Written Answers Nos. 47-57
48. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he is taking to promote the potential of genealogy tourism; his views that a more centralised approach to record keeping would assist its development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19165/13]
View answerGenealogy is an important way of connecting with those abroad who wish to trace their roots and also permitting those here in Ireland to establish their family history. It is also an important element of the country's cultural tourism product as a means of encouraging the Irish diaspora to visit the land of their ancestors. The Government, at my instigation and cognisant of its commitments under the Programme for Government, recently agreed a national genealogy policy.
In Ireland, the situation regarding genealogical research is complicated for historical reasons. Few records have survived compared to other countries. The fire in the Public Record Office complex in the Four Courts during the Irish Civil War (1922-1923) resulted in the severe damage and destruction of many records and impaired the range of records available for genealogical purposes. It is very important that the genealogy records which exist are presented in a way that is easy to use and understand and readily accessible. The national genealogy policy aims to bring some coherence to this area.
As part of the policy, I have recently launched the updated website www.irishgenealogy.ie incorporating a web portal. The new web portal will enable visitors to the site to search genealogy records from a number of online sources particularly in the State sector. A link will then bring the user directly to the results of the search. Now for the first time, one search on www.irishgenealogy.ie will inform the user whether relevant records are available in a number of online sources such as the Church Records currently available on www.irishgenealogy.ie, Tithe Applotments, Griffiths Valuations and the 1901 and 1911 Census records. The improved search capabilities of this website are part of my Department's contribution to the Government's Gathering Initiative. It is hoped that this site will contribute to genealogical tourism by making easier for the Diaspora to connect with their heritage. It is also hoped that the enhanced website will help to simplify the way that the State presents genealogy records.
As the Deputy may be aware, there are a wide variety of organisations that already provide valuable services to those seeking information on their ancestry. My Department would be happy to discuss the provision of a searched link from the webportal on www.irishgenealogy.ie to allow users to search the websites of those organisations. I believe that this would benefit all users and bodies by simplifying the genealogy landscape.
50. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has availed of The Gathering as a vehicle for the encouragement, promotion and development of the arts here and Irish arts and culture worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19239/13]
View answer130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any particular emphasis has been placed on offering assistance towards local based community groups involved in various productions associated with The Gathering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19703/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 130 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, The Gathering initiative undertaken by my colleague, Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, has the support of my Department and the agencies under my Department's remit.
A range of actions being taken to support The Gathering were outlined in my replies to Questions No. 117 and 120 of 13 March 2013, No. 13 of 30 January 2013 and Question No 16 of 28 November 2012.
The national cultural institutions under the auspices of my Department have prepared a comprehensive response to The Gathering. As outlined previously, the Arts Council is playing an ongoing key role in funding and developing arts events around the country during 2013. In terms of the Gaeltacht, Údarás na Gaeltachta has a dedicated scheme to support traditional festivals in the Gaeltacht and this year placed particular emphasis on activities aimed at attracting visitors to Ireland as part of The Gathering. Tourists arriving as part of The Gathering, particularly those from amongst the 70 million people abroad who claim Irish ancestry, will be particularly interested in heritage sites.
Culture Ireland operates as part of my Department, promoting Irish arts worldwide. For 2013 Culture Ireland has worked with Irish artists to promote The Gathering, while highlighting the excellence of Irish arts and creativity. It was a condition of funding imposed by my Department's Culture Ireland Division that all artists travelling abroad this year encourage their audiences to embrace The Gathering initiative.
I am committed to availing of every possible opportunity to project a positive global image for Ireland and am particularly conscious in the context of 2013 being the year of The Gathering initiative. In summary, therefore, I consider that a substantial contribution to The Gathering is underway in both the cultural and heritage areas.
51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the issues discussed at the most recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19663/13]
View answerI attended the most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 22 April.
