Tuesday, 3 Jul 2018

Written Answers Nos. 78-99

Capital Expenditure Programme

Questions (78)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

78. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance if he will address matters (details supplied) regarding calculations. [28860/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As the Deputy is aware my Department has not prepared any forecasts beyond 2021 and therefore cannot provide ratios of GDP and GNI* for these years.

The Deputy provided a proposed capital expenditure plan and has requested this as: per cent of GDP; per cent of GNI*; and additional fiscal space used compared with Table 3 of the 2018 Summer Economic Statement (SES).

Nominal GDP and GNI* projections are included in annex 2 of the Stability Programme Update 2018. Using these gives the following ratios:

	2019	2020	2021
Proposed Capital Expenditure (€ million)	8,800	9,300	9,800
per cent of GDP	2.7	2.7	2.7
per cent of GNI*	3.9	4.0	4.0

In comparison to table 3 of the 2018 SES a baseline increase to capital expenditure of €1.5 billion, €1.4 billion and €1.2 billion would use a further €0.4 billion, €0.7 billion and €1.0 billion of fiscal space in 2019 - 2021 respectively.

This is based on the assumption that the increases are all gross fixed capital formation and that all other variables remain unchanged.

As I have said, such increases represent money that we would have to borrow. We have one of the highest debt per capita ratios in the developed world. There is general recognition that sovereign borrowing costs are going to rise. So borrowing even more and adding to our debt pile is reckless - especially in view of the major risks to the economy at present. Budgetary policy will be formulated to ensure continued steady improvements in Irish employment and living standards.

Tax Reliefs Availability

Questions (79)

Robert Troy

Question:

79. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance the supports in place for first-time buyers who purchase a second-hand property specifically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28875/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

With regard to taxation, Section 266A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provided for a repayment of Deposit Interest Retention Tax (“DIRT”) for first time purchasers in respect of any property, which included the purchase of a second-hand property. This section applied to purchases from 14 October 2014 to 31 December 2017 and provided a repayment of DIRT on savings up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price of the property in the 48 months prior to purchase.

There are therefore no specific tax provisions which apply to purchasers of second hand domestic dwellings.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (80)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

80. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of charging ports and parking bays for electric vehicles at his Department building and other buildings used by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28891/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The question raised by the Deputy is a matter for response by the Office of Public Works. I understand that the OPW have prepared a co-ordinated reply on the issue.

Tax Reliefs Data

Questions (81)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

81. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount it would cost in 2019 if the €1 million lifetime limit in qualifying gains under entrepreneur relief was increased to €6.5 million. [28963/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the revised Entrepreneur Relief provided for in Section 597AA of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

I am advised by Revenue that the current lifetime limit applicable to this relief is €1 million in chargeable gains. The cost of increasing this limit to the €6.5 million suggested by the Deputy would be approximately €40m in a full year. This cost is based on returns filed for the 2016 tax year, which included entrepreneur relief and does not take account of any potential behavioural change arising.

Tax Reliefs Application

Questions (82)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

82. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Finance the way in which a person (details supplied) can apply for tax relief on nursing home expenses in view of the fact the Revenue Commissioners office in counties Louth and Mayo cannot provide the details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29007/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am informed by Revenue that full details on how income tax relief on expenditure incurred on nursing home fees may be claimed were issued to the taxpayer in question on 5 June 2018. The taxpayer subsequently submitted a claim for the relief on 19 June 2018 following a meeting with an official from the Mayo Tax District. The individual’s claim was immediately processed and their revised tax credits were sent to their employer so that the relief could be provided through their salary.

The taxpayer also submitted an enquiry to Revenue via the MyEnquiries facility questioning the rate of relief allowable for nursing home fees. A response issued to the taxpayer on 22 June 2018 confirming that the relief can only be allowed at the higher rate of tax where a taxpayer is chargeable to tax at the higher rate. Where a taxpayer is not subject to the higher rate of tax, then the relief is only available at the standard rate.

Fuel Laundering

Questions (83)

Declan Breathnach

Question:

83. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Finance if additional measures will be introduced to deal with the problem of fuel smuggling and trading in illicit diesel products; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this illegal activity is responsible for an increase in the number of intermediate bulk containers of sludge being dumped in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29029/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am aware of reports of incidents involving the illegal dumping of sludge in Co. Louth, and recognise the serious threat that fuel fraud poses to legitimate business, consumers and the Exchequer. I am advised by Revenue that tackling fuel fraud has been one of their priorities over recent years.

