Wednesday, 31 May 2017

Written Answers Nos. 104-123

Bankruptcy Data

Questions (104)

Michael McGrath

Question:

104. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons each year since 2012 petitioned into bankruptcy by a fund on debt purchased by the fund from a bank; the number of these cases in which assets were surrendered prior to the bankruptcy and residual debt remained; the number of these cases in which the family home was lost as a result of the bankruptcy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26106/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Insolvency Service of Ireland that since 2012, one person was petitioned into bankruptcy by a debt purchasing company. The debtor was adjudicated bankrupt in December 2016, and is still resident in the family home.

Office for Internet Safety

Questions (105)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

105. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who work in the Office for Internet Safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26170/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Office for Internet Safety (OIS) is responsible for developing strategic actions to promote the highest possible levels of internet safety, particularly in relation to combatting child pornography. The OIS currently has two members of staff assigned to it who in turn are working alongside officials working in other divisions of my Department which have a specific remit in dealing with cyber-related policy. The OIS coordinates the EU Safer Internet Programme for Ireland and channel the EU funding, which runs from January 2017 to June 2019, to four partner bodies. The bodies funded are:

- PDST – Professional Development Service for Teachers Technology in Education (a part of the Department of Education and Skills),

- Childline which is operated by the ISPCC,

- the National Parents Council (Primary) which operates a helpline for parents and

- Hotline.ie which is operated by the Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland.

A dedicated website www.internetsafety.ie is supported by the Office and provides information and links to other resources on internet safety. In addition, it partners with experts to develop and publish a series of information booklets on internet safety which are made available on the website and also in hard copy.

The OIS has an oversight role in the operation of Hotline.ie and the Garda blocking initiative. Hotline.ie is the confidential service for reporting illegal content in the internet in Ireland and it liaises closely with An Garda Síochána (AGS) in carrying out its functions. In November 2014, An Garda Síochána launched an initiative on the blocking of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the internet in Ireland. AGS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a large internet provider company under which the company agreed to block access to CSAM as per a list supplied by AGS. AGS continues to engage with other companies with a view to establishing further MOUs.

In September 2016, the Law Reform Commission published its report on 'Harmful Communications and Digital Safety'. While noting the positive benefits to society of the interconnected digital world in which we live, the report also noted the negative aspects and the emerging trend to engage in online communications that cause significant harm to others. In December 2016, the Government gave its approval for the drafting of a General Scheme of a Bill which would provide for new and amended criminal offences along the lines set out in the report. The Bill will address the criminal law aspects of the Law Reform Commission’s report. The Commission has proposed extending some existing offences and creating some new criminal offences. Drafting to prepare the General Scheme is ongoing in my Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group (ICGAG), established by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, made a series of recommendations in relation to the OIS including the transfer of some of its functions to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. In order to oversee the implementation of the various recommendations in the Report, an interdepartmental implementation group was established under the chairmanship of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and work is ongoing in this regard. The group includes representatives from the Departments of Communications Climate Action and Environment, Children and Youth Affairs, Education and Skills, Health and my own Department.

Coroners Service

Questions (106)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

106. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the retirement age of coroners (details supplied) and the time persons have to wait for an inquest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26211/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The retirement age for coroners is set down in section 11 of the Coroners Act 1962 as seventy years of age. This provision was repeated in the Coroners Bill 2007. I have no plans to change the age of retirement.

I can inform the Deputy that the timeframe between the death of a person and the holding of any necessary inquest is dependent on a number of factors, including the receipt by the Coroner of the results of the post-mortem, the receipt by the Coroner of results of any tests carried out as part of the post-mortem process and the question of whether or not a criminal prosecution is being considered. In these circumstances it is not possible to give an average timeframe.

The Deputy will appreciate that Coroners exercise quasi-judicial functions, in respect of which they are independent and it would, therefore, be improper for me to comment on the exercise of these functions.

International Terrorism

Questions (107, 108)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

107. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to increase security in the wake of the terrorist attack in Manchester; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26087/17]

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

108. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to increase security and defence in the wake of the terrorist attack in Manchester; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26088/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.

