Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
237 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on any discussions he has had with a representative group (details supplied) in relation to a possible fuel rebate for their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19340/12]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing. I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licensed hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.
239 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his view on a matter (details supplied) regarding betting tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19426/12]
View answerI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that profits from the selective laying of bets on betting exchanges by persons other than licensed bookmakers would not be subject to income tax, nor would stamp duties, VAT or capital gains tax apply. In the case of a betting exchange established in the State, the commission charged to customers is chargeable to VAT at the standard rate of 23 per cent. An exemption from VAT will apply, however, in the case of a remote betting intermediary, within the meaning of section 64 of the Finance Act 2002, in respect of the supply of services the consideration for which consists of commission charges that are subject to betting intermediary duty imposed by section 67B of that Act. The coming into operation of betting intermediary duty, and the exemption from VAT for the supply of services to which that duty applies, are subject to Ministerial commencement orders. The making of those orders would follow the enactment of the proposed Betting (Amendment) Bill that is being drafted at present and which will provide the regulatory framework for the licensing of remote betting intermediaries and bookmakers.
240 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering in the context for Budget 2013, any changes to the tax bands or tax rates on income earned. [19428/12]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government states that as part of the Government's fiscal strategy we will maintain the current rates of income tax together with bands and credits. This commitment was delivered in Budget 2012. As I have stated many times before in the House, the Programme for Government sets out our strategy in this matter and, subject to agreement with the Troika, we intend to continue to deliver on these commitments.
