Written Answers Nos. 50-69
50. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide additional funding to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for safety works to be carried on Turtulla Cross on the N62 between Thurles and the Horse and Jockey, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37225/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for 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 is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of these proposed works..
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
51. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 360 of 3 November 2020, if the report into Rescue 116 will be published prior to the renewal of the search and rescue contract in order that failings or problems within a company (details supplied) or the Coast Guard which come to light through the compiling of the report are highlighted and addressed before a new contract is agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37314/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the draft Final Report of the investigation into the accident involving Rescue 116 at Black Rock, Co Mayo on 14 March 2017 is the subject of a re-examination by a Review Board. The Review Board has been established in line with Regulation 16 of Air Navigation (Notification and Investigation of Accidents, Serious Incidents and Incidents) Regulations 2009 (SI 460 of 2009).
The timeframe for the Review Board to carry out the re-examination is a matter for the Chairperson to determine. As I have previously advised the Deputy, the 2009 Regulations provide that on completion of the re-examination the Chairperson shall make a report to me. That report should contain a summary of the proceedings of the re-examination hearing and either confirm, dismiss or vary, in whole or part, those findings and conclusions of the draft Final Report which were the subject of the re-examination. I have not yet received a report from the Chairperson.
Any lessons and recommendations arising from the Final Report will be acted upon as appropriate. The formal procurement process for the new service will be activated following a detailed business case which is currently being prepared for Government. The procurement process itself is expected to take up to 18 months, following which Government will be required to approve the contract award.
52. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of freight trains that departed from Mayo bound for Waterford or Dublin in the 12-month period ending 30 September 2020. [37355/20]
View answerAs 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 an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
53. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether Brexit will have a positive impact on any policy area or sector under the remit of his Department; and if the details of same will be provided. [37177/20]
View answerIreland regrets the UK’s decision to leave the EU, although we respect it. From 1 January 2021, many aspects of our relationship with our nearest neighbour will change fundamentally as we will no longer share EU membership. While the Government remains committed to protecting and strengthening the Ireland-UK relationship following the end of the transition period, I can advise the Deputy that the net impact of Brexit on the policy areas within my remit is anticipated to be strongly negative.
Regarding the economic impact, joint Department of Finance and ESRI analysis of the macroeconomic implications of Brexit, published in March 2019, broadly captures the range of possible future relationships between the EU and the UK. The analysis finds that in the long-run (i.e. 10 years), compared to a no Brexit baseline, the level of GDP in Ireland would be around 2.6 per cent lower in a deal scenario and 5.0 per cent lower in a no-deal scenario. The principal negative impact arises from the trade shock, mitigated somewhat by a positive FDI shock resulting from a redirection to Ireland of investment from firms looking to relocate within the single market. While there is uncertainty around the ultimate trade and FDI impacts, the analysis suggests that in each scenario, any positive impact on FDI would be far outweighed by the negative impact on trade.
Regarding Ireland’s international financial services sector, the nature, scale and complexity of the sector will change in a number of ways as a result of firms relocating from the UK as a result of Brexit and those looking to set up operations in the EU for the first time. The industry in Ireland has become broader and more diverse with more firms carrying out a greater range of regulated activities than at any time. The Government and the state agencies, such as the IDA, continue to work to fully capture any opportunities for inward investment that emerge.
However, it should be noted that the Central Bank of Ireland has had to work closely with financial services firms and market participants to ensure that they have contingency plans in place for the end of the transition period on 31 December in order to mitigate a range of risks that would otherwise arise. My Department has also included measures in the 2020 Brexit Omnibus Bill in order to minimise disruption to financial services.
Finally, there is also a firmly negative impact on customs procedures and the impact of these requirements on business processes and costs due to the UK leaving the Single Market and Customs Union from 1 January. Any business, regardless of size, that moves goods from, to or through the UK will need to complete a range of customs formalities, as well as Sanitary and Phytosanitary and other regulatory requirements. This will result in additional costs and administrative procedures associated with customs formalities for all businesses that trade with the UK. It is expected that the majority of businesses will engage a customs clearance agent to act on their behalf. This will increase pressure on this sector in terms of increased client numbers and increased customs declarations as each consignment will require an individual customs declaration.
