Written Answers Nos. 305-329
306. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the current tax warehoused at 0% from 12 months to an additional 48 months given that some businesses have remained closed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13433/21]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the current tax warehousing schemes allow for the deferral of collection of certain tax liabilities relating to “Period 1”, the “Covid-19 restricted trading period”. The tax liabilities that may be deferred or “warehoused” are VAT, PAYE (Employer) liabilities, excess Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) payments due to be refunded to Revenue by employers, and certain self-assessed income tax liabilities.
In the case of VAT, PAYE (Employer) and excess TWSS liabilities, Period 1 refers to the period when a business has been unable to trade due to the Covid-19 related restrictions and includes the first full two monthly VAT period after the business resumes trading. For example, if a business has been closed due to Covid-19 restrictions but resumes trading in April 2021, it will be able to warehouse liabilities accrued from March 2020 up to the end of June 2021.
Revenue has confirmed that where a business re-opened but has had to close again due to the re-imposition of restrictions, the trade is deemed to be still subject to the restrictions provided for in the regulations under sections 5 and 31A Health Act 1947 until it has re-opened again. This means that VAT, PAYE (Employer) and excess TWSS liabilities for such businesses can continue to be warehoused in respect of the extended restricted period.
Following the expiration of Period 1, businesses are afforded a further 12 months (“Period 2”) during which collection of warehoused liabilities will be deferred.
No interest will be charged on outstanding Covid-19 liabilities in either Period 1 or Period 2. In cases where businesses have been subject to re-imposition of restrictions intermittently since March 2020, the earliest liabilities warehoused (Jan/Feb VAT and Feb PAYE) have already been warehoused at 0% interest for almost 12 months. Where such businesses do not resume trading until April 2021, these liabilities may be warehoused at 0% interest for a period of 28 months in total (from March 2020 until June 2022). Interest on warehoused liabilities is charged thereafter at c. 3% per annum until the liabilities are paid in full (this is “Period 3” of the warehousing scheme).
Legislation underpinning the warehousing of VAT, PAYE (Employer) liabilities and overpayments of TWSS provides that Period 2 may be extended by Ministerial order but cannot extend beyond 31 December 2022. This is to ensure compliance with EU State Aid rules, provided for under the EU Temporary Framework for State Aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak.
The Government will continue to assess the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and I will continue to work with Ministerial colleagues to ensure that appropriate supports are in place to mitigate these effects.
309. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if he has read the economic letter from a former Governor of the Central Bank (details supplied) which outlined that the prosperity of the Irish economy ranks somewhere between eighth and twelfth in the European Union, closer to Italy than the more prosperous Nordic states. [13528/21]
View answerProfessor Honohan’s letter compares Ireland’s economic prosperity internationally using per capita measures of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), modified Gross National Income and Actual Individual Consumption. As the letter highlights, using GDP as a comparative measure of the size of the Irish economy internationally is not representative as it does not accurately reflect what is going on in the domestic economy, given the size of our multinational sector. For this reason, modified Gross National Income (or GNI*), which excludes some of the statistical distortions arising from the multinational sector, enables a more meaningful measure of the size of the Irish economy. The letter also uses Actual Individual Consumption, which refers to all goods and services actually consumed by households. While this indicator is a useful guide for economic welfare, international comparisons can be challenging because of the difficulties in comparing the quality of different countries goods and services as well as differing savings rates among countries.
Professor Honohan’s letter indicates that if we use GDP per capita in 2019, Ireland was ranked in second place in the EU, behind only Luxembourg. However, If we use GNI* per capita, Ireland instead was found to rank in eighth place or inside the top third of EU countries. When using Actual Individual Consumption per capita, Ireland was ranked in twelfth place in the EU in 2019 but remains in the top half of EU countries.
Nevertheless, the letter in its conclusion acknowledges that Ireland is a prosperous country but that a range of measures of economic wellbeing should be considered. I wish to assure the Deputy that when assessing the position of the economy, my Department examines a wide range of economic indicators and the government will continue to pursue sensible policies aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and the well-being of all our citizens.
310. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his views on the meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank governors of the G20 on 26 February 2021 and discussions regarding pillars I and II of the G20 and OECD inclusive framework, in particular the apparent change in position of the United States of America; the response of the Government and the preparations for developments in this area over the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13545/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that at their 26 February meeting, the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors re-iterated their support for finding a solution to the tax challenges raised by globalisation and the digitalisation of the economy.
I share this goal, and in this context, Ireland is engaging constructively in the discussions at the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS where it is hoped that a sustainable agreement can be achieved in 2021 by the 139 members of the Inclusive Framework which meets the needs of all countries large and small, developed and developing.
While there remain substantial issues to be resolved, and indeed political level discussions on the key policy issues have not yet taken place, the renewed commitment by the United States bodes well for achieving a sustainable comprehensive agreement. Without a global solution, we will see unilateral and regional measures continue to proliferate, with consequent negative impacts on trade at a time when the need for stability in such matters is essential and a return to economic growth is paramount to assist recovery post-pandemic.
Ireland has seen the benefits of international cooperation and it is my belief that working together within the multilateral framework offered by the OECD is the only way to ensure a stable international tax system into the future.
311. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he has engaged with a company (details supplied) in view of the €4.13 million fine by the Central Bank on 2 March 2021 in relation to a transaction made by a consortium of employees of the company in 2014; if he has had engagements with the NTMA regarding same; if he will seek the disengagement of State agencies and Departments which have commercial relationships with the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13546/21]
View answerI have not engaged directly with J and E Davy regarding the investigation and sanction by the Central Bank of Ireland but the Deputy will be aware of statements I have made on the matter since it emerged into the public domain, reflecting the seriousness in which I view the matter.
The Deputy will also be aware of the decision by the Board of the NTMA on 8th March to withdraw J & E Davy’s authority to act as a primary dealer in Irish Government bonds. I note and support this decision. This is the appropriate decision given the recent very serious findings of the Central Bank.
State Bodies which have commercial relationships with private companies keep those engagements under review, and are best placed to do so, to ensure the best and most appropriate use of taxpayer’s money. My Department has in place a procurement framework which allows the Department to seek and obtain advice on financial matters such as the future disposal of the State’s banking sector investments. Contracts are awarded following a competitive Request for Tender procedure between members of the Framework. Firms were appointed to the Framework for an initial period of three years (up to October 2021) with an option to extend by one additional year (up to October 2022). Davy are one of twelve firms on Framework Lot 3 - capital markets distribution services. No contracts have been awarded under Lot 3 since the Framework was constituted and as such the Department does not currently have a commercial relationship with J & E Davy.
312. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the amount spent across his Department on advertising in relation to Covid-19 by month and by media outlet (details supplied) from 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021. [13558/21]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of any spend on advertising in relation to Covid-19 involving the media outlets named, from 1st March 2020 to 1st March 2021.
313. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to top up the additional three weeks parent's leave and benefit once it is rolled out in view of the fact that local authorities previously topped up the payment of €245 for existing provision of parental leave and benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12793/21]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to parent’s leave as parental leave is unpaid.
The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced two weeks of Parent’s Leave for each parent to be taken in the first year after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. This is paid from the Social Insurance Fund at a rate of €245 per week. In relation to the additional three weeks that the Deputy refers to, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will be amending the 2019 Act to commence the extension of parent’s leave. The benefit will be paid at the same rate.
314. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if drainage works in Ballyduff, County Kerry will be extended to include a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12536/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945.
The fields and channels referred to by the Deputy are outside the bounds of the Feale Catchment Drainage Scheme and therefore do not form part of the Arterial Drainage Scheme under the auspices of this office.
The OPW has no maintenance responsibility at that location, nor the authority to carry out any works there.
315. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will be made on an application by Galway County Council for funding for flood relief works at Brook Lodge, Ballyglunin, County Galway under the minor works flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12581/21]
View answerLocal flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All Local Authorities may carry out flood mitigation works, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
Under this 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
I am advised the OPW is currently considering an application submitted by Galway County Council under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for a project at Brook Lodge, Ballyglunin. A decision in relation to this project will issue to Galway County Council in the coming weeks.
316. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when construction will recommence on a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12656/21]
View answer317. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when construction will commence on a Garda station (details supplied); if he considers it essential construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12660/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 317 together.
