Written Answers Nos. 51-59
51. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his Department had contact with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht regarding the tourism potential for County Galway of a preserved and revamped Naomh Eanna. [27092/14]
View answerNeither I nor my Department have had contact with the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs regarding the Naomh Eanna. The funding and development of individual tourism attractions is a matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to advise you of any contacts they have had in regard to this proposed project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days
52. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to countries that to date made any evaluation of the benefits for poor persons of the activities of multilateral investment banks, in view of the fact that the Government has indicated in the policy paper "One World, One Future£ that it will explore the potential benefits of membership of the African Development Bank. [27614/14]
View answerIn line with the commitment in the Government's new policy for international development, 'One World, One Future', which was launched in May 2013, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are currently exploring the potential benefits of Ireland's membership of the African Development Bank. The Minister for Finance has the lead role in seeking a Government decision on Ireland’s membership of Multilateral Development Banks.
Ireland is currently a member of several Multilateral Development Banks, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Multilateral Development Banks are important contributors to economic and social development, and membership is valuable in building inter-regional relations and contributing to development results in the fight against global poverty and hunger. The African Development Bank represents a major source of knowledge and expertise in relation to macroeconomic and sector-specific developments across the African continent. We recognise that an enhanced relationship with the African Development Bank could help further the objectives of the Africa Strategy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in achieving development objectives and fostering economic and business linkages.
Any decision to join a Multilateral Development Bank, however, would be a long term one, with funding implications. In exploring the issues involved, it will be important to consider the strategic fit between the Bank's and Ireland’s development priorities and economic interests, synergies with our bilateral aid programme, the effectiveness and performance of the Bank, and its contribution to poverty reduction. This process would involve drawing on existing external reviews and evaluations of the Bank and the development results it is achieving, especially the impact on poverty reduction.
53. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to open a passport office in Dundalk, County Louth, to cater for the northern half of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27632/14]
View answerThe Passport Service provides a comprehensive range of options for citizens to apply for passports. An appointment service has been in operation at the Molesworth Street Passport Office for over a year. The service allows customers to book via a simple web based system a guaranteed time slot between 9:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday. The service removes the necessity for any citizen to queue and provides certainty as to the duration of time customers will wait to be seen at the public counter. Over 200 people per day avail of this service during our peak times. A similar service commenced operation in Cork Office earlier this month. The primary purpose of these public offices is to accommodate those with urgent travel needs.
However the vast majority of applications annually are made by Passport Express through some 1,000 post offices across the country and some 70 post offices in Northern Ireland. This means that no Irish citizen on the island need travel a significant distance to renew a passport. The attraction and popularity of this service is reflected in the fact that so far this year over 94% of all persons applying for their on the island have used Passport Express.
I am satisfied that the range of service options meets the current demands of passport applicants. Moreover, given the current financial pressures on the Department's resources, I do not believe there is a value for money basis to justify the opening of any additional regional passport office at this time.
54. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with his UK counterparts the issue of the continued presence of the harp on the UK royal coat of arms to represent Ireland; his views that it is time to replace the harp with a more appropriate symbol in view of the fact that the harp was incorporated into the coat to represent all of Ireland before Irish independence and is now the emblem of the Irish State; if he will provide any reassurance to any citizen who is concerned about this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27684/14]
View answerI have not received any representations on the subject of the Deputy’s question nor had any discussions with the British authorities in regard to the presence of a harp on the royal coat of arms. I am however happy to assure the Deputy that the sensitivities around the use of flags and symbols is a matter to which I give very careful attention in my work to promote peace and reconciliation on this island. In this regard, he may also wish to note that a harp forms part of the crest of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
55. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the details of his recent meetings in the US in relation to the immigration reform legislation; the likely time scale he envisages for the completion of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27714/14]
View answerI visited Washington D.C. over the period 17-19 June for various meetings in relation to U.S. immigration reform, which remains a key Government priority. My programme included separate discussions with Cong. Luis Gutierrez, Cong. Paul Ryan, Senator Pat Leahy, members of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Group, House Judiciary Committee Member Cong. Mark Amodei, Cong. Mario Diaz-Balart, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Cong. Xavier Becerra and White House Domestic Policy Council Director Ms. Cecilia Munoz. I also held a working dinner with Irish-American community leaders, including from the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, the Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform, Irish Apostolate USA and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, with whom the Government has worked closely on our shared U.S. immigration reform agenda.
