Thursday, 28 Jan 2021

Written Answers Nos. 61-80

Tax Treaties

Questions (61)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

61. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the details of the procedures and inspections in place with regard to the double taxation treaty of 1995 between Ireland and Israel since 1967 to ensure that companies established in illegal settlements, persons residing in illegal settlements occupied by Israel since 1967, all economic activities being carried out there and persons living elsewhere but earning income from these settlements, cannot benefit in any way from the provisions of this treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4926/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The provisions of the Double Taxation Treaty between Ireland and Israel do not apply to territories occupied by Israel in 1967. An individual will not be treated as a resident of Israel for the purposes of the Treaty by virtue of their residing in occupied territories nor will a company be treated as resident in Israel by virtue of its being established in occupied territories. Similarly, for the purposes of the Treaty, income arising in Israel does not include income from sources within occupied territories. Such circumstances are not within the scope of the Treaty. There is no entitlement to benefits under the terms of the Treaty by virtue of such circumstances involving individuals residing, or companies established, in occupied territories nor with respect to income from sources within those territories.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that all double taxation treaty reliefs or benefits must be in accordance with the scope of the double taxation treaty concerned and that, while there are not procedures or inspections specific to the Ireland-Israel Treaty, Revenue will challenge any relief or benefit that it has reason to believe is not in accordance with the terms of a relevant treaty.

Consumer Protection

Questions (62)

Seán Canney

Question:

62. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will issue accurate advice to persons who purchase products online and are now being charged extremely high customs duties and fees on top of the base price that the product was advertised at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4932/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Deputy will be aware that since 1 January 2021, the transition period has ended between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union with the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union rules no longer applying to the UK (excluding Northern Ireland). As a result, imports including online purchases from the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) may incur additional charges including Customs duties and VAT.

I am advised by Revenue that VAT is chargeable on all imports from Great Britain that are greater than €22. Customs duty may be chargeable on purchases over €150, depending on the origin of the goods. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement has eliminated Customs duties for goods imported from Great Britain where the goods are of UK origin. However, where the goods being imported from the UK are not of UK origin, then these are subject to Customs duties.

The customs value on which Customs duty is calculated is the cost of the goods plus the transport costs (including postage), any insurance fees and any handling charges to deliver the goods to the EU. VAT is calculated on the Customs Value, plus any Customs duty applicable.

Consumers have a duty of care to make sure that when they are purchasing online that they satisfy themselves on important matters such as where the goods they are purchasing are originating from, as distinct from where the particular online platform may be located. Additionally, having regard to the possible charges I have outlined, consumers clearly need to carefully check the billing policy of the website that they are purchasing from to confirm if the price quoted includes VAT and Customs duty. If VAT and Customs duty is not included, then this will have to be paid when the goods are delivered. Carriers / delivery companies may also add their own charges, and these can vary depending on the carrier / delivery company used. Consumers also should be mindful that consumer protections they would have enjoyed in purchasing from the UK may no longer apply now that the UK has left the EU.

Queries relating to the carrier / delivery company charges should be directed to the company who delivered the goods. Queries relating to the calculation of the import charges should be directed to the company that completed the customs formalities, which usually for online or personal shopping, will be the carrier / delivery company.

I am advised that the Revenue website has a very useful guide to import taxes for online shopping: https://www.revenue.ie/en/importing-vehicles-duty-free-allowances/buying-of-goods-online-for-personal-use/index.aspx. This includes detailed examples which show how the taxes are calculated, and guidance on returning items.

There is also helpful information under the ‘Shopping online’ section of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website at https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/shopping/brexit/.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (63)

Holly Cairns

Question:

63. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance his views on lowering the spending threshold for availing of the retail export scheme to €25 to support the tourism retail sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4944/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

This issue was discussed at length in the Dáil and Seanad when the Brexit Bill was before the Oireachtas. At the time, I provided for an amendment to reduce the Retail Export Scheme threshold from €175, as had been originally proposed, to €75. With the opportunities for abuse that are present arising from the proximity of the UK, the increased volume of travellers eligible to make refund claims, and the additional administrative burden for traders and for Customs, it does not make sense to reduce the threshold further.

