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Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 26-50

Human Rights

Questions (26)

Michael McGrath

Question:

26. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the treatment by Iran of Bahá'í citizens and members of other minorities; the steps he is taking on the issue at a diplomatic level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4469/20]

View answer

Written answers

The human rights situation in Iran remains a matter of serious concern. This includes freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrest, and torture in detention. There are concerns in particular about the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities, political activists, human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, labour rights activists, artists and environmentalists. Human rights issues therefore continue to constitute an important part of our engagement and dialogue with Iran.

Discriminatory practices with respect to employment, education and access to other basic services, continue to affect Bahá’í and other minority groups in Iran. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran has reported on the fact that members of minorities continue to be subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention for engaging in peaceful advocacy for their rights in Iran. Changes to the form for acquiring a national ID card in Iran this year, which have now made it impossible for followers of the Baha'i faith to obtain a new national identification card unless they renounce their religion, is deeply worrying.

Ireland continues to call strongly for the end to the persecution of members of the Bahá’í faith in Iran, including through bilateral contacts, with our EU partners and at the UN. Ireland has consistently raised the discriminatory treatment of the Bahá’ís in Iran. Most recently, at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland raised concerns regarding the continued discrimination against members of ethnic and religious minorities, in particular those that are not recognised under the Constitution in Iran. Ireland called on Iran to ensure full respect for its international human rights obligations and take all necessary steps to protect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, and made particular reference to the Bahá’í community.

Bilaterally, our concerns are conveyed to the Iranian Embassy on all appropriate occasions. Moreover, in February, during political consultations in Tehran, senior officials from my Department again directly communicated our concerns regarding the human rights situation in Iran. My Department also maintains regular contact with the Irish Bahá’í community.

Ireland, along with the EU, will continue to encourage progress in relation to religious minorities in Iran and to make clear our concerns to the Iranian authorities at every appropriate opportunity.

Human Rights

Questions (27)

Joan Collins

Question:

27. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised concerns with the Indian Embassy regarding the killing of over 40 persons in New Delhi in February 2020; and his plans to raise this issue with his European counterparts. [4523/20]

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Written answers

I am deeply saddened by the recent violence and loss of life in New Delhi following demonstrations about the Citizenship Amendment Act. The demonstrators claim that the Act is discriminatory because, unlike other religious groups, Muslims would not benefit from the Act. I understand that the Indian Supreme Court is considering numerous petitions against the Act and that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is seeking to submit an "amicus curiae" brief to the Court.

The promotion of human rights is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy and Ireland is committed to defending freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities. The European Union aims to engage with India as a strategic partner on a broad range of issues, particularly on human rights. EU Foreign Ministers met with Foreign Minister Jaishankar in Brussels on 17 February for a wide-ranging discussion. During his visit, Minister Jaishankar also met with Members of the European Parliament and he publically defended the Citizenship Amendment Act. The European Union and India were due to hold a Summit meeting on 13 March but, unfortunately, this has been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Our Embassy in New Delhi will continue to monitor and report on relevant developments, particularly the outcome of the Supreme Court’s deliberations.

Military Aircraft

Questions (28, 29)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

28. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 5 March 2020, if such permission would be granted if a similar request was received from the Russian or Chinese air force (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4607/20]

View answer

Catherine Connolly

Question:

29. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason a German Navy aircraft (details supplied) was at Baldonnel Aerodrome on 20 February 2020; if it was in connection with the large NATO exercise Defender 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4608/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.

It is not the practice to divulge information in relation to the specific purposes of individual landings.

In the majority of cases, military aircraft using the landing facilities in Ireland do so for the purposes of refuelling and to allow for crew and passenger rest. In a small number of cases, such aircraft land to allow for the transport of dignitaries or other persons participating in visits to Ireland, for flight crew training, and for aircraft maintenance purposes.

In relation to the specific landing to which the Deputy has referred, I can confirm that the requesting Embassy confirmed in advance of the landing that the aircraft met the conditions applied to all foreign military aircraft requesting permission to land at Irish airports.