Each of my meetings proved very useful, offering different insights and analyses into the prospects for when further progress might be achieved towards legislation that would provide relief for currently undocumented Irish migrants and also a facility for additional future legal migration between Ireland and the U.S. There was widespread consensus that an already complex political landscape had become even more complicated by the electoral defeat earlier in the month of the Republican House Majority Leader. The general sense which I received from interlocutors was that further time would be needed to assess the full implications of this for ongoing immigration reform efforts, particularly from the perspective of the upcoming Congressional mid-term elections. I was encouraged to note that proponents of immigration reform in Congress appear determined to persist with these efforts and they hope that further progress may yet prove possible this year.
As my visit took place, Mr. Kevin McCarthy was elected as the new Republican House Majority Leader. Through our Embassy in Washington and also directly, the Government looks forward to working further with Mr. McCarthy, House Speaker John Boehner and other key Congressional figures on both sides of the political aisle, and with the U.S. Administration, with a view to advancing Ireland’s immigration reform-related objectives.
56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the issues discussed at this week's meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27718/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware I attended the most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Luxembourg on Monday 23 June. The agenda was a very busy one with discussions dominated in the main by the latest events in Ukraine and developments in the EU's Southern Neighbourhood, notably Iraq and Libya; a number of other items were addressed at the end of the Council meeting. The first substantive item for discussion was Ukraine and Ministers were joined for part of this session by the recently-appointed Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Pavlo Klimkin which was most welcome.
It is evident that there have been several positive developments in recent weeks – not least the Presidential elections and, the peace plan presented by President Poroshenko. However, as I stated after the Council meeting, the situation in Eastern Ukraine remains volatile and we must continue to support efforts towards de-escalation and stability in Ukraine. The signature of the Association Agreement with Ukraine scheduled to take place on 27 June is an important symbol of the EU's commitment and support, and will provide further impetus to political and economic reform efforts. Importantly, the Council Conclusions agreed at FAC on Monday also re-affirmed the EU's support for the work of the OSCE's Special Monitoring Mission and agreed to establish a CSDP mission to assist Ukraine in the field of civilian security sector reform, including police and the rule of law. I welcome these positive developments.
Turning then to the Middle East region, attention was understandably focussed on the grave situation in Iraq – with some discussion on Syria – arising from the offensive launched earlier this month by ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/al-Sham) which has resulted in the capture of Mosul and several other major cities in northern Iraq. The situation on the ground in Iraq is clearly very worrying and I share the concern of our EU partners. The FAC strongly condemned the activities by terrorist groups and attacks on civilian targets in particular.
Through the Council Conclusions agreed on Monday, the EU has sent a very strong message to the Iraqi government that the emphasis going forward must be on an inclusive political approach which allows for a genuine role for the large Sunni minority. UN Special Representative for Iraq Nikolay Mladenov – a former Foreign Minister of Bulgaria – joined the Council for these discussions and made a valuable contribution towards our understanding of the situation. As the Deputy will be aware, there is now a considerable humanitarian crisis unfolding. I was glad therefore to confirm last week that Ireland would be distributing €200,000 of emergency assistance in the region – through GOAL – in the period ahead.
On Libya, Ministers had a very useful exchange of views, where there was wholesale agreement that the focus needs to be on supporting the political process in order to avoid seeing the country descending into further instability. Comprehensive Conclusions were adopted. It is my sincere hope that the forthcoming elections will represent a turning point and provide an opportunity for a real national dialogue to begin about Libya's future.
Minsters discussed the case of the 3 Al-Jazeera journalists on trial in Egypt whose sentences were strongly condemned by High Representative (HR) Ashton after the meeting; Ireland strongly supports this position.
The Council adopted Conclusions expressing extreme concern at recent developments in Thailand and called on the military leadership to restore the legitimate democratic process and the Constitution, through credible and inclusive elections, and to free all political detainees and remove censorship.
The Council also welcomed the holding of the second round of the presidential elections in Afghanistan which represents the first opportunity for a peaceful and constitutionally mandated transfer of power in the country's history. It called on the new President to reach out to all Afghans and reaffirmed the EU's continuing commitment to support the reform process in Afghanistan, focusing on promoting peace and security, reinforcing democracy, encouraging economic and human development and fostering the rule of law and human rights, including the rights of women and girls.
57. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to prevent another property bubble in Dublin housing prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27803/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the property bubble up to 2007 was concurrent with a dramatic and unsustainable increase in mortgage lending. The recently published Construction 2020 Strategy: A Strategy for A Renewed Construction Sector sets out that mortgage lending decisions must be undertaken on a sustainable and prudential basis by financial institutions and conform fully to regulatory requirements, both in relation to the financial institution itself, and also with regard to the safeguarding of the borrower's interests.
My Department is party to a range of actions as part of the Strategy which addresses among other issues: housing supply, with a particular focus on planning issues and appropriate and sustainable development financing; transparent and sustainable mortgage lending; the application of the tax code to the construction and property sectors; as well as addressing legacy issues associated with the property bubble. The deputy will find these actions detailed in the Construction 2020 Strategy publication.