A commitment was provided at the time that my Department and Revenue would carry out a review of the scheme in 2021.

Mortgage Lending

Questions (64)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

64. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he has discussed the issue of banks refusing to allow the drawdown of approved mortgage home loans of persons who have an approved contract with a developer because some of their income is coming from the employment wage subsidy scheme with either the banks or the Central Bank ; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4967/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Since the COVID-19 situation first arose, I have maintained contact with the BPFI and lenders on the measures they have put in place to assist their customers who are economically impacted by the pandemic. In relation to the particular issue of new mortgage lending, the main retail banks previously confirmed that they are considering mortgage applications and mortgage drawdowns in relation to their customers who were on the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) on a case by case basis and that they are taking a fair and balanced approach. Lenders continue to process mortgage applications and have supports in place to assist customers impacted by COVID-19. Therefore, if mortgage applicants have any queries or concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on their mortgage application, they should in the first instance contact their lender directly on the matter.

However, there are certain consumer protection requirements which govern the provision of mortgage credit. For example, the European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements) Regulations 2016 (CMCAR) provide that, before concluding a mortgage credit agreement, a lender must make a thorough assessment of the consumer’s creditworthiness with a view to verifying the prospect of the consumer being able to meet his or her obligations under the credit agreement. The CMCAR further provide that a lender should only make credit available to a consumer where the result of the creditworthiness assessment indicates that the consumer’s obligations resulting from the credit agreement are likely to be met in the manner required under that agreement. The assessment of creditworthiness must be carried out on the basis of information on the consumer’s income and expenses and other financial and economic circumstances which are necessary, sufficient and proportionate.

In addition, the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 imposes ‘Knowing the Consumer and Suitability’ requirements on lenders. Under these requirements, lenders are required to assess affordability of credit and the suitability of a product or service based on the individual circumstances of each borrower. The Code specifies that the affordability assessment must include consideration of the information gathered on the borrower’s personal circumstances and financial situation. Furthermore, where a lender refuses a mortgage application, the CMCAR requires that the lender must inform the consumer without delay of the refusal. In addition, the Code requires that the lender must clearly outline to the consumer the reasons why the credit was not approved, and provide these reasons on paper if requested.

Within this regulatory framework, the decision to grant or refuse an application for mortgage credit remains a commercial matter for the individual lender. Also a loan offer may contain a condition that would allow the lender to withdraw or vary the offer if in the lender’s opinion there is any material change in circumstances prior to drawdown. In such cases, the decision to withdraw or vary the offer is also a commercial decision for the lender.

Nevertheless, the Central Bank has indicated that it expects all regulated firms to take a consumer-focused approach and to act in their customers’ best interests at all times, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. If a mortgage applicant is not satisfied with how a regulated firm is dealing with them in relation to an application for credit, 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 the mortgage applicant is still not satisfied with the response from the regulated firm, he or she can refer the complaint to the statutory Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.

Customs and Excise

Questions (65)

Brendan Smith

Question:

65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if clarity will be provided on the level of import duties on products imported from the UK in which the country of origin of that product is another country outside the European Union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4977/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that while the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement has eliminated Customs duties for goods imported from the UK where the goods are of UK origin, this will not impact on goods of Chinese origin that are imported from the UK and these are subject to Customs tariff duties on arrival in the State.

Customs duty is normally calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the goods. The percentage rate of duty varies depending on the type of goods being imported. The EU TARIC database, which is available via the Revenue website, can be used to determine the classification of a product and the 3rd country customs duty rate that applies on import into the EU. Further information on the classification process is available on the Revenue website at https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs-traders-and-agents/importing-and-exporting/classification/index.aspx .

