Written Answers Nos. 279-297
279. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if support is available via the Covid restrictions support scheme for publicans often retired that had leased their establishments to a tenant prior to the commencement of the Covid-19 restrictions and were then forced to cancel their lease agreement (details supplied); the supports that may be available elsewhere for this cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21707/21]
View answerThe CRSS is a targeted support for businesses significantly impacted by restrictions introduced by the Government under public health regulations to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Details of CRSS are set out in Finance Act 2020 and detailed operational guidelines, which are based on the terms and conditions of the scheme as set out in the legislation, have been published on the Revenue website at: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/2021/crss-guidelines.pdf.
To qualify under the scheme, a business must carry on a trade or trading activities, the profits from which are chargeable to tax under Case I of Schedule D. The trade must be carried on from a business premises that is located in a region subject to restrictions introduced in line with the Government’s ‘Living with Covid-19 Plan’, with the result that the business is required to prohibit or considerably restrict customers from accessing its business premises.
A person whose business activity consists of the leasing of a business premises would not meet the eligibility criteria for support under the scheme because any profits derived from such a business activity would generally not be regarded as trading profits that are chargeable to tax under Case I of Schedule D.
If, upon a tenant terminating a lease to a business premises, the owner of the business premises began to carry on a trade from the business premises concerned in 2020, the person would be regarded as carrying on a “new business” for the purposes of the CRSS. A new business is a business that was established between 26 December 2019 and 12 October 2020 and such a business could qualify for the scheme where it meets the eligibility criteria.
In the case of a new business, any potential claim under the CRSS would be based on the average weekly turnover of the business in the period between the date of commencement and 12 October 2020. Where, however, the business did not operate in 2020, and therefore did not have any turnover between 26 December 2019 and 12 October 2020, the business would not be entitled to any payments under the scheme.
Businesses not falling within the scope of the CRSS may be entitled to support under other measures put in place by Government, including the COVID Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). Businesses may also be eligible to warehouse VAT and PAYE (Employer) debts and also excess payments received by employers under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, and the balance of Income Tax for 2019 and Preliminary Tax for 2020 for self-assessed taxpayers if applicable. Another scheme that a business not eligible for CRSS may qualify for, where certain criteria are met, is the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC).
280. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider setting up a body of appeal for the credit union movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21729/21]
View answerThe Registrar of Credit Unions at the Central Bank is the independent regulator for credit unions. Within his independent regulatory discretion, the Registrar acts to support the prudential soundness of individual credit unions, to maintain sector stability and to protect the savings of credit union members.
The Central Bank have informed me that a body of appeal is already in place for credit unions under Part VIIA of the Central Bank Act, 1942, which establishes and makes provision for the functions and operation of the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal (IFSAT) to which certain Central Bank decisions can be appealed.
The Credit Union Act 1997 Act sets out a list of appealable decisions (under Section 52). This list was expanded following the Commission on Credit Unions’ recommendations in 2012.
Areas of the 1997 Act where credit unions have a right to appeal include, among others, appeals against regulatory directions given by the Central Bank under Section 87(1) or 87(2) or against decisions to refuse approval for the provision of an additional service by a credit union under Section 49(3)(b).
The Central Bank have informed me that it engages in a transparent manner with individual credit unions in relation to regulatory decisions and provides an opportunity for the credit union to ask any specific questions arising and/or to provide relevant additional information prior to finalisation.
281. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if the expansion will be explored of credit union choice to customers in view of recent high profile departures from the banking sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21731/21]
View answerThe Government acknowledges the important work credit unions are doing to support communities throughout Ireland at this difficult time and recognises the key role that credit unions play in local communities across Ireland. The Minister of State in my Department, Sean Fleming TD, has credit unions as part of his remit.
While recent high profile departures from the banking sector that the Deputy references are disappointing, they do present an opportunity for credit unions to grow. To that end, Minister Fleming met with both the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) and the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) in recent months to discuss their respective members' strategies as a result of the changing landscape.
There are a number of commitments set out in Programme for Government, including a review of the policy framework in which credit unions operate. As part of the review, the Department has held extensive engagement with the credit union representative bodies since September 2020 to seek feedback on their key priorities for the sector. In addition, the Department is taking into account work already completed by the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC).
It is important to state that credit unions are co-operative financial institutions owned and controlled by their members. Each credit union has a common bond that establishes the basis for membership (e.g. members within a community or a workplace) and credit unions can offer services to members that are within their common bond.
