Darren O'Rourke
Question:49. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the funding allocation for his Department for 2021, by project in tabular form. [35503/20]
View answerDepartmental Funding
Questions (49)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the allocation provided to my Department in Budget 2021 is €3,450m. This represents €2,485m Capital allocation and €965m Current allocation.
In the Press Release linked below, Minister of State Naughton and I have listed the investment priorities and projects within my Department for 2021.
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/748e9-budget-2021-funding-for-the-departments-of-the-environment-climate-and-communications-and-transport-reflects-government-ambition-for-a-green-jobs-led-recovery/
Taxi Regulations
Questions (50)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:50. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has consulted with taxi drivers on the BusConnects project; if taxis will be permitted to use existing and newly proposed bus lanes and quality bus corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35555/20]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Taxi Licences
Questions (51)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:51. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the three-month taxi licence suspension introduced in 2020 was important to allow taxi drivers revert to social and domestic insurance when they are not working due to the pandemic, thereby saving on monthly insurance costs; his further views on the need for a similar suspension now to allow taxi drivers who are not working to reduce their overhead costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35556/20]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the rules about the insurance obligations of drivers, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (52)
Martin Kenny
Question:52. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the current Covid-19 guidelines for driving instructors and driving testers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35562/20]
View answerWritten answers
Regulations introduced on the 21st October by my colleague, the Minister for Health, define both driver testing and the provision of driving instruction as essential services, albeit in strictly defined circumstances.
Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons, but only where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date. Driver Testing services are continuing only for candidates involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets.
Driver testers are employees of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has developed protocols for conducting the driving test safely during the pandemic, following detailed consideration and medicaladvice. The RSA has put in place a number of procedures to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19, based on comprehensive hand-sanitising, mask-wearing, and ventilation measures.
Driving instructors operate as independent businesses and are not employed either by my Department or by the RSA. While I understand that the RSA has been in regular contact with ADIs throughout this public health emergency, it is ultimately up to each driving instructor or driving school to protect themselves, their families and communities by adhering to the official Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.
Driver Test
Questions (53)
Martin Kenny
Question:53. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the reason the RSA is contacting persons who have cancelled a driver test as they are not essential workers to offer them new dates for tests that are still within the level 5 time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35563/20]
View answerWritten answers
This is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (54)
Martin Kenny
Question:54. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting to take a driver test as of 31 October 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35564/20]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (55)
Martin Kenny
Question:55. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that driving instructors are prevented from using toilet facilities and sanitation facilities in driving test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35566/20]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the provisions of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, as enacted by the Oireachtas, this is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and it would therefore not be in accordance with the legislation if I were to issue instructions on such a matter.
I have therefore referred the matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (56)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:56. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the cost of renting office space, including for public bodies, from a company (details supplied) in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [35621/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) provides office accommodation for the Department of Transport, and, accordingly, the OPW is responsible for the purchase/lease of properties in its ownership. This is therefore a matter for my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works.
Road Safety
Questions (57)
Róisín Shortall
Question:57. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a web link to the Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 as it does not seem to be available on his Department’s website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35672/20]
View answerWritten answers
Arrangements have been made to upload the Road Safety Strategy 2004 – 2006 to the Government website.
Road Network
Questions (58)
Niamh Smyth
Question:58. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of roads funding for local authorities in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35692/20]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. Details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
The tables included in the allocations and payments booklets outline expenditure by type of grantprogramme. For the Deputy's information an explanation of the purpose of the main Regional and Local Road Grant Programmes is set out below:
Restoration Maintenance (RM): The purpose of the RM grant is to protect the structural integrity of the road by way of surface dressing through the sealing of the road surface. The purpose of restoration maintenance is to maintain the asset before it requires improvement.
Restoration Improvement Grant (RI): The RI grant programme is the main road strengthening programme and caters for surface restoration, pavement overlay works, complete road rehabilitation works and for drainage works where required.