The rate of customs duty on shoes can vary from 3% to 17% depending on the type of shoe and the materials it is made from. Classification of goods for customs purposes can be completed in advance of importation. This will ensure that the business is aware of the rate that applies for the good before importation. I am advised by Revenue that businesses having difficulty in determining the correct product classification code for a particular product should contact Revenue’s Tariff Classification Unit through Revenue’s secure MyEnquiries service or email: [e-mail] for guidance. In such instances, a detailed description of the product should be provided to Revenue so that it can assist with the product classification for the business concerned.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (66, 68, 69)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

66. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which commitment four of the Open Government Partnership National Action Plan 2016-2018 to enhance citizen engagement in policy making has been achieved in his Department and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4806/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

68. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the review of the Open Government Partnership National Action Plan 2016-2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4803/21]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

69. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which commitment four of the Open Government Partnership National Action Plan 2016-2018 to enhance citizen engagement in policy making has been achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4804/21]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Michael McGrath)

I proposed to take Questions Nos. 66, 68 and 69 together.

Commitment Four of Ireland's Open Government Partnership National Action Plan 2016-2018 was to Enhance Citizen Engagement in Policy Making, to build capacity within public offices to engage citizens in policy making in a way that is accessible and meaningful, with the ultimate objective of leading to better outcomes and greater understanding and to create a culture of openness and responsiveness to the citizen in policy making across the public sector.

Four verifiable and measurable milestones were set out in the plan to fulfill the commitment. They were:

1. Create a Consultation Portal

2. Embed an awareness of best practice in external engagement in Civil Service training modules

3. Create a practitioners network to support citizen engagement

4. Establish a Children and Young People's Participation Hub

By the end of the period of that National Action Plan, my Department had established a framework to provide training for the Civil Service (Q2 2017). Additionally, a consultation portal was launched in September 2018.

The Children and Young People's Participation Hub’s web-page was developed in November 2017 (www.hubnanog.ie). Furthermore, a three-year development plan and an annual work plan were developed in 2018. Increased consultations with young people took place and a first training programme on creative methods of seeking to gauge the views of youth was delivered to adults working in the government. A practitioners' network to promote best practice in citizen engagement has not been developed.

The Open Government Partnership's Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) is an independent body that assesses progress in delivering National Action Plan commitments. IRM reports are written on the basis of independent research by experts in transparency, participation, and accountability. The IRM report on Ireland's 2016-2018 Open Government Partnership National Action Plan is available to download in full at https://www.opengovpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Ireland_End-Term_Report_2016-2018.pdf.

The deadline for submitting an Action Plan within the current cycle (2020-2022) is 31st August 2021, with a further grace period available until 31st December 2021.

Preparatory work aimed at developing and agreeing a process through which our next Open Government Partnership National Plan will developed has already begun and I hope that a Memorandum seeking formal approval to commence a process aimed at developing a third Open Government Partnership National Plan will be submitted to Government shortly.

Community Employment Schemes

Questions (67)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

67. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the payments of pensions and or gratuities for community employment supervisors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4712/21]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Deputy will be aware that the matter of community employment schemes falls within the policy remit of my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection.

I have however a strong appreciation of the role of Community Employment Schemes in communities right across the country and I know this role could not be fulfilled without the leadership of the Scheme Supervisors. In this context I have taken the opportunity to meet with the relevant parties involved in these schemes to hear at first hand their issues of concern.

The particular matter raised by the Deputy is a complex one that raises significant policy, legal and exchequer cost issues. The Deputy may be aware that the State is not the employer of the workers concerned. A detailed scoping exercise was carried out in 2017 in order to comprehensively examine and assess the full potential implications, in both cost and precedent terms, of the issues involved. The outcome to the scoping exercise was that the matter has potentially very significant implications for the exchequer, particularly if consequential demands were to be made by all similar State funded Community and Voluntary organisations whose employees are in a similar position to the Community Employment scheme supervisors.