While it is very disappointing that incidents such as this still occur, I am advised that the level of such activity is greatly reduced. I am advised by Revenue that a total of 100 intermediate bulk containers of mineral oil waste have been detected to date in 2018, in Co. Louth. A further 18 containers were found in Co. Monaghan, but these have been classified as historical dumps that had been previously undiscovered. These figures compare positively when set against 500 intermediate bulk containers that were detected in 2013.

The aforementioned improvement reflects the success Revenue has had in tackling this problem and the impact of legislative changes that I and my predecessor introduced over a number of Finance Acts to strengthen Revenue’s powers in tackling fraud in the fuel sector. The measures implemented by Revenue to tackle the problem included the introduction of stringent new supply chain controls and reporting requirements for fuel transactions to minimise the scope for fraud. It also included a rigorous programme of enforcement action by Revenue. In addition, Revenue and HM Revenue and Customs in the United Kingdom undertook a joint initiative to find a new fiscal marker for use in marked fuels, which was introduced in Ireland and the United Kingdom from the beginning of April 2015.

The industry view is that the measures implemented to date have been successful in curtailing the problem in Ireland. This view is supported by a significant increase in tax revenues from road diesel over the past couple of years. I am also advised that Revenue conducted a random National Sampling Programme in 2016 and 2017, to assess the extent of the fuel laundering problem. The programme involved selecting a random sample comprising nearly one in every ten of the 2,500 holders of Auto Fuel Trader Licences (any trader that produces, sells, deals in, or keeps for sale or delivery road diesel is legally obliged to hold such a licence). Road diesel samples were taken from all traders in the programme and tested for the presence of the new marker. No evidence of the new fiscal marker was found in any of the samples tested.

Although the available evidence to date indicates that the new marker cannot be laundered by conventional methods, I am advised by Revenue that it remains vigilant. A further sampling programme in 2018 was expanded to include hauliers and other businesses in the transport sector as well as auto fuel traders. Data from this sampling programme is currently under analysis.

I am satisfied that Revenue’s work against fuel fraud has delivered significant success, that Revenue is alert to the resourcefulness of those involved in fuel fraud, and that appropriate action in this area continues to be a high priority. I will fully consider any additional proposals for legislative change that may be brought forward by Revenue which would enhance its capacity to deal effectively with fraud and criminality in this area.

Banking Sector Regulation

Questions (84)

Michael McGrath

Question:

84. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 19 June 2018, his views on whether it is acceptable for the Central Bank to refuse to confirm the costs incurred to date in respect of the inquiry; if these costs and the estimate of the total costs will be confirmed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29030/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I have been advised by the Central Bank that it believes that the release of the costs of the Inquiry at this stage has the potential to prejudice the effectiveness of the INBS Inquiry.

The Inquiry is currently hearing the first module which is the first module of four, and which has been ongoing since late December 2017. It is important for the proper running of the Inquiry that the Inquiry Members can ensure that all information they deem relevant is provided to the parties to the Inquiry when, and in the manner, they consider it appropriate to do so.

The issue of costs is directly relevant to the Inquiry’s proceedings. If one or more of the Persons Concerned are found to have participated in the commission of one or more of the suspected prescribed contraventions, the Inquiry Members have the power to direct the relevant person(s) concerned “to pay to the Bank all or a specified part of the costs incurred by the Bank in holding the inquiry and in investigating the matter to which the inquiry relates” (section 33AQ(3)(f) of the Central Bank Act 1942).

The Central Bank has also stated that it is of the view that, while the Inquiry is ongoing, the release of costs has the potential to prejudice the effectiveness of the Inquiry, the running of which is a matter for the Inquiry Members. For this reason the Central Bank is not commenting on matters related to the cost of the Inquiry at this time. However, the Central Bank intends to release comprehensive details of the costs incurred after the Inquiry has concluded.

Mortgage Lending

Questions (85)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

85. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Finance if a bank (details supplied) had a licence to grant mortgages prior to 2008. [29066/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Permanent TSB has provided the following response with reference to the Deputy's question: "Permanent TSB plc has been authorised to issue Mortgage Loans since 1994 (under a licence to carry on banking business within the State issued by the Central Bank of Ireland) and prior to that under the name of Irish Permanent Building Society. Permanent TSB plc, then called Irish Permanent plc, acquired the assets and liabilities of Irish Permanent Building Society in 1994 under the terms of a State approved conversion scheme."