The recent bomb attack in Manchester is another tragic reminder that no state can be considered immune from the threat from international terrorism. The current assessment of the threat here is that while a terrorist attack here is possible, it is unlikely and there is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism.

The level of threat is kept under constant review by the Garda Authorities. The House will understand the detail of security arrangements that are in place should not be disclosed. An Garda Síochána has considerable operational capacities in countering terrorism and in responding to critical incidents. There is, in particular, a highly-trained and well-equipped special intervention capability in the Emergency Response Unit that is supported by the regional Armed Support Units and the range of other resources across the Garda organisation. The considerable skills and resources of the Defence Forces are also available in support to the civil power when and where needed.

They are engaged in intensive, ongoing work aimed at preventing any attack taking place here. In this regard they work closely with the Defence Forces. Detailed preparations have also been made in the event of an attack. Other agencies also have plans in place to deal with the outcome of major incidents. Of its nature, much of this work cannot be disclosed publicly, but the Deputy should be assured that it goes on relentlessly.

The authorities here will continue to work closely with their EU and other international counterparts in responding to the shared threat to national and international security. The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the necessary resources to enhance their connectivity to a range of EU and other international resources and a significant programme of work is ongoing in this regard supported by dedicated funding. This includes connecting to the Schengen Information System, developing the processing of travel-related data and mechanisms for the exchange of criminal fingerprint and DNA data.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Taoiseach chaired a meeting on 25 May to review the State's arrangements and level of preparedness in the event of a major terrorist attack here. Taoiseach and I as well as a number of other Ministers with relevant responsibilities attended, along with the Garda Commissioner, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and senior officials. The meeting was briefed on the current threat assessment by the security authorities.

It is also important to note that overall national emergency management arrangements are in place, involving all the different agencies of the State. Co-ordinated by the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and the Office of Emergency Planning, all the various agencies and bodies continue to work closely together in supporting co-ordinated responses to any incident that might arise.

Of equal importance is the ongoing work to counter radicalisation. It is important to ensure that in the context of attacks such as that in Manchester, our Muslim community is not unfairly stigmatised. The Gardaí have developed a strong model of community-level interaction with minority communities in the State, including our Muslim community, and will maintain that interaction in order to serve those communities and to ensure that vulnerable individuals within those communities can be supported appropriately.

Courts Service Data

Questions (109)

Michael McGrath

Question:

109. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of court cases per year in which it has been shown that a person has made a fraudulent claim in each of the years 2014 to 2016, and to date in 2017; the number of times per year the judge has referred the person or persons to the Director of Public Prosecutions as specified in the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004; the number of prosecutions made per year by the DPP as a result of the referral from the judge; the number of successful prosecutions made per year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26104/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of information on the courts system.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that statistics are not compiled in such a way as to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I intend to request the Courts Service to examine the requirements, including system development and resource issues, needed to enable the compiling of such statistics going forward.

Garda Data

Questions (110)

Shane Cassells

Question:

110. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each in County Meath as of 30 April 2016. [26122/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I have been advised by the Commissioner that as of the 31 March 2017 there were 288 Garda with 18 Garda Reserves and 27 civilians attached to the Meath Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.

This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that just under 1,000 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide 31 of whom were assigned to the Meath Division. I am also informed that another 600 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí including Community Gardaí across every Garda Division including the Meath Division in the coming years. To ensure a continuous pipeline of candidates a new recruitment drive was launched by the Commissioner earlier this month with a closing date of 1 June. The competition is being undertaken by the Public Appointment Service on behalf of the Commissioner and applications should be made to www.publicjobs.ie.

This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.

For the Deputy's information, I have set out the strength of the Meath Division by Garda Station as of 31 March 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available.