This is a factor which must be borne in mind in our approach to this issue. While CE Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors represent a small part of the wider community and voluntary sector, consideration must be taken for the potential liability to the State if similar claims are made by the many workers in the broader community and voluntary sector.

As the Deputy will appreciate, we are now facing major challenges in managing the public finances. However, in conjunction with my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection I am giving fresh consideration to all the issues involved in relation to this matter and will continue to engage constructively with the relevant stakeholders.

Questions Nos. 68 and 69 answered with Question No. 66.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (70)

Denis Naughten

Question:

70. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos.102, 104 and 106 of 21 January 2021, and in view of the fact that flood waters are now nine centimetres higher than the record high water level of April 2020, if he will provide immediate assistance to the homeowners and farmers impacted; his plans to convene the roundtable meeting with all stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4853/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I am advised that localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. I recognise and understand fully the difficulties and the distress that the current high water levels in Lough Funshinagh are having on the local community.

I have met with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. to discuss the issues in relation to Lough Funshinagh and we continue to monitor the situation. I have also written to Malcolm Noonan, T.D., Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform in relation to the environmental designation status of the Lough. In the interim those property-owners in the locality of the Lough who have applied for the Government’s Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme are being advanced through this Scheme by my Office.

My Office and the relevant State bodies are available to meet with Roscommon County Council to identify if any further actions can be taken to address the issue.

Departmental Circulars

Questions (71, 72)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

71. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 20 January 2021, his views on whether section 9(1)(a)(i) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 is the statutory provision which transferred the powers under section 17 of the 1956 Act to the Minister and which also transferred the powers relating to superannuation of members of staff of public service bodies; and if not, the statutory provisions of the Act which transferred the said respective powers. [4854/21]

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

72. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 20 January 2021, if he has exercised the powers relating to superannuation of members of staff of public service bodies under section 9(1)(a)(i) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 by way of administrative act including by the issue of or revocation of circulars; if so, the powers which permitted him to carry out and or revoke any such administrative act including any circular; and the details of all such administrative acts and circulars in relation to same. [4858/21]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.

Insofar as Section 17 of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956 conferred powers on the Minister for Finance relating to the superannuation, remuneration, appointment and terms and conditions of service of civil servants, those powers were transferred to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform by Section 9(1)(a)(i) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011.

My Department (acting on my behalf, as appropriate) and I exercise powers in relation to pensions of the civil service and public service bodies on a day to day basis. Prior to the establishment of my Department, those powers were vested in the Department and Minister for Finance. Generally, the sources of those powers are specified in individual pieces of legislation.

Given the number and extent of decisions, administrative acts, etc. to which I, or my predecessors, have been party as Minister, or to which my Department has been party, since the establishment of my Department, I am not in a position to provide a comprehensive response regarding the details of all administrative acts covered by the question. However, should the Deputy wish to direct the question towards a specific matter, I will endeavour to ensure more detailed information is supplied.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (73)

Holly Cairns

Question:

73. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the flooding projects to be undertaken by the OPW in County Cork in 2021; the estimated cost of each project; the drainage projects to be undertaken by Cork County Council with financial assistance from the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4963/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Implementation of Flood relief projects is undertaken in the following ways – by OPW directly or undertaken by local authorities with financial assistance from The Office of Public Works.

Please see below in tabular form the schemes that will be underway in County Cork in 2021, their estimated costs and the status of each.

