Quinn, RuairíTuesday, 28 February 1995 |
Dáil Éireann Debate
Page of 191
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Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Third Banking Force.
Was asked: the proposals, if any, he has with regard to the third banking force; and if a decision will be made in 1995.
Was asked: the timescale and the structure of the proposed third banking force; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: his proposals, if any, with regard to the promotion of a vigorous third banking force; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 22 and 42 together. A comprehensive review of the options open to the Government in relation to the State banks, including TSB Bank, is nearing completion and I in...
A commitment was given by the previous Government and repeated in the Programme for Government.I do not wish to offer a view until I have completed the examination. At that stage the Deputy will be ...
The view of the Labour Party is well known. It is committed to and respects the role played by the State banks in the past. The recent success of both the ICC and the ACC — their annual reports were...
I agree with the Deputy that the State has a positive role to play in the banking sector. Our experience and that of other European Union countries would seem to bear this out.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Sterling Crisis.
Was asked: in view of the current sterling weakness, the Government's policy with regard to tracking sterling or the Deustche Mark; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: in view of the parity of the Irish pound and sterling, the proposals, if any, he has to financially assist Irish exporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 31 together.
The Deputy has asked a number of questions to which I will try to reply. It would be unwise for anybody to suggest or nominate a rate for fear that that might in itself become some kind of a target. ...
The Deputy would be wrong to refer to the present situation as a currency crisis.
It is not comparable to 1992-93. Due to purely domestic political reasons in the United Kingdom, now compounded by the collapse of Barings, there has been a domestic problem with regard to sterling c...
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Tax Covenants.
Was asked: the studies, if any, that have been conducted into those receiving tax relief on covenanted income; if he will indicate the proportions in terms of numbers and value of covenants made in respect of ch...
Was asked: the studies, if any, that have been conducted into those receiving tax relief on covenanted income; if he will indicate the proportions in terms of numbers and value of covenants made in respect of ch...
Was asked: the amount of money to be generated by the abolition of educational tax covenants.
Was asked: if he will give a statistical breakdown in relation to tax covenants, detailing the different sectors in which they are used; and the numbers of people covenanting in each sector.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 54, 97 and 98 together. The statistical data sought by Deputies McDowell, O'Donnell and Martin is as follows to the extent that it is available from the Revenue Co...
I am aware that the Deputy has written to me about this matter and it is being looked into. This supplementary question is somewhat separate but nevertheless related to his question. The situation i...
The whole question of covenants and the rapid escalation in their utilisation in recent years — from a figure ten years ago of approximately £3 million or £4 million in tax foregone to the projected f...
The Deputy probably knows as much as I do about the origins and history of covenants. They have been a fact of law for a very long period, I expect going back to the start of the century, and have no...
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - European Monetary Union.
Was asked: the Government's position with regard to EU monetary union; his views on whether 1997 is a realistic date; if 1999 is the preferred option for monetary union; and if he will make a statement on the ma...
The Government supports the creation of economic and monetary union (EMU) in accordance with the timetable in the Treaty on European Union. The programme for renewal makes clear the Government's comm...
I welcome the Deputy's suggestion of a discussion document on these issues. They are of enormous significance for the Irish economy. The interrelated issue of sterling's future inside or outside the...
I will consider the Deputy's proposal but I would not like anyone in this House to have the impression that work of a preparatory nature is not currently being undertaken either by the Commission or m...
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Harmonisation of VAT Rates.
Was asked: the Government's policy with regard to the harmonisation of value-added tax rates within the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Our existing VAT rate structure is fully consistent with current EU obligations. The possibilities for reduced rating and transitional arrangements under the governing EU VAT Rates Directive continue...
Yes, I am of that view but the Deputy will recall the extensive and difficult debates on the harmonisation of rates prior to the completion of the internal market arrangements. A number of specific p...
I am aware of the submission and of the differences in the rate. In Ireland the standard rate is 21 per cent and in the UK and in Northern Ireland it is 17.5 per cent which causes problems for some s...
I was quoting from the Commission's report where it concluded there was no major distorting effect.
I do because our internal analysis drew the same conclusion.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Semi-State Privatisation.
Was asked: the Government's policy regarding privatisation of semi-State companies or any of their services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Government's policy in this matter is set out in the policy document A Government of Renewal, which recognises that dramatic change will occur in some State companies. The twin drivers of technol...