The Government has been planning for Brexit since before the UK referendum to ensure that Irish citizens and businesses are as ready as possible for all possible scenarios. On 9 September, the Government published its Brexit Readiness Action Plan, which details the actions Government will take and the actions that citizens and businesses should take to prepare for the end of the transition period. Citizens and businesses should now finalise their readiness work for the end of the transition period. This work will continue in the weeks ahead.
54. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding upgrades to vehicles for persons already in receipt of a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37201/20]
View answerThe Disabled Driver and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides for relief on VAT and VRT, based on how much the car has been adapted and whether the beneficiary is a driver or passenger, up to a maximum of
- Disabled drivers: €10,000
- Disabled passengers: €16,000
- Specifically adapted vehicles for drivers with severe disabilities: €16,000 (Specifically adapted vehicles are vehicles that need significant adaptations)
- Extensively adapted vehicles for drivers and passengers: €22,000 (Extensively adapted vehicles are vehicles that need adaptations that cost more than the open market selling price of the vehicle being adapted)
The scheme also provides for an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant. The cost of the scheme in 2019, excluding motor tax, was €72m.
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.
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, PMC assessments were discontinued until a revised basis for such assessments could be 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.
In order to allow for the PMC assessments to recommence I am bringing forward an amendment to the Finance Bill to provide for the existing medical criteria in primary legislation. When the Bill is enacted, this will allow for assessments to recommence in circumstances where the legal basis for such assessments is clarified.
I consider this to be an interim solution only. While I am very aware of the importance of this scheme to those who benefit from it, I am also aware of the disquiet expressed by members of this house and others in respect of the difficulties around access to the scheme. With this in mind I have asked my officials to undertake a comprehensive review of the scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities, and on foot of that review to bring forward proposals for consideration.
While it was regrettable that it was necessary to temporarily close the scheme to new applicants, I would like to clarify that the Scheme itself is still operating for existing Primary Medical Cert holders. 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.
55. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether SEPA payments made through UK-based providers will be unaffected in January 2021; if an examination has been carried out at the potential number of Irish consumers that would be affected if these providers fail to secure an EU licence before January 2021; if the Central Bank will signal some flexibility for Irish banks to continue to process these payments for a short period after January 2021 if necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37241/20]
View answerThe Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) enables cashless euro-denominated retail payments to be made across the European Union and European Economic Area under the same basic terms and conditions.
From 1st January 2021, payments to and from the UK will be treated as payments to and from a third country for the purposes of Regulation 2015/847/EU - Funds Transfer Regulations (FTR). This means that additional information, including the payer address, will be required for fund transfers between Ireland and the UK.
The Central Bank of Ireland has had extensive and ongoing engagement with the payment service providers (PSPs) e.g. banks and payment institutions, UK supervisory authorities and industry representative bodies to understand the potential consumer impact, to assess the impact of mitigating actions taken on residual risks, to emphasise the mandatory requirements for additional information from 1 January 2021 and to monitor progress towards compliance.
There is regular reporting from Irish PSPs to the Central Bank of Ireland on the volume and value of SEPA credit transfer and direct debits between UK and Irish PSPs. Additionally, there has been regular data exchange with UK supervisory authorities to facilitate a joint and consistent approach to mitigating the risk of failed payments.
To date action has been taken by most businesses and PSPs to address the issue, and while the risk in terms of value and volume of potentially rejected payments has significantly reduced, there remains residual risk that a number of payments may be rejected from 1 January 2021 due to non-compliance with the Funds Transfer Regulation and the SEPA scheme rulebooks.
It is primarily an issue for UK payment service providers offering services to Irish customers (creditors) to ensure they have obtained the necessary authorisations from an EU competent authority before the end of this year to ensure that they can continue to offer their services.
The Central Bank of Ireland continues to engage with all relevant parties, including supervisors in other jurisdictions, to further reduce this residual risk and officials in the Department of Finance are monitoring the situation.
56. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance the reasons there is a six-week to eight-week delay in getting an appointment for a car to be assessed for VRT in Blarney, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37270/20]
View answer57. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if his Department plans to take remedial action to deal with the backlog in having cars assessed for VRT at Blarney, County Cork in order that vehicles can be assessed for VRT in an earlier timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37271/20]
View answer58. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will give consideration to identifying a new centre for dealing with the assessment of vehicles for VRT for the Cork region due to the unreasonable delay that currently exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37272/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 56 to 58, inclusive, together.
I am informed by Revenue that it monitors the registration service provided by National Car Testing Service (NCTS) Centres on an ongoing basis. In the context of the safety protocols relating to Covid-19, the capacity of NCTS Centres is restricted and there is less opportunity to increase their level of service than would otherwise be possible. This has resulted in delays in a number of Centres including the two Cork Centres. Working hours have been extended in these Centres to address the backlog and additional staffing is scheduled from the end of November in Blarney. Also, over the summer, the service provider increased its pre-inspection service for cars held by authorised motor dealers – details are at the following links:
www.revenue.ie/en/importing-vehicles-duty-free-allowances/guide-to-vrt/authorised-dealers-and-processes/pre-inspection-by-national-car-testing-service-ncts.aspx and www.ncts.ie/1155.
The registration service offered to authorised dealers on the Revenue Online Service (ROS) of new cars and cars that have been pre-inspected has remained unchanged since the original restrictions in March and such vehicles may be registered in the normal way before delivery to a customer.
Overall, Revenue is satisfied that the service being provided at present is reasonable in the context of the safety protocols that are necessary in NCTS Centres.
59. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the need of a person (details supplied) to meet with the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37274/20]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that it has addressed the historic matters involved in this case with the person in question on numerous occasions. This included extensive correspondence and multiple meetings with the person by various senior Revenue officials.
Revenue considers that the matter is now closed.
60. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the employment wage subsidy scheme for independent local radio stations that are not eligible presently and for which advertising turnover has fallen by 20% due Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37281/20]
View answerThe Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) has been deliberately designed as an economy wide enterprise support that is open to all sectors on the basis of a turnover test that can be applied across the whole economy while at the same time remain targeted at employers who are considered to be most in need of support.
The EWSS turnover test has been specifically calibrated so as to target the subsidy at otherwise viable employers whose businesses continue to be adversely impacted by COVID-19 by requiring a comparison of the firm’s pre-pandemic operations with their current operations. The legislation provides that the employer must be able to demonstrate that they are operating at no more than 70% in either the turnover of the employer’s business or the customer orders received by the employer by reference to the period from July to December 2020 compared with the same period in 2019.
There is additional flexibility in the application of the turnover test to allow employers to take account of potentially sudden changes in turnover on a month-to-month “opt-in/opt-out” basis. Under the legislation, an employer is required to carry out a review of their turnover each month and confirm that they are still eligible for the scheme. At the same time, there is no cut-off deadline for access to the scheme, so if there is a reduction in turnover later in 2020 because of an unexpected reduction in business activity or a sudden change in business circumstances the employer may be entitled to make a claim for that future period.
I am satisfied that the EWSS already contains sufficient flexibility to take account of changes in business circumstances and is targeted at employers across all sectors who are most in need of support.
For those who may not be eligible for the EWSS, I would draw attention to the comprehensive package of other business and employer supports that have been made available since the July Stimulus Plan and Budget 2021 - including the Covid Restriction Support Scheme (CRSS), the Credit Guarantee Scheme, the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, Sustaining Enterprise Fund, and the Covid-19 Business Loans Scheme.
61. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the number of enforcement actions for breaches of the consumer protection code since July 2016, excluding the tracker mortgage scandal, that have been considered by the Central Bank in each year since then; the details of same without identifying the individual or firms in question; the reason none progressed to an enforcement action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37368/20]
View answer62. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the threshold that must be met for enforcement action to be commenced by the Central Bank for breaches of the consumer protection codes; if the current policy is to pursue other options first; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37369/20]
View answer63. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance his views on the lack of enforcement action for breaches of the consumer protection codes since July 2016 exclusive of the tracker mortgage scandal; if he has discussed this directly with the Governor of the Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37370/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 61 to 63, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Central Bank is independent in its functions and decisions in relation to taking enforcement actions are for the Central Bank alone.
I am advised by the Central Bank that it has utilised its broad range of enforcement powers in an effective manner since 2016 to address breaches that may/have result(ed) in consumer harm and that enforcement is an integral part of the Central Bank’s risk-based approach to supervision.
The Central Bank’s strategy focuses on the following desired consumer protection outcomes:
- a positive consumer-focused culture that is embedded and demonstrated within all firms;
- a consumer protection framework that is fit for purpose and ensures that consumers’ best interests are protected; and
- regulated firms that are fully compliant with their obligations and are treating their customers, existing and new, in a fair and transparent way.
The Central Bank has also advised me that it cannot comment on suspected breaches that are not pursued by way of enforcement.
Within its enforcement powers, the Central Bank has a broad range of tools, which it carefully deploys in appropriate circumstances, including the imposition of sanctions but up to and including the revocation of authorisations and the refusal and prohibition of individuals. The Central Bank has taken a number of actions in these areas since 2016 in furtherance of its consumer protection mandate. Regarding case selection, the Central Bank carefully considers which cases will best achieve the Central Bank’s strategic objectives, and through strong enforcement outcomes motivate compliant behaviour and promote a culture of fairness and high standards within the financial services industry. To this end, the Central Bank maintains effective processes for the selection of referrals to enforcement. As well as evidential matters, factors such as the seriousness or significance of the suspected contraventions and the harm or risk of harm to consumers are among the considerations relevant to the appropriateness of the use of enforcement tools.
The objective is to ensure that the Central Bank is strategically deploying its enforcement tools and efficiently using its resources to achieve effective and strong enforcement outcomes. The two largest monetary sanctions imposed to date by the Central Bank – Permanent TSB plc sanctioned €21million in 2019 and KBC Bank Ireland plc sanctioned €18.3million in 2020 - evidence the Central Bank’s commitment to taking strong enforcement action with real deterrence value where serious and significant breaches of consumer protection requirements are committed.
The Central Bank, as a systemic regulator, holds regulated firms and the people who run them accountable where there are serious or significant breaches of regulatory requirements and standards.
Since 2006 the Central Bank has concluded 139 cases under the Administrative Sanctions Procedure (ASP) framework with fines imposed of €123.98m. Of the 139 outcomes, 22 were imposed against individuals. The Central Bank has also taken action to revoke 28 firms’ authorisations on an involuntary basis. A further 13 firms were refused authorisation to undertake regulated activities.
While the Central Banks enforcement work spans the entirety of its mandate and is wider than the Consumer Protection Code alone, since 1 July 2016 it has delivered a number of significant outcomes which were integral to the Consumer Protection Code, including:
- against Axa Insurance Limited, which related to the operation of the Minimum Competency Code and Consumer Protection Code;
- against the New Ireland Assurance Company plc which related to the provision of incomplete information to consumers under the Consumer Protection Code;
- against Springboard Mortgages Limited in respect of tracker mortgage failings under the Consumer Protection Codes;
- against Permanent TSB plc in respect of tracker mortgage failings under the Consumer Protection Codes; and
- against KBC Bank Ireland plc in respect of tracker mortgage failings under the Consumer Protection Codes.
In addition to the above, the Central Bank uses a wide range of other tools to support its consumer protection work. It has settled 36 cases under the ASP framework, prohibited/suspended or refused 12 individuals under the Fitness and Probity regime and revoked 12 firm authorisations. It has also issued 168 Warning Notices against unauthorised providers.
