Written Answers Nos. 60-69
61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 qualifies for a back to education allowance in lieu of a jobseeker's allowance, in view of the fact that the person is in full-time education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6583/15]
View answerThe person concerned was claiming jobseeker’s allowance at the Social Welfare Local Office in Clondalkin from 30th September 2011 until 22nd July 2014. Her claim was closed as a result of her not providing information which had been requested by the office with regard to her means. The person concerned then commenced a full-time college course of her own accord in September 2014. Subsequently she made a new claim in Clondalkin for jobseeker’s allowance on 3rd November 2014; this claim was disallowed because she was unavailable for employment as she was in full-time education. The person concerned then moved address and made a further claim for jobseeker’s allowance on 10th December 2014 at the Intreo Centre in Bishop’s Square which was also disallowed on the same grounds.
An application for back to education allowance (BTEA) was submitted by the person concerned to the Intreo Centre in January 2015. The qualifying conditions for BTEA for second level courses stipulate that an applicant must have been in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for at least three months (78 days) prior to the commencement date of the first year of the course. As the person concerned was not in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment immediately prior to the commencement date of her course in September 2014, her application for BTEA cannot be approved.
62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the possibility of increased rental support in the case a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6587/15]
View answerThe client concerned has been requested to provide the Department with documentation outlining any change in their circumstances. On receipt of same the client's rate of Rent Supplement entitlement can be assessed.
63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the correct carer’s allowance or alternative allowance applicable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6590/15]
View answerThe person in question is currently receiving carer’s allowance (CA) for the care of her daughter. The weekly CA payment she receives is €218.90 per week. This payment consists of a personal rate of €204.00 and €14.90 (half-rate) increase for qualified child (IQC) for the child dependent who is in full time education. The person concerned is also in receipt of a household benefits package and a free travel pass.
A full-rate IQC is paid with CA only if you are parenting alone. A half-rate IQC is paid in respect of a child dependent if you are living with your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant. Where the care recipient is also a dependent child of the carer, no additional IQC is payable for him/her. An increase for an adult dependant is not payable with the CA scheme.
The Department confirms that the correct amount of CA is in payment to the person concerned based upon the circumstances as presented. The partner of the person concerned is advised to contact their nearest Intreo Office or Citizens Information Centre whereupon any other possible social welfare entitlements appropriate to his circumstances can be outlined to him.
64. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 3 February 2015, if he has considered, since March 2011, taking such an action or actions (details attached); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6358/15]
View answerThere is no intention to take the actions to which the Deputy has referred.
65. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is researching the likely impacts of the policy of quantitative easing, being pursued by the European Central Bank, on Irish citizens and households. [6392/15]
View answer66. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is considering tax measures to offset the negative impacts of quantitative easing in furthering re-enforcing serious inequality in Irish society. [6393/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
The announcement by the ECB on 22nd January to purchase €60 billion of public and private assets per month from March is intended to help reverse the decline in inflationary expectations and ultimately to ensure price stability in the euro area. By reducing the likelihood of deflation, this should help support consumer spending and investment.
Ireland should benefit from quantitative easing (QE) in a number of ways:
- Through improved financing conditions for households and firms;
- By raising demand in the euro area, Ireland's single largest export destination;
- Through the depreciation of the currency which improves the competitiveness of Irish exports outside the euro area;
- Through the restoration of price stability which will help reduce the real debt burden.
My Department will publish updated economic forecasts in April taking account of the impact of QE.
And while QE will likely be beneficial for the Irish economy, there is nevertheless the possibility of side effects such as increased asset prices.
In this regard, I would point out that Capital Gains Tax applies on any chargeable gain from the disposal of many assets, including non-principal private residences and to equity gains. Stamp Duty also applies to the purchase of assets such as property and shares. Therefore, in the event of increases in asset values, there would be a proportionate increase in the tax paid.
Finally, I would point out that all tax rates and regimes are held under continuous review by my Department and that any changes are made in the context of the annual budgetary cycle, including the Finance Bill.
67. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the major economic public policy objectives he will address in the proposed spring financial statement. [6394/15]
View answerUnder European Council Regulation 1175/2011, each Member State is required to present an annual update of its Stability Programme to the European Commission and European Council by end-April.
The Stability Programme Update (SPU) sets out the Government's budgetary objectives and the main economic assumptions underpinning them over the medium term.
This year, Ireland's SPU will be accompanied by a Spring Economic Statement (SES). The SES will set out in broad terms the Government's economic priorities and fiscal strategy over the medium term. The Government envisages that the SES will become an important part of the annual budgetary cycle.
68. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance the reason a property owner, who originally registered online but who no longer wishes to transact their local property tax affairs in this way, cannot change to a system where they receive their notification by post and can pay their liability by cheque or direct debit in March each year. [6400/15]
View answerI am assuming that the Deputy's Question relates to a property owner who owns more than one property.
In relation to owners of a single property, the taxpayer has the option of filing Local Property Tax (LPT) either on paper or electronically (although payment electronically is encouraged as being the most efficient and cost effective for both the taxpayer and Revenue).
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that owners of multiple properties are required to meet their Local Property Tax (LPT) filing and payment obligations using the purpose built on-line system. This requirement is set down in Section 44 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended). Section 44 of the LPT Act is consistent with requirements that already exist under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 for many taxpayers to meet their overall tax filing and payment obligations electronically and is also in line with the Government's overall e-strategy.
Revenue has assured me that the LPT online service is the simplest and most efficient way to complete and submit LPT Returns/ payments and is 100% secure. The system provides for all of the various electronic payment methods, including Direct Debit, that are available for LPT and the taxpayer has the option to change from one payment method to another providing this is done within the specified time limits required by Revenue to activate any such request. The online system is available 24 hours per day so that property owners can conduct their LPT affairs at a time that best suits their individual circumstances.
Finally, I am assured by Revenue that where any owner of multiple properties is experiencing difficulty using the online system assistance is available from the LPT Helpline at 1890 200 255, or by calling to their local tax office, or they can nominate a person to act on their behalf as provided for by Section 36 of the Act.
69. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider flying the Amber Flag from his Department buildings, on a chosen day, in order to raise awareness of the amber flag programme which works to raise awareness of mental health issues within second level schools, sports clubs and youth organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6430/15]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question my Department is part of the Government Buildings Complex which includes the Department of the Taoiseach. My Department does not have a separate flag pole and therefore decisions regarding the flags for the complex are taken by the Department of the Taoiseach.
