Written Answers Nos. 101-123
101. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps being taken to ensure that hedgerows will be included in calculations relating to carbon sequestration figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50021/21]
View answerGreenhouse gas emissions and removals associated with land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) are reported in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions inventory prepared by the Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) and submitted annually to the EU and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. LULUCF includes activities associated with forestry, croplands, grasslands, wetlands, settlements and other lands. The LULUCF (Regulation (EU) 2018/841) has established the mechanisms whereby LULUCF activities are to be included in Member States emissions reduction targets for 2021 to 2030 under the Effort Sharing Regulation (Regulation (EU) 842/2018). Chapter 6 in the EPA's National Inventory Report (http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/airemissions/ghg/nir2021/ ) describes what’s included in each LULUCF sub-sector and the methodologies used for estimating emissions and removals.
Hedgerows and non-forest woodland/trees, as landscape features within cropland, grassland and other land use categories, can form part of the emissions and removal estimates for these land-use categories, though they are not currently separately identified within their parent categories pending further information from on-going research being available. As noted in the Climate Action Plan 2019, the biggest challenge in data capture for Irish hedgerows and non-forest woodland/tress is the quantification of the carbon in the above and below ground biomass. To address the lack of data on the potential for hedgerow carbon sequestration, Teagasc has recently commenced a research project (funded by the EPA) called “Farm-Carbon – Farm Hedgerows and Non-forest Woodland Carbon”. The overall objective of this project is to advance the understanding of the contribution of hedgerows and non-forest woodland to carbon stocks in agricultural landscapes, and to identify approaches to maintain and enhance this contribution. In addition, the EPA land-use mapping project, which is currently on-going, will bring together the various spatial datasets available so that full coverage of land-use features, including hedgerows, within the spatial land-use map can be identified.
102. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a more accurate timeline available for the connection of broadband to a premises (details supplied). [50047/21]
View answerThe Question refers to premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 7 October over 264,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed and over 108,000 premises are under construction across 30 Deployment Areas. The first premises are connected in Cavan, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Monahgan. Surveys are complete or underway in County Cork in Midelton, Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfoyle, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon, Kilpatrick, Ballydesmond, Kiskeam, Umeraboy, Knocknagree, Rineen, Cullen, Coolinarna, Millstreet, Hollymount and Caherbarnagh. Main works are ongoing in Carrigaline, Fountainstown, Ballinhassig, Monkstown and Upper Rochestown. Pre-works ongoing in Midleton.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
In addition to the challenges to the delivery of the NBP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has faced a range of other challenges due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. These include significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades, the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews and addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews commenced work on the ground. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract. This plan addresses delays experienced by NBI, primarily arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and re-baselines milestones for 2021. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond.
Given the scale and complexity of delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the NBP, I am advised that any dates provided by NBI on its website are based on the best available information at the time and may be subject to change. NBI has recently published details of its full deployment schedule on its website, www.nbi.ie, which enables all premises within the intervention area to have an anticipated service activation date range.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 1 October, 379 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are installed at Aubane Community Centre, Whitechurch Community Centre, Mealagh Valley Community Centre, Lissavard Community Centre, The Old Schoolhouse Dromina, Ballindangan Community Centre, Bere Island Heritage Centre, Sherkin Island Community Hall, Coláiste Phobal Cléire, Aghabullogue Community Centre, Courtbrack Community Centre, Castletownkenneigh Community Centre, Laharn Heritage Centre, T.O. Park Labbamollaga, Glash Community Centre, Clogagh Community Hall and Ballydaly Community Hall. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Templebrady National School, Ballycroneen National School, Clogagh National School, Educate Together Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour National School, Scoil Naomh Fionan Na Reanna, Ballygarvan National School, and Shanbally National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
103. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when micro-generated energy providers will be in a position to sell their surplus domestic generated energy to the national grid; if there is an EU Directive on this issue; if so, if Ireland is compliant with this regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50055/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to expanding and incentivising micro-generation to help people generate renewable electricity for their own use and sell excess electricity back to the grid.