In her opening remarks, High Representative Ashton provided an update on the latest round of the Serbia/Kosovo dialogue which took place on 17-18 April. She welcomed the agreement reached between the two parties on a number of outstanding issues which – it is hoped – will facilitate the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina and which goes a long way towards fulfilling the conditions for progress on their respective European paths. The High Representative also updated Ministers on the latest round of the E3+3 talks on Iran, held in Almaty on 5-6 April, and gave a brief overview of recent developments in DPRK. In addition, she referred briefly to the situation in Mali, noting the progress made with regard to the EU training mission (EUTM Mali) which has been up and running since 2 April and in which eight members of the Defence Forces are participating. The Council adopted comprehensive conclusions on Mali which, inter alia, welcomed the Malian Government’s commitment to implementing the "roadmap" for the transition and organising free, credible and transparent elections in July.
Under the Southern Neighbourhood heading, the Council had a comprehensive exchange of views on the situation in Syria. I and other colleagues reiterated the urgent need to arrive at a political settlement to the two-year old crisis and expressed our full support for Special Envoy Brahimi in his efforts to promote this. The Council agreed to ease certain EU sanctions against Syria including the oil embargo, with a view both to helping the civilian population and supporting the opposition. Ministers also briefly discussed the difficulties faced by neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan in the context of the ongoing crisis in Syria and its humanitarian consequences. In my own intervention I highlighted the predicament of the rapidly growing Syrian refugee population and mentioned in this regard my visit to a Syrian refugee camp during my recent visit to Turkey. High Representative Ashton also gave a short debriefing on a visit she paid recently to Egypt, where growing political and social tensions are a source of serious concern.
Under the Eastern Partnership heading, the Council took stock of preparations for an Eastern Partnership Ministerial meeting which is scheduled for Brussels in July and which will prepare the ground for the Eastern Partnership Summit in November in Vilnius.
Finally, the Council discussed Myanmar/Burma. Ministers welcomed the advances being made so far towards democracy and congratulated the Government on this progress. In recognition of reforms already implemented, the Council agreed to lift all sanctions against Myanmar/Burma with the exception of the arms embargo, which has been extended for one year. This decision is just one step in our developing relationship with Burma/Myanmar as it pursues democracy and reform. We recognise the significant challenges that remain, not least with regard to political prisoners, inter-communal violence and humanitarian access. Ireland and its EU partners stand ready to assist Myanmar/Burma as it continues with the efforts it is making towards political, economic and social transition.
52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any new initiatives were discussed at the most recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting in relation to Syria, particularly in relation to humanitarian issues in that region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19664/13]
View answerSyria was the major issue discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on 22 April, which I attended. The focus was on the rapidly deteriorating situation in the country and on what further steps the EU can take to support the ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict and mitigate its impact on the civilian population. Against the background of relentless fighting between the Syrian army and opposition groups, it is increasingly evident that a negotiated solution is the only realistic option to bring about an end to the appalling violence and daily atrocities (which have so far cost well over 70,000 lives) and to start a genuine process of political transition. These objectives remain central to the mission of the UN/Arab League Joint Special Representative, Lakhdar Brahimi who made clear, when he briefed the UN Security Council on 19 April, that the choice faced by Syria is either a destructive fight to the finish or a negotiated political resolution.
The Foreign Affairs Council on 22 April reiterated its full support for Mr. Brahimi's efforts as well as for the initiative taken by the former President of the National Syrian Coalition, Dr Al Khatib, to bring about political dialogue among all Syrians leading to a peaceful transition.
EU sanctions are essential in maintaining strong pressure on the Syrian authorities so as to persuade them to stop their campaign of repression and brutality against the Syrian people. Over recent weeks, including at the informal Ministerial meeting I co-hosted with High Representative Ashton in Dublin on 22/23 March, the Council has been discussing these sanctions in detail. Consideration has also been given to other, non-military ways in which the secular and moderate opposition can be supported and much needed relief and basic services provided to the population. In this regard, I welcome the decision by the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 April to ease a series of economic restrictive measures, notably in the oil sector, so as to allow for possible trade in this sector with areas now controlled by the Syrian National Coalition.
