Written Answers Nos. 162-86
162. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated cost of the forthcoming ministerial trips abroad for St. Patrick's Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9093/14]
View answer163. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a breakdown of the duration of each ministerial trip abroad to mark St. Patrick's Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9094/14]
View answer164. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the importance of a Minister going to Northern Ireland on St Patrick's Day; the Minister who will be in Northern Ireland for St. Patrick's Day 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9095/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 to 164, inclusive, together.
St. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. Ministerial visits around this period are organised to ensure that we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland’s trade, promotion and investment interests and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery.
In terms of the cost of Ministerial visits for Saint Patrick’s Day, the Department of each travelling Minister will be responsible for its own costs. This year, as with previous years, we have issued guidelines to the Embassy network to ensure that visits are undertaken in the most cost efficient way possible. The overall programme of Ministerial travel is based on recommendations made by the Trade and Promotion Division of my Department in consultation with the Embassy network and State agencies. The programme was released on 17 February. The programmes and duration for each Ministerial visit are currently being finalised by the Embassy network, State agencies and relevant Minister’s Departments. It is not proposed currently that a Minister would attend St Patrick’s Day events in Northern Ireland in 2014. This is a matter which can be kept under review, in particular in the light of specific invitations Ministers may receive to appropriate events in Northern Ireland in subsequent years.
165. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his engagements with counterparts at European Union level in relation to the ongoing political crisis in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9901/14]
View answer169. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the outcome of discussions at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the serious unrest in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9662/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 169 together.
I attended an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council which was held in Brussels on 20 February 2014 to discuss the serious deterioration of the situation in Ukraine earlier in the week. On the same day, my German, French and Polish counterparts were in Kiev for discussions with the Government and opposition and we were kept regularly informed during the Council of their efforts to broker an agreement that would help find a negotiated solution to the ongoing crisis there. The three Foreign Ministers also offered some valuable input into the drafting of the conclusions that were adopted at the end of our meeting.
Those conclusions, which are available on the Council website, called for an immediate end to the violence, full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right of access to medical assistance, and for urgent independent investigations into human rights violations. The importance of the International Advisory Panel set up by the Council of Europe was underlined in this regard.
The Council also called on all sides to engage in an inclusive dialogue to de-escalate the situation and find a lasting political solution that would include constitutional reform, the formation of a new government and the creation of conditions for democratic elections. It was stressed that the prime responsibility for taking the first step to enable such a dialogue rests with President Yanukovych and the Ukrainian authorities.
In view of the deteriorating situation, the Council also decided as a matter of urgency to introduce targeted sanctions, including an asset freeze and visa ban against those responsible for human rights violations, violence and use of excessive force. The EU also agreed to suspend exports licences on equipment that might be used for internal repression. In my intervention at Council, I recalled that the current crisis began following decisions made about an agreement between the Union and Ukraine and expressed the view that it was only right that the EU should play an active role in finding a solution that is democratic, lasting and fulfils the legitimate aspirations of the Ukrainian people.
I have, therefore, warmly welcomed publicly the agreement reached in Kiev last Friday which was brokered by the three EU Foreign Ministers mentioned and which contains the central elements that the Council considered essential for such a solution. I hope that this agreement will help bring an immediate end to the violence and bloodshed. It is important that there are clear timeframes for fulfilment of the commitments that have been entered into and that it has been witnessed by representatives of the international community, Russia as well as the EU.
These key elements, the rejection of violence and pursuit of constitutional reform, the formation of an inclusive new government and the creation of conditions for democratic elections, remain valid even after the dramatic developments over the weekend. We look to those now in power in Ukraine to behave in a responsible manner and to work in an inclusive way to prepare the elections that have been scheduled for May. For our part, the Council conclusions make clear that the EU offer of political association and economic integration remains on the table and that the EU is ready to support Ukraine in the process of reform to deliver a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens.
166. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on reports of the deaths of 450 migrant workers from India in Qatar in 2012 and 2013; his further views regarding Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup; the bilateral contacts Ireland has with Qatar; if he will express concern and protest about the deaths of these persons to Qatar, FIFA and the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9079/14]
View answerI am very concerned regarding reports of abuses of migrant workers’ rights in Qatar, and strongly deplore any such abuses. Qatar has the highest ratio of migrants to citizens in the world; nearly 88 per cent of the total population are foreign workers, employed largely in construction, services and domestic work. The presence of large numbers of migrant workers in the Gulf area, especially in construction, is of course a long-standing phenomenon and does not relate solely to the World Cup.