Election Monitoring Missions

Questions (30)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

30. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent on administration and staffing for the election observation roster; the administrative and staffing budget for 2020; the additional costs in terms of travel and expenses in having the election observation unit in two separate geographic locations in each of the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4626/20]

View answer

Written answers

The budget for international election observation in a normal year is €180,000. In 2018 the allocation was augmented to €250,000 to facilitate the mustering of a new roster of volunteers. This included the cost of an additional temporary clerical officer to support the team managing the roster during that mustering process.

The elections observation team is currently comprised of four officials, most of whom have additional duties in addition to their roles as part of this team: due to a high volume of correspondence and to facilitate mustering a new roster of volunteers and associated vetting post-GDPR, additional staff were assigned to the team in 2018-19. All team members are located in Dublin. In 2018 two team members, based in my Department's Limerick office, managed the operation of the roster of volunteers.

Given that the volume of work with any given observation mission varies substantially, and as the team members work on other matters between missions, it is not possible to disaggregate administrative costs additional to the annual budget.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (31)

Peter Burke

Question:

31. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated cost to the vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4703/20]

View answer

Written answers

The estimated total cost to my Department, if the rate of employer PRSI is increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000, is €218,948.

It should be noted that this amount is based on current salary figures and would change over time in line with any pay increases, changes in work patterns and other future work-related amendments.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (32)

Micheál Martin

Question:

32. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a recent report in the media (details supplied) in relation to Russian interest in Ireland; if concerns have been raised in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4797/20]

View answer

Written answers

I note the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy. It is an opinion piece, containing the personal views of the author. I do not propose to comment on the various elements that are raised.

The Government keeps all matters of national security under constant review and raises issues where necessary with the relevant State, including Russia.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (33)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

33. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether in the context of the threat posed by the spread of Covid-19, US soldiers transiting through Shannon Airport should be prohibited from entering the terminal building at Shannon by which they spend a significant length of time in close contact with airport employees and other civilian air passengers in the duty free and airport restaurant areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4821/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is working to ensure all relevant guidance and protocols from public health authorities are fully taken into account at all airports, including Shannon, and I defer to them on this question.

Consular Services

Questions (34)

Peter Burke

Question:

34. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if an application for a certificate by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4876/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade may issue a civil letter of freedom (Certificat de Coutume/Nulla Osta) to an Irish citizen for the purposes of a marriage abroad.

This is not an Irish requirement, but a requirement of the country where an applicant might want to get married. All applicants should check with the registry office where they are getting married in order to ascertain whether or not a civil letter of freedom is required.

We recommend that applicants submit their applications no later than 4 months, and no earlier than 6 months, before their intended date of marriage. Once an application has been approved, we will aim to issue the letter of freedom 2 months before the date of marriage, as it has a limited validity.

UN Conventions

Questions (35)

Seán Crowe

Question:

35. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to implement the recommendation by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in its concluding observations (details supplied) on the combined fifth to ninth reports of Ireland in December 2019; and his further plans to incorporate it into the National Plan on Business and Human Rights. [4913/20]

View answer

Written answers

The need for effective human rights due diligence mechanisms is one of the issues under consideration by the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group. It is looking at a variety of options, including mandatory measures, in line with similar provisions in other countries. I will await the outcome of the Implementation Group's deliberations on this issue before moving forward with specific policy proposals.

However, a number of mechanisms that address responsible business conduct and respect for human rights are already in place. The EU Directive on Disclosure of Non-Financial and Diversity Information (2014/95/EU) requires large companies to publish reports on the policies they implement including with regard to environmental protection, social responsibility and treatment of employees, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery and diversity on company boards. The Directive has been transposed into Irish law through the European Union (Disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups) Regulations 2017, as amended by the European Union (Disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups) (Amendment) Regulations 2018.

Other relevant existing international mechanisms include the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO Tripartite Declaration on Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.

Consular Services

Questions (36)

Paul Murphy

Question:

36. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the arrangements he is making to repatriate Irish citizens that are presently unable to get scheduled flights out of Peru to Ireland, as in the case of a person (details supplied). [5137/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department continues to provide advice and assistance to Irish citizens abroad and in the context of COVID-19, has been helping citizens to return home where possible.

The Deputy will be aware that the person referenced in his Question has since been repatriated.

