Holly Cairns
Question:187. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the status of an application for a driving test for a person (details supplied) who requires a licence for work. [44405/21]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (187)
Written answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test.
Individual appointments are an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Road Safety
Questions (188)
Sorca Clarke
Question:188. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department have engaged with the Road Safety Authority or the National Roads Authority on measures to combat accidents given the recent tragedies on motorways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44406/21]
View answerWritten answers
As agencies of my Department, my officials and myself are in constant contact with both the Road Safety Authority and the National Roads Authority, now known as Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
While the number of those killed on our roads has been high over the past summer months, I would remind the Deputy that the fatalities are broadly level with last year for the year to date.
Motorways remain our safest roads, but because of the speed, which motorists travel at, unfortunately when there is a collision it tends to have more serious consequences. As research shows, regardless of the initial cause of a collision, it is the speed which the vehicles are travelling at which determines the outcome; the higher the speed, the greater the damage.
In relation to motorways and national roads specifically, the safety section of TII carry out assessments of the National Road network under the HD15 programme which identifies accident clusters, and under the HD17 programme (which is carried out under the European Directive) which involves route assessments. Works identified under these programmes are communicated to the Local Authorities and may attract funding once a feasibility report is submitted to the safety section of TII. TII progresses a pipeline of such projects through various stages of development on an on-going basis
Under its HD15 programme, safety works are based on an analysis of accident density across the network and those sections of the network with considerably higher than average accident densities are selected for analysis. Sections of road, which are amenable to engineering solutions, are prioritised for treatment.
Collision data is recorded by An Garda Síochána. This data is used by the RSA and TII for research purposes. Each high collision location is investigated by a site assessment team. The inspection of the site’s collision history, coupled with the site visit, determines if an engineering counter measure will improve the safety performance of the location.
TII is committed to the evaluation of the road safety remedial measure programmes. The remedial schemes are assessed in terms of the reduction in the number of collisions at the site and the first year rate of return.
In addition, TII's HD17 programme is based on road safety inspection reports. These reports indicate which issues, for example signing, lining or safety barriers, need to be addressed on different sections of roads and programmes are drawn up to deal with the priority issues.
Unfortunately the four main causes of fatalities on our roads remain speeding, use of mobile phones, intoxicated driving and non-wearing of seatbelts, all areas where drivers need to take personal responsibility for their driving behaviour.
Every death on our roads is one too many, and myself and my officials are working tirelessly to achieve the EU's target of Vision Zero - no road deaths on European roads by 2050. In this context, it is worth noting that Ireland's roads are the second safest in the EU.
Driver Test
Questions (189)
Sorca Clarke
Question:189. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to deal with the backlog in driver theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44407/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has all functions relating to driver testing, including all matters relating to the operation of the driving theory test.
The Driver Theory Test service has significantly increased its capacity since it reopened in June 2021.
The number of tests provided has now increased from an average pre Covid19 level of 15,000 to over 25,000 appointments monthly. This number continues to increase and almost 50,000 tests were provided during the month of August.
The RSA has also been working to extend its online theory testing service. The new offering will see up to 10,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles per month. Tests are available on a first-come-first-served basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year.
However, it is disappointing that 1 in 6 customers are failing to show up for their Driver Theory Test. The RSA would ask any customer that is unable to attend for their test to let the Driver Theory Test service know in plenty of time so the appointment can be allocated to another candidate who needs a test.
The Department and the RSA are very conscious of the significant number of people waiting to take their tests. Every possible measure is being put in place to ensure that the maximum number of customers can be served while public health guidance is strictly adhered to. The public’s continued patience and understanding is requested as plans are put in place to safely and gradually increase capacity.
Road Network
Questions (190)
Brendan Smith
Question:190. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be provided for the non-national road network in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan in the event of a reallocation of capital funding within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44413/21]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
Under the National Development Plan (NDP), as it stands, there has been a significant increase in Exchequer funding for regional and local roads, particularly in the last four years. Funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate protection and renewal of regional and local roads and so for this reason, the primary focus for capital investment continues to be the protection and renewal of the network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.
I announced the 2021 regional and local road allocations in February this year. Cavan County Council received a total allocation of €15,484,815 and Monaghan County Council received a total allocation of €16,006,398, including funding for a number of pilot schemes relating to road materials.
