Pearse Doherty
Question:21. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he supports the reported calls from France and Italy for greater flexibility in the way the EU’s fiscal targets can be met. [28488/14]
View answerStability and Growth Pact
Questions (21)
Written answers
There has been much commentary in recent weeks in relation to the fiscal rules governing EU Member States. While not proposing a change in the Stability and Growth Pact rules - that is, limiting general government deficits to 3 per cent of GDP and gross public debt to 60 percent of GDP - some Member States, including France and Italy, are seeking greater flexibility in the interpretation of the rules.
In this regard, I would like to reiterate the Taoiseach's comments made last week on the margins of the European Council meeting. We have been very clear about our commitment to achieving our target of a deficit below 3 per cent of GDP by 2015. This has not changed and we will achieve this target. In relation to increased flexibility in the interpretation of the rules, we would be supportive of 'flexibility' that would enable public investment for the creation of job opportunities, boost potential growth and ultimately enhance the sustainability of the public finances.
At the European Council meeting on 26 and 27 June, it was noted that, given the persistently high debt and unemployment levels, the challenges associated with an ageing society and supporting job creation, fiscal consolidation must continue in a growth-friendly and differentiated manner. The conclusions further stated that "structural reforms that enhance growth and improve fiscal sustainability should be given particular attention, including through an appropriate assessment of fiscal measures and structural reforms, while making best use of the flexibility that is built into the existing Stability and Growth Pact rules". In this context, it was agreed that the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the application of the EU governance framework by 14 December 2014. I welcome this review and look forward to its conclusions.
Legislative Process
Questions (22)
Pearse Doherty
Question:22. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the timeframe for the implementation of the sale of loan books to unregulated third parties Bill; and his views on whether the Bill will be in force before the proposed sale of some of the loan books at PTSB. [28489/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Finance is currently preparing the Sale of Loan Books to Unregulated Third Parties Bill. This will address concerns surrounding the continued applicability of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears after the sale of loan books to unregulated entities. Detailed engagement with the Attorney General's office and the Central Bank on draft legislation has now commenced. I have always made it clear that this is a complex issue. The Bill is listed for publication in 2015 however, it is intended that the legislation will be commenced as soon as possible.
The Government has always been clear that we would ensure mortgage holders maintained the protection of the CCMA. The two unregulated purchasers to date of residential mortgage loans from IBRC, Loan Star and Oaktree, have both voluntarily committed to servicing these books in accordance with the terms of the CCMA. The Irish company which is buying ICS mortgages has said that it will apply the relevant codes of conduct and that it has applied to the Central Bank of Ireland for authorisation.
Permanent TSB have committed to ensuring that any sale prior to enactment of this legislation, will be to a purchaser that voluntarily signs up to CCMA.
EU Investigations
Questions (23)
Pearse Doherty
Question:23. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the procedure for the EU Commission’s investigation into a possible State aid breach by Ireland in the case of Apple; his views on whether the scope of the investigation will be widened; and if the Revenue Commissioner have changed or are intending to change their procedure for advanced opinions. [28490/14]
View answerWritten answers
I have been very clear that the current investigation that has been opened into Ireland by the Competition Directorate of the EU Commission relates to a single case. This investigation is not about the Irish tax system or about the 12.5% rate of corporation tax. The Commission is examining a very technical issue regarding one company and is looking at whether the correct basis was used for attributing profits to the Irish operations of this one company.
This investigation relates to this company and this company alone. However, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the Irish case is part of a much wider investigation by the EU Commission, which is looking at tax rulings and patent boxes in a number of different Member States. I'm sure that the Deputy has already noted the announcement made in respect of the Netherlands and Luxembourg, and that Commissioner Almunia said in his press conference that a number of other countries are also being examined.
The Commission has now formally written to Ireland to ask for our response to their concerns in relation to the case involved. It should be noted that this process is a confidential matter between Ireland and the European Commission. However, the Commission will publish a redacted version of its letter to Ireland in due course. Ireland will respond to this letter, comprehensively addressing the Commission's concerns.
I would like to emphasise at this stage that the Commission has only opened a formal investigation it has not made a final determination on state aid in respect of Ireland. For state aid to exist in this case, less tax must have been charged to the company than should have been applied, and this must have distorted competition within the single market. Our response to the European Commission will be clear - the appropriate amount of Irish tax was charged, no selective advantage was given and there was no state aid.
