part of the Office of Public Works. The Commissioners of Public Works are currently at an advanced stage in the acquisition of a site in Kanturk. The current number of civil servants who have applied for relocation to Kanturk is 82. With regard to the posts prescribed for Kanturk, the application list shows an over...

Written Answers — Vetting Procedures: Vetting Procedures (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: Appointments to statutory boards under the aegis of my Department are in the first instance subject to the relevant legislation governing the establishment of the board. In considering a person's suitability for appointment to such boards I would have regard to a range of factors including any known, or potential, conflicts of interest. Following appointment to a board, the normal disclosure...

Written Answers — Unclaimed Moneys: Unclaimed Moneys (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I do not have any information to hand on the matters raised in the question. Moreover, the issues raised by the Deputy would not come under the remit of my Department.

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together. I have no direct responsibility for the day to day operation of the medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions, scheme. As the Deputy may be aware, there have been a number of administrative difficulties with the board of appeal. However, these have now been resolved, and in this respect I...

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: A cross-governmental working group is reporting to the Minister on proposals for the reform of vetting of employees by the Garda. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has appointed an implementation group to advise on the implementation and necessity for legislation. The Department of Education and Science and the Department of Health and Children are in discussion regarding the...

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand it is too early to say when it will come before the House.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the Ombudsman's Bill should be coming forward next year. The other matter has been before Government.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to say at this stage when the animal health Bill will be brought forward.

Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

Brian Cowen: Perhaps the Deputy should table a parliamentary question to the Minister for Agriculture and Food.