Ultimately for all cases, whether they are specifically based on a breach of the Consumer Protection Code, or another sector of legislation, it is important to note that while a case may not have been settled under the Consumer Protection Codes, protecting consumers is at the centre of all of these enforcement outcomes. For example, since July 2016 the Central Bank has:
- delivered outcomes concerning (4 by ASP, 7 by revocation) retail intermediaries for failing to have adequate professional indemnity insurance (PII) in place. The Central Bank views PII as a key prudential and consumer protection safeguard and compliance with PII obligations is therefore fundamental to the Central Bank’s mandate of protecting consumers.
- delivered an outcome against an individual in the insurance sector who under-reserved loss claim reserve estimates which resulted in the firm’s financial position being artificially enhanced. This led to a significant risk to policy holders and consumers in the event the insurance firm did not hold sufficient assets to meets its liabilities. It is imperative that individuals working in regulated financial services and particularly those in senior roles, fully understand the risks and consequences that their decisions, actions and behaviours may have for an organisation, its employees, its customers and the wider market.
- issued 7 prohibition notices against individuals whose actions may have or had the potential to result in consumer harm. The Central Bank may issue a Prohibition Notice prohibiting an individual from performing a controlled function for a specified period or indefinitely, if we form the opinion that an individual is not of appropriate fitness and probity.
The Central Bank intervenes, within the scope of its regulatory mandate (which extends beyond the Consumer Protection Code), to ensure the interests of consumers are protected by focusing on the issues, which pose the greatest potential or actual risk of consumer harm. Its targeted interventions are aimed at addressing widespread issues that affect many customers.
A credible threat of enforcement underscores its powers to protect. It takes robust enforcement action aimed at promoting principled and ethical behaviour by and within regulated entities. Transparent and strong action where entities or individuals fall short of required standards helps to deter poor practices, achieve compliance and encourage the behaviour it expects.
64. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if tax-paying pensioners on pensions alone have no entitlement to either earned income credits despite the Revenue Commissioners classification of pensions as earned income; his views on whether this amount to discrimination against the earned income of tax paying pensioners; his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37371/20]
View answerI would like to assure the Deputy that, in addition to the basic personal tax credit, pensioners are entitled to claim the Employee or PAYE Tax Credit in respect of their pension income because it is taxable under Schedule E. The maximum Employee Tax Credit available for 2020 is €1,650.
The Earned Income Tax Credit is available to an individual whose income in a tax year includes, or is made up of, qualifying earned income, which means earned income which does not qualify for relief under the Employee Tax Credit. This includes, for example, self-employment income from a trade or profession and employment income earned by a proprietary director and his/her spouse or civil partner. The Earned Income Tax Credit is being increased from €1,500 to €1,650 in this year’s Finance Bill and this increase will take effect for the 2020 tax year and subsequent years.
An individual may be eligible for both the Employee Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, if they have qualifying sources of income, but the maximum combined credit available for the year cannot exceed €1,650. This is the position for all taxpayers in receipt of self-employment and employment income.
The Deputy should note that social welfare pensions are taxable under Schedule E but are not subject to deductions under the PAYE system. Pensioners usually have their tax liability on social welfare pensions collected by a reduction in their tax credits. This is sometimes called “coding”.
Pensioners aged 65 years or over are also entitled to the Age Tax Credit, which is €245 for single persons and €490 for married couples and civil partners.
I trust this explains the issue and clarifies for the Deputy that there is no discrimination arising in the manner suggested.
65. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the protocols in place to record all persons who visit the official residences at Farmleigh, Phoenix Park, Dublin 15 in either personal or professional capacities; if there are visits, engagements or interactions that are exempted from recording requirements; if so, the visits, engagements and interactions exempted; and if all logs and records of visits to the official residences at Farmleigh will be provided to date in 2020. [37165/20]
View answerI can confirm that all requests for the use of Steward's Lodge by the Department of An Taoiseach, for either meetings or for overnight stays, are recorded by OPW management at Farmleigh. There are no exceptions or exemptions from this recording requirement.
OPW does not keep a record of individual attendees at meetings or other visitors to the Lodge.
