Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of successful applications to his Department for the installation of rapid e-car chargers in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, by county, in tabular form. [62378/21]
View answer52. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of unsuccessful applications to his Department for the installation of rapid e-car chargers 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, by county, in tabular form. [62379/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastructure strategy is due for publication early next year which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030.
Preparations are underway to establish an Office of Low Emission Vehicles. This Office will play an important role in our transition to zero emission vehicles. It will co-ordinate measures to support the uptake of EVs and the rollout of charge point infrastructure.
In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, continues to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. It should be noted that this scheme facilitates the installation of standard charge points.
My Department has committed to reviewing the Scheme later this year to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.
Thirteen local authorities have been in touch with SEAI in relation to the scheme. To date, letters of offer have issued to Louth County Council and Dublin City Council in 2021, to install a total of 29 charge points within their administrative areas.
|
Item |
Count |
Charging Stations |
Charging Points* |
Value (Total) |
|
Applications Approved |
3 |
19 |
29 |
€143,038 |
|
Applications Expired/Cancelled/Rejected |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Applications Under Review |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Total Applications |
3 |
19 |
29 |
€143,038 |
*A charging station can be dual which results in two charge points being available for cars to use.
There were no letters of offer issued in 2019 or 2020 respectively.
There is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging, and workplace charging.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022. This intervention alone will result in:
- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles
- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers
- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points
Since the inception of the project, nine 3-bay charging hubs and one 8-bay charging hub have been installed with further hub locations planned. In addition, 30 of the 50 existing Standard (AC) chargers have been replaced with Fast (DC) chargers with further upgrades planned in various locations. Further details on the progression of this project can be found at esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.
My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as hotels, visitor centres and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
53. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter regarding the funding available to a business in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62216/21]
View answer55. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the current employment wage subsidy scheme, EWSS, levels for the hospitality sector until April 2022 at the earliest, which were significantly scaled back on 1 December 2021, given that businesses need support in order to sustain the livelihoods of the remaining staff employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62059/21]
View answer58. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the measures his Department has taken to support the implementation of the employment wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62130/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 55 and 58 together.
Section 28B of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 provides for the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) which is an economy-wide enterprise support for eligible businesses. EWSS provides a subsidy to qualifying employers, based on the number of qualifying employees on the payroll.
As an economy-wide support, the EWSS has played a central role in supporting businesses, encouraging employment and helping to maintain the link between employers and employees since July 2020. As of 9 December 2021, payments of approximately €5.73 billion and PRSI credit of over €902 million have been granted to 51,700 employers in respect of some 696,900 workers.
The EWSS legislation provides that for employers to be eligible for the EWSS, they must be able to demonstrate that their business will experience a 30% reduction in turnover or customer orders for the calendar year 2021 compared to the calendar year 2019 and that this disruption to normal business is caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I would also draw attention to the fact that, despite the exit from most public health restrictions during the summer, the eligibility criteria was not tightened in the Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 which was enacted in the summer and which extended the scheme beyond end-June 2021. In fact, the reference period to which the metric must be applied was broadened out in the above Act to span a full year thus effectively relaxing the conditionality to qualify to benefit from the scheme in most cases.
Therefore, for most businesses, eligibility is determined by comparing the actual turnover or level of customer orders of the business for the calendar year 2021 with the turnover or level of customer orders of the business for the calendar year 2019. Many businesses were fully closed or limited in their capacity to trade due to the public health restrictions in place for the earlier months of 2021. This change in the EWSS assessment period meant that such businesses could generate the equivalent of up to 70% of their calendar year 2019 turnover or customer orders for the remainder of 2021 and still remain eligible to claim support under the scheme.
To address the specific question regarding businesses that have expanded, so they are operating at over 70%, such businesses would not be eligible for EWSS as their turnover exceeds the threshold for EWSS support. The EWSS scheme is calibrated in such a way to ensure that support is available for those businesses that are most adversely impacted by the pandemic. The eligibility requirement of a 30% reduction in turnover has been a key feature of the scheme since its introduction and I have no current plans to alter this criterion.
As the Deputies will be aware, as part of my Budget Day announcement I outlined that the EWSS will remain in place in a graduated form until 30 April 2022 and that there will be no changes to the eligibility review period. While the scheme will be closed to new employers from 1 January 2022, eligible employers who are availing of EWSS at 31 December 2021 will continue to be supported by the scheme, if they so choose, until 30 April 2022.