The Deputy did not specify any company in his question. If he wishes to put down a question about that I will be happy to answer it.
The question refers to general policy regarding semi-State companies. I enunciated what is contained in the policy document A Government for Renewal. Each case will be looked at on its merits. We s...
The question relates to the overall approach to semi-State companies.The Government, which is a coalition of three parties, has set out its approach to State companies in its policy document. It migh...
I was asked to outline in general terms the policy on semi-State companies and I have done so. I do not share the Deputy's view. Each case will be looked at on its merits within the framework of the...
We set out in our policy document our general policy in regard to semi-State companies. Obviously we are talking about commercial or commercially-oriented semi-State companies.There will be certain c...
I cannot enunciate a detailed application of that policy until we investigate the particular circumstances.The question of ownership per se would have to be balanced against the survival of the compan...
It would depend on the circumstances and the overall objective.
I do not have to remind the Deputy that, contrary to appearances, there is not a majority Labour Government. I am referring to Government policy.
I have always admired the rhetorical skills of Deputy Michael McDowell.
It is Government policy to retain and maintain a majority shareholding.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Budget Leaks.
Was asked: the obligations, if any, of programme managers and advisers in relation to official secrecy; and the action, if any, he proposes to take in relation to the leaking of the budget proposals.
Was asked: if he has carried out an investigation into the extensive leaks surrounding the details of the 1995 budget; and the measures, if any, he proposes to take to ensure that there will not be a recurrence.
Was asked: if the former Minister of State, Deputy Phil Hogan, was the only Minister for State to have confidential budgetary information before the budget.
Was asked: if he will make a statement to Dáil Éireann, setting out the factual position with regard to previous investigations into budget leaks in recent years.
Was asked: the reason Deputy Phil Hogan, former Minister of State, believed it was customary to issue budget details to the Fine Gael press office; the person who gave Deputy Hogan such information; when it was ...
Was asked: when precisely former Minister of State, Deputy Phil Hogan, authorised the giving of confidential budget information to the Fine Gael press office; when the document was delivered to this office; the ...
Was asked: the number of Minister of State and programme managers who were aware of the contents of the 1995. budget before 8 February 1995.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 47, 49, 56, 62, 67 and 87 together. In accordance with the statement made by the Taoiseach to this House on Wednesday, 15 February, the Secretary of my Department ...
It is desirable that programme managers come from outside the Civil Service. Indeed, the former Deputy, Dr. Martin O'Donoghue, was perhaps the first such person to be so described and he was actively...
During 1971-73.
No decision has been made in respect of that, but I imagine — and I offer an opinion as no decisions has been made — that until such time as a report from the Secretary of the Department of Finance be...
I do not want to anticipate the inquiry's recommendations or findings, but the Government takes a serious view on the question of leaks in so far as they have occurred, including leaks from party offi...
I am not in possession of information on the precise position in the Department of Social Welfare, but I will try to get it for the Deputy.
I do not know.
I repeat what I said elsewhere, I did not seek Deputy Hogan's resignation and he put on the record that the decision he took was his own.
I did not seek his resignatio and I made that very clear to him and the Taoiseach. As far as Deputy Hogan and I are concerned, he has said more than needs to be said on this matter.
The Government does not have an obligation to publish the findings of the report. As the Deputy is well aware, not every report is required to be published.
However, having regard to this issue and the seriousness with which it is judged, it may well be the case that the Government might consider publishing the report when it is received, but that decisi...
As I said in my reply, the inquiry will be carried out under the supervision of the Secretary of the Department of Finance and it is expected to be completed in approximately two months.
The Secretary has at his disposal a professional team of civil servants in the Department of Finance and he is also getting the co-operation of all the other Government Departments.
Do I take it that the Deputy wants their names, addresses and dates of birth.
I do not have that information with me but I will get it from the Secretary and convey it to Deputy Hilliard.
Yes. I will read the precise statement again regarding a programme manager: In regard to the question of the obligations of programme managers and special advisers in relation to official secrecy, I ...
If an unestablished temporary civil servant, such as a programme manager or special adviser, was found to be in gross breach of a particular regulation such as the Official Secrets Act and his or her ...
I do not have the answer to both question but I will get the information for the Deputy.
Deputy Molloy asked from a seated position whether I was covering up on something. The answer is no, I am not.
Because, unlike the Deputy, I do not profess to know everything.I am a mere human.