Discretionary Grant (DG): Councils have discretion in spending these grants for improvement and maintenance works subject to selecting from a list of eligible works. However Councils are requested to prioritise projects which involve strengthening works, remedying road defects, winter maintenance and drainage works.
Bridge Rehabilitation (BR): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake bridge rehabilitation works.
Safety Improvement Works (BS): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake safety improvement works.
Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) facilitates community involvement in the repair and improvement of roads.
Drainage Programme: The purpose of this grant is to promote network resilience.
A scheme has been implemented to provide assistance to local authorities specifically for the maintenance of Former National (FN) roads.
Specific Grant and Strategic Grants: The Department no longer seeks annual applications from local authorities in respect of the Specific and Strategic road improvement grant programmes. Instead it considers projects on a case by case basis taking into account the availability of funding and the outcome of project appraisals.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. The planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII are best placed to advise on the breakdown of funding.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. I ask her to advise my private office if she does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Departmental Properties
Questions (59)
Matt Carthy
Question:59. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department rent office space from a company (details supplied) or an Irish subsidiary; the number of employees who work out of such office space; the length of time they have been working from the offices; the cost to date of renting such offices; the tender process by which it was decided to make use of the services of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35724/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) provides office accommodation for the Department of Transport, and, accordingly, the OPW is responsible for the purchase/lease of properties in its ownership. This is therefore a matter for my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works.
Driver Licences
Questions (60)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:60. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35742/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS). All applications for learner permits and driving licences must be made through the NDLS. The Department of Transport cannot schedule such appointments.
The NDLS resumed services in June, following the closure of the centres due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.
Under Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from midnight on Wednesday 21 October, for six weeks, applicants can attend an appointment at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets is available on www.gov.ie.
The RSA is working to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. The NDLS hopes to allow all application types to apply online by mid-November. This will help ease the pressure on the NDLS centres, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres.
Bus Services
Questions (61)
Holly Cairns
Question:61. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure the provision of proper infrastructure along regional and expressway bus routes to accommodate customers who are wheelchair users. [35754/20]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including the provision of bus shelters and bus stops.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Bus Services
Questions (62)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:62. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on expanding and developing Bus Éireann services in Cork city; if consideration is being taken on direct public transport links from Ballincollig to the various industrial estates in the city and hinterland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35787/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Bus Éireann, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Primary Medical Certificates
Questions (63)
Gerald Nash
Question:63. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance when the HSE will be in a position to resume issuing primary medical certificates in the context of the disabled drivers tax concession scheme, which was halted in 2020 as a result of a Supreme Court ruling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35531/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from VRT and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant. The cost of the scheme in 2019, excluding motor tax, was €72m.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain organisations. In order to qualify for relief an organisation must be entered in the register of charitable organisations under Part 3 of the Charities Act 2009, be engaged in the transport of disabled persons and whose purpose is to provide services to persons with disabilities.
In order to qualify for relief the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate (PMC) issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate (BMC) issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other criteria apply in relation to the vehicle and its use, including that the vehicle must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
The terms of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 set out the following medical criteria, and that one or more of these criteria is required to be satisfied in order to obtain a PMC:
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
- be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
- be without both hands or without both arms;
- be without one or both legs;
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
- have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
A Supreme Court decision of 18th June found in favour of two appellants against the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal's refusal to grant them a PMC. The judgement found that the medical criteria set out in the Regulations did not align with the regulation making mandate given in the primary legislation to further define criteria for ‘severely and permanently disabled’ persons.
The Deputies will appreciate that the complex legal and policy issues raised by the Supreme Court decision will require careful consideration. In parallel to that consideration there is a need to examine how best the Scheme can target resources to those persons who most need them. I am currently giving consideration to policy and legislative proposals set out by my officials and will seek to progress this issue in the coming weeks.