Credit Union Services

Questions (86)

John McGuinness

Question:

86. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if the policy or regulation that prevents credit unions from introducing a debit card facility unless they have an asset base of €75 million will be reviewed; his views on whether the €75 million threshold is too high; his plans to encourage the reduction of the figure to €50 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29077/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Credit Union Act, 1997 (1997 Act) sets out the services that a credit union may provide to its members. In addition, the Credit Union Act 1997 (Regulatory Requirements) Regulations 2016 (2016 Regulations) provides for services exempt from additional services requirements. Where a credit union wishes to provide services to its members, other than those services that are provided for under the 1997 Act or the list of services exempt from the additional services requirements set out in the 2016 Regulations, an application may be made to the Central Bank for approval to provide such additional services, in accordance with the provisions in sections 48-52 of the 1997 Act.

Debit card provision is subject to formal application and approval by the Central Bank, whether it be direct provision or distribution of third party debit cards under sections 48 and 49 of the Credit Union Act.

There is currently a fully defined current account service including debit card, Members Personal Current Account Services (MPCAS) which is available to eligible credit unions as an additional service. The current eligibility criteria include a suggested minimum asset size of €75 million, reflecting the need for significant initial investment in start up initiatives of this nature. This also recognises the importance of transaction volume necessary for scale discounts which requires the participation of larger credit unions. The business of providing payment service instruments such as debit cards on current accounts is a complex, sophisticated and regulated business activity requiring a distinct business model and associated risk management capabilities and capacities. Furthermore, the provision of such services requires ongoing investment, volume pricing and access to technical expertise which given typical credit union size is likely to require a shared service model.

The suggested limit of €75 million may be re-examined once the framework is established and operational, at which stage, smaller credit unions will have greater clarity regarding cost, experience and operational considerations necessary for informed decision making on participation.

Details and applications forms are available on the Central Bank website: https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/Regulation/industry-market-sectors/credit-unions/applying-for-approvals/mpcas-application-form.pdf. The Central Bank has also indicated it is open to applications for alternative debit card proposals and recommends the MPCAS framework as a scalar template for such alternative proposals.

The Central Bank has approved 46 credit unions for MPCAS and have another 6 in progress. Combined these 52 credit unions have c. €7.6 billion in assets.

The Government wants not only strong, vibrant credit unions offering a safe and secure place for members' savings but also credit unions being appropriately positioned to offer their members a wide range of services including loans, debit card facilities and new products and services based on the needs of their membership.

Tax Reliefs Data

Questions (87)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

87. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance the annual cost to the Exchequer of the rent tax credit for each year the credit was in operation; and the corresponding number of claimants of the tax relief for each of the years in tabular form. [29166/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The rent tax credit was available to those paying for private rented accommodation. This included rent paid for flats, apartments or houses. It did not include rent paid to local authorities. The credit was only available to persons renting on 7 December 2010 and ceased to be available after 31 December 2017.

The numbers that availed of the rent tax credit and the associated cost for the years 2004 to 2015 (the latest year available) are as set out in the following table.

This information is also available on Revenue’s website at: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-expenditures.aspx.

Year	Number of Claimants	Cost €million
2015	135,600	21.4
2014	143,900	29.5
2013	153,100	37.9
2012	166,400	48
2011	179,600	66.5
2010	189,000	82.8
2009	196,900	85.9
2008	222,100	96.5
2007	206,000	82.1
2006	171,800	64
2005	144,500	48.1
2004	118,500	33

Revenue Commissioners

Questions (88)

Martin Ferris

Question:

88. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount it would cost in a full year if funding was allocated to purchase two additional custom cutter vessels for the Revenue Commissioners. [29229/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that it is not possible to give even an estimated cost for the purchase of two additional cutters since a full public tender procedure would be required to be followed in such a scenario. The cost would also be dependent on the full specification of each vessel requested. The operational costs for two additional vessels including the additional crews required would also have to be factored into the necessary funding model around such a development.

Revenue currently operates two customs cutters and I am advised by Revenue these are adequate in the context of their need for such vessels at present.

Tax Rebates

Questions (89)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) qualifies for a tax refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29262/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that it has recently written to the person in question requesting specific clarifications. Revenue has assured me that as soon as the person provides the requested information it will carry out a full review of their tax situation for both 2017 and 2018 and will refund any overpayments, if any.