I am aware of the people who are carrying out the investigation. The Deputy asked how many were carrying out the investigation. I am not sure of the number or whether they are involved full-time or p...
Deputy Molloy has had more Cabinet experience that any Member present and knows precisely the rights and privileges of collective Cabinet responsibility in these matters. The question of leaks, on som...
I would remind Deputies that in previous years when there were leaks no inquiries were instituted.
It happens to be a fact.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
Was asked: the plans, if any, he has for further decentralisation of Government offices to the west of Ireland.
Was asked: if he will include Kenmare, County Kerry, in the next list of towns in which decentralised Government offices will be located; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 51 together. By the west of Ireland I take it the Deputy means the counties of Connacht together with Clare and Donegal — those counties under the ambit of the ...
I do not want the Deputy to lose the Whip by answering him.
The ongoing programme of decentralisation is continuing and I am not aware of any new plans for decentralisation. As a Dublin Deputy, I concur with the observations made by Deputy Callely that Dubli...
The Deputy's question referred to western development. I am sure that he, a western Deputy, does not think the people of the west are so bereft of entrepreneurial skill that they require the transfer...
Yes, I did. It is history now.
I hesitate to come between Deputy Ahern and his frontbench colleague, Deputy Ivor Callely, but I can confirm that the existing decentralisation proposals will be implemented. I am not aware of new pr...
I hesitate to engage with Deputy McDowell's renowned debating skills——
——but I can say that the existing programme is going ahead and there are no proposals for a new programme.
The decentralisation programme has conveyed considerable benefits to a substantial number of people and the economies of the towns in which the offices are located. As the Deputy will appreciate as F...
If the Deputy does not want to put down a question I can write to him directly with the information.
If the Deputy and his party colleague beside him can propose how one can have decentralised Civil Service offices in virtually every town and at the same time reduce public expenditure then I would be...
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Restructuring of Office of Public Works.
Was asked: the proposals, if any, there are for the restructuring of the Office of Public Works involving the separation of its principal functions and the reassignment of responsibility for these functions to t...
Was asked: the statutory powers relating to heritage and cultural institutions which are to be transferred from the Minister for Finance to the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht; and if he will make a...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 64 together.
I do not want to go into the specifics of a decision which has already been taken. We are talking about the transfer of functions and, broadly speaking, the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltac...
As I stated in my reply, there have been two transfers. One has already been made and another is in the process of being made.
The Office of Public Works will be under the direction of the Minister for Finance and of the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins. As the Deputy is aware, the office predates the establishment of the S...
It would be a mistake to conclude that. The Office of Public Works is more than 150 years old and from time to time has had functions assigned to and taken from it. For example, at one time it was r...
I hope I have not inadvertently misled the Deputy. I stated clearly that statutory responsibility for heritage and cultural matters, in so far as they were within the legal remit of the Office of Pub...
The question of the implementation of specific policies in certain areas utilising the agency services of the Office of Public Works will be evaluated on a case by case basis where it makes good econo...
To avoid confusion, all instructions must be given in written form. The Deputy would not want to read much into that statement. There is very positive co-operation between the Office of Public Works...
I did not say that.
I am not sure to what the Deputy refers.
I do not have that information to hand but I can supply the Deputy with it.
The decisions we are taking on the transfer of functions under the legislation to which I already referred, the amended Ministers and Secretaries Act, 1939, remove some of the confusion and we will co...
This work will be undertaken on a phased basis. We will examine the question of the implications for staff and come back to the Deputy on it. I concur with the Deputy, as would the Minister of State...
I will get the information for the Deputy.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Regions.
Was asked: the new initiatives, if any, being considered to enhance the Border region to make it more attractive for inward investment and to offer greater encouragement for existing industry to grow; if he will...
There are a number of initiatives specifically targeted at the Border region which should substantially boost economic development in the region. Commission approval for the Ireland-Northern Ireland I...
It is my intention to ensure that the moneys will be additional but it would be rash to give a guarantee that the percentage will be 100 per cent. The vast bulk of the money under the INTERREG progr...
I am not aware that provision is made for urban renewal in Northern Ireland in the INTERREG programme. It is possible that opportunities could be availed of either under the infrastructure sub-progra...
I agree with the Deputy's colleague, Deputy O'Hanlon, that the Border counties have been placed at a disadvantage during the past 25 years in particular — he made specific reference to the lack of a f...