But, the Commission has a job to do and Ireland has co-operated fully with the process and will continue to do so. In an investigation such as this, the Commission may decide that there is no state aid after a Member State provides this additional information and clarification.
In the event that the Commission does in fact form the view that there is state aid, Ireland is entitled to challenge this decision in the European Courts. As I and my colleagues in Government have already indicated, we will take that course of action, if necessary, and vigorously defend the Irish position.
In relation to the procedure for advance opinions, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that advance opinions are provided by Revenue to assist taxpayers in complying with their tax obligations under the law and paying the taxes that are properly due. The Commissioners periodically review their standard administrative practices, including the arrangements for providing advance opinions, as required in the light of legislative and organisational changes.
In May of this year, Revenue issued Tax Briefing 4 of 2014 which sets out the procedures to be followed by taxpayers and agents when requesting an opinion or confirmation from Large Cases Division (LCD) in advance of the transaction or event concerned. This publication updated the existing guidelines to take account of legislative and organisational changes. For non-LCD cases, the Guidelines on Revenue's Technical Service to Practitioners and Business Taxpayers sets out the applicable procedures for seeking an opinion or confirmation in respect of a proposed transaction and these guidelines are currently being updated.
Bank Restructuring
Questions (24)
Michael McGrath
Question:24. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his approval was sought by Permanent TSB for the disposal of its sub-prime mortgage division; if the sale is likely to take place prior to enactment of legislation on the protection of mortgage holders whose loans are sold to unregulated third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28541/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Permanent TSB that in March 2011 Springboard Mortgages was identified as non-core and its sale was required as part of the Central Bank Prudential Liquidity Assessment Review ("PLAR"). A sale process was undertaken in 2011 but a sale did not complete for commercial reasons at that time.
Springboard Mortgages, which has circa 2,200 mortgages, has remained a non-core portfolio of Permanent TSB since 2011. As recently as the release of the 2013 annual results, in March 2014, Permanent TSB stated publically that Springboard Mortgages was being prepared for sale.
I have been informed by Permanent TSB that a financial adviser was appointed in June 2014 to assist in the sale of the portfolio. Permanent TSB will now enter the preparation stage of this project and the timeline for completion will be established as part of this phase.
It should also be noted that the sale of its non-core entities is an integral part of the Permanent TSB's Capital and Liquidity Plan.
Under Clause 11 of the Relationship Framework, PTSB would be obliged to consult with me if they were proposing a disposal of a loan/loans for an amount in excess of €50 million. In the Relationship Framework it is recognised that PTSB remains a separate economic unit with independent powers of decision and that its Board and management team retain responsibility and authority for determining Permanent TSB's strategy and commercial policies and conducting its day-to-day operations. The consultation would carefully assess, at any point in time, the matter based on the facts and in particular the impact on Permanent TSB's profit, capital and funding.
The Department of Finance is currently preparing the Sale of Loan Books to Unregulated Third Parties Bill. This will address concerns surrounding the continued applicability of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears after the sale of loan books to unregulated entities. Detailed engagement with the Attorney General's office and the Central Bank on draft legislation has now commenced. I have always made it clear that this is a complex issue. The Bill is listed for publication in 2015 however, it is intended that the legislation will be commenced as soon as possible.
The Government has always been clear that we would ensure mortgage holders maintained the protection of the CCMA. The two unregulated purchasers to date of residential mortgage loans from IBRC, Loan Star and Oaktree, have both voluntarily committed to servicing these books in accordance with the terms of the CCMA. The Irish company which is buying ICS mortgages has said that it will apply the relevant codes of conduct and that it has applied to the Central Bank of Ireland for authorisation.
Permanent TSB have committed to ensuring that any sale prior to enactment of this legislation, will be to a purchaser that voluntarily signs up to CCMA.
House Prices
Questions (25)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:25. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance his views that the continuing dramatic increases in property prices and rents are unsustainable and represent a threat of a property bubble; his further views that Government intervention to prevent such a bubble is urgently needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28539/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of recent price dynamics in the residential property and rental markets. These have come after a fall in national residential property prices of over 50% from 2007 to 2013, as indicated by the CSO's Residential Property Price Index and a peak to trough fall of over 20% in the national rent index compiled by the Private Residential Tenancies Board.
The Government recognises that the driving force behind recent price and rent developments is a shortage of supply. With economic recovery, there is an increased level of housing demand, particularly as a result of the growth in the number of people at work. To date, supply has not responded commensurately to demand and, as a result, prices and rents have increased.