The Department and our network of Missions will continue to monitor developments closely in relation to COVID-19, and to provide all possible support and assistance as appropriate.

Protected Disclosures

Questions (37)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

37. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of protected disclosures his Department has received since the legislation was introduced; the number of protected disclosures examined to conclusion by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5306/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has received no Protected Disclosures since the legislation was introduced in 2014.

My Department is committed to fostering a culture that encourages and supports staff to speak up on any issue that could impede the Department’s ability to carry out its functions to the standard expected. There are a number of mechanisms in place to support this objective. A robust anti-fraud policy is in place and a Workplace Relations Unit within Human Resources provides advice and support to staff on policies related to standards and behaviour, including the Dignity at Work policy and the Grievance Procedure. In addition, the Health and Safety Unit aims to actively promote and support employee involvement in all aspects of safety and health management.

The Department's Protected Disclosure Policy and related procedures are available to staff on the Department's intranet service.

Brexit Preparations

Questions (38)

Seán Haughey

Question:

38. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of contingency planning for all Brexit scenarios, including the possibility of a no-deal Brexit if the transition period is not extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5507/20]

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Written answers

Planning for the impacts of Brexit has been underway for some time now. The vast majority of preparedness work undertaken in 2018 and 2019 remains relevant. The additional time afforded by the Transition Period (to 31 December 2020) enables Departments and Agencies to refine and update this work.

The ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement in January 2020 ensures that Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, will apply at the end of the transition period regardless of the outcome of the EU-UK future relationship negotiations.

Brexit comes at a time when businesses and the economy are already heavily impacted by the COVID19 crisis. With less than 7 months to the end of transition, we remain committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that citizens and businesses are as ready as they can be for the end of transition. The Government acted swiftly and decisively in terms of COVID-related supports to businesses. Brexit preparation will necessarily be part of a wider business recovery agenda and we will look at how best business supports can be deployed in support of Brexit readiness.

Significant challenges arise given the UK will leave the Customs Union and Single Market at the end of the transition period. Even the best possible FTA between the EU and UK will impact supply chains and trade flows and result in checks and controls in both directions on EU-UK trade.

Supporting these supply chains and trade flows remains a priority. Significant investment in infrastructure and systems in our ports and airports continues. The UK landbridge will continue to be of paramount strategic importance to EU operators, especially Irish operators, as a means of accessing the EU Single Market. We are engaging with our partners in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the Commission to provide a pathway for ensuring the Landbridge remains a viable and efficient option for EU traders. I have discussed this with Michel Barnier and he understands the importance of safeguarding this important route to market.

The Government’s preparedness work will be closely aligned with progress on the negotiations and will evolve as elements of a deal become clearer. As the talks progress, we will roll out communications programmes covering specific areas. As before, departments and agencies will continue to meet with key stakeholders.

Last week, I hosted a meeting of the Brexit Stakeholders Forum. As the Deputy is aware, this forum provides a useful opportunity to hear and exchange views with a range of business and civil society representative groups on how we can collectively ensure that we are well prepared for the range of Brexit scenarios.

The European Commission is currently updating its 102 readiness notices to provide useful advice to businesses and citizens on how to prepare for Brexit.

Brexit will mean significant change for our citizens and businesses whatever the outcome of the ongoing EU-UK Future Partnership negotiations, and preparing for this change continues to remain a key area of work across Government. This work will intensify in the period ahead. We remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure that citizens and businesses are as ready as they can be for the end of transition.

Brexit Preparations

Questions (39)

Seán Haughey

Question:

39. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the meeting of the specialised committee on the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland; the work outstanding to be done to ensure the effective operation of the protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5508/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland ensures that the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the Peace Process are protected, including by avoiding a hard border on this island, and safeguarding the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. The Protocol will apply from the end of the transition period, whatever the outcome of the negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship.

The Protocol also contains provisions on a number of important areas for Ireland, including on the rights of individuals, the maintenance of the Common Travel Area, facilitating North South cooperation, and maintaining the Single Electricity Market on the island.