In the interim, on foot of the legal advice received, it became clear that it was appropriate to revisit the six medical criteria set out in Regulation 3 of Statutory Instrument 353 of 1994 for these assessments. In such circumstances, it is not proposed to continue with PMC assessments until a revised basis for such assessments is established. The medical officers who are responsible for conducting PMC assessments need to have assurance that the decisions they make are based on clear criteria set out in legislation. While Regulation 3 of Statutory Instrument No. 353 of 1994 was not deemed to be invalid, nevertheless it was found to be inconsistent with the mandate provided in Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989.
My officials were in contact with the Medical Board of Appeal and with officials in the Department of Health and will continue to liaise with them, as required, going forward. I have also written to the Minister for Health to request that there are no further PMC assessments until a sound legal basis for such assessments is re-established.
While it is regrettable that PMC assessments are currently not taking place and I acknowledge that this will result in a growing waiting list, I can give a commitment that I will seek to bring clarity to this situation as soon as possible such that PMC assessments can re-commence based on a firm legal basis.
Finally, I would like to clarify that the Scheme itself is still operating. All persons or charitable organisations that can currently access the Scheme will continue to be able to do so and make claims for tax reliefs and the fuel grant in the normal manner.
Banking Sector
Questions (64)
Catherine Connolly
Question:64. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to financial institutions refusing to provide bank accounts not including credit facilities to persons previously adjudicated bankrupt and who have since been discharged from bankruptcy; his views on the practice; the options in respect of financial services available to such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35454/20]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that there are a number of regulatory requirements, which regulated entities must adhere to in the provision of payment accounts.
Under the Payment Accounts Directive, all Irish banks must make available a basic bank account for people who currently do not have access to a bank account. This Directive was transposed in Ireland by way of the European Union (Payment Accounts) Regulations 2016. As a result, since 18 September 2016, any consumer who is legally resident in the European Union and who does not already have a payment account with a credit institution in the State has the right to open and use a payment account with basic features.
A payment account with basic features is like a regular payment account in several respects, but does not offer credit facilities i.e. overdrafts. All of the credit institutions provide payment accounts with basic features.
The idea of the Basic Bank Account was to allow individuals who had previously been declared bankrupt, more vulnerable members of society, or asylum seekers to gain access to a bank account and a payment instrument in order to purchase goods and services both online and in store. The opening and use of such accounts shall be in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.
A relevant credit institution may refuse an application for a basic payment account where the applicant already holds a payment account with a credit institution in the State. A credit institution must refuse an application where such refusal is necessary to avoid an infringement of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.
Where a relevant credit institution decides to refuse an application, it shall:
(a) notify the applicant in writing and free of charge of the refusal and the grounds for the refusal, unless such notification would be contrary to section 49 of the Act of 2010 or objectives of national security or public policy,
(b) where the refusal is on the grounds referred to in paragraph (4) (i.e. is necessary to avoid an infringement of the 2010 Act), take appropriate measures as required under Chapter 4 of Part 4 of the Act of 2010,
(c) advise the consumer of—
(i) the procedure for submitting a complaint to it against the refusal, and
(ii) the consumer’s right to contact the Bank and the Financial Services Ombudsman in relation to the refusal, including the relevant contact details.
Firms should also be mindful of provision 2.11 of the Consumer Protection Code 2012 (the Code). This provides that a regulated entity must ensure that in all its dealings with customers and within the context of its authorisation it, without prejudice to the pursuit of its legitimate commercial aims, does not, through its policies, procedures, or working practices, prevent access to basic financial services.
If a consumer is not satisfied with how a regulated firm is dealing with them, or they believe that the regulated firm is not following the requirements of the Central Bank’s codes and regulations or other financial services law, they should make a complaint directly to the regulated firm. If they are still not satisfied with the response they receive from the regulated firm, they can refer their complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).