These issues are being addressed under the Construction 2020 Strategy: A Strategy for A Renewed Construction Sector. The Deputy should be aware that 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. All of these actions are detailed in the Construction 2020 Strategy publication.
In Budget 2014 I introduced a number of measures to help increase the supply of suitable residential housing stock in light of supply limitations in certain urban areas. These are outlined in my Budget 2014 speech but for instance included subject to State Aid approval the extension of the Living City Initiative to include Cork, Galway, Kilkenny and Dublin and the broadening of eligibility criteria to include all buildings built prior to 1915. Furthermore, NAMA has said that it expects to fund the delivery of 4,500 houses and apartments to serve the Greater Dublin Area by end-2016.
In summary, I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department continues to monitor developments 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.
Tax Code
Questions (26)
Michael McGrath
Question:26. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the concerns expressed by the Irish Venture Capital Association that Government policies on taxation and the creation of jobs are out of sync; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23790/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Venture Capital Association has expressed concern about, among other things, high marginal income tax rates and the significant increase in the capital gains tax (CGT) rate over recent years.
Rates of CGT had to be increased to maintain the yield from CGT in a period of falling asset prices so that it would continue to make a contribution to the fiscal consolidation we are required to make to return our public finances to order. Increases in capital taxes, however unpalatable, are generally considered to be less damaging economically than taxes on employment and these are the hard choices that this Government has had to make in this and other areas over recent years.
While noting the concern expressed by the Association about the competitiveness of our various tax reliefs as compared to other jurisdictions, I would also point out that in the 2014 World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report, Ireland has improved its overall ranking over the years from 24th in 2011 to 15th this year. Clearly, we cannot rest on our laurels but the bigger picture from a competitiveness perspective is more positive.
A CGT relief for entrepreneurs re-investing in productive business assets was introduced in the last Budget and Finance Act. Its commencement is subject to EU clearance from a State-aid perspective. It is admittedly a restricted measure and this is due to the constraints imposed by the broader fiscal context that I have referred to. The relief will be kept under review.
As regards income taxes, the "tax wedge" is the difference between what an employer has to pay in terms of gross wages plus taxes to hire an employee and the net revenue received by that employee after deduction of all taxes on their wages. A competitive tax wedge is considered vital in encouraging employment growth across all income categories and to incentivise individuals to remain in or return to the labour market. According to the latest OECD "Taxing Wages report 2014", based on wage and tax levels for 2013, Ireland has the lowest tax wedge of the 21 EU members of the OECD, a position which has been maintained for the last 11 years.
Nonetheless, I have put on record my belief that the income tax burden is currently too high in Ireland and that I believe it needs to be reduced. However, I have also said that although it is my intention to alleviate the burden I can only do so when the public finances allow it.
Economic Growth
Questions (27)
Bernard Durkan
Question:27. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the economic situation has improved over the past three years with particular reference to the need to identify borrowing and debt ratios within the confines of the agreement with the troika; the extent to which economic growth is likely to impact on borrowing requirements and meet economic targets in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28535/14]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, it is important to clarify that we have exited the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support and we are now subject to EU Post-Programme Surveillance and IMF Post-Programme Monitoring. However, Ireland continues to be bound by the Excessive Deficit Procedure which requires that the underlying General Government deficit is reduced to less than 3% of GDP by 2015.
It is clear that the economic situation has improved considerably over recent years as evidenced by the recovery in the labour market. With specific regard to the fiscal ratios, the deficit ratios have been consistently over-achieved. The debt-ratio is estimated to have peaked in 2013 at over 120% of GDP before declining over the forecast horizon.
Economic growth obviously has impacts on Ireland's ability to meet the fiscal targets and associated borrowing requirements. However, there is no simple answer with regard to the impact of different headline growth rates on the deficit as the exact impact would depend on the composition of growth. For example, growth driven by exports does not have as significant an impact on the public finances as domestically driven growth. A rule of thumb estimate is that for every extra percentage point of GDP growth, the deficit improves by between ¼ and ½ percentage points depending on the composition of growth.