The Protocol must be operational at the end of the transition period. It is critical, therefore, that the UK Government give a clear roadmap and begin to put practical operational arrangements in place for its implementation. These must be communicated to economic operators in good time. The European Commission on 30 April published a technical note on some of the practical steps needed to implement the Protocol. Ireland has advocated early movement on implementation both in bilateral contacts with the UK and in meetings of the EU-UK Joint Committee and in the Specialised Committee on the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The implementation of the Protocol will mean some changes. Northern Ireland will remain in the UK customs territory but will continue to apply the rules of the Union Customs Code and relevant EU legislation. The Commission has been clear that there will be a need for checks, some of which already exist, on goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain. It is important that the implementation of the Protocol works for Northern Ireland, and for the all-island economy, in as smooth a manner as possible.

At the EU-UK Joint Committee, which held its first meeting on 30 March, and the Specialised Committee, which met on 30 April, Ireland participated as part of the EU delegation, while representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive formed part of the UK delegation. Discussions took place in a constructive atmosphere. The UK stated at the Joint and Specialised Committees that it will respect all its legal undertakings under the Withdrawal Agreement. The Specialised Committee took stock of work needed regarding implementation and had an initial discussion on decisions required under the Protocol before the end of transition. Ireland welcomes these important steps.

Clarity on implementation is particularly important to give reassurance and certainty, and the EU will continue to press for this ahead of the next meetings of the Joint and Specialised Committees.

Full implementation of what was agreed in the Withdrawal Agreement is fundamental for all EU Member States. A new EU-UK partnership can only be built on the full and effective implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol.

Human Rights

Questions (40)

Seán Haughey

Question:

40. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent developments in Hungary and the fact that the Prime Minister can now rule by decree for an indefinite period of time; the actions taken by the EU in response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5509/20]

View answer

Written answers

The rule of law, democracy and respect for fundamental rights are core principles of the EU. It is precisely during a time of crisis such as this that all EU Member States should stick to these shared values.

The first annual Rule of Law Report is one of the major initiatives of the Commission’s Work Programme for 2020. It is part of the comprehensive European rule of law mechanism announced in the Political Guidelines of President von der Leyen, and will cover all Member States with objective annual reporting by the European Commission. The Commission’s first Report, to be published later this year, will monitor significant developments, both positive and negative, relating to the rule of law in Member States. This rule of law mechanism will act as a preventive tool, deepening dialogue and joint awareness of rule of law issues.

My Department is closely following developments in Hungary. Ireland along with 18 other EU Member States issued a Joint Statement on the Rule of Law in the context of the Covid-19 crisis on 1 April last. The Statement agreed that emergency measures should be limited to what is strictly necessary, should be proportionate and temporary in nature, subject to regular scrutiny, and respect these principles and international law obligations. Ireland and the other signatories affirmed their support for the European Commission initiative to monitor the emergency measures and their application across Member States to ensure the fundamental values of the Union are upheld.

At meetings of the General Affairs Councils, which has included hearings on Hungary under the Article 7 (TEU) procedure, Ireland has actively participated in discussions highlighting the importance of respect for the rule of law and fundamental values.

Most recently, on 22 April last, EU Ministers for European Affairs held an informal video conference to discuss the EU’s and the Member States’ response to the COVID-19 outbreak. They exchanged views on the measures taken so far, at both EU and national levels, and the importance of ensuring such measures are proportionate and respect fundamental rights and the rule of law.

Measures introduced in Ireland in response to the Covid-19 crisis are temporary and time bound. The measures have been and will remain in accordance with the laws and Constitution of Ireland. Moreover, they are in keeping with the values of the EU.

Human Rights

Questions (41)

Seán Haughey

Question:

41. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the situation of the Rohingya, including reports that a number of Rohingya refugees are being quarantined on an unstable island in the Bay of Bengal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5510/20]

View answer

Written answers

The situation of the Rohingya community remains precarious and of significant concern. Over 740,000 predominantly Rohingya refuges now reside in Bangladesh, having fled neighbouring Rakhine State, Myanmar, following the escalation of military operations there in 2017. There are significant numbers of people also displaced internally in Rakhine and the situation remains unstable with ongoing violence generating further displacement of civilians. The situation is also compounded by instances of COVID-19 within vulnerable communities in both Myanmar and Bangladesh (including in Cox’s Bazar Town).

