Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 April 2016
35. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to undertake a review of the seafarer's allowance scheme with a view to broadening its reach, in particular to seafarers aboard fishing vessels (details supplied). [7832/16]
View answerIn Budget 2014, the Government announced that in conjunction with the Inter Departmental Marine Co-ordination Group, a review of the financial and taxation supports available to the Marine Sector would be carried out, to examine strategic measures which could be introduced to help Ireland as an island nation to fulfil its potential in the marine area.
Phase 1 of this review involved an examination of the taxation supports available for certain subsectors of marine, namely fishing, ports and shipping. The overall objective of this review was to ensure that there is a supportive financial environment underpinning the marine sector. Following a tender process, Indecon International Economic Consultants were engaged to carry out the review, under the aegis of a steering group, comprising representatives from the Department of Finance, Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
This review was published in October 2015 (on Budget Day) and officials of the Department of Finance are currently working with the relevant Departments to consider options arising from the Marine Tax Review. One of the options which is being considered is a tax relief for fishermen similar to the seafarer's allowance. The outcome of this work is expected to be discussed in advance of the Finance Bill later this year, and will be a matter for consideration by the next Government.