Budget 2015
Questions (28)
Bernard Durkan
Question:28. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has had or proposes to have discussions with the troika in the context of framing of budget 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28536/14]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, we successfully exited the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support at the end of 2013. We are now subject to EU Post-Programme Surveillance and IMF Post-Programme Monitoring. The objective of Post-Programme Surveillance/Monitoring is to assess Ireland's economic, fiscal and financial situation following the completion of the programme. The Stability Programme Update aggregates were discussed during the 1st Post-programme Surveillance/Monitoring mission 29 April -2 May 2014. However, the focus of the assessment is on Ireland's ability to repay and does not involve discussions of specific budgetary measures in the context of preparing future Budgets.
The Deputy may also be aware that, under the reforms known as the 'Two pack', all Euro Area Member States are required to submit a draft budgetary plan to the European Commission on or before 15 October each year. The Government will submit the draft budgetary plan to the European Commission after the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform make their statements to the Dáil.
Finally, Ireland continues to be bound by the Excessive Deficit Procedure which requires that the underlying deficit is reduced to less than 3% of GDP by 2015.
Passport Services
Questions (29)
Noel Grealish
Question:29. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 127 of 17 June 2014, if any records of visas or stamps in temporary passports are retained or recorded by his Department before the temporary passports are destroyed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28751/14]
View answerWritten answers
No records of visas or stamps in passports (whether they be temporary or not) are made before they are destroyed.
Passport Applications
Questions (30)
Brian Walsh
Question:30. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps required to regularise matters to facilitate the processing of a passport application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28771/14]
View answerWritten answers
Following previous contact by the Department with the applicant, I wrote to the Deputy on 30 June to explain that the submitted application could not be finalised and that the applicant had been requested to provide documentary proof in respect of his identity and entitlement to citizenship.
I can confirm that additional documents have now been received by the Department, the application in question has been approved and a passport has now issued to the applicant.
Overseas Development Aid
Questions (31)
Olivia Mitchell
Question:31. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will communicate his disagreement with the World Health Organisation proposal which excludes universal access to reproductive health (currently MDG 5B) from its submission for a new health goal for the post-2015 framework; if he will further request that this vital health right is included in the final WHO proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28793/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Government’s development policy, One World, One Future, contains an explicit commitment to the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), through efforts that reduce maternal and infant mortality and promote universal access to reproductive healthcare, including ante-natal care and family planning services. We are committed to working to ensure that the Programme of Action is fully reflected in the new global development framework to replace the Millennium Development Goals after 2015.
Since last year, Ireland has played a prominent international role, through our EU Presidency and at UN level, on the post-2015 development negotiations. We are an active member of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations which is the main intergovernmental forum tasked with developing recommendations on the Post 2015 framework. The Open Working Group’s report will be central to the UN Secretary General’s consideration of the issues in advance of formal intergovernmental negotiations, leading to a Summit meeting at the United Nations in September 2015.
We have made it clear that Ireland recognises universal access to reproductive healthcare as a critical element in ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment, and to achieve better health outcomes for millions of men and women, girls and boys. We have consistently and clearly supported its inclusion as a target in the Post 2015 framework.
It is important to recognise that the Open Working Group is primarily a forum for Member States to discuss the post 2015 development framework; UN agencies, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) while providing technical input in the initial phase do not currently actively participate in the discussions. We support the view of the UN Secretary General that UN agencies should maintain an impartial supportive role in this process.
Last week I held discussions with the Director General of the WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan, when she visited Dublin. We agreed that progress on universal access to reproductive health is crucial for progress on the elimination of maternal and child mortality, as well as for other development goals, including gender equality, women’s empowerment and education.
Humanitarian Aid
Questions (32)
Brendan Smith
Question:32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if humanitarian assistance will be provided to persons in need in Iraq in view of the very difficult circumstances that have arisen due to the security situation in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28818/14]
View answerWritten answers
The dramatically deteriorating situation in Iraq is a matter of very serious concern, for the Iraqi people, the region, and for the international community as a whole. The Al- Qaeda linked islamist militia known as ISIS, with allied Sunni groupings, has captured large parts of northern and western Iraq, including the major city of Mosul. It has also targeted key installations such as the country’s largest oil refinery. Following this recent escalation of violence, there are now nearly 2 million people displaced within Iraq, one million of whom have been displaced since January 2014. An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore T.D. discussed the crisis in Iraq with EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June, at which the Council agreed Conclusions condemning the recent attacks by ISIS, and reports of horrific atrocities. The Council also expressed its serious concern at the humanitarian situation amid a further massive civilian displacement arising from the current emergency.