Ireland, together with our EU partners, has consistently pressed for those responsible for the crimes that precipitated this crisis to be held to account and has engaged in a number of actions at international level in this regard. We are also committed to combatting the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded and to assisting Bangladesh which has shown continued generosity to the Rohingya community in the face of enormous pressure. Ireland has provided direct funding of over €3.6 million to the Rohingya crisis since 2017. A further €1m is due to be contributed to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) response in Bangladesh in 2020.

I am aware of recent reports of Rohingya people stranded in boats in the Bay of Bengal in appalling conditions. The EU has recently urged Governments in the region to provide rescue operations and assistance to these people. I am aware that Bangladesh has granted safe landing and assistance to a significant number of those concerned and that some have been relocated to Bhasan Char Island. Ireland urges all Governments in the region to provide safe landing, assistance and shelter in safe and sustainable living conditions to these refugees, in coordination with the relevant UN agencies.

Ireland will continue to work with our EU and other international partners to press for a long-term sustainable resolution to the Rohingya crisis that will provide a pathway for the safe, sustainable, dignified, and voluntary return of the Rohingya refugees to their places of origin and for ensuring full accountability for the crimes committed against them.

Revenue Commissioners Data

Questions (42)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

42. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the payments made by the Revenue Commissioners to law firms in 2018 and 2019. [3945/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the amounts paid to law firms by Revenue in 2018 was €5.69m and 2019 was €7.36m.

NAMA Legal Fees

Questions (43)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

43. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the payments made by NAMA to law firms in 2018 and 2019. [3946/20]

View answer

Written answers

The information sought by the Deputy, with regard to payments made by NAMA to law firms in 2018 and 2019, is set out in the table below.

Payments by NAMA to Law Firms 2018-2019

Supplier

2018€'000

2019€'000

A&L Goodbody Solicitors

624

724

Arthur Cox Solicitors

190

283

Baker & McKenzie CVBA/SCRL

84

136

Beauchamps Solicitors

45

87

Curran Antonelli, LLP

672

195

Edwin Coe LLP C/O Town & Country Legal Services LLP

-

164

Eugene F Collins

90

112

Eversheds Sutherland

12

91

Finn Dixon & Herling LLP

-

321

Gowling WLG UK LLP

107

40

Hayes Solicitors

663

210

Hogan Lovells International LLP

737

1,009

John McKee & Son Solicitors

23

51

Matheson

233

254

McCann Fitzgerald

3,294

1,545

McCarter & English LLP

66

70

Ronan Daly Jermyn Solicitors

89

46

Servulo & Associados

335

70

William Fry Solicitors

21

31

Various Suppliers - cumulative spend 2018-2019 < €50k

251

211

Total

7,534

5,651

Central Bank of Ireland Data

Questions (44)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

44. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the payments made by the Central Bank to accountancy firms in 2018 and 2019. [3947/20]

View answer

Written answers

The table below captures all of the amounts incurred by the Central Bank in the period from 2018 – 2019 in relation to costs relating to Consultancy and Audit Fees. It includes expenses for six accountancy firms as listed below. Mazars provides the Central Bank’s audit services.

Year

Company

Consultancy and Audit Costs Incurred €000s

2018

Deloitte

Ernst & Young

Grant Thornton

KPMG

Mazars

PricewaterhouseCoopers

409

1,303

2,348

163

411

326

2019

Deloitte

Ernst & Young

Grant Thornton

KPMG

Mazars

PricewaterhouseCoopers

1,144

112

110

5

597

161

Departmental Projects

Questions (45)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

45. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the pro bono work undertaken by accountancy firms for his Department from 2015; and the details of the projects they worked on. [3948/20]

View answer

Written answers

I can advise the Deputy that for some of 2015, a member of staff from each of the firms KPMG and PWC were seconded into the Department to work in the Business Tax section on a pro bono basis.