As announced on 9 December last, arrangements are being made to extend the enhanced rates of EWSS for the months of December 2021 and January 2022 to give certainty to businesses when they need it most and to help to maintain employer/employee links. This matter is scheduled to return to Dáil Éireann later today for approval as part of the Finance Bill 2021 process. From 1 February 2022, the original two-rate structure of €203 per week and €151.50 per week will apply; for March and April 2022 the flat rate subsidy of €100 per week will apply and the scheme will end on 30 April 2022.
As part of the deliberations associated with this most recent change, consideration was given to amending the reference period so that all businesses would have to demonstrate eligibility for EWSS in the period January to April 2022 by way of a 30% decrease in turnover compared with the same period in 2019. However, for a number of reasons, including the fact that such a change could have the effect of excluding certain businesses who, in line with my Budget Day announcement, might have otherwise expected to be eligible for EWSS and who have planned accordingly, such an approach was not proceeded with. Accordingly, I intend to follow the course outlined in Budget 2022, so that businesses who qualify for EWSS as at 31 December 2021 may continue to be supported by the scheme until 30 April 2022.
Finally, as has been the case throughout the pandemic, the Government will continue to monitor developments closely. Details of all Government supports available for businesses can be found on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s website, at the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
54. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if there are plans for a VAT exemption for psychotherapists given that they are currently the only allied health profession with a requirement to register for VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62025/21]
View answerThe position remains as outlined on 20 September 2021 to Deputy Cormac Devlin.
Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief in respect of qualifying health expenses. Section 469 defines "health expenses" as "expenses in respect of the provision of health care including the services of a practitioner".
A practitioner is defined in the section as "any person who is:
a. registered in the register established under section 43 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007,
b. registered in the register established under section 26 of the Dentists Act, 1985, or,
c. in relation to health care provided outside the State, entitled under the laws of the country in which the care is provided to practice medicine or dentistry there".
In the case of counselling or psychotherapy, the relief is available where the counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist carrying out the treatment is a qualified practitioner, or where a patient is referred by a qualified practitioner for a diagnostic procedure.
This is similar to the position that applies to other medical expenses, and I am satisfied that the legislation provides sufficient flexibility for expenses that should qualify for tax relief. Accordingly, there are no plans to change these arrangements at this time.
Comprehensive guidance material on medical expenses can be found on Revenue’s website in Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-12 www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-12.pdf
With regards to the application of VAT exemption now rated at 13.5% on earnings over €37,500 for counsellors and psychotherapists, the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under domestic legislation, professional medical care services recognised as such by the Department of Health are exempt from VAT. Professional medical care services recognised by the Department of Health are generally those medical care services supplied by health professionals who are enrolled, registered, regulated, or designated on the appropriate statutory register provided for under the relevant legislation in force in the State or equivalent legislation applicable in other countries. This includes health professionals registered under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, the Nurses Act 1985 and those engaged in a regulated profession designated under Section 4 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005.
Statutory Instrument No. 170 of 2018 (Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (Regulations 2018) of 2 July 2018 designates psychotherapists and counsellors as a regulated profession and established the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board. Professional counselling and psychotherapy services provided by persons registered by this Board are exempt from VAT from the date of their registration.
The thirteen members of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board were appointed with effect from 25 February 2019.
The Board has begun the substantial body of work which must be undertaken before it is in a position to open its registers. Questions on the establishment of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board and their progress in opening their register are a matter for the Minister for Health.
56. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Finance if it will be ensured that the Covid restrictions support scheme, CRSS, includes an automatic qualification for hospitality businesses that qualify for the employment wage subsidy scheme, EWSS, and that a 30% threshold would apply; and if he will consider a cap on CRSS payments to be set at €25,000 to ensure that no hospitality businesses are disadvantaged by the scheme. [62060/21]
View answerThe Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (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. The support is available to companies, self-employed individuals and partnerships who carry on a trade or trading activities, the profits from which are chargeable to tax under Case I of Schedule D, from a business premises located in a region subject to Covid restrictions as set out in the relevant legislation.
To qualify under the scheme a business must, under specific terms of the Covid restrictions, be required to either prohibit or significantly restrict, customers from accessing their business premises to acquire goods or services, with the result that the business either has to temporarily close or to operate at a significantly reduced level. For the purposes of CRSS, a qualifying “business premises” is a building or other similar fixed physical structure in which a business activity is ordinarily carried on.
The CRSS applies to businesses carrying on trading activities from a business premises located in a region subject to restrictions, which requires the business to prohibit or considerably restrict customers from accessing their business premises and as a result, is operating at less than 25% of turnover in 2019.