In terms of the services /products that credit unions can and already do provide, the Deputy may be interested in the following:
Review of Lending and Investment Regulations
The Central Bank has in recent years completed reviews of both the lending and investment frameworks to ensure that credit unions operate under a framework that is both tailored and proportionate, to reflect the unique nature of the sector, and to provide flexibility for credit unions who have ambitions to grow.
Following introduction of the new lending regulations on 1 January 2020, credit unions now have a combined capacity to provide up to approximately €1.1 billion in SME and mortgage loans, with further additional lending capacity available to credit unions who can comply with certain conditions or on approval by the Central Bank. As at December 2020, credit unions had a combined mortgage and SME loan book of circa €344 million, an increase of 12% year-on-year.
The revised investment regulations took effect on 1 March 2018. Under these regulations, credit unions are permitted to place their surplus funds that have not been lent to members in a range of investments including accounts in authorised credit institutions, certain bank and corporate bonds, sovereign bonds and investments in Tier 3 Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to provide social housing.
SME Lending
Nineteen credit unions, supported by ILCU, CUDA and Metamo, have been approved by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for participation in the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. With their local knowledge, credit unions are ideally placed to support the recovery and providing loans to local businesses is a key element of the recovery. The further development of SME lending in a controlled manner could also have the additional benefit of assisting credit unions in growing and diversifying their loan book.
Access to Finance for Retrofit
The Government significantly increased the funding available to support retrofit in Budget 2021. My officials have been engaging with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to support increased credit union participation in green retrofit loan schemes.
Investment in Approved Housing Bodies
Since 1 May 2018 it has been possible for credit unions to invest in Approved Housing Bodies through a regulated vehicle. I understand that a number projects are being progressed by the sector at present, which may lead to investment in AHBs.
Current Accounts
The Deputy may also wish to note that under the additional services regime set out in the 2016 regulations credit unions can seek approval from the Central Bank to offer additional services such as current accounts and debit cards. 51 credit unions, representing circa 50% of sector assets, currently have approval to provide Member Personal Current Account Service (MPCAS).
283. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the status of the meetings between him, the Minister for State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance and the senior management of insurance companies; if a motor insurance rebate insurance rebate in the context of level 5 measures in place in recent months has been discussed as part of any such recent meetings; if the industry has committed to taking such measures to reflect a reduction in road traffic and associated risk in the early part of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21770/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in line with the EU Solvency II Directive insurance framework, I cannot compel any insurer operating in the Irish market to provide refunds to their customers, as this is a commercial matter. Nevertheless, working to protect insurance policyholders during and after the COVID-19 crisis, with particular emphasis on motor insurance rebates, remains a priority issue for Government. As such, this is included within the Action Plan for Insurance Reform.
In this regard, Minister of State Fleming and I have had extensive engagement with motor insurers and other key policy stakeholders throughout the pandemic. We have consistently called on insurers to: treat their customers honestly, fairly and professionally, and in line with the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code; emphasised the need for industry to respond to both the Government’s ongoing reforms and the pandemic by lowering premiums; continuing to offer forbearance measures; and expanding its risk horizon in the market (such as providing more cover for younger drivers).
Minister of State Fleming met with the CEOs of the main insurance firms in the last number of weeks. He outlined that Government is continuing to implement measures from the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, and that the new Personal Injuries Guidelines were coming into force ahead of schedule, on 24 April. This key development will be of major benefit to insurers as it will help reduce the cost of claims, as well as allow the expansion of their business on the basis of greater confidence around more sustainable and consistent award levels. He also outlined that on renewal Government expects premiums should reduce for all classes of insurance and insurers should consider increasing their risk appetite and proactively identify market opportunities where coverage gaps currently exist.
The issue of COVID-19 forbearance measures was on the agenda for these meetings, and I understand that a number of firms indicated that they will also take account of COVID-19 restrictions when setting premiums. It is Minister of State Fleming’s intention to meet with the CEOs later in the year to continue to review matters.
In conclusion, I assure the Deputy that both Minister of State Fleming and I are committed to continuing our engagement with insurers and other relevant stakeholders on this important issue. We believe it is important that insurers demonstrate that they are reflecting any savings in a transparent, proactive manner. As such, we will continue to highlight our position on the need to support customers throughout this crisis period.
284. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Finance the number of convictions for serious offences under section 1078 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 in each of the years 2011 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21813/21]
View answer285. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Finance the numbers of cases in each of the years 2011 to 2020 in which a conviction was obtained for a serious offence under section 1078 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 in which the amount of tax loss attributable to the offence in question was less than €100,000, between €100,000 and €500,000, between €500,001 and €1 million and greater than €1 million, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21814/21]
View answer286. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons that served prison sentences following conviction for serious offences under section 1078 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21815/21]
View answer287. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the adequacy of the fines that the courts can impose for serious offences under section 1078 of the Taxes Consolidation Act insofar as they constitute a deterrent to tax evasion; when the fines were last increased; his plans for their alteration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21816/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 284, 285, 286 and 287 together.
I am advised by Revenue that it supports a strong culture of voluntary compliance through its comprehensive, risk-based approach to compliance management and is committed to tackling non-compliance in all its forms. Revenue uses a broad range of data, intelligence and analytical tools and technologies to identify and quantify risk in order to effectively identify, target and confront cases presenting a risk of non-compliance.
I am further advised that taxpayer behaviour determines the nature, extent and consequences of Revenue’s compliance interventions. Revenue’s interventions range from non-audit compliance interventions such as assurance checks, aspect queries and profile interviews to audit or investigations. It undertakes investigations where cases of serious tax and duty evasion and fraud are discovered, seeking to apply the full legal sanctions available that reflect the seriousness of the evasion involved.
The Deputy will be aware that Section 1078 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 criminalises tax and duty evasion in general and specifically failures to comply with the provisions of the various Taxes Acts. Any person convicted on indictment of an offence under section 1078 is liable to a fine not exceeding €126,970 or, at the discretion of the court, a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both. The level of fines and prison terms imposed is a matter for the courts.
The level of fines provided for on conviction on indictment were last increased from IR£10,000 to IR£100,000 by section 211 of Finance Act 1999 with effect from 25 March 1999. The IR£100,000 fine on conviction on indictment was subsequently converted to its Euro equivalent of €126,970 in 2001.
I am satisfied that Revenue’s work in investigating cases of serious tax and duty offences with a view to prosecution has achieved a considerable level of success and I am advised by Revenue that the current levels of fines provided for in legislation are sufficient for the purposes of deterring tax evasion. I will, however, consider any future proposals for legislative change that may be brought forward by Revenue in the light of changing behaviour or emerging risks.
The table below outlines the number of indictable convictions for serious offences under section 1078 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. It also provides a breakdown of the estimated tax loss subject to investigation by Revenue and the number of custodial sentences imposed by the courts. It should be noted that the estimated tax loss is based on estimation of tax loss when Revenue decided to proceed with investigation towards prosecution. In the time available, Revenue was not able to provide the estimated tax loss in all such cases.
288. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if each of the bodies under his aegis are operating under the Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies; if all such public bodies and publicly-funded bodies have a trained access officer; if so, the year the access officer was first appointed to this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21829/21]
View answerThere are 17 bodies under the aegis of my Department. Of these, the Central Bank, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, Home Finance Building Ireland, the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal, the National Asset Management Agency, the National Treasury Management Agency, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and the Tax Appeals Commission operate under the Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies.
The Central Bank has an access officer who has been appointed since 2009 and the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman has a trained access officer since its establishment in 2018.
The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal Registrar, who was appointed in 2019, is its access officer.
The National Treasury Management Agency provides administrative and support services to Home Building Finance Ireland and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, including services in support of the Disability Act 2005, and has a number of access officers; the current officers were assigned these duties in 2013 and 2021, having taken over from previously assigned staff.
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners first appointed access officers in 2007 and currently has 20, the longest serving was appointed in 2017 with the newest appointed in 2020.
The Tax Appeals Commission’s current access officer was appointed in 2021.
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General does not currently have an access officer as it does not provide services to the general public.
While the National Asset Management Agency is compliant with the relevant provisions of the Disability Act 2005, it does not currently provide services to the public. NAMA is aware of the provisions of the Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies and will ensure compliance, as is required.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has recently become a body to which the requirements of the Disability Act apply. The Fiscal Council is aware of its obligations under the Code of Practice, and is currently implementing processes in this regard to include appointing and training an access officer and publishing an Accessibility Statement.
The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal is a board of medical practitioners and has no employees, and by extension no access officer. It operates through the National Rehabilitation Hospital.