In view of the humanitarian consequences of the rapid deterioration of the security situation in Iraq, I recently authorised funding of €200,000 to Goal and €75,000 to Christian Aid to support the provision of essential relief items to vulnerable families who have been displaced by the recent fighting. In addition, I have authorised the airlifting of essential relief items (such as blankets, kitchen sets, jerry cans and shelter supplies) worth €220,000 from our stocks in Dubai to provide emergency relief to the most vulnerable displaced populations in Ninewa Governate in Northern Iraq. Earlier this year, Ireland provided €160,000 to support the provision of protection services and assistance for female Syrian refugees and host communities in Iraq, bringing our total assistance to date in 2014 to €655,000 and our total support over the period 2006-2014 to more than €13.5 million. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will continue to provide assistance, within our means and as the situation evolves.
Humanitarian Aid
Questions (33)
Brendan Smith
Question:33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if further humanitarian aid will be provided for Syria and that region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28819/14]
View answerWritten answers
The protracted and tragic crisis in Syria has resulted in unprecedented levels of humanitarian need, requiring a sustained response from the international community. As the number of fatalities surpasses an estimated 150,000 people, there are now over 10.8 million people within Syria who are in need of immediate life-saving support, with a further 2.8 million Syrian refugees requiring assistance in neighbouring countries. The revised UN response plan for Syria and the refugee populations has requested US$6.5 billion dollars in total for operations in 2014, of which approximately 30% has been provided by the international community to date. This represents the largest humanitarian appeal in the history of the UN. Ireland has been to the fore in the international efforts to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and is one of the most generous contributors to the humanitarian response on a per capita basis. In view of the immense needs in Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees, I announced Ireland’s pledge of a further €12 million in humanitarian assistance at the Second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria and region in Kuwait on January 15th 2014. Ireland has already exceeded this pledge for 2014 by €2 million bringing our overall funding commitment in the period 2011 to 2014 to €28.011 million. We will continue to provide assistance, within our means and as the situation evolves. To date funds have been provided to a range of established UN partners, NGO partners and the Red Cross/Red Crescent. This supports the provision of water, food, shelter and vital medicines to internally displaced persons within Syria and also to refugees and host communities in neighbouring countries, particularly Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.
Ireland has consistently matched our material humanitarian contribution with concrete support to international efforts to find a sustainable political solution to the crisis, and to advocate for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as for respect by all parties of International Humanitarian Law. In view of the immense needs in Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees, Ireland will continue to advocate at all relevant international fora for increased support to the humanitarian relief, as well as for the full and immediate implementation by all parties to the conflict of UN Security Council Resolution 2139 on Humanitarian Assistance in Syria.
Departmental Staff Sick Leave
Questions (34)
Barry Cowen
Question:34. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline in tabular form the total number of sick days taken by staff in his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 further broken down by uncertified, certified and long-term absence leave. [28830/14]
View answerWritten answers
Details of the sick leave taken by staff of my Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 are set out in the following table. Details of long-term sick leave absences are included from 2012 (the first year such statistics were compiled).
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
|
Year |
Uncertified sick leave |
Certified sick leave |
Certified long-term sick leave |
Total number of sick days |
|
2011 |
848 |
7984 |
- |
8,832 |
|
2012 |
694.5 |
6,905.15 |
3,902.25 |
7,599.65 |
|
2013 |
664.47 |
7,399.34 |
3,404.42 |
8,063.81 |
|
2014 to date |
290.87 |
3,542.85 |
1,790.58 |
3,833.72 |
* Full time equivalent
Consultancy Contracts Data
Questions (35)
Barry Cowen
Question:35. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form per annum all external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report and the publication date. [28845/14]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).
The Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and particularly where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagements, these consultants/experts may prepare reports and other documentation for the Department. In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed - and continues to inform - my Department’s policies, allowing for more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.
The following tables set out the details of external reports commissioned under Vote 28 and Vote 27 since March 2011.