It is not sufficient that the trade of a business has been impacted because of a reduction in customer demand as a consequence of Covid-19. The scheme only applies where, as a direct result of the specific terms of the Government restrictions, the business is required to either prohibit or significantly restrict access to its business premises.
The cash payment is 10% of the average weekly turnover of the business in 2019 up to €20,000 and 5% thereafter, subject to a maximum weekly payment of €5,000, for each week that the business is affected by the Covid restrictions.
With the easing of Covid restrictions in recent months many businesses are no longer significantly restricted from operating and therefore are no longer eligible for the CRSS. However, eligible businesses have been able to claim enhanced restart week payments to assist them with the costs of reopening. A total of €704m has been paid out under the CRSS in respect of 25,500 premises.
The public health restrictions currently in force, require nightclubs and discotheques to remain closed until 9 January 2022 and they will be eligible to receive the CRSS until then.
Under the relevant legislation, the CRSS was due to end on 31 December 2021 but is now being extended to the end of January 2022. Provision is also being made to allow the Minister to extend the CRSS up to 30 April 2022 by Ministerial order if deemed necessary.
Following the agreement of Government on 3 December 2021, my Department and Revenue sought to develop a proposal to modify the CRSS to provide for a supplementary subsidy (in addition to EWSS) for businesses which are subject to the latest restrictions on operating. The objective of the modified scheme was to provide targeted, timely and sector-specific support to supplement the reduced EWSS payments to the sector.
However, on further consideration and analysis of the data on CRSS, it proved to be administratively complex to design such a scheme and it would not be possible to have it operational ahead of Christmas as was hoped. The proposed modifications which included a change to both the turnover threshold and the rate, as well as consideration of a higher weekly cap, had the potential to significantly increase the cost of the scheme, particularly in the context of uncertainly around the trajectory of Covid-19 and the impact of the Omicron variant.
Therefore a decision was taken that a restoration of the higher EWSS rate was a relatively more efficient and effective way to support businesses in the immediate term. The CRSS will remain in place to support businesses who are required to close or significantly restrict customers from accessing their business premises, and who meet the qualifying criteria.
I propose to introduce amendments to the Finance Bill 2021 to give effect to these changes in the Seanad this week.
57. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to extending the trans-Border worker’s relief post-January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62071/21]
View answerTrans-Border Workers’ Relief may apply in the case of an individual resident in the State but who commutes to his or her place of work outside the State. This relief is set out in section 825A of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997.
The relief effectively removes the foreign employment income from a liability to Irish tax where foreign tax has been paid on that employment income. In simple terms, the effect of the measure is that Irish tax will only arise where the individual has income other than income from a foreign employment.
The relief applies subject to certain conditions, which include the requirement that the duties of a qualifying employment are performed wholly outside the State in a country with which Ireland has a Double Taxation Agreement. There is an exception in respect of merely incidental duties which may be performed in the State.
As the Deputy may be aware, the operation of this relieving measure is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. Revenue understands that due to COVID-19, certain individuals whose duties of employment are normally performed outside the State, may be required to work from home in the State, which would result in them being ineligible for relief under Section 825A TCA 1997. In recognition of this, on 23 March 2020, Revenue issued updated guidance on the COVID-19 hub of its website and notified by eBrief No. 046/20, to provide for a concession in respect of this relief as follows - “where employees are required to work from home in the State due to COVID-19, such days spent working at home in the State will not preclude an individual from being entitled to claim this relief, provided all other conditions of the relief are met. For example, the employment income must be fully subject to non-refundable foreign tax.” This concession initially applied in respect of the 2020 tax year and was later extended (on 21 December 2020) to the 2021 tax year.
Revenue continues to regularly review all COVID-19 related matters and, provided all other conditions of the relief are met, Revenue’s temporary concession will be further extended into 2022, for the period that public health measures require employees to work from home.
The COVID-19 concessional treatment is only relevant to those individuals whose employment enables them to perform their duties from home. Certain service type employments requiring in-person attendance at the workplace would not fall into this category and as such, these individuals would presumably not seek to claim the concession, as they would already qualify for the relief.
Further guidance on the relief and the extension of the concession in 2022 may be found in Tax and Duty Manual www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-34/index.aspx - Transborder Workers’ Relief.
I am aware that there have been calls to place this concessional treatment on a statutory footing so that individuals who are resident in the State but work outside the State for a non-resident employer can continue to avail of the relief if they exercise their duties of employment in the State.