The humanitarian situation in Syria is reaching catastrophic levels, with the United Nations now estimating that 6.8 million people within Syria are in urgent need of assistance, 4.25 million of whom are displaced inside the country. The widespread and indiscriminate violence has also forced an additional 1.3 million people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. After over two years of conflict, the coping mechanisms of those affected by the crisis are severely depleted and the ability of neighbouring countries to absorb further refugees is close to breaking point.
In this context, Ireland is making its voice heard. Earlier this month, I saw first-hand the terrible suffering being endured by people who are forced to flee the violence when I visited Syrian refugee camps in Turkey. My colleague, Minister of State Joe Costello, had previously visited refugee camps in Jordan last August. I briefed my colleagues on the Council this week on my impressions and, in discussion around the table, we voiced shared concerns about the overall humanitarian situation, including the issue of humanitarian access. I have insisted that aid organisations must be immediately granted safe and unimpeded access to those in need in all areas of Syria and that all parties to the conflict must also desist from attacking medical and educational facilities and personnel.
In line with the UN Security Council's call on 19 April, Ireland is also urging member States to fulfil pledges made at the International Humanitarian Pledging Conference in Kuwait in January without delay, as the current shortfall in funding severely undermines the humanitarian response. Ireland has already contributed some €8.15 million in emergency assistance in response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
The conflict in Syria will remain a major priority for us at all levels of our international engagement. We will use the influence available to us in our current EU Presidency role to support European and UN efforts and initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to parades during 2013, particularly in view of the difficulties in December and January with non-notified parades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19662/13]
View answerI have discussed the upcoming marching season, including the role of the Parades Commission, in the context of non-notified parades, with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers on a number of occasions. I have also discussed these issues in regular ongoing contacts with the party leaders in Northern Ireland, and most recently in Washington DC with the First and Deputy First Ministers. I will be raising this issue when I meet with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and members of the Northern Ireland Executive next Monday 29 April. In addition, officials in my Department are in contact with the Northern Ireland Office regarding parades on an ongoing basis. I think it is important to put right the view that there is a legislative vacuum around non-notified parades, as has been suggested in the context of the flags protest. This is not the case, as is illustrated by the fact that over 200 people have been charged with a variety of offences since those protests began.
There is however an ongoing debate regarding the extent, if any, to which existing legislation needs to be strengthened to enhance the remit of the Parades Commission in these matters. There is no cross community consensus on this matter. Indeed, some unionist community representatives, far from wanting the Commission’s role extended, want it abolished completely. What is important at present is that where the Parades Commission has jurisdiction, all parties cooperate with it and respect its determinations. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I are fully in agreement on this issue. Furthermore, we are agreed that the police should be fully supported in their attempts to maintain public order.
54. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the exemption from the local property tax for properties purchased by first-time buyers between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013 extends to those who build their own home during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19562/13]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the exemption from Local Property Tax under section 8 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012, for properties purchased between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013, which relates to first time buyers, would apply to an individual who built his or her own home during this period, provided the person meets the qualifying conditions, including that s/he occupies the property as a sole or main residence. I am also advised that where construction of the residential property is not completed by 1 May 2013, i.e., it is at a stage that the property is not suitable for use as a dwelling, the property in question would not be liable for Local Property Tax until 2017.
55. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance if a person in receipt of maternity benefit, but no other top-up payment from their employer, will have their maternity benefit taxed as a result of recent changes implemented by the Government. [19639/13]
View answer63. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if it his intention to tax maternity benefit payments; if mothers who are not in receipt of full employer top-up payments will be disproportionately affected (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19623/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 63 together.