Meath Division Strength 31 March 2017

DISTRICT	STATION	TOTAL
ASHBOURNE	ASHBOURNE	48
	DULEEK	5
	DUNBOYNE	16
	DUNSHAUGHLIN	17
	LAYTOWN	21
	TOTAL:	107
KELLS	BAILE ÁTHA BUÍ	5
	KELLS	37
	OLDCASTLE	3
	TOTAL:	45
NAVAN	NAVAN	85
	NOBBER	3
	SLANE	4
	TOTAL:	92
TRIM	BALLIVOR	2
	ENFIELD	3
	LONGWOOD	2
	SUMMERHILL	2
	TRIM	35
	TOTAL:	44
MEATH TOTAL:	16 STATIONS	288

Immigration Status

Questions (111)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

111. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision on an application for permission to remain in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26127/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an application was received at the end of January 2017, from the person mentioned by the Deputy, for permission to remain in the State as the spouse of an Irish National and that the application is being processed. All applications are dealt with in strict chronological order and the processing of application can take a number of months.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Missing Children

Questions (112)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

112. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a company (details supplied) has not being granted the approval to issue an online social media amber text alert here in the event of a child or youth going missing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26171/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter raised and I will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of this report.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 112 for answer on 31 May 2017 where you asked "the reason a company (details supplied) has not being granted the approval to issue an online social media amber text alert here in the event of a child or youth going missing".

As you may recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there is an alert scheme in place, Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) which was launched on 25 May 2012. A CRI Alert is a short-term high-profile alert to members of the public circulated through the media, information broadcasters and other partners (NRA etc) seeking assistance to recover a child who has been abducted, in the circumstances where:

- the child is under 18 years of age;

- there is a reasonable belief that the child has been abducted;

- there is a reasonable belief that there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of the child;

- there is sufficient information available to enable the public to assist An Garda Síochána in locating the child.

I hope you find this information useful.

Independent Review Mechanism

Questions (113, 114, 115)

John Brassil

Question:

113. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when her attention was drawn to a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26212/17]

John Brassil

Question:

114. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26213/17]

John Brassil

Question:

115. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26214/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 to 115, inclusive, together.

The incident involving the person to whom the Deputy refers in his question dates back to 1989. It has been the subject of correspondence with successive Ministers for Justice going back over a considerable period of time, including legal correspondence. It has also been the subject of many Questions over that period.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the incident in question was the subject of a thorough investigation at the time. The Deputy will appreciate, of course, that any decisions in respect of prosecutions are a matter solely for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who acts independently in accordance with the law.

Complaints were made previously by the person to whom the Deputy refers to the Garda Síochána Complaints Board which investigated the matters raised and found no evidence of an offence or breach of discipline on the part of the Garda members concerned.

This case was also among those reviewed as part of the Independent Review Mechanism established by the Government in May 2014 to consider certain complaints of Garda misconduct referred to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice and Equality. An independent panel consisting of two senior counsel and five junior counsel was established for that purpose. To ensure that the independence of the review process was preserved, I appointed a retired High Court Judge, Mr. Justice Roderick Murphy, to oversee the preparation of summaries and recommendations in the notification letters of the outcome of the process. His role was to independently vouch for the fact that the summaries of conclusions and the reasoning behind them were a fair reflection of the advice which has been made available to my Department by the Panel.

It was open to the independent counsel of the Independent Review Mechanism to make any recommendation that they saw fit. Having examined this particular case the recommendation was that there was no further action to be taken by me. I understand that some matters which the Deputy raises were a part of that examination. The independent counsel's recommendation was accepted and the reasons for this conclusion were communicated to the person referred to by the Deputy in November 2015.

VAT Registration

Questions (116)

Michael McGrath

Question:

116. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the policy and practical issues that would arise if the VAT registration threshold was to be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26094/17]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

VAT is governed by the EU VAT Directive (Council Directive 2006/112/EC),with which Irish VAT law must comply. The thresholds for Ireland date from accession into the EU and the Directive only provides for the raising of those thresholds by Member States to maintain their value in real terms. That is, they may only be increased in line with inflation. The Irish VAT thresholds were increased to their current values on 1 May 2008. As Central Statistics Office figures show the consumer price index is below the level it reached in 2008, it is not possible to increase the thresholds.

I would point out that Ireland’s VAT registration threshold for small enterprises supplying services is the eighth highest in the EU while the goods threshold is the third highest.