The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland allowing them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid which reflects the market value of that electricity. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework on 1 October which outlines the details for the introduction of the CEG payment including eligibility criteria and timescales for introduction. I understand that the CRU consultation will last four weeks, with a decision expected to be published in November and a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards. The CEG will represent compliance with Article 21(2)(d) of the Recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), which establishes an entitlement for renewables self-consumers to receive remuneration for the excess renewable electricity they export to the grid. The transposition of this and other relevant Articles of RED II and Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity (IMED) will provide the legal basis for the above-mentioned enabling framework. My Department is engaging with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on transposing these Articles into Irish law. It is expected that this will be achieved before year end. Article 36(1) of RED II provides for a deadline of 30 June 2021 for the transposition of the Directive.
104. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport when the feasibility study into the double tracking of the rail line from Athenry to Galway city is commencing; when the findings will be published; and if the public will have an opportunity to make submissions to the study. [49931/21]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the National Transport Authority (NTA) is funding a feasibility study in relation to service capacity on the Athenry to Galway corridor. The study will assess the optimal solution to increase frequency/capacity between Galway and Athenry on the Galway line and I believe this study commenced earlier this year.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
105. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be provided to the rural transport programme and TFI LocalLink in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49963/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand. My Department provides aggregate funding for Local Link and PSO services to the NTA.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that under Budget 2022, announced yesterday, additional funding is being provided for public transport services in rural areas, including for the NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. The specific individual allocations will be outlined, in the normal manner, when the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) is published.
The NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan has the objective of providing better connections between villages and towns through enhanced and new local routes. These local routes will be integrated with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.
In relation to Connecting Ireland, I understand that the NTA will be commencing the public consultation phase on its proposals very shortly. The consultation will provide all interested parties and the general public with an opportunity to review and comment on the proposals.
106. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if there is a commitment in the National Development Plan to fund two relief roads projects in Killeagh and Castlemartyr, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50113/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
In the new NDP, launched on 4th October, approximately €5.1 billion is earmarked for new national road projects to 2030. This funding will enable improved connectivity across the country as well as compact growth, which are core components of the revised NDP. The funding will enable the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of many others.
In relation to the projects listed in the NDP that are not at or close to construction, they are subject to further approvals in advance of a decision to construct. When evaluating the progression of these projects and in order to deliver on strategic objectives, a prioritisation exercise will be undertaken which will be in line with the 2:1 Programme for Government commitment on new public transport and new roads, the "NIFTI" framework, the National Planning Framework and the requirements of the Climate Action Plan. It will also take account of available funding levels in any given year, as well as a focus, where appropriate, on town bypasses which facilitate compact growth.
The proposed N25 projects in Killeagh and Castlemartyr are not listed in the NDP, though of course the NDP is not an exhaustive list of all projects that may proceed. A Strategic Assessment Report is expected to commence in the coming year with respect to a bypass of the two villages, to identify options prior to a decision on next steps under the Public Spending Code.
The latest information on the status of the proposed relief roads are available from TII. Noting this, I have referred your query to TII for a direct reply on the current project status. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
107. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to extending stamp duty relief to young trained farmers until December 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49945/21]
View answerStamp duty relief for young trained farmers provides for a total exemption from stamp duty (currently 7.5%) on either the transfer by gift, or purchase, of farmland (and associated buildings) where the recipient is a trained farmer under the age of 35 and meets other specified criteria. It is legislated for in Section 81AA on the Stamp Duties Consolidation Acts 1999 (SDCA 1999), titled “Transfers to young trained farmers”,
As with all such reliefs, it is subject to a number of terms and conditions. Section 81AA was introduced in Finance Act 2000, has since been extended on a number of occasions, and is currently due to expire on 31 December 2021.
The primary domestic and EU policy objective of this relief is to encourage the inter-generational transfers of agricultural land, with a secondary purpose being to increase the level and rate of adoption of new more productive and more environmentally friendly farming practices.
My plans for the future of this relief were announced yesterday as part of Budget 2022, and as the Deputy will be by now be aware, I was only able to extend it for one year to end-2022.
This limited extension is due to the need to ensure that this relief, which is a form of state aid, remains compatible with the EU's Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation (ABER). The ABER permits Member States to provide state aid to the agriculture sector if it meets certain criteria, such as facilitating and encouraging the intergenerational transfer of farms. Once the current CAP negotiations are complete, the ABER is expected to be reviewed. The current ABER, which itself has been extended, currently expires at the end of 2022, so I was limited by this to the one year extension.