External Reports commissioned under Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade)
|
Date of Commission |
Experts/Consultants |
Report/Subject |
Cost (€) |
Date of publication |
|
06.09.2012 |
Mike Williams |
Evaluation of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation |
12,247 |
July 2013 |
|
16.11.2012 |
PA Consulting Group |
Evaluating the value of the economic relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland. |
73,083 |
July 2013 |
|
06.05.2013 |
Peter McEvoy |
Evaluation of a number of Organisations funded by the Emigrant Support Programme(ESP) |
13,075 |
July 2013 |
|
11.07.2013 |
Wright Consultancy Ltd |
Gender Equality Audit |
14,000 |
Publication Imminent |
|
13.05.2014 |
Tierney & Associates, Risk &Governance Consultants |
Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme. |
No costs incurred to date. |
Ongoing. |
External Reports commissioned under Vote 27 (International Cooperation)
|
Date of Commission |
Experts/ Consultants |
Report/Subject |
Cost (€) |
Date of Publication |
|
28.04.2011 |
Kevin Moore |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
13,581 |
Not Applicable – see footnote* |
|
28.04.11 |
Paul Sheane |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
9,965 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
Stefanie Meredith |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries. |
10,100 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
Samia Saad |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries. |
9,198 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
Paud Murphy |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
9,064 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
80:20 |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
9,870 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
Eilis Murray |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
6,068 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
ISOS |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
42,247 |
* |
|
01.06.2011 |
Bernard McLoughlin |
Review of the Irish Aid Centre, Dublin |
6,143 |
* |
|
01.06.2011 |
Cathal Higgins |
Preparation of a report on the programme of education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development in Karamoja region and skills development in the oil sector (Uganda) |
5,000 |
* |
|
12.09.2011 |
Humanitarian Policy Ltd |
Review of Security Policy & Practice among Irish Aid Humanitarian Partners |
33,930 |
* |
|
12.08.2011 |
Mike Williams |
Review of Humanitarian Programme Plan for Irish Aid |
18,742 |
* |
|
09.01.2012 |
Cathy Roche |
Review of the Our World Awards 2005-2011 |
6,300 |
* |
|
18.05.2012 |
Everywhere Consulting |
Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Humanitarian Hub at Shannon Airport |
40,584 |
* |
|
01.06.2012 |
Fintan Farrelly |
Review of the Irish Aid Strategic Environmental Partnership Programme |
6,000 |
* |
|
01.11.2012 |
John Paton |
Africa Strategy Scoping Exercise |
9,900 |
* |
|
01.11.2012 |
Mike Williams |
Review of Misean Cara |
15,099 |
* |
|
01.02.2013 |
Mary Jennings |
Review of HRD (Human Rights and Democratisation) Scheme Irish Aid Palestine |
15,500 |
* |
|
01.03.2013 |
Bronagh Hinds & Karen McMinn Consultants |
Report on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security |
20,811 |
June 2013 |
|
01.04.2013 |
ASTEC Global Consultancy Ltd |
Review of Irish Aid Financial Policies and Procedures |
33,000 |
* |
|
07.07.2013 |
Gareth Williams |
Review of Financial and Programme of the Camara Education Programme |
20,000 |
* |
|
05.07.2013 |
John Geraghty |
Review of University College Cork’s Programme of Technical Support Internships for Food Security |
7,500 |
* |
|
01.07.2013 |
Natural Research Institute |
Review of Irish Aid Support to Fair and Ethical Trade Initiatives |
14,583 |
* |
|
01.11.2013 |
Stephen O’Dwyer |
Consultant Support for the development of a National Report under the EU Food & Nutrition Security Implementation Plan |
4,400 |
* |
|
01.03.2014 |
Andy Pollak |
Review of Irish Aid support for Initial Teacher Education |
11,200 |
* |
|
01.04.2014 |
Aoife Murray |
External support to develop 2013 Annual Monitoring Report on Gender Equality |
4,500 |
* |
*Reports commissioned by the Department in relation to Irish Aid matters are generally for internal management usage and not for publication. However, many are published on the Irishaid.ie website or, in appropriate cases, can be made available on request.
Foreign Policy
Questions (36)
Brendan Smith
Question:36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that the long-standing policy of neutrality remains a central element of foreign policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28897/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully committed to the central role of our longstanding policy of neutrality in Irish foreign policy. This policy, which involves non-participation in military alliances, allows us to speak with an impartial voice in our efforts to promote global peace and security. Alongside our commitment to conflict prevention and resolution, it complements our other policy priorities, which include the promotion of human rights, disarmament and non-proliferation, and support for development aid. Guided by the principles that inform our broader foreign policy, we continue to take an active approach towards crisis management. We remain fully committed to meeting our obligations in accordance with the UN Charter, which requires us to make resources available to the UN Security Council for the purpose of maintaining international peace and security. In this regard, the Defence Forces continue to participate in UN-authorised peacekeeping operations, led by the UN, the EU and NATO. Recognising the importance of supporting and strengthening policing and the rule of law in post-conflict situations, Ireland also contributes civilian experts and members of An Garda Síochána to civilian crisis management missions operated by the EU and the UN.