We were all led to believe certain things about Delors packages.
As Deputy Ahern confirmed, in this instance funding will be allocated on an 80:20 basis. The amounts of money involved are substantial and it will be up to us to make the best and most effective use ...
I agree with the Deputy. The criticism was expressed by many people in Border areas that there was a low level of recognition and understanding of the INTERREG I programme and that there was a commun...
By virtue of the fact that there is the INTERREG programme and now the Delors package co-ordination will be required. A higher profile for this activity both at Government and public level will also ...
The conference is being organised in Washington. The person partly responsible for its organisation is a namesake of mine, although no relative, a lawyer called Paul Quinn who is actively involved in...
In response to the Deputy's first question, my understanding of the Delors package is that its details have to be worked out but provisions will be made for much more consultation and local community ...
I can confirm that consideration is being given to a proposal to set up a local secretariat to provide closer contact for INTERREG II. With the advent of the peace programme, the logic for doing that...
Order of Business.
It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 5, 10 and 11. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 5 shall be decided without debate. Private Members' Business shall be No. 19.
It is on the Order Paper but if the Deputy wishes to get more information on No. 5, he may go to the Whips office for it.
I understand it is being formally presented today and it is a matter for the Whips and this House to decide on how to proceed.
My understanding is that the committee will report to the House today and that the report will be circulated to Deputies in the normal way.
As I understand it, and it is subject to what the chairman of the committee wishes to state to the House, No. 1 is listed to be taken and there is no requirement for it to be taken without debate. It...
Work is proceeding very satisfactorily on the preparation for this Bill which is due to come before the Government shortly. It will be published immediately afterwards. It will be published in accor...
No, it will not be published this week, it will be published next week.
That matter has not been finally decided yet.
The Deputy asked a separate question as to whether the Taoiseach would be at the conference. That matter has not yet been decided but the Tánaiste will lead the deputation.
The matter will be brought to the Government very shortly.
In reply to a question by Deputy Molloy I said the legislation on incest would come to the Government very quickly. In fact, it will be published very quickly.
The proposed legislation is being examined in the Department at present.
It is at an early stage of preparation.
I understand the Department is examining the draft legislation at present and is engaged in consultations to ensure that it is well drafted and adequate.
The matter is being treated as urgent and the Department hopes to be in a position to publish the Bill shortly.
Work is proceeding in the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works on that as a matter of urgency.
As soon as possible. We are aware of the difficulties and of the fact that £2 million was made available in agricultural support and £4 million was made available for roads.
Proposals are being prepared at present. I am not in a position to say when it will be published.
I do and I remember the encouraging support we received from members of the public. Detailed work is ongoing in the Department and the Bill will be published as soon as possible.
Written Answers. - INTERREG Funding Secretariat.
Was asked: if a secretariat will be put in place in the Border areas to ensure that INTERREG funding is utilised in those areas in accordance with the views of the various community groups active there in view o...
Approval of the joint Ireland/Northern Ireland programme under the second INTERREG structural funds Community initiative was announced by the EU Commission yesterday. Based on the successful pattern ...
Written Answers. - Single European Currency.
Was asked: the Government's policy with regard to the Maastricht proposal to move to a single currency by 1999 in view of the recent statement by the Governor of the Netherlands' Central Bank to the effect that ...
Was asked: the preparations, if any, he plans for a single currency in 1997; and the adjustments, if any, he considers will be required.
Was asked: if he will indicate to the British Prime Minister Ireland's support for the Single European Currency initiative; and if he will seek to persuade the British authorities of the merits of the initiative...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 41 and 71 together.
Written Answers. - INTERREG Funding.
Was asked: when private, public and voluntary groups can apply for funding under the INTERREG II Cross-Border Initiative; to whom the applications are to be sent; when the deadline dates to secure funding under ...
Commission approval of the joint Ireland/Northern Ireland programme under the second INTERREG structural funds Community initiative was announced yesterday. The programme includes a wide range of mea...
Written Answers. - Official Report.
Was asked: the price of the Dáil debates booklet to the public for each of the years 1973, 1980 and 1995; and the increase in the rate of inflation over the same period.
Written Answers. - Acts and Statutory Instruments.
Was asked: if he has satisfied himself with the delays encountered in the production of bilingual versions of all Acts and Statutory Instruments by the Government Publications Office; and the additional resource...
Written Answers. - National Lottery Funds.