Vehicle Registration Tax
Questions (65)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:65. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Finance the steps a person must take if he or she imports a vintage car (details supplied) from the UK without a certificate of conformity; and the way in which he or she can register the vehicle without same. [35459/20]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by Revenue that the Finance Act 1992, sections 130 and 132 provide that a vehicle that is over 30 years old at the time of registration is a Category C vehicle that can be registered at the standard rate of €200. The registration document presented with the vehicle indicates that it was manufactured in 1999 and registered in the UK in February 2017. As it does not fulfil the 30-year criterion it is subject to the Category A rate of VRT based on CO2 and NOx emissions.
I am also informed by Revenue that section 132(3)(a) provides that where the level of CO2 or NOx cannot be determined that a rate of 36% of the OMSP or €720 (whichever is the higher) and a NOx amount of €600 apply. As the documentation provided for this vehicle does not contain details relating to CO2 or NOx, a VRT rate of 36% and a NOx amount of €600 has been assigned. Where the customer disputes the assigned CO2 figure or the NOx figure, it is open to them to obtain a Certificate of Conformity displaying the CO2 and NOx data.
I am further informed by Revenue that section 132(3A) provides for a late registration charge where a vehicle is not registered within the statutory 30-day period in the State.
The vehicle referred to can be registered based on the documentation submitted once payment is made.
Information about registration can be found at the following link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/importing-vehicles-duty-free-allowances/guide-to-vrt/index.aspx
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (66)
Neale Richmond
Question:66. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if he has encouraged banks to offer payment breaks for small businesses or on mortgages for those who are out of work due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35475/20]
View answerWritten answers
On 18 March last, the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) announced a coordinated approach by banks and other lenders to help their customers who were economically impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. The measures included flexible loan repayment arrangements where needed, including loan payment breaks initially for a period up to three months and then subsequently extended for up to six months. This was a welcome initiative and it allowed necessary relief to be quickly and efficiently provided to borrowers.
Banks have now provided for flexible options for borrowers who can recommence payments following a Covid-19 payment break, and the BPFI has produced a useful guide on this - https://www.bpfi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Final-BPFI-Coming-off-the-COVID-19-Payment-Break.pdf.
However, I am very conscious that many borrowers continue to be impacted by the economic consequences of Covid-19, and that they may not be in a position to resume their loan repayment commitments when their payment break ends or may be in difficulty now for the first time. I am fully aware of the stress and uncertainty that these borrowers are facing, and they will continue to need assistance and support from their lenders. As the Deputy will know, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I met the CEOs of the country’s retail banks and the Banking Payments Federation Ireland on 28 September to discuss this matter and we indicated that it is particularly vital that lenders work with their customers to ensure that suitable arrangements are put in place to assist their customers who are still experiencing difficulty. The lenders indicated that they will ensure that customers who have difficulties in meeting their loan repayments will be supported with a range of options so that a suitable arrangement can be agreed.
Borrowers have a suite of regulatory protections, such as the Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, and lenders have specific obligations to support and work with borrowers who are continuing to experience mortgage or other loan difficulty because of Covid-19. These options could include additional flexibility, and this could be a short term arrangement such as additional periods without payments or interest-only repayments, or if appropriate more long term arrangements. The Central Bank has confirmed that there is no regulatory impediment to lenders offering payment breaks to borrowers, providing they are appropriate for the individual borrower circumstance. Each individual’s position is different and that’s why a case-by-case approach is now the best approach as some sectors of the economy are more impacted than others.
I will continue to work with the Central Bank, as regulator, to ensure that the Central Bank consumer protection framework will be fully available to mortgage and other borrowers that will still need support due to the economic impact of Covid-19.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (67, 71)
Niall Collins
Question:67. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the assistance that can be offered to a business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35493/20]
View answer
Matt Shanahan
Question:71. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Finance if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding the Covid-19 restrictions support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35573/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 71 together.