While the registration thresholds are designed to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and Revenue, registration thresholds are not intended as a means of keeping small businesses permanently outside the VAT system. Therefore in setting registration threshold levels, the objective is to strike an appropriate balance between the desirability of reducing the administrative burden on small businesses and the need to avoid undermining tax compliance or causing competitive distortions relative to registered firms.

Revenue Commissioners Data

Questions (117)

Michael McGrath

Question:

117. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of times since 2012 the Revenue Commissioners was deemed to be an excludable creditor in a personal insolvency arrangement or a debt settlement arrangement; the number of these cases per year in which the Revenue Commissioners exercised their right as excludable creditors to opt into the insolvency process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26105/17]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Revenue’s clear preference is always to engage positively with insolvent individuals who enter into Personal Insolvency or Debt Settlement arrangements and has to date agreed terms in five hundred cases since the Personal Insolvency Act was enacted.

However Revenue can only ‘opt in’ to the process where the Personal Insolvency Practitioner on behalf of the insolvent person provides a complete account of all debts and assets and also provides any clarifications that might subsequently be required. It is not possible for Revenue to ‘opt in’ where there is incomplete information or where the tax debt cannot be fully quantified.

The most common difficulties that arise for Revenue in personal insolvency situations include outstanding tax returns, receiving information that clearly conflicts with Revenue’s own data or where a Revenue audit or investigation has already started. It can also be the case that the proposals do not have the support of a sufficient number of creditors to make them financially viable for the insolvent person and that Revenue can offer a more suitable arrangement through its own debt support initiatives.

In situations where Revenue ‘opts out’ of a Personal Insolvency or Debt Settlement arrangement it continues to engage with the insolvent person and in the majority of cases agrees a mutually acceptable payment arrangement that takes due regard of the particular circumstances.  

The following table sets out the total number of Personal Insolvency/Debt Settlement applications received by Revenue to date, including a breakdown of the ‘opt in/opt out’ decisions made:

Year	Total Cases Received	‘Opt In’ by Revenue	‘Opt Out’ by Revenue
2013	2	0	2
2014	110	70	40
2015	186	108	78
2016	355	197	158
2017 (to date)	218	125	93
TOTAL	871	500	371

Liquor Licence Data

Questions (118, 119, 120, 121, 122)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

118. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the current cost of a wine, beer and spirit licence for retailers in the off-trade, publicans, on-trade and a special restaurants licence in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26262/17]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

119. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of liquor licences issued and the income received for retailers, off-licence, publicans, on-trade and the special restaurants licence in each of the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26263/17]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

120. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of publican and on-trade licences issued in 2016 by category and based on the cost of the licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26264/17]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

121. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the average payment made by publicans holding an on-trade liquor licence in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26265/17]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

122. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the average payment made by retailers in the off-trade holding beer, spirit and wine licences in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26266/17]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 to 122, inclusive, together.

I am advised by Revenue that the average payment made by publicans holding an on-trade liquor licence in 2016 was €737 and that the average payment made by retailers in the off-trade holding beer, spirit and wine licences in 2016 was €1,265.

Table 1 sets out the current cost of a wine, beer and spirit licence for retailers in the off trade, publicans on trade and the special restaurant licence.

Table 1 – Excise Licence Cost

	New Licence Cost	Renewal Cost
Wine Retailer's Off Licence	€500	€500
Beer Retailer's Off Licence	€500	€500
Spirit Retailer's Off Licence	€500	€500
Special Restaurant Licence	€3,805	€500
Publican's Fixed Rate (specific licence category)	€500	€500
Publican's Turnover Based	€250	Based on Turnover*
*Annual Turnover	Cost
Under €190,500	€250
€190,500 to €380,999	€505
€381,000 to €634,999	€1,140
€635,000 to €952,499	€1,775
€952,500 to €1,269,999	€2,535
€1,270,000 or more	€3,805

Table 2 sets out the number of liquor licences issued and the fees received for retailers, off-licence, publicans on trade and the special restaurant licence in each of the years 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Table 2 - Licence Numbers and Receipts