Project	Lead by	Status	EstimatedCost
Ballinhassig	OPW	Scheme at prefeasiblity stage	TBC
Ballymakeery/Ballyvourney	OPW	Scheme at design/planning stage	€17.9m
Bandon	OPW	Scheme substantially completed in 2020.	€31.6m
Bantry	CCC	Tender documents for engineering consultant being finalised for issue.	€6.7m
Blackpool	OPW	Scheme has been submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure & reform for consent under Arterial Drainage Acts.	€20.5m
Carrigaline	OPW	Scheme is under review to confirm the technical aspects and viability, and, subject to outcomes, will then progress to Outline Design and Planning.	TBC
Clonakilty	OPW	Construction ongoing with scheme to be substantially complete in 2021	€29m
Douglas(incl Togher culvert)	Cork City/County Council	Construction ongoing. Tender for Phase III to issue W/E 29/1/21	€22.7m
Glashaboy	Cork City/County Council	Confirmation has been received from DPER. Preparation of tender documents for procurement of civil works contractor in progress.	€14m
Lower Lee (Cork City)	OPW	Scheme is at design stage and is expected to be submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform in mid 2021 for formal consent under the Arterial Drainage Acts	€140m (from public Exhibition stage in 2017)
Macroom	OPW	Scheme at pre-feasibility stage	TBC
Midleton	CCC	Scheme at scheme development and preliminary design stage	€50m
Skibbereen	CCC	Substantially complete.	€37.95m

Localised flooding is a matter for the local authority in the first instance. However, it is open to Cork County Council and Cork City Council to apply for funding under the Minor Works Scheme, which was introduced by my Office on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009.

The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under local authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.

Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost-benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.gov.ie/opw.

Swimming Pool Programme

Questions (74)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

74. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to increase funding available to local authorities for improving or creating swimming facilities given the increase in the use of such facilities. [4654/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. To date 52 pools have been completed and three swimming pool projects (Lucan, Buncrana and Edenderry) remain in the programme. Exchequer support for any new swimming pools is now being provided under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).

The LSSIF was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects including swimming pools with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027. Following a detailed assessment process, provisional allocations totalling €82.4m for 32 projects were announced in January last year. Of these 32 grants, 8 swimming pool projects have been awarded funding and all of these are local authority projects.

The evaluation procedures and guidelines for the LSSIF provide that once provisional allocations are announced, the successful projects will undergo a further process of due diligence. This process includes a further review of projects including economic appraisals and feasibility studies as appropriate to comply with the Public Spending Code. This work is continuing and the priority in the short term is on advancing the projects allocated funding last January. While it is not proposed to open the LSSIF for new applications at present, it is planned to review progress on all existing grants this year when the question of whether or not it would be appropriate to seek new applications will be considered.

Tourism Industry

Questions (75)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

75. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the main industries in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4694/21]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

In light of the details supplied, I believe the Deputy is enquiring about food tourism and related complementarity between the three sectors specified - namely fishing, agriculture and tourism. Accordingly, since this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I am referring the Deputy’s question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (76)

Seán Canney

Question:

76. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider opening up golf courses as a vital component to mental health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4627/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The gravity of the current epidemiological situation is such that it does not permit Government consideration at this time of the reopening of golf courses. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations. Sporting activity, including the playing of golf, is not considered essential in this context.

The Government to keen to facilitate the maximum possible level of sporting activity at the earliest possible date once the public health circumstances have improved to the extent required. In preparation for the resumption of sporting activity when it is safe to do so, my Department and Sport Ireland continues to engage with the various sporting bodies to inform a review of the broader COVID-19 measures for sporting activity, which will be considered by Government at the appropriate time. I can assure the Deputy that the Government wishes to ensure that sport can continue to play the maximum possible role in sustaining people’s physical and mental wellbeing and consequently their general morale.

In December 2020 , I wrote to all National Governing Bodies of sport seeking submissions on what key modifications, in particular to Level 3 of the Government Framework, can be safely introduced to bring the most benefit to sport. Additional correspondence and templates to gather information was also provided by Sport Ireland. The sector has welcomed this engagement and to date a total of 42 submissions have been received from sporting bodies. Review and analysis of these submissions is currently underway.

Travel Trade Sector

Questions (77)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

77. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department is preparing detailed plans to promote international and domestic travel in order that Ireland will be competitive as a tourism destination when restrictions on travel lift. [4658/21]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Tourism is a key industry in the Irish economy providing employment in every town and village throughout the country. The Recovery Plan submitted to me by the Tourism Recovery Taskforce is an important tool in planning for recovery. I, along with my colleagues in Government, working with the industry, will continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and work together in planning for a sustainable recovery. When it is safe to do so the Government will facilitate inbound tourism while also seeking to drive demand for home holidays.