Once a new ABER, or an equivalent, is in place, and assuming the young trained farmer stamp duty relief remains compliant with it, I can assure you that I will consider extending the relief by three years, which is the normal duration of extensions for reliefs such as this one.
108. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to extending stock relief until December 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49946/21]
View answerIn accordance with my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidlines, generally speaking, tax measures are usually extended for a three-year period at any one time. As the Deputy will be aware, I announced in the Budget yesterday that the various stock relief measures are to be extended in Finance Bill 2021.
Section 666 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997, which provides that the amount of stock relief is 25% of the amount by which the value of farm trading stock at the end of an accounting period exceeds the value of farm trading stock at the beginning of the accounting period, is to be extended for a further three years.
Section 667B TCA 1997, which provides enhanced stock relief at a rate of 100% for young trained farmers, and section 667C TCA 1997 which provides for stock relief at the rate of 50% for farmers who are partners in registered farm partnerships, are to be extended for a further one year. As referenced in my Budget address yesterday, this shortened period arises because we must await the outcome of CAP and related State Aid negotiations which have a bearing on these two reliefs.
However, as I also noted, I have been advised by the Department of Agriculture that they are confident that reliefs of this nature will continue to be considered an acceptable form of State Aid under the terms of any revised regulation.
I am hopeful, therefore, that it will be possible to provide for a further extension of these reliefs next year in line with the extension to section 666 TCA 1997 being made this year.
109. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) cannot get insurance due to their age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50003/21]
View answerI note that the details supplied by the Deputy refers to a situation involving motor trade insurance, which I understand is not a standard private motor insurance policy. Neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter which individual companies assess on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive). Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies as to how they price their policies or what terms and conditions they apply to those policies.
Insurers use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer cover and what terms to apply, including for motor trade insurance policies. Factors may include those such as the driver’s age and experience, the relevant claims record, and so on. Insurers do not all use the same combination of rating factors, and as a result prices vary across the market. Consumers are accordingly free to choose whatever product best meets their needs, with price obviously being a relevant factor. Insurance companies will also price and offer cover in accordance with their own past claims experience.
Notwithstanding the above, seeking to secure a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland remains a key policy priority for this Government. It is my intention, along with Minister of State Fleming, to work to ensure that the commitments outlined in the Programme for Government are progressed in accordance with the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. As the Deputy may be aware, the Cabinet Committee Insurance Reform Sub-Group in July published the first six-monthly Implementation Report of the Action Plan. This shows that work is progressing well to implement these important reforms, with 34 of the 66 actions now completed. The Sub-Group’s focus now is on implementing the outstanding actions on time.
In relation to motor insurance prices more generally, I would note that, according to Central Statistics Office (CSO) data for July 2021, motor insurance prices are continuing to decline. Motor insurance prices in June were 34.7% lower than their peak in July 2016; and 5.7% lower than when the Government’s Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform was established in September 2020. It is the Government’s intention that this positive downward trend continues as the reform agenda progresses.
With respect to the correspondence highlighted in the question, it may interest the individual involved to know that Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurance providers in this country, operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance cover. This can be accessed at feedback@insuranceireland.eu. In addition, Brokers Ireland can be contacted at insurancequeries@brokersireland.ie .
I would also note that a person who is unable to secure a motor insurance quotation on the open market, may be in a position to avail of the Declined Cases Agreement process. Under the terms of the Declined Cases Agreement (DCA), which is adhered to by all motor insurers in Ireland, the insurance market will not refuse to provide insurance to an individual seeking motor insurance if he or she has approached at least three insurers and has not been able to obtain cover from them. The relevant e-mail address for the DCA is: declined@insuranceireland.eu.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work remains ongoing across Government to deliver further elements of the Action Plan, including measures to reform the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, reduce fraud, and make changes to the duty of care in order to strengthen waivers and notices. It is my hope that the implementation of these key actions in particular should further help to improve the affordability and availability of insurance for all consumers, businesses and voluntary groups – including young drivers in particular.
110. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 1225 of 9 September 2021, if he will address further matters regarding VRT (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50005/21]
View answerAs noted in my response to the Deputy on 9th September in PQ 42112/21, the Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from VRT and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant. Details of these reliefs and the grant in respect of fuel usage are available on the Revenue website. The relief from Value Added Tax and Vehicle Registration Tax are generous in nature amounting to up to €10,000, €16,000 or €22,000.