Was asked: if an interdepartmental committee has been established to review the strategic objectives and procedures for the distribution and allocation of resources generated by the national lottery; if so, the ...
The question of the establishment of the committee referred to in the Programme for Renewal is at present under consideration. A report on the administration of national lottery grants was produced b...
Written Answers. - INTERREG II Funding.
Was asked: the total funding available under INTERREG II as it pertains to the North/South Border area; the breakdown of such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Approval of the joint Ireland/Northern Ireland programme under the second INTERREG Structural Funds Community initiative was announced by the European Commission yesterday. The Commission has approve...
Written Answers. - Access to Information and Rights.
Was asked: the steps, if any, he has taken to improve physical access to information and rights for all citizens, including those with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government is committed to implementing a range of reform measures, as set out in its policy document, A Government of Renewal, which will among other things address the is...
Written Answers. - Regulation of Financial Intermediaries.
Was asked: the proposals, if any, he has to regulate the transactions of financial intermediaries.
My Department, with the assistance of the Central Bank of Ireland and the Department of Enterprise and Employment, has produced a scheme of a Bill for the regulation of investment intermediaries.This...
Written Answers. - National Lottery Funds.
Was asked: the total amount of money raised by the national lottery during 1994; the total amount paid out in prize money during that period; the total amount allocated to various Government Departments; the use...
As indicated in the 1994 annual report and accounts of the National Lottery Company which are being published today, sales amounted to £291.4 million and the amount paid out in prize money was £148.8 ...
Written Answers. - Ordnance Survey Staff.
Was asked: if he has examined the circumstances surrounding the transfer of ordnance survey staff from Galway to Tuam; if so, his views on whether the decision should be reversed; and if he will make a statement...
The decision to open six regional offices of the Ordnance Survey, including the office in Tuam, was announced in November 1990 by the then Minister for Finance, Deputy Albert Reynolds. With the openi...
Written Answers. - Office of Public Works Sites.
Was asked: the cost of security at Office of Public Works sites countrywide.
Written Answers. - Salary of the Tánaiste.
Was asked: when the practice commenced whereby the Tánaiste was paid an allowance over and above the ministerial/TD salary; the number of times this has been increased since; and if he will make a statement on t...
The Tánaiste and other Ministers are paid the same remuneration as TDs and, in addition, a salary in their capacity as an office-holder. Up until 1974 the salary was the same for both. In 1974, the T...
Written Answers. - Government Contracts.
Was asked: if he intends operating an open tendering system for all Government works contracts.
Government contracts, whether they are works, supplies or services fall into two categories; those subject to the procedures prescribed in the various EU Directives covering Public Procurement, genera...
Written Answers. - Official Statistics.
Was asked: the implications, if any, of recent reports questioning the validity of Ireland's official statistics, particularly those relating to GNP and GDP, for Ireland's position in relation to European Moneta...
Official figures for gross domestic product and gross national product are compiled by the Central Statistics Office in accordance with international standards as set out in the European System of Nat...
Written Answers. - Leinster House Development Works.
Was asked: the present position regarding the Leinster House development works in the Fisheries Yard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Reports of Select Committee on Legislation and Security.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the cost to the public of the reports of the evidence of the Select Committee on Legislation and Security in dealing with the events of 11 to 16 November 1994.
Written Answers. - Vehicle Registration Tax.
Was asked: the number of pre-owned motor vehicles imported into Ireland and registered in 1994; and the revenue generated by the vehicle registration tax on all such vehicles.
The number of pre-owned (used) vehicles imported and registered in Ireland in 1994 was 58,110 and the vehicle registration tax collected in respect of such vehicles was £42.6 million.
Written Answers. - Single European Currency.
Was asked: if he will make a statement on the report in the Irish Independent on 2 February 1995, quoting a senior French Government source as stating that only seven countries including Germany, France, Holland...
I have seen the newspaper report referred to by the Deputy. I note that the source quoted in it was suggesting that only seven member states meeting the criteria would be needed to form the majority...
Written Answers. - National Lottery.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the success of the national lottery has had a serious effect on the fundraising capacity of other charities; the proposals, if any, he has made to or r...
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the success of the national lottery has had a serious effect on the fund-raising capacity of other charities; the proposals, if any, he has made to or ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 61 together.
Written Answers. - Departmental Operation Programmes.