Life Insurance Policies

Questions (46)

Michael McGrath

Question:

46. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the lifesaver plan sold by certain life assurance companies by which the quarterly premium is regularly reviewed and increases very significantly as the policyholder gets older; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3964/20]

View answer

Written answers

I understand that the type of product the Deputy is referring to in his question is a whole-of-life insurance policy. This is a product, which my officials have previously sought information from the Central Bank on. In response, the Bank has indicated that it is designed to provide consumers with life cover for their whole life. As long as the policyholder makes regular payments and the payments are sufficient to maintain the chosen benefits, this type of cover will pay a lump sum on the death of the policyholder. Regular payments into the plan cover the cost of providing the benefits chosen on the plan. In the early years, the payments are higher than the cost of the policyholder’s benefits, with the extra money paid going into the plan fund. However, protection benefits get more expensive as policyholders get older with the result that payments into the plan begin to equal the cost of the chosen benefits. In the later years of reviewable protection plans, the cost of the benefits increases significantly, and in order to keep the level of benefits at the current level of payments, the difference is made up from the plan fund. In order to see if the consumer’s regular payment plus any fund which has been built up is enough to cover their chosen benefits for their reviewable protection plan, an insurance company carries out regular reviews of these plans. I understand that the period in which these regular reviews are completed can be five, six, ten or twelve years depending on the product.

During such a review, the insurance company may find that the consumer’s current level of payments is enough to maintain the level of cover which the consumer wants. However, the insurance company may also find that the current level of payments is not enough to maintain the level of cover desired by the consumer, thus explaining why policyholders can find that their premiums are increasing. I understand it is generally following these reviews, that some people, particularly those that are more elderly, may find that their level of payments are being increased. This is the nature of this product, and as with any type of insurance product, there is no role for the Department of Finance or the Central Bank in any of these reviews as these are an individual matter for each insurance company and may differ from policy to policy.

I would however encourage any consumer who is dissatisfied with the service they have received by their insurance provider to issue a formal complaint to give the provider a chance to sort out the problem. The provider should deal with any complaint through its complaint handling process. This is called an internal dispute resolution process (IDR process). When the provider’s IDR process has been completed, a consumer can then complain to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) if they are not satisfied with its final response. The FSPO is a statutory official who acts as an independent arbiter of disputes which consumers may have with their financial service provider.

The Deputy will also note that the Financial Services and Pension Ombudsman Act 2017 was amended to provide for changes to the six year rule in relation to long-term financial products. This means that a person can now make a complaint to the Ombudsman within any of the following limits:

- 6 years from the date of the conduct concerned;

- 3 years from the date on which they became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, of the conduct concerned; or,

- Where it appears to the Ombudsman that there are reasonable grounds for a longer period and that it would be just and equitable in the circumstances, the time limit may be extended.

Finally, I would note that there is an onus within the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code for companies to act honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interest of consumers, to act with due care and diligence, and prohibits firms from misleading customer. The Central Bank expects that when consumers are sold any product, including unit linked whole-of-life insurance, that the risks in that product are fully explained. When assessing suitability, a regulated entity must ensure that the product or service is consistent with the consumer’s attitude to risk.

In conclusion, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to direct insurance companies, through insurance legislation or otherwise, as to the pricing level for whole-of-life insurance policies, as to do so, would be a breach of the EU and Irish legal framework.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (47)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

47. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the amount expended on access to online and hard copy media publications in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the breakdown of online and hard copy subscriptions including the publications that his Department subscribes to; if consideration has been given to using a banded set of IP addresses for online subscriptions rather than individual accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4007/20]

View answer

Written answers

As at the time this question was received the amount my Department incurred in respect of access to online and hardcopy media publications in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and in 2020; and the breakdown of online and hard copy subscriptions including the publications that my Department subscribes to is provided in the table below:

(The majority of subscriptions for the Department are managed centrally by our Facilities Management Unit. Individual subscriptions are only purchased if their use is specific to a particular business area.)

Amount, €

Subscription

2017

2018

2019

2020

(to date)

Fintel Ltd (Finance Ireland)

2,398.50

2,125.50

2,125.50

-

Bloomberg Inc.