NAMA Loans Sale

Questions (90)

Michael McGrath

Question:

90. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position on NAMA selling back loan notes to the NAMA debtor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29321/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I wish to inform the Deputy that NAMA’s objective, under Section 10 of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 (NAMA Act), is to obtain the best achievable return for the State from the loans it has acquired. In this context, I am advised that NAMA considers each proposal in relation to the purchase of its loan notes on its individual merits and a decision to accept or reject any particular proposal depends on (i) NAMA’s assessment of whether the proposed transaction would achieve the best return compared to feasible alternative strategies, (ii) the execution risk inherent in the proposal; and (iii) that the proposal is compliant with all legal obligations relating to Section 172(3) of the NAMA Act.

Section 172(3) of the NAMA Act precludes NAMA from selling loans or property to a defaulting debtor or to parties connected to a defaulting debtor. In order to satisfy itself as to compliance this section, purchasers of NAMA loans or secured property are required by NAMA to provide a written confirmation, warranty or sworn declaration that they are not connected to the debtor or other obligors such as would be prohibited under Section 172(3) of the NAMA Act.

EU Budgets

Questions (91)

Micheál Martin

Question:

91. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if his French or German counterparts have written to him or contacted him about the letter signed by EU leaders regarding suggested reforms to the EU budgetary process. [29039/18]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Neither the French nor German Finance Ministers have written to me in relation to a letter signed by EU leaders regarding suggested reforms to the EU budgetary process. I am not aware of such a letter signed by EU leaders.

Separately, following the meeting of the Eurogroup on 21 June 2018 in Luxembourg, President Centeno wrote to European Council President Donald Tusk in his personal capacity as Eurogroup President to outline the progress made by Finance Ministers and the state of play regarding the main elements of deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union, namely the completion of the Banking Union and the reform of the European Stability Mechanism. At that Eurogroup meeting on 21 June, a communication was sent to Eurogroup President Centeno by 12 Finance Ministers, to which I was a co-signatory, setting out a number of matters that were part of the discussion.

Public Sector Staff Retirements

Questions (92, 105, 107, 111)

Robert Troy

Question:

92. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of legislation regarding changes governing public service retirements. [28666/18]

Mary Butler

Question:

105. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the drafting of legislation to increase the compulsory retirement age to 70 years of age; when this legislation will come before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29002/18]

Joan Burton

Question:

107. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when legislation to increase the compulsory retirement age for public servants will be published; the timeframe for the legislation to pass in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29011/18]

Joan Burton

Question:

111. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the publication of the legislation to abolish the mandatory retirement age for public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29092/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 105, 107 and 111 together.

I thank the Deputies for their questions which are opportune. I am pleased to advise that I am bringing a Memorandum to the Government meeting on Thursday seeking approval for the publication of the relevant Bill which is to be entitled the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018. Subject to Government approval, my intention is to publish the Bill as soon as possible after the Government meeting.

The Bill will provide that any public servant reaching the age of 65, who is covered by the legislation, will be in a position to remain at work until they reach the new compulsory retirement age of 70.

The main provisions of the Bill as drafted are that:

- The vast majority of public servants recruited prior to 1 April 2004 will have a new compulsory retirement age of 70;

- Those public servants will continue to accrue retirement benefits up to the new compulsory retirement age of 70, subject to a maximum of 40 years' service;

- The "uniformed pension fast accrual" group, i.e. Gardaí, Firefighters, Prison Officers and the members of the Permanent Defence Force, will be unaffected by these changes.

When the Bill is enacted public servants will no longer need to avail of the temporary 'interim arrangements' which currently allow affected public servants to retire and be rehired only until they reach the age of 66, which is the age of eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory).

State Properties

Questions (93)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

93. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a land folio (details supplied) will be released to Sligo County Council in order to enable the community in the area to develop playground facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28953/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Under Section 28 of the State Property Act 1954 property held by a company at the time of its dissolution becomes vested in the State in the name of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. This excludes property held by the company, in trust, for another. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform holds what is often termed a defeasible interest as the company may be restored to the Companies Register within a period of 20 years after its dissolution, and if so the property reverts to it as if the company had never been dissolved. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform does have the power to waive his interest to a person if he thinks this would be proper in all the circumstances of the case.

The Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) did receive correspondence, regarding the property referred to, from solicitors acting on behalf of Sligo County Council. The CSSO, having consulted with the Office of Public Works, have now set out to the solicitors for Sligo County Council the information to be supplied in support of an application for a waiver of the Minister's interest. When this information is supplied and all necessary due diligence completed the application for a waiver will be assessed to see if it merits a recommendation to the Minister to waive the property to the Council.