In summary, I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department continues to monitor developments in Dublin and nationally in both the purchase and rental property markets. As set out in the Government's Medium Term Economic Strategy and the Construction 2020 Strategy, the Government will continue to work on addressing remaining challenges in the property and construction sectors.
58. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who were affected by the tax relief changes to private health insurance in budget 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27603/14]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that according to its calculations, approximately 577,000 policy holders, covering 1.1 million insured individuals, are likely to be affected by the restriction of tax relief on medical insurance, which was announced as part of Budget 2014. This figure equates to almost 53% of all policies. Revenue's calculations in this regard are based on its analysis of the Returns and gross premium price data provided by the Health Insurers in respect of 2012. The 2012 information is the most current 'full year' data set available to Revenue at this time. The Health Insurers are not obliged to file Returns in respect of 2013 until 30 June 2014.
Revenue also confirmed to me because the budget change took effect from 16 October 2013 and because policy renewal dates occur throughout the year, the full impact of the changes will not be fully apparent until after the submission of the 2014 Returns, which are not due until 30 June 2015.
59. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the alternatives that are in place for social welfare recipients who are not allowed to have the full amount of property tax deducted from source as the Department of Social Protection has indicated that it cannot bring the rate of payment below €186 per week. [27613/14]
View answer67. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have opted to pay their local property tax by means of a deduction from their social welfare payment; the number of instances where the maximum deduction allowable did not cover the full liability and resulted in a shortfall at the end of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27777/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 67 together.
I am advised by Revenue that there is ongoing dialogue with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to ensure the deduction at source payment option in respect of Local Property Tax (LPT) and arrears of Household Charge (HHC) operates as smoothly as possible. The situation referred to in Question [27613] could arise where a weekly LPT/HHC deduction from a property owner's DSP payment reduces the remaining amount below the weekly 'de minimis' of €186. The concept of a DSP 'de minimis' amount is enshrined in Social Welfare legislation and it was considered at the time of the introduction of LPT that it was not appropriate to change the law in this regard.
Given the rates of DSP payments, it is very important that recipients are aware that the LPT legislation provides for full and partial (50%) deferrals of the tax within certain specified thresholds. For example, a property owner can claim a full deferral where his/her gross income does not exceed €15,000 if single/ widowed or, €25,000 in the case of a couple. To qualify for a partial deferral, the property owner's gross income must not exceed €25,000 if single/widowed or, €35,000 in the case of a couple. These income threshold limits can also be adjusted upwards by including 80% of any gross mortgage interest payments. The interest element of any such deferral or partial deferral is 4% as distinct from the normal 8% charge that applies in respect of compliance activity.
I am assured that the application process for deferral and partial deferral is a simple matter and can be done through the online system at www.revenue.ie or by contacting the LPT Helpline at 1890 200 255. In most circumstances where a deferral or partial deferral is granted, it remains in place for the current valuation period, i.e. for the tax years 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Where deferral or partial deferral is not applicable, property owners who wish to pay their LPT/HHC liabilities on a phased basis over the course of the year have a number of different payment options available to them, including deduction at source from DSP payments. Where the DSP deduction at source option does not facilitate an even spread of payments over the year due to the €186 threshold, property owners can avail of monthly direct debits through their financial institution or certain credit union accounts. Alternatively they can make regular weekly or monthly payments to one of the four approved payment service providers, which are An Post, Payzone, PayPoint and Omnivend. Details in regard to the payment service providers including information on the various transaction fees are available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
Revenue has further advised me that where a property owner already availing of deduction at source from a DSP scheme in respect of LPT/HHC liabilities discovers that it is not possible to meet the full amount before the end of the particular year on foot of the €186 threshold, they should immediately contact the LPT Branch helpline at 1890 200 255 to make additional payment arrangements or to avail of the deferral option.
Revenue has confirmed to me that almost 14,000 property owners availed of deduction at source from DSP payments to meet their LPT liabilities during 2013. Shortfalls in payment on foot of the €186 threshold occurred in 1,203 of these cases, of which 200 were for less than €10. Revenue contacted this tranche of property owners in April 2014 to advise on the various payment alternatives available.
The number of property owners opting for deduction at source from DSP payments in respect of both 2014 LPT and arrears of HHC has risen to almost 25,000 to date. Similarly to 2013, Revenue has identified and contacted almost 2,000 of these cases which are impacted by the €186 threshold to advise on the various payment alternatives and in most cases the shortfalls are being catered for by applying an additional payment option that suits individual circumstances best.
