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Thursday, 27 Jun 2013

Written Answers Nos. 90-95

Fuel Prices

Questions (90)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he continues to engage with the road haulage representatives in the context of the extent to which high fuel prices here place the industry at a disadvantage in comparison with other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31398/13]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that I engaged on a number of occasions last year with the Irish Road Haulage Association and, out of that engagement, a working group was set up between Department officials, Revenue, the IRHA and public representatives to examine the issue of fuel prices. In Budget 2013, I announced that I would be introducing a commercial diesel relief, thus allowing qualifying hauliers to reclaim a proportion of the mineral oil tax paid on auto-diesel purchased for qualifying vehicles. Provision was made in this year’s Finance Act to allow for this relief which will apply to purchases made on or after 1st July this year and the amount to be repaid will vary by reference to the price at which auto-diesel is purchased, subject to a maximum repayment of 7.5 cent per litre.

The Revenue Commissioner, who are charged with implementing the repayment scheme, met with representatives of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) on 10th April 2013 to outline the operation of the scheme and to answer queries. A further such meeting was held just last week on 20th June for a further briefing. The Revenue Commissioners expect to hold further meetings with the IRHA and other transport operator representatives in preparation for the commencement of the scheme.

Disabled Drivers Grant Eligibility

Questions (91)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

91. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the reason the condition of phocomelia is not covered for a primary medical certificate; the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Louth for grant aid or funding that would enable them to adapt their vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31444/13]

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Written answers

Section 134(3) of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended) and Statutory Instrument No. 353 of 1994 (Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994) (as amended) provide for permanent relief from the payment of specified maximum amounts of VAT and VRT for persons registered under the scheme.

The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get the Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions:

a) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;

b) be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;

c) be without both hands or without both arms;

d) be without one or both legs;

e) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;

f) have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.

The Senior Medical Officer (SMO) for the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the decision of the SMO to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual.

I understand the person appealed the decision of the Senior Medical Officer not to grant a Primary Medical Certificate and the appeal was subsequently refused by the Medical Board of Appeal. If the person wishes to apply again for a Primary Medical Certificate, the application to the Senior Medical Officer must be accompanied by a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner indicating that the practitioner has formed the opinion that the medical condition of the person concerned has materially deteriorated since the previous application.

I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.

I am not aware of any scheme which would provide grant aid or funding to enable a person outside of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions scheme) to adapt or modify their vehicle.

Departmental Staff Numbers

Questions (92, 93)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

92. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31206/13]

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Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

93. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31222/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.

In my Department, 12 staff members availed of the shorter working year scheme (SWYS) during 2012. The duration of the leave ranged from 2 weeks to 13 weeks, as provided for in Circular 14/2009 – Shorter Working Year Scheme which superseded the term time circular. This circular is available on www.per.gov.ie.

22 staff members have applied for the shorter working year scheme (SWYS) during 2013. The duration of leave ranges from 2 weeks to 13 weeks.

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) has advised that it does not offer term time to employees.

Departmental Staff Training

Questions (94, 95)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

94. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of this leave received full pay and benefits during the time; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31238/13]

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Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

95. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of this leave received full pay and benefits during the time; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31254/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.

In my Department, 13 staff availed of paid study leave in 2012. The average number of days taken was 4.92 days.

At present it is envisaged that 22 people may take paid study leave in 2013. This figure is subject to change. Employees continue to receive their salary while on study leave.

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) advised that in 2012, 44 employees availed of study leave with the average duration of such leave being 4 days. Employees continue to receive their salary while on study leave. In 2013, 22 employees have enrolled to date in educational programmes that carry a study leave entitlement.

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