The refurbishment works at Fitzgibbon St Garda Station were on schedule to be completed in March 2021, however, works were suspended on site from 6pm 8th January 2021 in accordance with the current Covid-19 restrictions.
The works will recommence on site when the current Covid 19 restrictions are lifted.
318. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of plans for the flood relief in Kenmare, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12691/21]
View answerThere is currently a steering group in place, comprising representatives of the Office of Public Works and Kerry County Council, to progress the Kenmare Flood Relief Scheme. Kenmare is being implemented as part of the first tranche of 60 new schemes that have been prioritised for implementation nationally as part of the Flood Relief Management Plans.
In October 2020 Kerry County Council issued a request for tenders for engineering design consultants and environmental consultants to the Office of Public Works’ framework of consultants. Three tender submissions were received and these submissions are currently being evaluated. It is expected to appoint a consultant in the coming weeks. The appointed consultant will be tasked with identifying and designing a flood relief scheme to alleviate the risk of flooding to Kenmare to a determined standard of protection and to procure, manage and oversee the construction of the scheme.
In advance of the larger Kenmare Flood Relief Scheme, interim works are currently being carried out. These works involve the clearance of vegetation (primarily overhanging tree branches) and debris along a stretch of the Keelnagower river which pose an immediate risk in a flood event as they may contribute to blockages of bridges as was seen in the recent flooding event in Kenmare, where a number of properties were flooded. The clearance of this vegetation will also allow for various surveys to take place (site investigations, environmental baseline etc.). An Environmental Screening was carried out to ensure that there would be no adverse environmental effects and the appropriate state agencies were consulted with regards to the works. These works are substantially complete.
A Coastal Wave and Water Level Study is due to commence in the coming weeks which will allow for the analysis of wave-overtopping and will form part of the overall flood relief scheme for Kenmare.
319. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress to date on the €7 million investment in the removal of the pinch points on the River Shannon which will address the scale of summer flooding in the Shannon Callows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12785/21]
View answerIn December, 2019, the Government noted that the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group agreed to provide €7m from the OPW Vote to Waterways Ireland to implement a co-ordinated strategic programme of maintenance activities for the River Shannon and for the removal of a number of constrictions in the Callows region. These proposed works can delay flooding and also benefit navigation and agricultural lands.
Waterways Ireland are advancing a range of these measures and expect to commence work on these in 2021. Some of the more complex measures will be subject to the full environmental assessments required and planning consent to proceed. Under the auspices of the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group, Waterways Ireland and the OPW are working together on the preparation of the applications for the necessary consents and planning permissions.
320. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans the OPW has put in place to carry out channel cleaning on the Killimor arterial drainage scheme, County Galway in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12786/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945.
During 2021, arterial drainage maintenance works consisting of 58kms of minor channel and 5kms of major channel are planned at various locations across the catchment for the Killimor Catchment Drainage Scheme.
321. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider an extension of opening hours for the Iveagh Gardens in summer 2021 in view of the continued restrictions impacting the availability of activities for citizens elsewhere. [12825/21]
View answerThe Iveagh Gardens are open daily from 8am to 6pm from March to October, with the exception of Sundays and Bank Holidays, when they open at 10am.
The Gardens are located in close proximity to St Stephens Green Park which provides all visitors to and from the area with 22 acres of open space, wide expansive paths for social distancing and it is open to the public from dawn to dusk seven days a week. The public therefore has access, in the immediate area, to a suitable park/garden facility for daylight hours.
Notwithstanding the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions, the Office of Public Works has no plans to extend the opening hours of the Iveagh Gardens this summer.
322. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration has been given to the reopening of the construction sector in relation to current public health guidelines; and the timeframe and measures which will be put in place to ensure safety while also supporting the sector. [12826/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the revised plan for the Government’s response to COVID-19 – "COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead" – sets out our approach to the next phase and our path forward. The plan sets out the Government's approach of making steady progress in re-opening our economy, starting with childcare and schools, while avoiding a further wave of the disease and re-imposition of restrictions.