Again, the amount of the remission or repayment of VAT and VRT is decided on the basis of the value and nature of the adaptions made to the vehicle. Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the reliefs at this time.
111. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider instructing his Department to begin collecting the data either through research or as a standardised component of the tax return on which research and development activity is carried out in order to allow for an assessment of the effectiveness of the research and development tax relief incentivising companies to deepen such activity within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50062/21]
View answerThe research and development (R&D) tax credit allows a company to claim a 25% tax credit in respect of expenditure incurred on qualifying R&D activities. In making a claim for the R&D tax credit, companies must satisfy two tests: the activity must be a qualifying activity (a science test) and the amount of the claim must be based on R&D expenditure incurred (an accounting test). A claim for the R&D tax credit is made on a self-assessment basis. A corporation tax return captures certain information in relation to the R&D credit, in particular information which is required for the purposes of calculating a company’s tax liability.
With regard to research on R&D activities, the biennial Business Expenditure on Research and Development (BERD) survey of enterprises measures the R&D expenditure, human resources and other R&D related topics for enterprises in Ireland. The survey, undertaken by the Central Statistics Office, is a census of all enterprises that are believed to be engaged in R&D activities in all business sectors of the economy. The latest information in respect the BERD survey is available on the Central Statistics Office website at www.cso.ie/en/methods/multisectoral/businessexpenditureonresearchanddevelopment/.
Revenue also publish statistics on the R&D credit based on information from corporation tax returns. Statistics in relation to the years 2012 to 2019 are available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/r-and-d-tax-credits.aspx. The published statistics provide information on the number and cost of R&D credit claims as well as a breakdown of the claims by business sector.
A change to the corporation tax return which would oblige companies to disclose what kind of R&D activity they are carrying out would create additional administration for firms, particularly smaller companies, in addition to the existing paperwork required for claiming the credit. Having regard to the information already available, as set out above, I do not consider this is required at this time.
However, as with all tax expenditures, officials in my Department frequently monitor the credit and regular engagement with stakeholders is facilitated. I note the Deputy’s point and this will be considered in tandem with other policy considerations in due course.
112. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the Department calculations by that reportedly project a revenue loss of €2 billion a year following a corporate tax rate increase to 15% (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50076/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I have consistently indicated that there would likely be a significant cost to the Exchequer arising from an agreement reached at the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework on BEPS.
Firstly, it should be stressed that there are two pillars to this agreement. Pillar One will see a reallocation of a proportion of profits to the jurisdiction of the consumer. This means that, in effect, corporate tax revenue streams which now flow to the Irish Exchequer will flow to the Exchequers of other countries when implemented. Pillar Two will see the adoption of a new global minimum effective tax rate of 15% applying to multinationals with global revenues in excess of €750m.
While the final cost is very difficult to predict, my Department and the Revenue Commissioners have previously estimated that the cost of the agreement could be between €800m and €2 billion annually when both pillars come into effect. These figures are included in the Stability Programme Update and the Summer Economic Statement (SES). Given the uncertainty over the potential implementation of any agreement, this costing was phased in over a number of years, with the SES assuming a €1 billion impact in 2023, rising to €1.5 billion in 2024 and €2 billion in 2025.
There have been significant changes to the original proposals since then, both in relation to Pillar One, in which there is now a higher re-allocation than was originally foreseen, and on Pillar Two. However, it should be stressed that while there is now a broad high level agreement in place on the main features of a solution, discussions are continuing and will continue into 2022 on how the Agreement will be implemented in practice. For instance, the discussions on Pillar One will need to examine the rules in respect to reallocation from entities within a group. Further, it remains to be seen what additional tax will be paid by MNEs under Pillar Two when substance based carve-out rules are applied which can reduce the effective tax rate paid.
As technical discussions on the implementation framework continue, officials from my Department and from Revenue will keep the position under review and, when and if necessary, my Department will provide an update on how the agreement is expected to impact the public finances.
113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the action that will be taken by statutory agencies in relation to the threat posed to retailers and communities by criminal gangs selling illicit roll your own tobacco and the impact that this criminality has on areas such as the Border region; if his attention has been drawn to the relatively minimal infrastructure required for criminals to produce counterfeit tobacco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50080/21]
View answer114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if the recent large scale seizures of raw tobacco reported by the Revenue Commissioners indicate the possible presence of one or more illegal tobacco factories operating on the island of Ireland; if he has discussed this threat with enforcement authorities with a view to protecting communities and legitimate retailers from the availability or illegally manufactured tobacco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50081/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.