The details of the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) are set out in the Finance Bill 2020 and guidelines on the operation of the scheme are available on the Revenue website (https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/2021/crss-guidelines.pdf). The CRSS is a targeted support for businesses significantly impacted by restrictions introduced by the Government under public health regulations to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The CRSS was announced on Budget day and the operational details are being worked though as quickly as possible. The scheme will be implemented by the Revenue Commissioners who have shown as an organisation that they are very effective in operating schemes to support businesses in this crisis.
A two-step process is necessary to make a claim under the CRSS. The qualifying person must first register for CRSS on Revenue Online Service’ (ROS) and then complete a claim in respect of a claim period or claim periods. Revenue have been accepting registrations for the scheme since 1 November, and claims will be accepted from mid-November with payments made shortly thereafter.
The support will be available to companies and self-employed individuals who carry on a trade or trading activities from a business premises located in a region subject to restrictions, introduced in line with the Living with Covid-19 Plan, with the result that the business is required to prohibit or considerably restrict customers from accessing their business premises. Generally, this refers to Covid restrictions at Level 3, 4 or 5 of the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19 but certain businesses may qualify for the support where lower levels of restrictions are in operation.
Where, as a result of the restrictions, a company or a self-employed individual is either forced to temporarily close their business, or their business is required to operate at significantly reduced levels, they will qualify for support under the scheme. Certain other conditions will apply, including that the person has a tax clearance certificate.
Where businesses ordinarily operate from a business premises (generally a building) located in a region for which restrictions are in operation, they may qualify under the scheme provided they meet the eligibility criteria, including the requirement that customers are either prohibited, or significantly restricted, from accessing their business premises to purchase goods or services due to the specific terms of the Covid restrictions announced by Government.
Where a business does not ordinarily operate from a fixed business premises located in a region that is subject to restrictions, such as an outside caterer, that business will not meet the eligibility criteria. A business that does ordinarily operate from a music or entertainment venue (for example, a company that operates a theatre) or a business in the tourism sector carrying on a trade consisting of, for example, the operation of a gallery or other cultural attraction, located in a region subject to restrictions, and who meets the eligibility criteria, will however be able to claim support under CRSS.
The scheme will not apply to a business in the events industry or in other sectors, which does not ordinarily operate from a fixed business premises located in a region subject to the restrictions, but rather supplies goods or services to a business that does qualify for support under CRSS because, under the Covid restrictions, that other business is required to temporarily close or significantly reduce its activity. Each business must satisfy the eligibility criteria in their own right.
It is not sufficient that the business supplies goods or services to another business that qualifies for the support because, under the Covid restrictions, that other business is required to temporarily close, or significantly reduce, its activity.
I would also point out that the CRSS is an additional measure for businesses in a region subject to significant Covid-19 restrictions. Companies and self-employed workers who do not qualify under this scheme may be entitled to support under various measures put in place by Government, including existing supports available under the COVID Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and the range of measures announced as part of Budget 2021 to support particular sectors including Tourism and live entertainment. They may also be eligible to warehouse VAT and PAYE (Employer) debts and also excess payments received by employers under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, and the balance of Income Tax for 2019 and Preliminary Tax for 2020 for self-assessed taxpayers if applicable.
Businesses may also be able to benefit from the Live Performance Support Scheme details of which are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/08aff-live-performance-support-scheme/.
Ireland Strategic Investment Fund
Questions (68)
Denis Naughten
Question:68. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 106 of 23 July 2020, the status of the steps taken to date to divest from fossil fuel investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35537/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018 provides for the divestment by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) from fossil fuel undertakings (effectively, companies that derive more than 20% of their revenues from the exploration, extraction and/or refinement of fossil fuels) within a practicable timeframe.
To this end, the ISIF has developed a list of 224 fossil fuel companies in which it will not invest.
The most recent Fossil Fuel Exclusion list is published on the ISIF's website at https://isif.ie/how-we-invest/responsible-investment/overview. Compliance with the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act is actively monitored and reviewed by the ISIF every 6-months with a view to ensuring that the Fossil Fuel Exclusion list is updated regularly and that any necessary divestment is actioned.