In November 2013, following an eight day investigative visit to the Emirate, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, François Crépeau, urged the Qatari authorities to ensure that its labour laws are reformed so that migrants are granted the right to form and join trade unions, have access to proper grievance procedures, and are granted a minimum wage. He also called on the Government to review the foreign worker sponsorship system (Kafala) which has been linked to migrant workers’ abuse. Under the system, expatriate employees are barred from changing jobs or leaving the country without their sponsor’s permission. Mr. Crépeau welcomed some positive legislative developments in the area such as the provision which makes it illegal for sponsors to confiscate passports, and called for effective enforcement of the law.
I fully support the findings of Mr. Crépeau and call on the Qatari Government to continue to cooperate with his office and the UN International Labour Organisation and to implement their recommendations in order to improve the situation of migrant workers and their families in the country. I believe it is critical that Qatar proves it is making real efforts to improve the protection of the rights of all workers, including construction workers, ahead of the FIFA World Cup scheduled for 2022. In this regard, I welcome FIFA’s promises to demand high standards of workers’ rights and its recent request for a detailed report on improvements implemented following FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s visit to the Emirate last November.
In relation to the specific issue of the deaths of 455 Indians in Qatar over the course of 2012 and 2013, as recently published by the Indian Embassy in Doha, it should be noted that, according to reports, a spokesman for the Indian Foreign Ministry has stated that the ‘overwhelming number’ of these deaths were due to natural causes. There are approximately 500,000 Indians living in the Emirate. The Indian authorities have stated that the number of Indian deaths in the last five years have remained consistent and are not attributable to any one cause. The Qatar National Human Rights Committee has called on the Indian Embassy to provide further details on the circumstances of the deaths and I would support this. My officials will continue to closely monitor the issue.
More broadly, the promotion and protection of migrant workers rights throughout the world, including in Qatar, will remain a priority for Ireland. My Department will avail of every appropriate opportunity to raise the issue both bilaterally, through the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi which is also accredited to Qatar, and through relevant multilateral channels, including through the UN and EU human rights mechanisms.
167. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the Argentine Republic on its legitimate rights on the sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. [9502/14]
View answerThe issue to which the Deputy refers concerns the long-running dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom regarding sovereignty over an area that includes the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) as well the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. The status of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) has been the subject of various resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The issue has also been discussed at the UN’s special committee on decolonisation every year since 1964. In its most recent resolution adopted on 20 June 2013, the committee expressed its regret that in spite of widespread international support for negotiations between Argentina and the UK, implementation of the relevant General Assembly resolutions had not yet started. I would encourage the UK and Argentina, two countries with which Ireland has excellent bilateral relations, to pursue a peaceful resolution of their differences on this matter, based on the relevant UN resolutions.
168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the UN Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea; if he will raise these very serious findings at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9661/14]
View answerI am deeply shocked at the appalling catalogue of human rights abuses in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea highlighted by the UN Commission of Inquiry. Accounts of appalling atrocities have been known for many years. This is the first time that they have been presented to the international community in such a detailed manner.
I want to pay tribute to the witnesses who have shared their first hand experiences of life in the DPRK, as well as the testimony of families of nationals of other countries who were abducted and held against their will in DPRK. I commend their bravery in speaking out, many of them in public hearings. The atrocities perpetrated by the DPRK authorities make chilling reading and expose the brutality of what is described in the report as a totalitarian state “which seeks to dominate every aspect of its citizens’ lives and terrorise them from within”. There is clearly a case to answer and I call on the DPRK authorities to engage with the UN process. The entire international community has an obligation to the people of the DPRK who have suffered so grievously.
The Commission will formally present its findings to the United Nations Human Rights Council on 17th March. The EU and Japan will table a resolution on human rights in DPRK during the March session of the HRC which will seek to take forward the recommendations made by the Commission. Drafting of the resolution is at a preliminary stage but I can assure you that Ireland will strongly support efforts to ensure follow-up to the recommendations, including those on accountability for human rights violations. It is particularly important to ensure accountability where violations of human rights may amount to crimes against humanity. The Commission’s findings in this regard must be taken very seriously. We are consulting with EU partners and Japan on how to reflect this in the resolution under discussion.
170. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in the context of the increasingly vitriolic comments emanating from Government leaders of other states regarding human rights, including those of persons who are LGBT, and the passing of legislation which contravenes the most basic of human rights standards that the UN and most of its member states expect, he will confirm the safeguards that are in place to ensure that no Irish public money, via Irish Aid, benefits those with such a blatant disregard for human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9699/14]
View answerThe Government consistently supports the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and is strongly committed to combating all human rights violations committed against individuals on such or any other basis. When I addressed the UN General Assembly on 28 September 2013, I pledged Ireland’s full support to the efforts of the UN Secretary General in his efforts to lead a global campaign for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights. I also had the honour of addressing the Annual Conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association of Europe (ILGA-Europe) on 21 October 2012, when I affirmed that LGBTI rights are human rights.
At the UN, Ireland co-sponsored the landmark Resolution at the Human Rights Council (HRC) on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity in 2011. As members of the HRC, we will continue to promote the advancement of LGBTI rights, including through the Universal Periodic Review process. At the EU level, Ireland engaged extensively in the drafting process for the new EU Guidelines on the enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons, which were adopted at the final Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 24 June 2013.
I am deeply concerned by the news that Uganda is enacting legislation to criminalise homosexuality. I have made it clear, including in direct talks with President Museveni, that the enactment of this legislation would affect our valued relationship with Uganda. Ireland, together with our EU partners, has engaged actively with the Ugandan Parliament and President Museveni in an effort to halt the regressive and discriminatory Anti-Homosexuality Bill. It is in clear conflict with Uganda’s binding international obligations to uphold human rights. It is a threat to Uganda’s gay community and an affront to all those who value tolerance, respect and dignity of all people.
I am also concerned at the recent adoption of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act in Nigeria. I welcome and fully support the statement of 15 January by the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, which highlighted the EU’s serious concerns with this legislation. We will continue to urge the Nigerian authorities to reconsider the Act in light of Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations and in the meantime to exercise the utmost restraint in its enforcement.
Our aid programme is amongst the best in the world and has a clear focus on poverty reduction and on assisting some of the most marginalised people in the developing world. Good governance and human rights are key elements of our development programme and we provide assistance to civil society organisations promoting human rights and also for Human Rights Commissions tasked with upholding human rights in some of our Partner Countries. Our aid programme and our international reputation enables us to dialogue directly with Governments on a range of human rights issues. We also do this in close cooperation with other donor partners. This maximises our influence in this enormously important area. We are also ready to take action, as we have done in Uganda, when serious issues of governance arise. But we also want to ensure that the poorest of the poor are not penalised for the faults of their governments and we seek to look at ways of delivering assistance effectively for the benefit of the poor. Ireland will continue its efforts internationally to promote human rights, including LGBTI rights, and to give support to organisations and institutions that are active in the human rights field, many of whom are operating in very difficult environments.
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which legislation is likely to be introduced which might have a bearing on the mis-selling of financial products by financial institutions with particular reference to the need to protect the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9068/14]
View answer194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the alleged mis-selling of financial products has been brought to his attention in respect of the sale of such products to consumers over the past ten years to date; if any particular response is required under existing legislation in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9069/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 194 together.
The Central Bank introduced the Consumer Protection Code in 2006 to mitigate against the risk of mis-selling financial products to consumers. This was further enhanced by the 2012 Consumer Protection Code. Occasionally, the Central Bank receives individual consumer complaints about mis-selling and these are looked at on case by case basis. In addition, the Financial Services Ombudsman may make recommendations to the Bank on measures to deal with persistent patterns of complaints.
In 2009 the then Financial Regulator conducted a four part examination of selected credit institutions, life insurance firms and investment and stockbroking firms in relation to the suitability of investment products sold to older consumers. A number of issues of concern were identified during this examination such as instances where basic client information such as income and assets/liabilities were not recorded on the fact finding documentation of firms, not all institutions offer older customers the option of having a third party present at a sales meeting, and in certain cases firms did not give customers any advice on the level of emergency funds that should be maintained to provide for medical or other long term care expenses.
