Written Answers Nos. 108-114
108. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he raised the adverse impact of changes to cash handling and the additional costs associated on small and medium enterprises when he recently met with the AIB. [21934/13]
View answerI have not met recently with AIB and therefore I have not raised the adverse impact of changes to cash handling and the additional costs associated on small and medium enterprises. However, I expect to meet the CEO of AIB shortly to discuss a range of issues of relevance to enterprises.
109. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21961/13]
View answerA work permit application in respect of the person named was refused on 4 February 2013. It was open to the applicant to seek a review of this decision within 21 days of the date of refusal but no such request for a review was received in my Department. New Employment Permit applications are normally only considered where it is established that a minimum salary of €30,000 per annum is on offer based on a 39 hour week and where the position on offer is one of the occupations currently eligible for a new employment permit. The salary stated in respect of this position was €9,600 for a 15 hour week. In addition documentation provided with the application indicated that the employee held a Student Stamp/Visa which at that time precluded the holder from obtaining a Work Permit. I understand that at the time of application the immigration status of the person named was not in date and that this situation remains.
110. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of travel and subsistence both foreign and domestic claimed by each junior Minister and Secretary General in his Department for the period 2007 to date in 2013; the number of staff appointed by each Minister and junior Minister in his Department or constituency office and their relevant cost including travel and subsistence in each case for the period 2007 to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22039/13]
View answerIn the time available, it has not been possible for my officials to compile all of the information requested by the Deputy in respect of the period 2007 to date in 2013. However, I will forward the details to the Deputy in writing as soon as possible.
111. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of proprietary directors in relation to income tax, PRSI and so on; the amount that would be raised for the Exchequer if PRSI was applied to proprietary directors' income. [22003/13]
View answerI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is a long established principle of Irish tax law that a director (including a proprietary director) of an Irish incorporated company holds, for taxation purposes, an Irish public office the remuneration arising from which is chargeable to income tax in the State. Such remuneration is within the scope of deduction at source of tax and the USC under the PAYE/USC systems. This charge to Irish income tax and the USC applies irrespective of where the director is tax resident or where the duties of that directorship are exercised.
112. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that the funding made available for the operation of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service offices network throughout the country is assured and will continue to be provided and that enhanced funding will be made available in recognition of the strain and pressure that these offices are under at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22088/13]
View answerThe Money Advice and Budgeting Service ( MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems, in particular those on low incomes and people living on social welfare payments. In 2013, the Citizens Information Board has been allocated a budget of approximately €47.5 million of which some €19 million has been assigned to MABS. In 2012 the corresponding allocation was €46.8 million and €18.3 million respectively. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service is made up of a network of 53 companies, which includes 51 local companies and 2 national companies MABS National Development Limited and National Traveller MABS. There are some 277 money advice staff employed across the MABS network.
The Personal Insolvency Act 2012 provides for a Debt Relief Notice for persons with no assets or income with unsecured debts of up to €20,000. With the assistance of an approved intermediary, a person may apply for a Debt Relief Notice which will allow for the full write-off of qualifying unsecured debt after a three year supervision period. The Citizens Information Board (CIB), which has the statutory responsibility for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) has agreed to my request that MABS be an approved intermediary for the purpose of processing applications for Debt Relief Notices. Those who can avail of Debt Relief Notices are typically part of the MABS core client cohort of people on low incomes in debt or in danger of falling into debt.
Sanction has been given for 16 temporary staff to be assigned to MABS for up to 2 years, to establish an Approved Intermediary Service as part of the new Insolvency Service. The CIB and MABS National Development Limited are working closely to ensure that the appropriate structures are in place within MABS to implement this new and important statutory role. They have also engaged proactively with the Insolvency Service to ensure that the Approved Intermediary Service is fully operational in time for the establishment of the Insolvency Service. I am satisfied that MABS will play an important role in the new arrangements for dealing with debt and will continue to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.
114. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on appeal against the disallowance of disability benefit claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21902/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20th April 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