I am aware that Revenue uses a range of measures to identify and target the smuggling, supply or sale of illicit tobacco products, with a view to disrupting the supply chain, seizing the products and where possible, prosecuting those involved. Revenue’s strategy involves developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, the use of analytics and detection technologies and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources on a risk-focused basis. This strategy plays a key role in targeting the activities of organised crime groups responsible for much of this criminality who operate across multiple jurisdictions.
I am also aware that Revenue monitors trends in the illicit tobacco trade on an ongoing basis and adjusts its actions and redeploys its resources in response to new developments or methodologies employed by the criminal gangs involved in that trade. The smuggling of tobacco products has a transnational and cross border dimension and in addition to Revenue’s ongoing involvement in the Cross-Border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) and cooperation with An Garda Síochána in this area, I am advised that Revenue also works closely with international bodies including OLAF (the EU’s anti-fraud agency), Europol and the World Customs Organisation.
I am advised by Revenue that it is conducting ongoing joint investigations with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as regards the illicit production of tobacco products. Since March 2018, Revenue has seized over 100,000kgs of raw tobacco. Four illicit cigarette manufacturing facilities have been discovered and dismantled on the island of Ireland as result of investigations by the JATF. These successful outcomes include the discovery of an illicit cigarette manufacturing facility in Co. Armagh in July this year as a result of a joint investigation by Revenue and HMRC. I am further advised that increases in the detection and seizure of illicit tobacco are due to continued cooperation and intelligence sharing with other national and international law enforcement agencies and Revenue’s advanced profiling methods and strategic use of appropriate detection technology.
I commend Revenue and all the relevant State agencies for their work in this important area and I am satisfied that there is an appropriate focus on tackling this form of criminality.
115. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the supports available to older and vulnerable households in order to assist them in submitting their local property tax revaluation given that many persons are unable to access the online valuation tool and other information online; if he will establish a helpline in order to provide assistance to persons for this process; if he will arrange a follow-up awareness campaign to inform persons that such a helpline exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50154/21]
View answerRevenue has issued over 1.4 million notices to property owners in recent weeks, setting out what is required to meet Local Property Tax (LPT) obligations for the new ‘valuation period’ (2022 to 2025). This includes approximately 200,000 hard-copy LPT returns to property owners who have not previously availed of the online options.
Revenue is also operating an LPT Helpline (01-7383626) to assist property owners who may be experiencing difficulties meeting their Return filing obligations for the new ‘valuation period’, which must be completed by 7 November 2021. The Helpline which operates from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, is currently answering an average of 3,000 calls per day.
Revenue has advised me that property owners who have not received a hard-copy LPT Return and are unable to file online should contact the Helpline for assistance. As part of the service the Helpline agents will assist with both the Return filing and payment selection processes. In advance of calling the Helpline, property owners will need to have determined the market value of their property so that the Return can be completed. They should also have their PPSN, Property ID and PIN to hand. The Property ID and PIN numbers can be found on any LPT correspondence previously received from Revenue.
When determining the market value of a property for the new ‘valuation period’, it is not necessary for property owners to use online sources for guidance if it is difficult for them to do so. Non-online sources such as the property pages in newspapers (local and/or national) or checking the information displayed in local auctioneer offices are alternative sources that can provide useful guidance to assist in determining the correct ‘valuation band’ to be applied.
Finally, Revenue has confirmed that it will conduct a comprehensive LPT media campaign, using both print and digital channels, over the coming weeks in the lead up to the 7 November filing date.
116. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if veterinary practices, dentist surgeries, physiotherapy clinics, holistic healing centres and other such services are entitled to apply for a Covid-19 commercial rates waiver from their local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49933/21]
View answerIn recognition of the impacts of COVID 19 and the associated public health restrictions, the Government put in place a commercial rates waiver for the first nine months of 2021. The waiver was more targeted in 2021 than in 2020 and applied only to businesses most seriously affected by restrictions. Automatic eligibility extending to retail, hospitality, including hotels, pubs and restaurants, leisure and entertainment, personal services such as hairdressers and barbers and various other categories.