Superannuation Schemes

Questions (94)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

94. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the professional added years schemes which operate in the Civil Service (details supplied). [29009/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Professional added years schemes, in both the Civil Service and State-Sponsored Bodies, apply to pensionable employees appointed to a professional, technical or specialist post where the essential requirements specified in the competition (e.g. qualifications/experience/minimum entry age) result in all candidates from the competition being over the age of 25 on appointment.

1. Professional added years schemes which operate in the Civil Service

Relevant dates	Relevant scheme for assessment of award	Circular
Retired before 1 January 1993	- Old Scheme	Circular 11 of 1985: Ad hoc arbitration finding on a claim for the award of added years to certain civil service grades
Serving at any time between 1 January 1993 and 31 March 1997	Staff have a choice between: - Revised Old Scheme - New Scheme	Circular 12 of 1997: Revised schemes for the award of professional, technical and specialist added years to certain civil servants
Appointed on or after 1 April 1997	- New Scheme	Circular 12 of 1997: Revised schemes for the award of professional, technical and specialist added years to certain civil servants
Appointed as a new entrant by competition advertised on or after 1 April 2005	- New Entrant Scheme	Circular 8 of 2005: Public Service Pension Reform: New Scheme for the award of professional, technical and specialist added years to certain entrant staff of the Civil and Public Service
Appointed as a Single Scheme member on or after 1 January 2013	- N/A*	- N/A

* Please note members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme are not entitled to professional added years.

1. Professional added years schemes which operate in State-Sponsored Bodies

Relevant dates	Relevant scheme for assessment of award	Circular/Letter to Depts.
Serving on 1 July 1987	- Original scheme	Letter to Departments 9 May 1988: Scheme for the grant of “professional added years” for superannuation purposes to staff of State-Sponsored bodies
Serving at any time between 1 April 1997 and 31 December 2004.	Staff have a choice between:- Original scheme- Revised scheme	Letter to Departments 19 November 2004: Revised scheme for the award of professional, technical and specialist added years to certain staff of State-Sponsored Bodies
Appointed as a new entrant by competition advertised on or after 1 April 2005	- New Entrant Scheme	Circular 8 of 2005: Public Service Pension Reform: New Scheme for the award of professional, technical and specialist added years to certain entrant staff of the Civil and Public Service
Appointed as a Single Scheme member on or after 1 January 2013	- N/A*	N/A

*Please note members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme are not entitled to professional added years.

Office of Public Works Projects

Questions (95)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

95. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of work on a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29033/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works continues to finalise planning documentation and a Part 9 Planning application will be lodged in the coming weeks. Once the Planning process has been completed the OPW will then undertake the required Public Procurement Process for construction works.

Public Sector Staff Remuneration

Questions (96, 97, 98, 99)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

96. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons working in the public sector on a wage of less than €11.70 per hour. [28722/18]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

97. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons working in the public sector on a wage of less than €11.70 per hour disaggregated by Vote and professional role, for example, nurse, special needs assistant and so on. [28723/18]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

98. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of increasing salaries of all those working in the public sector on a wage of less than €11.70 per hour to a wage of €11.70 per hour. [28724/18]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

99. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of instituting a minimum salary of €11.70 per hour within the public sector. [28725/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 to 99, inclusive, together.

The information sought in this request would require detailed data on the position of staff on each salary scale across the public service and details of the standard working hours per week for each individual grade. This data is not held in my Department.

Pay band data that is available to my Department indicates that some 94% of all public service staff are on salary points in excess of €25,000 per annum. The suggested wage at €11.70 per hour based on the Civil Service 37 hour standard net working week equates to an annual salary of €22,589.

Any of those currently on an annual salary of less than €22,589 could be receiving remuneration in excess of the suggested living wage through additional premium payments in respect of shift or atypical working hours or are on salary scales that progress to the suggested living wage through incremental progression.

Data based on Civil Service staff only at end of May 2018 indicates that only some 1% of staff in the Civil Service are on salary points less than €22,589. Within the Civil Service, there are just below 1,000 staff members on less than €11.70 per hour. The grades involved include temporary clerical officers, services officers, and service attendants.

The estimated cost within the civil service, which is some 12% of the overall public service, would be some €3.6m (Headcount). Detailed costings in other sectors of the public service would require collation and estimation on an individual sector level.

Under the new Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, from January 2018 pay rates in the public service have been further adjusted. The pay increases provided for under the Agreement are again progressively weighted towards the lower paid with benefits ranging from 7.4% to 6.2% over the term to end 2020. As a result, further pay rises under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 will act to increase staff numbers earning above the living wage.