More recently, the Central Bank of Ireland has been conducting an investigation into the sales of Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). Eleven firms were required to review sales and, where appropriate, offer a refund to their customers where the PPI sale is found to be in breach of the Consumer Protection Code (the Code) since July 2007. The aim of this Review is to provide a straight-forward mechanism for the consumer to be redressed where policies were sold in breach of the Code, without any cost to the consumer. The Review should eliminate the need for consumers who were sold PPI by the firms above since 1 July 2007 to engage third parties or go through a legal process. The latest information on the PPI review is that the review of the 11 firms is drawing to close and all customers covered by this review have been contacted, with the vast majority of those eligible for a refund, having already received their refunds. I expect the Central Bank will issue a statement in Q1 when the investigation has been completed to its satisfaction. If the Deputy is aware of any additional specific issue with mis-selling, I would appreciate if he could provide the relevant details to my Department or directly to the Central Bank.
172. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 364 of 11 February 2014, the reason the €240 million designated as external source of finance is in fact an equity investment by him, it is not listed under Exchequer or own resources funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9104/14]
View answer200. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if €240 million will be allocated from his Department to Irish Water this year; and if he is aware of what this specific allocation will be used to fund. [9205/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 200 together.
Irish Water's costs in the coming years will be funded through a mix of revenue from the domestic and non-domestic sector, third party finance (such as the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, EIB, bank lending and capital markets facilities) and State support which may be in the form of both equity and subvention. It is proposed that there will be a €240 million equity investment from the Central Fund which subject to Eurostat confirmation would not impact the General Government Deficit as this amount would be treated as an acquisition of equity rather than a capital transfer. The investment will be used to primarily fund the core capital expenditure programme of Irish Water.
173. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance his plans to develop a State-funded financial aid package for householders unable to get insurance cover for flood damage, because of where they live. [9172/14]
View answerThe possibility of developing a scheme whereby the state would pay compensation to those who have been flooded has been examined. However, the difficulty of forecasting severe weather events means that it is difficult to quantify the cost of a state-funded financial aid package in any particular year. These costs would be in addition to the normal infrastructure costs which arise from flooding such as repair of roads, bridges etc. Furthermore, there exists a very real possibility that industry would have a strong incentive to discontinue the providing flood cover to policyholders in medium and high risk areas thus increasing the potential cost of the scheme over time. So it has the potential to undermine the nature of the existing private insurance regime, making it difficult to withdraw an indemnity, even if introduced on a short-term basis.
Humanitarian assistance is being provided in areas affected by flooding under a new Department of Social Protection Humanitarian Assistance Scheme which has been allocated of up to €25 million. It provides means-tested financial support to people who have suffered damage to their homes as a result of the flooding. Government policy in relation to flooding aims to address the underlying problem through appropriate remedial works where this is economically feasible. The Office of Public Works is committed to alleviating the impact of flooding through the provision of defences based on a comprehensive assessment of flood risk throughout the country and development of flood risk management plans for the areas most at risk under the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Programme.
This commitment is underpinned by a very significant capital works investment programme which will see up to €225 million being spent on flood relief measures over a five year period from 2012 to 2016. Works are completed on a prioritised basis. Once these works are completed the availability of flood insurance in affected areas would be expected to increase.
In addition, the OPW and the Insurance Ireland have been engaged in discussions to agree on a sustainable system of information sharing in relation to completed flood alleviation schemes and works undertaken by the OPW or, in certain instances, by local authorities with OPW funding, and where the standard of protection afforded by these works could be verified. There is agreement in principle but with some operational details to be finally sorted by the insurance companies. The outcome of these discussions means that the insurance industry will have a much greater understanding of the extent of the protection provided by flood defence works and will therefore be in a position to provide the necessary flood cover to householders in areas where works have been completed.
In cases where individuals who are experiencing difficulty in obtaining flood insurance believe that they are being treated unfairly, they can contact Insurance Ireland which operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to insurance. Their service can be contacted at (01) 676 1914 or by email at info@insuranceireland.eu.
174. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the evidence recently given by the British Insurance Brokers' Association to the British Government's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee (details supplied); if he will investigate the four options suggested by BIBA in relation to future policy on flood provision and examine the way options might be adopted here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9173/14]
View answerAs part of the response to recent flooding events the Department of Finance is currently undertaking a review of measures to address the availability of flood insurance cover. In broad terms, the review will look at the most cost effective means to address flood insurance problems and will look at the experience and proposals in other countries, including those brought to my attention by the Deputy. In assessing these, care has to be taken that the proposed solutions do not put in place arrangements which, over time, would weaken the provision of insurance cover by the market with possible negative long-term consequences for the economy.