Humanitarian Aid
Questions (37)
Brendan Smith
Question:37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any further actions will be taken to make Ireland a hub for humanitarian aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28898/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government set out the Government’s desire to position Shannon Airport as an international hub for the storage and distribution of EU and UN emergency humanitarian supplies. Following consultations with the airport management and other local stakeholders, a full-scale feasibility study of the proposal was initiated in 2012, with the specific aim of providing an independent, evidence-based assessment of the viability and value-for-money of a possible humanitarian hub at the airport. In November 2012, I met with the independent experts tasked with preparing this study. In presenting the results, they outlined that they had explored a number of options for Shannon Airport – including the prepositioning of relief items, the prepositioning of medical supplies, the possible development of a training facility at the airport and the establishment of a depot for civil protection assets.
The study concluded that the various roles explored did not demonstrate sufficient economic viability in relation to the development of Shannon Airport in the manner which was envisaged under the Programme for Government. This conclusion was based on a cost-benefit analysis and is the result of consultation with a large number of international humanitarian organisations and agencies, and potential end users of such a hub.
On the basis of the findings that there was no justifiable, economically viable rationale for advancing the plans to develop Shannon Airport in this manner, the decision was taken not to proceed. This decision, along with the feasibility study, has been publicly available on the Irish Aid website since December 2012.
Overseas Development Aid Expenditure
Questions (38)
Brendan Smith
Question:38. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline in tabular form the budget of Irish development aid as a percentage of GNP in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28899/14]
View answerWritten answers
This Government is very strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme and to its place at the heart of Irish foreign policy. Ireland’s aid programme has the reputation of being one of the best in the world. Our ongoing commitment to development cooperation is clearly set out in the Programme for Government and in our 2013 policy for international development - One World One Future - which set out a vision for a sustainable and just world in which people are empowered to overcome poverty and hunger and to fully realise their rights and potential. Despite the very severe economic and budgetary situation we have faced, the Government has clearly demonstrated its determination since coming into office to maintain and stabilise the budget for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the maximum possible extent. In the three years 2011 through 2013 we provided approximately €1.9bn in ODA. This is an enormous achievement in the circumstances. For 2014, the Government has again managed to allocate almost €600 million to ODA, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to helping the poor of the world.
The information requested by the Deputy in tabular form is set out below.
|
Year |
Total ODA - €m |
% of GNP |
|
2014 |
599.16 |
0.43% (est) |
|
2013 |
622.07 |
0.45% |
|
2012 |
639.03 |
0.48% |
|
2011 |
659.03 |
0.50% |
VAT Rate Application
Questions (39)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:39. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fund-raising campaign on behalf of a person (details supplied) who is suffering from a serious illness; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the large sum raised has been subjected to VAT; if he will now allow a VAT rebate or make a donation to the persons family equivalent to the VAT charged. [28755/14]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that the fundraising activity in question has utilized text messaging as its main vehicle for facilitating donations. In this context, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that charitable donations made by text message, excluding any fees charged by the telecommunications provider or other service provider, are outside the scope of Irish VAT. However, any fees charged by the telecommunications service providers in connection with the facilitation of donations are liable to VAT at the standard rate of 23%. The VAT treatment of charitable donations made by text message is set out in Revenue's eBrief 29/11 which is available at http://www.revenue.ie/en/practitioner/ebrief/archive/2011/no-292011.html.
While the important work carried out by charities and community groups is well recognized, such groups are exempt from VAT under the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT Law must comply. This means that they do not charge VAT on the services they provide and cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services which they purchase. I have stated in the past that I am prepared to examine the concerns of charities regarding VAT. However, any solutions must take into account not only the current demands on the Exchequer, but also tax reliefs already available to charities, the existing tax relief on donations being an example.
Departmental Staff Allowances
Questions (40)
Pearse Doherty
Question:40. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if there has been a recent change in the way meal allowances for some civil servants are treated for tax purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28756/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there has been no change in the way meal allowances are treated for tax purposes for civil servants or any other taxpayers. Round sum meal allowances/expenses payments are taxable in full and must be treated as pay.