	2014	2014	2015	2015	2016	2016
	Numbers Issued	Receipts €	Numbers Issued	Receipts €	Numbers Issued	Receipts €
Beer Off-Licence	1,788	894,000	1,796	897,500	1,954	976,000
Spirit Off-Licence	1,767	883,500	1,782	891,500	1,937	967,500
Wine Off-Licence	3,407	1,703,500	3,328	1,663,500	3,435	1,716,750
Cider Off-Licence	8	4,000	6	3,000	7	3,500
Publican Full	8,290	5,786,955	8,118	5,939,270	8,329	6,142,925
Publican Six-Day	8	2,000	9	2,505	7	2,005
Publican Six-Day and Early-closing	2	500	2	500	2	500
Special Restaurant Renewal	415	207,500	416	208,000	477	249,720
Special Restaurant (New Licences)	30	114,150	34	129,370	29	110,345

Table 3 and Table 4 set out the number of publican on trade licences issued in 2016 by category and based on the licence cost.  

Table 3

Publican Licence   costs	€250	€505	€1,140	€1,775	€2,535	€3,805
Turnover Band	€0 - €190,499	€190,500 - €380,999	€381,000 - €634,999	€635,000 - €952,499	€952,500 -   €1,269,999	€1,270,000 or more
Publican's Licence (6-Day & early closing)	2	0	0	0	0	0
Publican's Licence (6-Day)	6	1	0	0	0	0
Publican's Licence (7-Day ordinary)	4020	1806	715	440	188	289
Publican's Licence (Ordinary) Hotel - (Public Bar)	24	11	11	4	3	6
Publican's Licence (Ordinary) Hotel - (Resident's   Bar)	5	0	1	0	1	0
Publican's Licence (Ordinary) Hotel - BF -  (Public Bar)*	95	100	93	95	58	91
Publican's Licence (Ordinary) Hotel - BF -   (Resident's Bar)*	49	8	5	3	0	1
Publican's Ordinary Railway Refreshment Rooms   Licence**	1	1	1	1	0	2
Total	4202	1927	826	543	250	389

*BF refers to Fáilte Ireland Certification. This applies to all new Hotel Licences for both Residents and Public Bars where the first Licence granted was after 1960 or where an original Licence was revived in Court after 1960

**applies per Railway Car

Table 4

Fixed Cost   Publican's licence	€500
Category	Number Issued
Aerodrome Licence	26
National Cultural Institutions Licence	4
National Sporting Arena Licence	7
Publican's Licence (ordinary) - Holiday Camp	1
Publican's Licence (ordinary) - Theatre	127
Publican's Licence (Ordinary) Greyhound Racetrack	15
Publican's Licence (ordinary) Horse Racecourse	21
Total	201

Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 118.

Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 118.

Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 118.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 118.

Liquor Licence Fees

Questions (123)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

123. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will bring the liquor licence fees for the off-trade in line with the on-trade which is graduated and based on annual turnover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26267/17]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The issue of applying turnover-based licensing to the off trade was considered in TSG15/05 General Excise Duties Tax Strategy Group paper in advance of Budget 2016, and is available on my Department's website: http://www.finance.gov.ie/what-we-do/tax-policy/tax-strategy-group/tsg-2015/tsg-papers-budget-2016.

In relation to the off-trade, a separate licence is required to sell spirits, wine, beer, cider or sweets for consumption off the premises. The duty for each licence is €500 and is charged on a flat rate basis. Therefore, the costs for a typical off-licence selling wine, spirits and beer is €1,500. 

In relation to the on-trade, the licence is based on the 'annual turnover', which includes the provision of entertainment, sale of snack foods, beverages or meals for consumption on the premises and the sale of tobacco products.  The average payment of on-trade licences in 2016 was €737.  It should also be noted that over 75% of on-trade undertakings pay the two lowest rates of either €250 or €505.

 Applying turnover based licensing for the off trade has been seen as a mechanism to level the playing field between on trade and off trade and to tackle the issue of below cost selling by increasing the charge on off licences.  However, as you can see from the information above, the off trade licences are more expensive than the vast majority of the on trade licences being issued. 

I will ask my officials to continue to monitor the situation but until I see compelling evidence of the benefits of applying a turnover base licence to the off trade, I have no plans to interfere with the current regime.