The remaining bodies under the aegis of my Department do not come under the definition of a public body for the purposes of the Disability Act 2005 and as such the relevant Code does not apply. The Credit Union Advisory Committee is not a State agency, rather it is a committee set up to advise the Minister for Finance on credit union issues. Having concluded its restructuring work, the Credit Union Restructuring Board was operationally wound down on 31st July 2017 and is currently awaiting formal dissolution. The Credit Review Office is not a public body. The Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, which is in special liquidation, does not provide services or information to the public. The Investor Compensation Company DAC does not come under the definition of a public body for the purposes of the Disability Act 2005 and as such the relevant Code does not apply.
289. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if each of the bodies under his aegis are in compliance with the web accessibility directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21831/21]
View answerThere are 17 bodies under the aegis of my Department, of which the following have advised they are fully or partially compliant with the web accessibility directive:
The Central Bank website is partially compliant with accessibility requirements and their accessibility statement will shortly be updated; this will include information on the areas of focus to ensure compliance.
While the current website of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) meets the majority of the directive’s requirements, the FSPO is developing a new website which will be based on the requirements of the directive.
The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal is working with an IT consultant to ensure that all content on their website is in compliance with the web accessibility directive and expects to publish its accessibility statement in the near future.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has yet to publish its accessibility statement, and this is something which will be actioned within the current quarter.
The primary website of the National Treasury Management Agency is in compliance with the directive and a programme of works is currently being undertaken in respect of secondary websites, following which, all secondary websites will also be in compliance with the directive.
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General is in compliance with the directive and has taken measures to make its website more accessible through the installation of accessibility software.
In order to conform with the directive, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has built and tested all of its public-facing web-based systems and its mobile app for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Home Building Finance Ireland, the National Asset Management Agency and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland are fully compliant with the directive.
The Tax Appeals Commission is currently redeveloping its website and accessibility has been taken into account during the design process.
The directive does not apply to a number of the bodies under my Department’s aegis as follows:
The Credit Review Office is not a public sector body.
The Credit Union Advisory Committee is not a State body, rather it is a committee set up to advise the Minister for Finance on credit union issues.
The Credit Union Restructuring Board concluded its restructuring work on 31st March 2017 and was operationally wound down on 31st July 2017; it is currently awaiting formal dissolution
The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) does not have its own website. Information regarding the DDMBA is available on the website of the National Rehabilitation Hospital.
The Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, as a commercial body in liquidation, is not within scope of the web accessibility directive.
The Investor Compensation Company DAC does not come under the definition of a public body for the purposes of the directive.
290. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit facilitate persons wishing to engage with their services through the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21902/21]
View answer291. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance if all forms issued by his Department and agencies under his remit are available in both the Irish and English languages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21920/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 290 and 291 together.
In line with our obligations under section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003, my Department currently has a Third Irish Language Scheme 2018-2021 in place. Our Fourth Irish Language Scheme 2021-2024 is currently in the final stages of preparation before being confirmed by the Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as per section 14 of the Official Languages Act 2003. My Department is committed to providing quality services to its customers in Irish and/or bilingually including written correspondence, oral announcements/telephone communication with the public, speeches, public meetings, media communications, official invitations, service to Gaeltacht areas and publications.
My Department has Customer Feedback Forms available to visitors in both Irish and English. These forms are not published online and are not emailed out, however, under the Customer Service charter available on my Department’s website, the customer services email address is available so that matters can be raised directly, if required. My Department’s Subject Access Request form, which is provided in line with Article 15 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is also available in both Irish and English on the website.
The following is the position for each of the bodies under the aegis of my Department in relation to facilitating persons wishing to engage with their services through the Irish language:
The Central Bank's Language Scheme 2019-2022 is available on its website and is also available on the Bank’s Irish website. Under the Language Scheme, the Bank has a number of measures in place to facilitate individuals who wish to engage through Irish, including availability of an Irish speaker to carry out banking transactions at the Bank’s Teller Service, a public contacts helpline, consumers being able to exercise any rights under the Credit Reporting Act 2013 through Irish and being able to complete the process to request a credit report, amendment, or explanatory statement and make a notice of suspected impersonation in Irish. All of its forms with a public-facing dimension are available in both Irish and English on the Bank’s website.
The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) has arrangements in place to ensure that its services are provided through Irish when requested and its complaint form is available in both Irish and English. The FSPO also uses a form for the purposes of facilitating Data Access Requests – this form is in the process of being translated into Irish.
Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) has arrangements in place, in conjunction with the National Treasury Management Agency which provides facilities and ICT support to HBFI, in order to facilitate persons wishing to engage with their services through Irish. I am informed that HBFI does not currently have any forms available to the general public in Irish, however, where a member of the public communicates with HBFI in an official language, HBFI will reply in the same language.
As a small organisation of six staff, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council facilitates persons wishing to engage with their services through Irish on an ad-hoc basis. The Fiscal Council does not have any forms available for public use.
Any appeal or application addressed to the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal in Irish will be processed, heard and judged in that language at an Applicant’s request. Given the complex and technical nature of the subject matter of the disputes heard by the Tribunal, where necessary, they will engage the services of suitably qualified translators/interpreters for the translation of any technical documentation. Its forms are available in both English and Irish, and the Irish language forms will be supplied to any Applicant on request.
While the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) does not provide services directly to the public, there are three functions it performs in which the public may have an interest; Dormant Accounts, Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme and State Savings. There are employees available to communicate with callers through Irish if required. An email address is in place to facilitate the submission of queries from the general public in Irish. State Savings are the Government savings products the NTMA offers through An Post and the Prize Bond Company to personal savers. Documentation relating to the products are available in Irish via the State Savings website. With regard to forms available to the public, An Post (acting as an agent for the NTMA in respect of State Savings) has committed to making all standard forms available in digital form on the Internet in Irish. Acting as the State Claims Agency, the NTMA also manages personal injury, property damage and clinical negligence claims brought against certain State authorities. The NTMA can provide any forms requested by any of its Delegated State Authorities in either of the Official Languages.
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General has little direct contact with the general public. The Office publishes a number of documents on its website bilingually in line with its Irish Language Scheme. Its website is available bilingually, with a navigational link from each page on the English version to the relevant page in the Irish version. Phone calls are answered bilingually, in Irish first. The choice of language of the customer is established and they are directed to the appropriate official. The Office provides a dedicated e-mail address to facilitate those who wish to communicate with the Office in Irish. The Office does not have any forms available to the public.
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners offers a comprehensive range of services to individuals and businesses that wish to conduct their affairs in Irish. The onus is on the individuals and businesses concerned to advise Revenue that they wish to communicate through Irish. Information regarding Revenue’s Irish Language Scheme can be found on its website. All Revenue publications, forms and leaflets are available in Irish on its website.
While the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has limited services delivered to the public, they have arrangements in place, in conjunction with the NTMA which provides its facilities and ICT support, in order to facilitate persons wishing to engage with their services through Irish. The SBCI does not have any forms available in Irish to the general public.
Any correspondence received by the Tax Appeals Commission (TAC) in Irish is responded to in Irish. All publications are published simultaneously in Irish and English on its website which is currently being developed to provide Irish translations of each area. The Commission also has two staff members capable of providing services in Irish. It has three standard forms which are currently being translated into Irish.
The Credit Union Advisory Committee is not a State agency, rather it is a committee set up to advise the Minister for Finance on credit union issues.
The Credit Union Restructuring Board concluded its restructuring work and was operationally wound down in 2017; it is currently awaiting formal dissolution.
The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal does not have obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003. It operates through The National Rehabilitation Hospital which provides clinical facilities and staffing.
The Irish Bank Resolution Corporation is in liquidation and does not provide services to the public.
The Investor Compensation Company DAC does not provide services to the public generally and is not subject to the Official Languages Act, 2003.
The National Asset Management Agency does not provide services to the general public.
The Credit Review Office is not a public body, and as such does not have obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003. It has one form available to the public and this is not currently available in Irish.
292. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the engagement he had with the Central Bank with regard to the provision of advice or support to persons who have been sold mortgages by unregulated and unlicensed mortgage providers operating within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22104/21]
View answerThe Central Bank has advised that its website sets out information on the types of entities which require an authorisation to provide credit, including mortgages, to consumers in the State such as credit institutions, credit unions and retail credit firms. It also sets out information on entities which require an authorisation to advise on and intermediate between mortgage credit providers and consumers on the provision of mortgages in the State i.e. mortgage credit intermediaries. The Central Bank’s website also includes registers of all firms regulated by the Central Bank.
