Results 161-180 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Tax Collection. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: The point I am making indicates that no matter how we try to deal with the impact of supplementary benefits or the loss of eligibility to them in the event of people entering the workplace, a refundable tax credit system is not a component that would bring about a solution, according to those more expert than I in this area.

Decentralisation Programme. (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: Budget 2005 will be presented to the Dáil and published on Wednesday, 1 December. As the Deputy knows, it is not the usual practice to speculate in advance of the annual budget on what it will contain. I do not propose to deviate from this practice.

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 Yield: Tax Yield (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to be definitive on corporation tax receipts at this stage as almost one third of the 2004 yield is currently due in. As of end-October, we were just under 2% behind target but this could be due to timing effects rather than a conclusive indication of any particular underlying shortfall. We will be better able to assess the true position shortly.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: Stamp duty exists on various financial cards in order to provide Exchequer revenue. The stamp duty on cheques, bills of exchange and promissory notes has existed for many years and when electronic means of money transfers such as credit cards, ATM cards and laser cards were subsequently introduced, stamp duty was gradually extended to those products to ensure that the stamp duty from cheques...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: As part of the overall decentralisation programme it is intended that 100 staff of the Valuation Office and 100 staff of the Public Appointments Service will be decentralised to Youghal, County Cork. Planning for the move is ongoing in both offices and in the Office of Public Works, which is dealing with accommodation procurement issues. Both organisations have published outline...

Written Answers — Drug Seizures: Drug Seizures (23 Nov 2004)

Brian Cowen: The customs service of the Revenue Commissioners has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs intended to be smuggled or illegally imported into the State under the memorandum of understanding signed by the Garda Commissioner and the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners on 12 January 1996. On drug smuggling by sea, the Naval Service...