It is a general principle of taxation that, as far as possible, income from all sources should be subject to taxation. In line with this principle, the majority of social welfare payments are reckonable as income for tax purposes. These include long-term payments such as Disablement Benefit, the State Pension, Widows, Invalidity and Blind Pensions, Carers Allowance and the One Parent Family Payment, as well as short term benefits such as Job Seekers Benefit. Treating these payments as income for tax purposes is essentially a matter of equity.
As a result of maternity benefit payments becoming liable to income tax for all claimants, from 1 July 2013, a number of possible tax outcomes could arise:
1. An individual may pay no income tax on their maternity benefit payment as their tax credits will be sufficient to reduce their tax liability to zero.
2. An individual may pay income tax on some or all of their maternity benefit payment solely at the standard rate.
3. An individual may pay income tax at the standard rate on a portion of the maternity benefit and the higher rate on the balance of the maternity benefit payment.
4. An individual may pay income tax on all of their maternity benefit payment at the higher rate.
I am fully aware that some employers do not pay a top up payment to their employees whilst on maternity leave. However, in such circumstances many mothers will not be subject to income tax on their maternity benefit payments as their personal credits will ensure that no tax arises on the social welfare income itself. Of course, the extent, if any, to which taxation actually arises in a given case depends on the level of income that a recipient has in a tax year. Accordingly, the tax liability on maternity benefit payments will ultimately depend on the total income of the individual or couple concerned in the tax year or years concerned.
There are situations currently where an employee continues to be paid by her employer, while on maternity leave and, based on her PRSI contributions, is entitled to Maternity Benefit from the Department of Social Protection. The non-taxation of such benefit currently results in an employee having a greater net take-home pay for the period of maternity benefit, than if she was at work.
The rates of Maternity Benefit are earnings-related and are set to reflect post-tax income. It was never intended that individuals would gain financially by being on maternity leave. The introduction of the charge to income tax on maternity benefit payments will ensure that those with identical incomes will be treated the same for income tax purposes.
I would point out though, that maternity benefit payments will remain exempt from Universal Social Charge and PRSI.
56. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form the number of civil/public servants under the remit of his Department who earn more than €500,000, between €400,000 and €500,000, €300,000 and €400,000, €250,000 and €300,000, €200,000 and €250,000, €150,000 and €200,000, €100,000 and €150,000, €80,000 and €100,000, €60,000 and €80,000, €40,000 and €60,000, €30,000 and €40,000, and less than €30,000. [19498/13]
View answerThe following table sets out the salary bands in respect of my Department.
|
Earnings Band |
Number of employees |
|
0-10K |
26 |
|
10-20K |
19 |
|
20-30K |
72 |
|
30-40K |
72 |
|
40-50K |
40 |
|
50-60K |
36 |
|
60-70K |
3 |
|
70-80K |
34 |
|
80-90K |
33 |
|
90-100K |
10 |
|
100-115K |
9 |
|
125-150K |
6 |
|
150K-200K |
2 |
|
200K-250K |
1 |
|
> 250K |
0 |
The Revenue Commissioners have provided me with the following information in relation to the earnings of Revenue staff serving on 31/12/2012. The figures are net of any voluntary surrender of salary under Section 483 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997.
|
Earnings band in 2012 (€k) |
Number of employees |
|
> 200 |
0 |
|
150-200 |
3 |
|
100-150 |
74 |
|
80-100 |
179 |
|
60-80 |
600 |
|
40-60 |
2,383 |
|
30-40 |
1,546 |
|
<30 |
1,335 |
The table for the Appeals Commissioners is as follows:
|
Earnings band in 2012 (€k) |
Number of employees |
|
> 200 |
0 |
|
150-200 |
2 |
|
100-150 |
0 |
|
80-100 |
0 |
|
60-80 |
0 |
|
40-60 |
1 |
|
30-40 |
0 |
|
<30 |
2 |
Details for the Disabled Drivers Scheme are as follows:
1 WTE earns between €150,000 - €200,000
1 WTE earns between €40,000 - € 60,000
Details for the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council are as follows:
Number of persons between €100,000 – €80,000: 1 person
Number of persons between €60,000 – €40,000: 2 people
National Treasury Management Agency
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) provides asset and liability management services to Government. Businesses managed by the NTMA include borrowing for the Exchequer and management of the National Debt, the State Claims Agency, the New Economy and Recovery Authority, the National Pensions Reserve Fund and the National Development Finance Agency. It assigns staff to the National Asset Management Agency and also provides it with business and support services and systems. All NAMA staff are employees of the NTMA.