The Central Bank encourages consumers to take the 'SAFE' test which can be found on the consumer section of its website under the paragraph "Explainer – How can I avoid a financial services scam? " before dealing with financial services firms. In particular, it advises that consumers assess the information which is being presented with, to make sure the financial services firm they are dealing with is legitimate and to check the Central Bank's registers to see to see if the firm is authorised to carry out a financial services regulated business in the State.
The Central Bank has a dedicated unit, the Unauthorised Providers Unit, which investigates alleged instances of unauthorised activity carried out by individuals or entities that are not authorised or regulated by the Central Bank. Members of the public can report alleged instances of unauthorised activity through the Central Bank’s website or directly by telephone. Details for making reports can be found under the Regulation section of the Central Bank website (paragraph Unauthorised Firms). All instances of alleged unauthorised activity are investigated in full by the Central Bank. The Central Bank is bound by strict statutory obligations of confidentiality and is, therefore, precluded from commenting on the specific investigations it undertakes.
293. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance if he has set a date for the announcement of Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22125/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Budget is presented to the Oireachtas, in advance of its submission to the European Commission, before the 15th October deadline each year. In practice, Budget Day has taken place over the past number of years on a day, as agreed upon by Government, during the first half of October and I expect this year to be no different.
The date on which the Budget will be presented to the Oireachtas will be a matter for the Government to decide and as yet, no such decision has been made. I will liaise with my counterpart, Minister McGrath on the matter and propose a date to Government in due course.
294. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance the measures taken to implement the commitment in the Programme for Government to strengthen current mechanisms such as the national economic dialogue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22126/21]
View answerAs stated in the Programme for Government, the Government recognises the importance of regular and open engagement with all sectors of society. This is particularly important as we steer our way out of the pandemic, rebuild our economy, and support communities that have been severely impacted by Covid-19. The Department of the Taoiseach has led in this regard, taking a number of steps with a view to supporting and enhancing engagement with social partners.
As the Deputy identifies, one of my Department’s primary mechanisms in this area is the National Economic Dialogue. Planning is currently underway within the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to progress the arrangements for this year’s deliberative event in a virtual format in late June. The Dialogue provides a forum for stakeholders to participate in an open, inclusive and robust exchange on the challenges facing the economy and the options for the allocation of public resources. It is an important annual part of the budgetary process.
The aim of the Dialogue is to ensure an appropriate balance between the relevant stakeholders to facilitate discussion of budgetary issues affecting a broad social spectrum. To this end, representatives of community, voluntary and environmental groups as well as business, unions, research institutes, the media, the diaspora and members of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight participate in the discussions.
I believe the National Economic Dialogue is a very constructive exercise. Decisions that have been made on the content of past budgets have been influenced by previous Dialogues and I intend to draw upon this year’s discussion when formulating Budget 2022.
295. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have applied under the declined cases agreement in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the number who have successfully secured insurance under the agreement in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22127/21]
View answerAt the outset, the Deputy should note that as Minister for Finance, I am not responsible for the operation of the Declined Cases Agreement (DCA) and as such do not have direct access to the data that is being requested. The DCA is operated independently by Insurance Ireland.
However, my Department does attend the Declined Cases Committee Annual General Meeting (AGM) as an observer. This arose primarily as a result of recommendation 7 of the Cost of Insurance Working Group (CIWG) Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance, which recommended that the DCA be subject to ongoing review to help ensure transparency.
Insurance Ireland has provided the data below to my Department in relation to those applying to the DCA for cover:
|
Year |
Total |
|
2017 |
1,423 |
|
2018 |
1,147 |
|
2019 |
1,066 |
|
2020 |
523 |
In relation to these figures, it is my Department’s understanding from information provided by Insurance Ireland that quotations were secured for all applicants through the Agreement framework and that it therefore considers all to have been successful.
I would note that the numbers applying to the DCA have been reducing in recent years, having peaked previously at 1,941 in 2016. While the numbers for 2020 are likely to have eased in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe that the decreases over the last number of years demonstrate that reforms, by the Cost of Insurance Working Group, and more recently by the Cabinet Committee Sub-group on insurance reform, are having a positive impact on motor insurance.
296. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the cost of each contract entered into by his Department and the agencies under his remit to deal with Covid-19 management and reaction; and the name of the contractor in each case. [22138/21]
View answerDeputy, the following table provides details of procurements undertaken by my Department as a direct consequence of the COVID 19 Pandemic in the period from March 2020 to date.
|
Name of Contractor |
Description of Procurement |
€ Contract Value (VAT exclusive) |
|
Digital River Ireland Limited |
Webex Licence software platforms required to host virtual conferences and meetings. |
1,498.37 |
|
Zinopy Limited |
Citrix Licences required to allow staff access the D/Finance network to enable remote working. |
30,588.11 |
|
Qualcam Limited |
Password tokens required for Citrix licences referenced above. |
1,715.98 |
|
Zoom Video communications |
Video Conferencing Licence |
13.99 (1 Month Subscription/Rolling contract if required) |
My Department has seventeen Bodies under its aegis, of which four have also undertaken procurements related to COVID 19 management and details of same are tabled below.
|
Body under aegis of Department of Finance |
Name of Contractor |
Description of Procurement |
€ Contract Value (VAT exclusive) |
|
Central Bank |
Client Solutions Ltd |
Information Security Services |
€204,000 |
|
Client Solutions Ltd |
Business Analyst |
€45,000 |
|
|
Strategic Computing Limited |
IT Contract Specialist |
€64,000 |
|
|
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman |
PFH Group |
IT equipment: Laptops, headsets |
€47,453 |
|
MJ Flood Ltd |
IT equipment: Laptops |
€14,720 |
|
|
Datapac |
IT equipment: Laptops |
€5,445 |
|
|
MJ Flood Ltd |
Professional services; set up of MS Teams telephony |
€10,275 |
|
|
Eir |
Mobile handsets |
€1,534 |
|
|
AJ Products (Ireland) Ltd |
Remote working desks |
€4,446 |
|
|
Chris Mee Group |
Ergonomics Training for staff |
€2,754 |
|
|
Moore Enterprises |
Hand Sanitiser units |
€432.50 |
|
|
National Treasury Management Agency (* additional detail below) |
Astreea Ltd t/a MIC (Sales and Marketing) Ltd |
Provision of Hand Sanitiser Dispensers |
€14,000 |
|
MCR Group |
Hand Sanitiser |
Up to €5,000 |
|
|
Codex Paul Haycock JBS Group Eciffo Bunzl Cleaning Hugh Jordan |
Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) |
Up to €50,000 |
|
|
Tensberg Studio Ltd |
Provision of Personal Protective Equipment PPE (Face Masks) |
Up to €5,000 |
|
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
Semad Ltd |
Isolation room packs & face masks |
€22,985 |
|
Arco Safety Ltd |
Specialist re-usable facemasks |
€4,871 |
|
|
J&C Hendrick Ltd. |
Purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), warehousing, distribution and monitoring of stock. |
€1,552,000 |
|
|
Snap Printing |
Signage |
€21,732 |
* Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) are bodies under my Department’s aegis. The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) provides support services (including facilities management) to both of these bodies under a Service Level Agreement and the contracts listed above in respect of the NTMA includes relevant services to both the HBFI and the SBCI.
297. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Finance the public consultation process through which members of the public can engage with the newly established Commission on Taxation and Welfare and table issues for its consideration. [22175/21]
View answer303. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Finance the proposed membership make-up of the recently launched Commission on Taxation and Welfare; the qualifications required for membership of the Commission; the methodology used for ensuring balance and a broad range of perspectives among members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22353/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 303 together.
The Commission on Taxation and Welfare is being established to independently consider how best the taxation and welfare systems can support economic activity and promote increased employment and prosperity while ensuring that there are sufficient resources available to meet the costs of the public services and supports in the medium and longer term.
The Commission’s work will have regard to the principles of taxation and welfare policy outlined within the 2020 Programme for Government, including the Government’s commitment to a pro-enterprise policy framework, by providing a stable and sustainable regulatory and tax environment. It will also take account of issues such as, the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, aging demographics, digital disruption and automation and the long term strategic commitments of Government regarding health, housing, and climate.
The Commission is due to report to the Minister for Finance by 1 July 2022 and will be chaired by Professor Niamh Moloney. Further members will appointed in the coming weeks and I am conscious of the need to ensure that the membership is balanced and brings the necessary expertise to fulfil the objectives of the Commission’s work from relevant areas including taxation, welfare, economics, legal and broader civil society.
On 19 April, I published the terms of reference which sets out the scope of the work of the Commission and the issues they have been tasked with examining. Once appointed, the Commission will consider these terms of reference and develop their work programme for the coming year and determine how they engage with the public. It is expected that such decisions will be publicised in due course.
