Results 19,301-19,320 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Decentralisation Programme. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: I cannot refer to my predecessor's reference to the question of corresponding buildings. The issue of buildings is one which my colleague is dealing with in conjunction with the Office of Public Works. With regard to the non-involvement of decentralisation costs or a provision for next year, these will arise in the multi-annual Estimates 2005-2009 which will be published with the budget. They...

Decentralisation Programme. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: I will. The properties are already in the process of being disposed of.

Decentralisation Programme. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: The only signs of a political nature I expect to see next week are those asking where the Labour Party is in that area, a question which is often asked of me in my constituency. Regarding the question of the IDA, there will be ongoing consultations with staff in regard to ensuring a successful roll-out of this programme.

Decentralisation Programme. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: Decentralisation costs were not part of the 2004-2008 five year multi-annual envelope because they had not been assessed at that time. Obviously, the Office of Public Works has to take account of those costs going forward.

Decentralisation Programme. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will discover on budget day what is built into the 2005 Estimates. On the other question, these are matters discussed by Government which I am sure will be announced in due course.

Decentralisation Programme. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: I have no idea what those costs, if any, will be. However, I am sure the Deputy will welcome the investment these funds represent.

Decentralisation Programme. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: The Government's policy on decentralisation is proceeding as planned. Despite many, such as the Deputy, claiming this or that will not happen, progress is constantly being made by the implementation group. Some 3,711 Dublin based civil servants are interested in moving to new locations; that figure was 2,195 in July.

Tax Code. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that each year all PAYE taxpayers receive a certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut-off point setting out their entitlements. This certificate is accompanied by a detailed information letter setting out the main personal tax credits available for the year, tax rates and tax bands, exemption limits, and how to claim an adjustment to the tax...

Tax Code. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: Reliefs are made available for all citizens to claim and we try to make people as aware as possible. There is no policy to do otherwise and the Revenue Commissioners are proactive in this area. Much discussion takes place during the time of the budget and I hope that will heighten awareness. After each budget the budget book is placed on the Department's dedicated website, www.budget.gov.ie.

Tax Code. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: The budget summary leaflet is prepared in Irish and English.

Tax Code. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: Whatever about bright lights on tax forms, we could ask the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners to see what could be done to assist.

Tax Code. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: I cannot comment on any issue that might be related to the budget

Tax Collection. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that substantial progress has been made regarding this inquiry. Arising from a voluntary disclosure programme, 254 individuals came forward and made voluntary disclosures. To date this programme has recovered in excess of €105 million for the Exchequer. Inquiries by the Revenue Commissioners have identified those individuals who failed to make...

Tax Collection. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: From its investigation and inquires, the Revenue Commissioners have identified 43 individuals holding trusts who failed to avail of the voluntary disclosure programme. The other 85% of individuals holding offshore trusts availed of that programme. The action to be taken under the tax laws is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, in whom I have total confidence.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (16 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: The rate of vehicle registration tax, VRT, chargeable in the State on a vehicle with an engine size of less than 1,400 cc is 22.5% of the open market selling price, OMSP. The rate of value added tax, VAT, on a new vehicle in the State is 21%, chargeable on the invoice price. OMSP means the price inclusive of all taxes and duties that a vehicle may reasonably be expected to fetch on a first...

Written Answers — Revenue Commissioners Staff: Revenue Commissioners Staff (16 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the office in question, the Revenue Central Information at Cathedral Street, Dublin, which is open from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday is currently experiencing significant growth in the number of callers. While staff are rostered to reflect the pattern and numbers of callers, Revenue recognises that there were times recently when...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (10 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: I welcome the opportunity to speak this evening and address the motion before the House. This Government has a record second to none on taxation in both reducing the burden and making the system work more fairly. On income tax over the past seven years, we have reduced the standard and higher rates of tax by six percentage points each; introduced a fairer system of tax credits and increased...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (10 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: The corporation tax yield from all IFSC companies in 2003 was over €600 million or approximately one eighth of the total corporation tax yield for that year. We must see it in terms of the contribution it is making. It is making a contribution of 12.5% of total corporation tax yield which itself has hugely increased since 1997, during which period the rates were progressively reduced. We...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (10 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: It is certainly a factor but it may not be the determining one. It should not be ignored, particularly when one considers where some of these firms may go if we do not maintain our competitiveness across all of the criteria they consider. There are countries in other parts of the world which are looking to what we have achieved and which are prepared, if possible, to outdo us in many of these...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (2 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 269 together. The Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, IFSRA, is studying the situation with regard to endowment loan shortfalls, having commenced a survey earlier this year, to determine whether and to what extent there will be difficulties for customers. It would be inappropriate to reach any conclusions on this issue in advance of IFSRA's...