22,361.87

21,951.64

23,304.19

-

Centralbanking.com

4,960.00

-

-

-

INFORMA Hardcopy and online subscription to the Money Laundering Bulletin

1,700.00

-

-

-

Industrial Relations News

849.00

861.00

779.00

-

Irish Tax Institute – Irish Tax Review

375.15

375.15

375.15

-

Irish Tax Institute – Taxfind Online Access

-

-

1,790.89

-

Financial Times - Online Media

19,422.00

21,337.00

24,625.00

21,394.00

Irish Times - Online Media

7,405.02

7,282.00

6,455.63

-

New York Times - Online Media

267.29

279.39

283.32

-

Irish Times – Hardcopy Subscription

2,248.59

1,293.78

1,385.67

121.21

Irish Independent – Hardcopy Subscription

2,511.40

1,293.78

1,385.67

115.94

Sunday Business Post – Hardcopy Subscription

316.01

-

-

-

Irish Examiner – Hardcopy Subscription

967.43

488.31

458.15

19.55

Financial Times – Hardcopy Subscription

2,027.60

3,204.28

3,217.25

484.16

London Times – Hardcopy Subscription

423.64

-

100.30

15.30

Evening Herald – Hardcopy Subscription

368.30

475.56

500.57

11.05

Farmers Journal – Hardcopy Subscription

191.44

140.39

136.52

24.48

Guardian – Hardcopy Subscription

248.51

536.85

566.89

22.95

New York Times – Hardcopy Subscription

208.97

568.51

589.46

24.48

Economist – Hardcopy Subscription

191.11

464.87

650.30

70.13

Business and Finance – Hardcopy Subscription

77.09

23.67

15.30

-

Wall Street Journal – Online

107.98

-

-

57.98

Euro Intelligence

-

246.00

461.25

-

Newspapers - Hardcopy

140.40

281.20

318.55

53.00

Others*

1,532.28

-

-

-

Total

71,299.58

63,228.88

69,524.56

22,414.23

* The Sun, Daily Star,Mirror, Irish Mail, New Statesman, Phoenix Magazine, Der Spiegel, Limerick Leader

Departmental Data

Questions (48)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

48. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the top ten websites visited by officials and political staff annually in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020 via hardware provided to them by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4023/20]

View answer

Written answers

I have been advised by the Department's ICT providers, that the full remit of data requested is not available due to the voluminous nature of the data produced and the limited storage capacity of the web filtering appliances in use. However, the data that is available in response to the Deputy's request is presented below in tabular form.

The top ten most visited websites by staff working in the Department of Finance from 1st July 2019 to 31st December 2019 and from 1st January 2020 to 5th May 2020 are indicated below.

01 January - 05 May 2020

1.

www.irishtimes.com

2.

www.sportinglife.com

3.

www.ft.com

4.

www.boards.ie

5.

www.thejournal.ie

6.

www.independent.ie

7.

www.rte.ie

8.

www.gtp-marketplace.com

9.

www.gov.ie

10.

www.airbnb.com

01 July - 31 December 2019

1.

www.irishtimes.com

2.

www.boards.ie

3.

www.sportinglife.com

4.

www.ft.com

5.

www.independent.ie

6.

www.breakingnews.ie

7.

www.irishexaminer.com

8.

www.aerlingus.com

9.

www.thejournal.ie

10.

www.rte.ie

Please note that sites which operate in the background unbeknownst to users which are deemed system sites e.g. advertising sites, tracking sites, content delivery networks etc. have been excluded.

VAT Rate Application

Questions (49)

James Browne

Question:

49. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the introduction of a 0% VAT rate for biomass fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4111/20]

View answer

Written answers

The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. I am advised by Revenue that the VAT treatment of biomass fuels depends on the form in which it is presented: where it is included in solid fuel products or in marked oil products the 13.5% rate applies; where included in road fuels the rate is 23%.

There is no discretion under the VAT Directive for Ireland to introduce a zero rate of VAT to the supply of biomass fuels.

Banking Sector

Questions (50)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

50. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if a bank (details supplied) repaid its €150 million facility in 2018; the legal ancillary costs incurred by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland for the early repayment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4132/20]

View answer

Written answers

The SBCI made early repayments of its loan to KFW in May and December 2018. There were no penalties, however, KFW are entitled to charge reimbursement costs for processing the early repayment but none were charged. A flat administration fee of €2,500 was charged.

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