In addition, in June I announced the details of a €17.3 million investment package for climate adaptation works on regional and local roads with a view to making the network more resilient. Cavan County Council received an allocation of €522,050 and Monaghan County Council received an allocation of €440,000. All regional and local road grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated and further allocations are not anticipated at this time.
Driver Test
Questions (191)
Róisín Shortall
Question:191. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a driving test date for a health professional (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44418/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test.
Individual appointments are an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Primary Medical Certificates
Questions (192)
Catherine Murphy
Question:192. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the current requirements to qualify for a primary medical certificate; if he plans changes to the current criteria; if so, the details of those changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44298/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled, and satisfy at least one of the following medical criteria:
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
- be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
- be without both hands or without both arms;
- be without one or both legs;
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
- have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
The medical criteria were included in Section 89 of the Finance Act 1989 by way of an amendment in the Finance Act 2020. This amendment arises from legal advice in light of the June 2020 Supreme Court judgement that the medical criteria in secondary legislation was not deemed to be invalid, nevertheless it was found to be inconsistent with the mandate provided in Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989 (primary legislation).
While I am very aware of the importance of this scheme to those who benefit from it, I am also aware of the disquiet expressed by members of this house and others in respect of the difficulties around access to the scheme. With this in mind I have asked my officials to undertake a comprehensive review of the scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities, and on foot of that review to bring forward proposals for consideration.
Department officials have been carrying out preliminary work, including an examination of the main issues which will frame the scope of the review. Officials have also been engaging with other Departments in the context of other ongoing work in mobility supports. In particular, the Department has engaged with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in the context of a working group established early last year by the Minister for Justice before the work was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The group, under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021, was tasked with a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and to develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision.
It is envisaged that the review group will be established shortly and will include stakeholders from other Departments, the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal and other representative groups.
Sports Organisations
Questions (193)
Paul Murphy
Question:193. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will remove fox hunts and an animal shooting organisation from the Revenue Commissioners list of sports bodies that have been granted tax exemption given the fact that they are not involved in promoting athletic or amateur games or sports as required for qualification under section 235 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (details supplied). [44280/21]
View answerWritten answers
Section 235 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides an exemption from income tax or corporation tax, as appropriate, for bodies which are established and existing for the sole purpose of promoting:
- an athletic game or an athletic sport, or
- an amateur game or an amateur sport.
The exemption applies to that portion of the income of the “approved body” which has been or will be applied to the purpose of promoting an athletic or amateur game or sport.
As the legislation does not define what is meant by the term “sport”, Revenue advise me that it is given its ordinary meaning, which includes pastimes collectively undertaken for recreation purposes, provided such activities are legal and considered by convention and custom to be sporting activities. These include field sports such as hunting. Bodies engaged in the promotion of such activities are entitled to a tax exemption under the legislation provided they meet all the other relevant criteria.
In general, consideration of changes to income tax policy and legislation takes place within the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process. With the Budget now only weeks away, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any possible changes that may or may not be included in Budget 2022.
Insurance Industry
Questions (194)
Duncan Smith
Question:194. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to insurance companies refusing house insurance to homes along river courses throughout the State in ever growing numbers; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44305/21]
View answerWritten answers
It is my understanding that a high proportion of Irish property insurance policies include flood cover. This has been confirmed by a survey recently conducted by the Central Bank of Ireland. That being said, it is recognised that some householders in specific areas or due to certain circumstances are still experiencing difficulties in securing such cover. As such, I have asked my officials to monitor the development you have mentioned, and engage with Insurance Ireland on the matter.
However, you should be aware that the provision of insurance is a commercial matter for insurance companies, which is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. Consequently, neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive).
Current government policy in relation to increasing flood insurance coverage is primarily focused on the development of a sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to managing flooding problems. Almost €1 billion in flood relief measures is being invested over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The Department of Finance will continue to engage with the OPW, Insurance Ireland and other stakeholders regarding the levels of flood cover being provided. Finally, the Deputy should be assured that Minister of State Fleming and I will continue to proactively engage on all aspects of insurance reform including flood insurance issues.