I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for further detail on their plans for international promotion and Fáilte Ireland with regard to domestic promotion. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Commercial Rates

Questions (78, 102, 117)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

78. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to introduce a commercial rates waiver for businesses for 2021, in view of the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially on the hospitality sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4782/21]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the moratorium on rates for businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4825/21]

Denise Mitchell

Question:

117. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the waiver on local authority rates for businesses will continue into the second and third quarters of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4980/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Peter Burke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 102 and 117 together.

In order to continue supporting businesses and other ratepayers, and in recognition of the ongoing impacts of COVID 19 and the associated public health restrictions, the Government recently announced that a commercial rates waiver will be applied in the first quarter of 2021 to businesses most seriously affected by ongoing restrictions. €160 million has been allocated to meet the cost of this waiver. Details were issued to local authorities yesterday (27 January).

The first quarter waiver is necessarily more targeted at businesses most seriously impacted by ongoing restrictions. Automatic eligibility is extended to retail, hospitality including hotels, pubs and restaurants, leisure and entertainment, personal services such as hairdressers and barbers, health services and various other categories. Businesses in other sectors may engage directly with their local authorities if they can demonstrate serious financial impact and may also qualify for this waiver.

As has been the case since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, my Department will continue to engage with the local government sector and with individual local authorities on the financial impacts of the pandemic. As with all public health measures and associated supports, the waiver of commercial rates will be kept under review.

Housing Policy

Questions (79)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

79. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if supports are available to families who have been awarded custody of their biological children through a legal process which has subsequently caused overcrowding in the existing property; if there are funding schemes which can be accessed for families in such a situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4869/21]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department does not operate a specific funding scheme for families who have been awarded custody of their biological children through a legal process which has subsequently caused overcrowding in their existing property. Where overcrowding occurs in private housing, households may seek to be assessed for social housing and, if qualified, may avail of social housing supports under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. Families who are already in social housing and find themselves in the circumstances described or are experiencing overcrowding for any other reason, can apply to the housing authority for a transfer. Such a transfer application would then be assessed in accordance with the housing authority's scheme of letting priorities.

Water Quality

Questions (80)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

80. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the State has an obligation under Irish, EU or international law to remove lead pipes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4921/21]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Lead gets into drinking water when it dissolves from pipework and fittings that contain lead. Lead is harmful, concentrations should always be kept as low as practicable and strict legal limits apply to protect people's health.

The concentration limit for lead in drinking water is set by the European Union Drinking Water Directive. This is transposed into Irish Law through the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations. The recently adopted recast of the Drinking Water Directive (EU 2020/2184) will progressively reduce the legal limit for lead from 10 g/l to 5 g/l over a transitional period of 15 years.

The Government published the 'National Strategy to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water' in June 2015. This strategy is to guide actions that will reduce people’s lifetime exposure to lead from drinking water to the lowest possible levels. The safest approach to protecting health is to remove lead from all pipework in the public network and from pipes within houses and buildings.

Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of public water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels, including the delivery of water services capital infrastructure, while the local authorities remain responsible for private water supplies.

Irish Water is responsible for dealing with lead in the public pipe network. In the period from 2014 to 2020 Irish Water has removed 35,666 lead service pipes. Irish Water is progressively removing all remaining lead pipes from the public water network over time.

Plumbing within a property boundary is the responsibility of the property owner. Based on the most current data, Irish Water estimate that 180,000 residential properties may have some lead pipework.

My Department has introduced a grant scheme to assist owners of premises connected to a domestic water supply with the costs of replacing lead piping or related fittings in homes. Information on how to apply for this grant is available on my Department’s website at the following link:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c3f97-grant-to-replace-lead-pipes-and-fittings/.