Was asked: the funding he expects to be available in 1995 under each of the departmental operational programmes; the source of such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Each of the operational programmes under the Community Support Framework for Ireland includes a financial plan which sets out the commitments by the EU from the Structural Funds in respect of the year...
Written Answers. - National Development Plan.
Was asked: the changes, if any, the new Government is proposing to the National Development Plan, 1994 to 1999, either in substance or emphasis; the contacts, if any, he has had with Brussels regarding this plan...
The Community Support Framework constitutes an agreement between the Commission and the Government of Ireland, based on the proposals in the national development plan, on the strategy and priorities f...
Written Answers. - Arterial Drainage Act.
Was asked: when the Arterial Drainage Act will be amended.
Written Answers. - Flooding Crisis.
Was asked: the action, if any, which the Government proposes to take and the measures, if any, which are to be implemented in order to alleviate the crisis which has been imposed on the people of the county and ...
Was asked: the steps, if any, he intends to take to alleviate the effects of flooding in the west of Ireland.
Written Answers. - Employment of People with Disabilities.
Was asked: the total proportion of people with disabilities currently employed in the Civil Service; the proportion employed at different grades; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if the 3 per cent quota guideline for disabled persons in the Civil Service has been reached; if so, when it was reached; and if not, if any target date has been set for its full implementation.[4665/...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 79 together. As of October 1994, the most recent date for which data is available, the proportion of people with disabilities employed in the Civil Service was ...
Written Answers. - Community Initiative Programmes.
Was asked: the total funding available in 1995 under the Community Initiative programmes; the source of such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The EU Commission has given indicative allocations to Ireland under the Structural Funds Community initiatives 1994-99 of 383.7 mECU. I have set out the breakdown across the initiatives of the EU fun...
Written Answers. - INTERREG II Funding.
Was asked: the total funding available under INTERREG II as it pertains to the Ireland East/Wales area; the breakdown of such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The European Commission has given an indicative allocation to the Ireland/ Wales INTERREG programme of 83.5 mECU (approximately £66.8 million). Of this 70 mECU (approximately £56 million) is expected ...
Written Answers. - Mileage Expenses.
Was asked: the specific statutory basis for the application by the Revenue Commissioners of the Civil Service rate of mileage expenses to company directors and all other taxpayers.
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no specific statutory basis for the use of the Civil Service mileage rates as a measure of actual motor expenses incurred. It is, however...
Written Answers. - Production of Biofuel.
Was asked: the plans, if any, he has to provide a financial incentive towards the production of biofuel which, if put in place during the course of 1995, would promote increased production in 1996.
I presume the Deputy has taxation incentives in mind. At present, substitute fuels, including biofuels, are not liable here to hydrocarbon oil excise duty. However, additives or extenders, which coul...
Written Answers. - Programme Managers.
Was asked: the role, functions, powers and job descriptions of all programme managers appointed to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputies are no doubt aware that programme manager posts were introduced by the previous Government, (of which they were members), to assist Ministers in managing and co-ordinating the achievement...
Written Answers. - Ministerial Transport.
Was asked: if a committee has been established to conduct a review of ministerial transport; if not, when it will be established; the aims of the committee; and when it will report.
In accordance with the commitment in paragraph 59 of A Government of Renewal a committee has been established to conduct a full review of all ministerial transport. The terms of reference for the com...
Written Answers. - Drug Smuggling.
Was asked: his views on a reported claim that the Irish coastline is vulnerable to drug baron activities in view of the fact that this country's communications system does not stretch far enough into the Atlanti...
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, in view of the greater responsibility placed on Customs for protecting not only Ireland, but the EU as a whole, against drug smuggling with the aboliti...
Written Answers. - Tax Expenditure.
Was asked: if he will give information on tax expenditure in the years 1993 and 1994 relating to payments made under section 439 (1) (II) of the Income Tax Act, 1967 to universities or colleges; the amount of ex...
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics are not available which would enable the precise information requested by the Deputy to be given. Such information either could not be obtai...
Written Answers. - County Leitrim Flooding.
Was asked: the action, if any, he proposes to take regarding flooding being caused in the Lough Reane area of County Leitrim in view of the Ballinamore/ Ballyconnell canal works.
Written Answers. - Revenue from Commercial Banks.
Was asked: the amount of revenue the Exchequer has received from the commercial banks from the introduction of the bank levy in 1989 to 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The relevant available data are the bank levy and the estimated amounts of Irish corporation tax paid by the commercial banks. The following table sets out the information requested in so far as it i...