Tax Reliefs
Questions (195)
Pearse Doherty
Question:195. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the projected cost in 2022 of extending tax relief applicable to farmers under section 664A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 with respect to the carbon tax to agricultural contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44336/21]
View answerWritten answers
Section 664A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for relief on expenditure incurred by farmers in respect of an increase in the carbon tax on farm diesel. It is an additional tax measure for farmers that was introduced in Budget 2012 to compensate for carbon tax increases at the time.
I am advised by Revenue that the tax deductibility in respect of the carbon tax component of farm diesel is not separately identified on tax returns. In addition, the consumption of farm diesel by agriculture contractors is not separately recorded. As such, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with an estimate of the projected cost requested.
Departmental Data
Questions (196)
Denis Naughten
Question:196. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who claimed remote working relief from the Revenue Commissioners in the most recent tax year for which data is available; the amount of relief provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44362/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Remote Working Relief is available to workers who incur certain expenditure when working from home. The relief entitles workers to claim 10% of the cost of electricity and heating incurred in a year, apportioned by the number of days worked at home. For the tax year 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic on a concessionary basis, the relief also entitles workers to claim 30% of the cost of broadband, less any amounts paid by an employer, apportioned by the number of days worked at home.
Employers may pay a tax-free amount of €3.20 per day to employees who satisfy the qualifying conditions for the Remote Working Relief. Any amounts paid exceeding the €3.20 daily rate are subject to tax, PRSI and USC in the normal manner. Where employers make such payments, the relevant employees are not entitled to claim the Remote Working Relief.
I am advised by Revenue that it received almost 73,000 claims for Remote Working Relief from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021. The gross value of the claims received was €11m giving a gross average value of €150, which is allowable at the marginal rate of tax. Revenue has also confirmed that most claims received to date were in respect of PAYE workers with further claims expected in the coming months from self-assessed taxpayers.
Health and Safety
Questions (197)
Holly Cairns
Question:197. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that all staff in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit who, by necessity of their work have to come into close proximity with others, including other employees or members of the public are provided with medical grade masks in the EN14683 category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44373/21]
View answerWritten answers
The majority of staff of my Department continue to work remotely in line with current Government and the HSE guidelines unless, for business reasons, it is necessary to be physically present in the office. While the wearing of face coverings is not mandatory within my Department’s workplace at present, my Department recognises that some staff may wish to wear a mask while in the office. My Department has made a welcome back pack available to staff which includes 2 reusable face coverings. My Department has instituted infection protection and control measures - such as physical distancing and good hand and respiratory hygiene - and regularly communicates the need to follow Covid-related safety protocols to all staff.
The position of those bodies under the aegis of my Department who currently have staff that come into close proximity with others by necessity of their work is set out below:
While the majority of staff of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General continue to work remotely in line with current Government and HSE guidelines, a small number of staff attend the office to meet critical business needs as they arise. Medical grade face masks compliant with EN 14683 are provided for use by such staff. All staff of the Central Bank of Ireland, including staff seconded to the Investor Compensation Company DAC, who return to work onsite are issued with 3 reusable face coverings to standard CWA 17553:2020. The wearing of face coverings is a requirement for all employees when moving around any of our premises. Disposable face coverings to standard EN 14683 are also available for staff who, as part of their work, cannot maintain 2 metre distance. This is identified through a line manager risk analysis of specific tasks under their control.
The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal provides medical grade masks in the EN14683 category to anybody who attends at their offices for any reason and who wishes to avail of them.
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners use ‘non-medical grade’, CE certified type 1 and GB/T 32610 masks which are 3-ply, non-woven material with ear loops as specified under EN 14683 and have an EN equivalency of EN 149. At the time the masks were purchased it was advised by Government that medical grade masks were required for medical professionals and that standard masks or face coverings should apply for all others. Re-usable masks were recommended for Customs and the latest ones supplied to them have the requested rating of EN 14683.
All staff at the Tax Appeals Commission who, by necessity of their work have to come into close proximity with others, including other employees or members of the public are provided with medical grade masks. While the masks are not labelled with the EN14683 category, they are 3-ply medical grade masks with 99% bacteria filtration efficiency and are compatible with the European Standard for Medical Devices and comply with the recommendations of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The wearing of a mask is also compulsory for members of the public who attend a hearing so, in the case that a person has mislaid or forgotten to bring one, additional masks are available in the Commission.