In this overall context, public health advice is that, at present, it is too early to say how and when other restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties. The current public health measures will remain in place until 5th April. Government will meet in advance of that date to review the level of restrictions. Areas for consideration, if the situation improves sufficiently, will include a staggered start of easing of other areas of activity with a focus on outdoor activities, including some areas of construction.
323. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of students who undertook work experience or internships with State and semi-State agencies under his aegis in 2019; the cost in terms of wages and allowances; and the estimated numerical capacity of State and semi-State agencies to provide work experience and internships on an annual basis. [12960/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy regarding the 2019 work experience or internship opportunities for students in the bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the table below.
|
Body |
No. of Placements |
Total Cost |
Future Capacity |
|
Public Appointments Service |
10 work experience placements |
No Cost |
6-8 work experience students per annum2 Internship placements per annum |
|
National Shared Services Office |
3 work experience placements |
No Cost |
6 work experience students per annum1 intern currently under the WAM programme |
|
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery |
No placements in 2019 |
No Cost |
1 placement |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
1 Placement - student of a degree course paid at the minimum of the Clerical Officer grade |
€11,474 |
1 placement |
|
Office of Public Works |
21 work experience placements as part of horticultural college courses |
€23,489 |
Estimated target of 50 in a full year, subject to public health guidelines |
|
State Laboratory |
8 placements - third year students of a degree course paid at the minimum of the Clerical Officer grade |
€107,315 |
8 placements |
324. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual cost to date of the maintenance and protection of the national monument buildings at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street since the Office of Public Works assumed responsibility for the buildings in 2017, in tabular form. [13328/21]
View answerThe information on the annual cost to date of the maintenance and protection of the National Monument buildings at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street since the Office of Public Works assumed responsibility for their care in 2017 is attached in tabular form. These costs are associated with security, consultancy fees, pest control, weed spraying. Some relatively minor direct labour costs associated with fabric inspections are not included in the statement.
325. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent across his Department on advertising in relation to Covid-19 by month and by media outlet (details supplied) from 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021. [13564/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has had no expenditure of this nature.
326. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the actions her Department has taken to actively deter short-term holiday lets during level 5 restrictions that have been the subject of social gatherings and parties in direct conflict with level 5 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13057/21]
View answerWith regard to Level 5 restrictions under the updated COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead, the Government agreed to extend the current public health restrictions until 5th April 2021. 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. This is regularly reinforced by Government communications and advertising. My Department and its agencies continue to support and amplify this message, including Fáilte Ireland, who also work with industry partners. In this context, the provision of non-essential tourism accommodation is not permitted and all the industry group are fully aware of this, including through communications from Fáilte Ireland.
327. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if Fáilte Ireland has established destination recovery task forces for County Mayo; and the remit, role and strategy and other relevant information on the task forces. [12480/21]
View answerThe establishment, remit, role and strategy of destination recovery task forces are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
328. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a detailed list will be provided of the allocations made by national governing bodies of sport in receipt of funding in excess of €100,000 from the Covid resilience fund to units within their respective organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12498/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a Covid-19 funding package of €85 million was provided last year to support the sport sector. This significant investment benefited all levels of the sport sector including thousands of grassroots clubs across the country and provided some certainty for sporting organisations in their planning for 2021.
As the Covid-19 funding schemes are administered by Sport Ireland, I am arranging for Sport Ireland to respond directly to the Deputy. Please contact my office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
329. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if Sport Ireland has commenced the recruitment process for its new chief executive; if not, when it will commence; when she will approve this process before commencement; if the Public Appointments Service will have a role in the recruitment of the new chief executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12499/21]
View answerIn accordance with section 22 of the Sport Ireland Act 2015, the chief executive shall be appointed by Sport Ireland with the approval of the Minister.
The current CEO’s contract is in place until 31 December 2021. The commencement of a process for the recruitment and appointment of a new CEO is being discussed between my officials and Sport Ireland. I will consider Sport Ireland’s requests for the necessary approvals in line with the Guidelines for the Appointment of CEOs of Non-Commercial State Bodies as the process is progressed.
In relation to the role of the Public Appointments Service (PAS), it is expected that the position will be advertised by PAS on the stateboards.ie portal. Any involvement by PAS in the candidate selection process will be subject to discussions with PAS in the usual way for such positions.