Written Answers. - People Included in Tax Net.
Was asked: the number of people who were included in the tax net on 8 February 1995, or on any other date around that time; the comparative number on a similar date in 1994; and his views on comments made by Min...
I assume what the Deputy is interested in is the impact of the recent budget. It is estimated that there were some 915,000 taxpayers in the 1994-95 tax year. The number of taxpayers would have incre...
Written Answers. - Property Tax.
Was asked: the total cost per annum of collecting property tax, taking account of human resources costs, including pension and other benefits, travelling and communication costs, computer time costs including de...
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the total cost per annum of collecting residential property tax is estimated at £550,000.
Written Answers. - Double Taxation Arrangements.
Was asked: the estimated number of persons living in the south who work in Northern Ireland and are affected by the double taxation arrangements; and the plans, if any, he has to alleviate the hardship caused.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. Information from tax returns is not recorded in such a way that it would be possible ...
Written Answers. - Income Tax Refund.
Was asked: if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a refund of income tax.
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer ceased employment on 10 June, 1989. Refunds in the amounts of £99.59 and £75.47 were issued in July and September, 1989. This repre...
Written Answers. - Remit of Ombudsman.
Was asked: if he will widen the remit of the Ombudsman to include military affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the Ombudsman Act 1980, the Ombudsman may not investigate any action if it relates to or affects national security or military activity. The Schedule to that Act excludes the defence forces, by...
Written Answers. - EU Single Currency.
Was asked: the discussions, if any, he has had with the French Presidency regarding the single currency for the EU; and the results of such discussions.
Near the start of the French Presidency in January, I met my French counterpart Minister Alphandery to discuss the Presidency's plans for the period to the end of June in the area of work covered by t...
Written Answers. - Residential Property Tax.
Was asked: the estimated yield in 1995 from residential property tax; the geographic locations which have paid the greater share of the total residential property tax to date; and if he will make a statement on ...
Residential property tax is estimated to yield £10 million in 1995. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the greater share of residential property tax comes from householders in the Dublin...
Written Answers. - Economic and Monetary Union.
Was asked: the present situation on the development of a single EU currency and Economic and Monetary Union; the position of other member states, in particular the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement...
The Treaty on European Union sets out a timetable for movement to the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union and a single currency. Briefly, if a majority of member states meets the conditions, t...
Written Answers. - Referenda Costs.
Was asked: the estimated costs associated with the holding of referenda in 1995; and if having referenda on a Sunday would have an impact on the cost.
A provision of £3 million has been included for election expenses and related payments to An Post under Central Fund services for 1995. The costs of referenda would be met under this heading but prec...
Written Answers. - National Lottery.
Was asked: if he has satisfied himself with the existing structure and jackpots of the national lottery; when the next allocation of lottery funding will be made available to desirable community projects; and if...
I assume the Deputy's question refers to the game and prize structures operated by the National Lottery Company. I am satisfied with existing arrangements. These are, of course, reviewed on an ongoin...
Written Answers. - Irish Print Museum.
Was asked: if he will give further details of the work of the Irish Print Museum in Beggars Bush, Dublin 4, which was allocated £100,000 in 1995; the reason for this particular allocation; and if he will make a ...
The Irish Print Museum is located in the former garrison chapel in Beggars Bush Barracks. It houses printing machinery and other artefacts, some dating back to the eighteenth century, outlining the r...
Written Answers. - Offer to Purchase Derelcit School.
Was asked: if he will accept the offer of £5,000 from the Barraduff Community Development Association for the purchase of the old derelict primary school in Barraduff, in the parish of Glenflesk, County Kerry; a...
Written Answers. - Double Taxation of Maintenance Payments.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that PRSI and levies are charged twice on income which is passed between separated spouses by way of maintenance payments; the proposals, if any, he has to ...
I refer the Deputy to a reply to a similar question on 25 January 1995 (Volume 448, columns 144-146). On that occasion I distinguished between the social insurance element of PRSI contributions on th...
Written Answers. - Church of Scientology.
Was asked: in view of the increasing public concern surrounding new movements, commonly referred to as cults, and in view of the tragic events at Waco in the United States of America and Solar Temple in Switzerl...
There is at present no statutory body responsible for regulating the activities of charities or with which charities should be registered. The Revenue Commissioners consider applications for tax exem...
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