In regard to the 2020 log of visits I can confirm that former Taoiseach, Mr Leo Varadkar, used Steward's Lodge for the following dates:
- Meeting on 10 February
- Residential stay on 29 February
- Residential stay 30 March 2020 to 27 May
The current Taoiseach, Mr Michael Martin has not used the lodge to date.
66. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether Brexit will have a positive impact on any policy area or sector under the remit of his Department; and if the details of same will be provided. [37183/20]
View answerIreland continues to support the closest possible future relationship between the EU and the UK. Moreover, the Government remains committed to protecting and strengthening the Ireland-UK relationship following the end of the transition period.
Nevertheless, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations on the future relationship, the UK will leave the Single Market and the Customs Union on 1 January 2021. Brexit, in whatever form it takes, will have significant impacts in Ireland.
In particular, a hard Brexit will impact on economic growth, trade and employment. The conclusion of a free trade agreement would improve the outlook, but it remains the case that the way we trade with our closest neighbour will change substantially and permanently.
In recent months the Government has been ramping up its preparations for Brexit following publication of an updated Brexit Readiness Action Plan in September. This sets out the measures that the Government is putting in place and the steps that businesses and individuals need to take to be Brexit ready.
Budget 2021 provides around €340 million for Brexit measures, through the continuation of existing measures as well as a number of new supports. This is on top of more than €700 million of measures in successive Budgets since 2017.
In particular, the Budget provides further funding for a range of sectorial supports and additional resources for regulatory agencies, as well as a number of enhancements to existing tax-based measures in support of sectors and enterprises most affected by Brexit.
Continuing the Government’s commitment to cross-border cooperation, the new PEACE PLUS programme, for which my Department has responsibility, is a positive step that will build on and continue the important work of the current PEACE and INTERREG programmes.
67. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he plans to change the rules of the RTÉ pension scheme, or other similar schemes, in view of fears that there may be an effective €30 million or €500,000 per annum raid of assets of the pension savings of retired RTÉ employees and in view of the fact in 2019 he refused a 1% pension increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37290/20]
View answerI do not have primary Ministerial responsibility for any of the commercial Semi State bodies. Under the various pension scheme rules, in the first instance, it is a matter for the Government Department under whose aegis responsibility for individual commercial semi State Bodies falls to consider and approve any changes to pension scheme rules with the consent of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Regarding the specific issue of any possible implications for the rules of the RTÉ pension scheme arising from changes relating to annual administration fees, this is for the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to consider initially and I understand that the matter is currently under ongoing consideration by that Department.
68. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total sports budget for each of the years 2007 and 2020, in tabular form; the breakdown of the areas the funding was allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37170/20]
View answerThe total budget for sport for each of the years 2007 and 2020 along with a breakdown of the areas to which the budget was allocated is available as part of the published Revised Estimates for each of those years.
The Revised Estimates for each year are published on the Gov.ie. website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/
69. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if Portmarnock swimming pool and swimming pools in general will be allowed to operate at set times to allow elite swimmers preparing for future Olympic and European competitions to train given that elite athletes such as elite swimmers are allowed to train and to operate under level 5 restrictions but cannot do so without access to swimming pools [37250/20]
View answerAs the country is currently in Level 5 restrictions, it is not permitted for gyms, swimming pools or leisure centres to open to the general public. The public health regulations provide for an exemption for certain categories of professional and high performance athletes and teams, including athletes in the Swim Ireland high performance programme funded by Sport Ireland. Sports facilities and training centres that would previously have provided services to elite, professional sports are permitted to remain open to facilitate ongoing training for exempted categories of sport only. This is to ensure that professional teams can continue to compete including in international competition. It is also to facilitate our high performance athletes and teams in their preparations for the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in Tokyo next year.
When opening for elite or professional athletes, facilities must adhere to comprehensive protocols, which ensure that the required levels of control and compliance are in place. These protocols are informed by guidance from the Expert Group on Return to Sport to ensure that there is full adherence with best practice guidance from Irish health authorities, as well as international sources such as the WHO and ECDC. As the national high performance training centre, facilities at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown will remain accessible for elite athletes only.