The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. Local authorities levy rates on property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. Valuation lists contain broad categories of commercial property including a category for properties occupied by businesses in the health sector. Most businesses in the health sector were automatically entitled to the waiver based on their property categorisation. However, there is no distinct category for properties occupied by veterinary practices, so eligibility depends on the property category assigned on the valuation list. Properties which are not automatically eligible may qualify if they can provide proof of serious impact to their local authority.
As has been the case since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department will continue to engage with the local government sector and with individual local authorities on the financial impacts of the pandemic.
117. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which a local authority can apply for funding to employ a full-time biodiversity officer; the number of officers that he proposes to be employed nationally; and the local authorities that currently employ a biodiversity officer in tabular form. [50162/21]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the implementation of a range of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity and nature in Ireland; this does not include the employment of biodiversity officers, which falls under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, within the remit of each Local Authority. Currently, there are five biodiversity officers employed in the following local authorities:
Fingal County Council
Wexford County Council
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Dublin City Council
Kerry County Council
In addition, the County Heritage Officer Network Programme, run in partnership between the Heritage Council and local authorities, employs a heritage officer in each Local Authority. Heritage officers work with other sections within the local authorities to develop policies and projects which highlight the importance of our natural and built heritage when planning for the future. They co-ordinate and implement County Heritage Plans and work with local environmental and community groups to organise events throughout the year.
Ensuring that all 31 local authorities have a sufficient number of biodiversity and heritage officers among their staff complement is one of the measures outlined in the Programme for Government to ensure that agencies who play a key role in protecting our biodiversity and natural heritage have the resources to deliver on their mandate. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is involved in ongoing work in formulating a Biodiversity Officer programme, to be considered by Local Authorities in the context of their existing commitments, the overall resources available to the Government and the demands on those resources.
118. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49986/21]
View answerMy Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the processing time for FBR applications stood at 18 months due to an unprecedented surge in applications as a result of Brexit, and the necessarily rigorous processing that applies to citizenship applications.
The application referenced was registered on 17 September 2020, and is waiting to be processed. All documentation received is being stored in a secure environment.
Due to the pandemic, FBR staff have been reassigned to assist in the delivery of essential services. This has resulted in a pause in overall FBR processing. FBR staff have continued to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Over 4,700 emergency FBR applications have been processed so far in 2021. In cases of exceptional urgency FBR applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly.
The Passport Service is actively planning to resume processing FBR applications as soon as possible. My Department is committed to allocating further resources to assist with the high volume of applications, with a focus on reducing turnaround times by the end of 2021. In the medium term, changes to the FBR process to increase efficiencies and improve the customer experience will be delivered under the next phase of my Department's Passport Reform Programme.
119. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the Passport Office to expedite the processing of the passport application of a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that the family have been waiting for six months for the passport application to be processed due to an error on the part of the Passport Office which has caused a significant delay. [49988/21]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has already issued a passport to the applicant.
120. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans for processing of foreign birth registrations to recommence in the near future; and if so, the date. [50012/21]
View answerMy Department is responsible for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the processing time for FBR applications stood at 18 months due to an unprecedented surge in applications as a result of Brexit, and the necessary rigorous processing that applies to citizenship applications.
Due to the pandemic, FBR staff have been reassigned to assist in the delivery of essential services. This has resulted in a pause in overall FBR processing. FBR staff have continued to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Over 4,700 emergency FBR applications have been processed so far in 2021. In cases of exceptional urgency FBR applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly.
The Passport Service is actively planning to resume processing FBR applications as soon as possible and I will arrange to have the Deputy informed once a date for the resumption of processing these applications has been finalised. My Department is committed to allocating further resources to assist with the high volume of applications, with a focus on reducing turnaround times by the end of 2021. In the medium term, changes to the FBR process to increase efficiencies and improve the customer experience will be delivered under the next phase of my Department's Passport Reform Programme.
121. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine a case regarding a passport application by a person (details supplied); when a passport will be issued to the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50070/21]
View answer123. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 462 of 9 September 2021, the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50077/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 123 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant.
The current turnaround times are 10 working days for Simple Adult renewals, 15 working days for Complex renewals, 40 working days for First Time Applications on Passport Online and 8 weeks for Passport Express for applications which have been completed correctly.
122. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will examine a case regarding a passport application by a person (details supplied); when a passport will be issued to the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50071/21]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has already issued a passport to the applicant.