The NTMA business model is specifically designed to carry out commercial and market-facing functions while being funded from the Exchequer (except in the case of NAMA which reimburses the NTMA from income generated). Under the NTMA business model, its remuneration structure is such that there are no general pay grades and no pay scales and all staff are on individually-negotiated contracts.
The NTMA publishes information on salaries by salary band in its Annual Report. The 2012 Annual Report is scheduled for publication in July 2013. Salary band information was updated by the NTMA in information provided to the Dail Public Accounts Committee last December. That information is set out below
NTMA Salaries by Salary Band 31 October 2012
|
NTMA (excluding NAMA) |
NAMA |
Total |
|
|
Up to €50,000 |
92 |
26 |
118 |
|
€50,001 to €100,00 |
122 |
108 |
230 |
|
€100,001 to €150,000 |
34 |
71 |
105 |
|
€150,001 to €200,000 |
14 |
18 |
32 |
|
€200,001 to €250,000 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
€250,001 to €300,000 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
|
€300,001 to €400,000 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
€400,001 to €500,000 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
273 |
227 |
500 |
Notes: The public service pension deduction is applied to NTMA employees.
All fifteen NTMA employees whose salaries exceeded €200,000 agreed to the Minister for Finance's request of December 2011 that they waive 15% of salary or such amount of salary as exceeds €200,000 if application of the full 15% reduction would bring their salary to below €200,000. These reductions are reflected in the above table.
57. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the grounds on which a person (details supplied) in County Donegal was fined €1,500 for release of a seized car on 25 February 2011; if those grounds are still valid; and if they have the right to reclaim this money in view of the fact that they were not given due notice. [19558/13]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that this vehicle was detained by a member of an Garda Síochána under the provisions of Section 140(3) Finance Act, 2001, as it was being driven by a State resident and there was reasonable suspicion that an offence had been committed. An authorised Officer of the Revenue Commissioners questioned the driver who admitted having possession of the vehicle for one year and failing to register the vehicle in the State on payment of Vehicle Registration Tax. The vehicle was subsequently seized under the provisions of Section 141 Finance Act, 2001. It is an offence, under Section 139 of the Finance Act, 1992 to be in possession of an unregistered vehicle in the State unless the person found in possession of it is a person whose normal residence is outside the State or the vehicle is the subject of an exemption. A person who is not an authorised person who brings a non-State registered vehicle into the State, which is not exempt, is required to complete the registration of the vehicle not later than 30 days following its arrival in the State.
The authority to levy penalties in relation to seized vehicles is provided for under the provisions of Section 144 of the Finance Act, 2001. The penalty normally applied is 10% of the open market selling price (OMSP) of the vehicle where the vehicle has remained in the State as unregistered for a period up to 6 months. If the period is greater, then an additional penalty is applied i.e. 5% of the previous penalty for each month or part of a month that the vehicle has remained unregistered since registration was due. In this case, the Revenue official confirmed that the OMSP of the vehicle was € 15,166. The Officer, using discretion, applied the 10 % compromise penalty only and called for €1,500 to secure the release of the seized vehicle. It was correctly seized and the compromise penalty paid was accepted in lieu of forfeiture of the vehicle and institution of legal proceedings.
Due notice of seizure is not required and the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that the seizure was correct.