When my Officials have completed the review, I will examine it and report to Cabinet on what measures, if any, are needed to improve the availability of flood insurance cover. Government policy in relation to flooding aims to address the underlying problem through appropriate remedial works where this is economically feasible. The Office of Public Works is committed to alleviating the impact of flooding through the provision of defences based on a comprehensive assessment of flood risk throughout the country and development of flood risk management plans for the areas most at risk under the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Programme.
This commitment is underpinned by a very significant capital works investment programme which will see up to €225 million being spent on flood relief measures over a five year period from 2012 to 2016. Works are completed on a prioritised basis. Once these works are completed the availability of flood insurance in affected areas would be expected to increase.
175. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of companies that are registered here which provide remote gambling services. [9459/14]
View answer176. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of companies that are registered here which provide betting intermediary services. [9460/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the sector identifier used on tax records is based on the 4 digit NACE code , which is an internationally recognised economic activity code system. As the economic activities referred to by the Deputy in both questions are not clearly identifiable within the NACE code system the tax-based information requested by the Deputy either could not be identified or could not be identified without conducting an extensive investigation of the Revenue Commissioners records.
177. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the conditions a person must meet in order to qualify for a PAYE tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8882/14]
View answerI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 472 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a tax credit known as the "employee tax credit" or "PAYE tax credit" to an individual who has emoluments (other than "excluded" emoluments) to which the PAYE system of tax deduction at source applies or is applied.
Where an individual's total income for the year consists wholly or partly of such emoluments, he/she is entitled to a tax credit of €1,650, or a lesser amount where the full PAYE credit is not required to cover the income tax liability. Irrespective of the number of sources of emoluments to which the PAYE system applies or is applied, an individual is entitled to only one PAYE tax credit. However, in the case of a couple who are jointly assessed, each individual is entitled to the PAYE credit against his/her respective emoluments (provided such emoluments are not "excluded" emoluments). "Excluded" emoluments i.e. emoluments which do not give rise to an entitlement to the credit, are emoluments paid directly or indirectly by a company or by anyone connected with the company, to a proprietary director of that company, or to the spouse/civil partner or child of such a director,or - emoluments paid directly or indirectly by an individual (or by a partnership of which the individual is a partner) to the spouse/civil partner or child of the individual.
However, emoluments paid to the children of proprietary directors and self-employed individuals (other than a child who is himself or herself a proprietary director) are not "excluded" emoluments (and therefore give rise to an entitlement to the PAYE tax credit) where (i) the individual is an employed contributor for the purposes of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (but not including civil servants, members of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, certain public servants who were appointed prior to 5 April 1995 and an individual who is an employed contributor for occupational injury purposes only), or (ii) the employer, in relation to the emoluments paid to the child in the year of assessment, complies with the requirements of the PAYE system, (b) the employment is a full-time employment for the whole of the tax year, and (c) the emoluments from the employment in the year of assessment must not be less than €4,572.
178. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be issued with a P21 for 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8899/14]
View answerI have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they do not have sufficient information at present to issue PAYE Balancing Statements (P21s) for the years in question. A request for the necessary information issued to the person concerned on 21 February 2014. On receipt of this information P21s will be issued for 2012 and 2013.
179. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the current status of the review by the European Investment Bank of its lending criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8900/14]
View answerI have been informed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) that there is no review of the Bank's lending criteria currently taking place. However, the EIB did conduct a review of its energy lending policy in 2013. Details of this review are available at the following link: http://www.eib.org/attachments/strategies/eib_energy_lending_criteria_en.pdf. In general terms, the EIB provides loans of up to 50% of the total cost of a project for projects of sufficient size (normally a total cost of €100 million). Following the EIB capital increase in 2012 the Bank is targeting four priority sectors which are innovation and skills, SMEs, clean energy and modern infrastructure. EIB loans to SMEs are channelled through financial intermediaries.
180. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the European Investment Bank is permitted to lend directly to local authorities for project initiatives that meet its lending criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8901/14]
View answerArticle 19 of the Statute of the European Investment Bank (EIB) provides that Any undertaking or public or private entity may apply directly to the Bank for financing. Therefore, the Local Authorities ability to borrow directly from the EIB depends on the their borrowing powers, and the regulatory framework in place which allows them to do so. The Local Government Act 2001 provides for the Minister for the Environment or other relevant Minister to sanction the borrowing of money by local authorities. The legislation does not provide a role for the Minister in the selection of a lending institution.
181. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the value the National Asset Management Agency currently ascribes to art works it currently has in its portfolio of assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8902/14]
View answerI am advised by NAMA that the carrying value of artwork on its balance sheet is of the order of €100,000. I am advised by NAMA that, in some cases, artwork is held as security for debts owed to the Agency and is still legally owned by debtors. Current valuations for this artwork are difficult to ascertain but are likely to be less than €2 million.
182. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if CORU registration fees for social workers qualify in full as a tax deductible expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8904/14]
View answerI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a tax deduction is available to an individual, in his or her capacity as a social worker, in respect of the registration fee statutorily imposed by virtue of the provisions of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005.
183. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the refusal of insurance companies to provide insurance for flood cover and subsidence for many residents around the country; his plans to introduce any legislation or to encourage any industry initiatives in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8978/14]
View answerThe provision of new flood cover or the renewal of existing flood cover is a commercial matter for insurance companies, which is based on a proper assessment of the risks they are accepting and the making of adequate provisioning to meet these risks. Flood cover claims are generally significant and in order to provide such cover, insurance companies would say that they have to be satisfied that the potential for such floods arising is low. It is a matter for the industry to set its premiums and make provisions at the appropriate level to ensure that it can cope with flood and subsidence issues. Furthermore, as a matter of course, insurance companies carry out reviews of the risks they are prepared to insure against and sometimes make decisions to discontinue certain types of cover which they consider high risk, such as homes in an area which is prone to subsidence. Insurance Ireland indicate that 98% of policyholders have household insurance which includes flood cover and the percentage for policyholders with household insurance which include subsidence cover is higher than 98%.
Government policy in relation to flooding aims to address the underlying problem through appropriate remedial works where this is economically feasible. The Office of Public Works is committed to alleviating the impact of flooding through the provision of defences based on a comprehensive assessment of flood risk throughout the country and development of flood risk management plans for the areas most at risk under the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Programme. This commitment is underpinned by a very significant capital works investment programme which will see up to €225 million being spent on flood relief measures over a five year period from 2012 to 2016. Works are completed on a prioritised basis. Once these works are completed the availability of flood insurance in affected areas would be expected to increase.
I have no plans at present to introduce legislation relating to flooding insurance. However, the Deputy will be aware that as part of the response to the recent flooding events, the Department of Finance is currently undertaking a review of the availability of flood insurance cover. When the review is complete, I will examine it and will report to Cabinet on what measures, if any, are needed to improve the availability of flood insurance cover.
As regards industry initiatives, my colleague, Minister of State Hayes at the Office of Public Works has taken the lead role in discussions with the insurance industry about improving the provision of insurance cover in areas where remedial works are being carried out and OPW is near agreement on a data-sharing platform which will facilitate the transfer of detailed information on completed OPW flood relief schemes on an on-going basis. This will allow the insurance industry to take into account the flood protection measures when assessing flood risk in localities where such flood measures have been completed.
While the agreement on the memorandum of understanding with the insurance industry is to be welcomed as a first step, ultimately, there are no plans to introduce legislation in this area and it will be a matter for the insurance companies themselves to decide how they will use the information provided on completed flood defence works but they are committing to take the information into account in their assessment of risk and it is to be expected that this will facilitate the provision of flood cover in areas that are protected by completed schemes.
184. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the rates liquidators are permitted to charge the National Asset Management Agency following the tender process for insolvency services that NAMA undertook; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/14]
View answerI am advised by NAMA that it does not appoint liquidators from its insolvency practitioner panels. I am advised that liquidators are, in fact, generally appointed by Directors, creditors or by the High Court on the petition of a company, its directors, shareholders or creditors and are remunerated in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts.
185. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is any performance element built in to the fees agreed with KPMG in respect of the special liquidation of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, for example by reference to the sale of IBRC assets achieved on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8987/14]
View answerI can confirm that there is no performance element built in to the fees agreed with KPMG in respect of the liquidation of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation. I can confirm that the original rates agreed with the Special Liquidators are commensurate with those agreed by NAMA following a tender process for insolvency services and are significantly discounted when compared to average KPMG charge out rates.
186. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of KPMG personnel currently engaged on a full-time and a part-time basis on the special liquidation of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation; the third parties that might be supporting KPMG in the special liquidation of IBRC at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8991/14]
View answerUnfortunately my Department has been unable to obtain the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly with the information as soon as it becomes available.