During the debates on Finance Bill 2020, I undertook that this matter would be examined as part of the work of the Tax Strategy Group (TSG) for 2021. The resultant paper was discussed by the TSG as part of its deliberations on 8 September last. The examination encompassed very detailed consideration of all relevant matters including the equity of treatment between Irish residents who pay tax in the State, the competitive position of Irish employers and the established principles of international tax. The review identified a number of significant concerns from a policy perspective when having regard to the interest of the wider body of taxpayers encompassing Irish resident employees and employers. The full TSG paper (TSG Paper 21/04) can be located here - www.gov.ie/en/collection/d6bc7-budget-2022-tax-strategy-group-papers/.
This matter was discussed at both the Committee and Report Stages of Finance Bill 2021 in Dáil Éireann and, in fact, it was during the Report Stage debate that I informed the House of Revenue's proposed extension of the temporary concessionary treatment into next year as already mentioned. I and my Department continue to monitor the issue having regard to the comprehensive review carried out under the auspices of the TSG and the fundamental points which the TSG paper raises.
The Deputy may also wish to note that Ireland is exceptional in having a domestic relief such as Trans-Border Workers’ Relief. There is no comparable measure in the United Kingdom nor in many countries in mainland Europe that share land borders.
59. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if research is under way with regard to the potential impact on motor tax revenue an increased uptake of electric vehicles will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62172/21]
View answerThe 2021 Climate Action Plan and the Programme for Government set out ambitious commitments for emissions reductions. Road transport is a sector earmarked for radical decarbonisation, and motor vehicle taxation is an important policy lever in achieving these goals. A significant uptake in electric vehicles (EVs) forms a key part of targets on emissions reductions from road transport, and the motor tax system reflects this ambition. The rates structure increases progressively according to the emissions profile of a vehicle; EVs are therefore liable to motor tax at the lowest rate. As the national fleet becomes increasingly electrified this will lead to a decline in motor tax revenue, and as such the regime is kept under constant review. The future of vehicle and road taxation has been assessed in previous tax strategy group papers and work will continue in this area.
As set out in the Programme for Government, the Commission of Taxation and Welfare has been established to independently consider how the taxation and welfare systems can be used to support economic activity, stimulate employment and prosperity, and provide for the costs of public services and supports. The Commission’s terms of references specify that it will “examine how the taxation system can be used to help Ireland move to a low carbon economy as part of the process of meeting its climate change commitments as set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021. This will include ensuring the sustainability of environmental tax revenue resulting from decarbonisation of the economy.” The report will be submitted to the Minister for Finance in mid 2022 and its findings will inform any policy considerations on the future of motor tax policy.
60. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken by his Department during 2021; and his main priorities for 2022. [62194/21]
View answerThe Department of Finance has undertaken a range of initiatives across the various divisions during 2021, many of which were in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which has had such a disruptive impact on our economy and national finances.
Economics
From an economic policy perspective, the main achievements and initiatives in 2021 were the Stability Programme Update, the Summer Economic Statement, the National Economic Dialogue and Budget 2022. Similarly, in 2022, the Stability Programme Update, the Summer Economic Statement and the National Economic Dialogue will be the main economic policy priorities along with Budget 2023.
Taxation
The main achievements and initiatives in taxation policy in 2021 include preparation of the annual Finance Bill which gives legislative effect to the budget and other necessary tax changes; it is currently progressing through the Oireachtas. In September, 14 Tax Strategy Group papers were published on various options for policy changes across the main tax heads and social welfare areas. For the first time, a paper on Equality Budgeting from a Tax perspective was published as part of the Budget documentation.
In July, the Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 gave legislative effect to some of the actions agreed by the Government as part of the Economic Recovery Plan. These included the extension of key Covid supports, the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) and the tax debt warehousing scheme. A new additional business support scheme (Business Resumption Support Scheme) was implemented in September, and the temporarily reduced rate of VAT of 9% to Hospitality and Tourism related goods and services was extended.
The EWSS and CRSS will be extended into 2022 within the Finance Bill in response to evolving public health restrictions.
The Department actively participated in the development, and commenced implementation of, the Housing for All Strategy. A Residential Zoned Land Tax is being introduced in Finance Bill 2021 to address hoarding of land. It is an annual tax that will apply from 2024 at a rate of 3% of the market value of land that is zoned as suitable for residential development and that has access to all of the necessary services. The Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 also provided legislative underpinning to the provisions on stamp duty for multiple purchases that were introduced by financial resolution in May 2021.
A Review of the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme was undertaken leading to certain policy changes brought forward in Budget 2022 and Finance Bill 2021. A new tax credit was developed to support the digital games sector. A complete review of the local property tax was undertaken with important reforms of the tax successfully implemented in the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021, enacted in July. This delivers on the Programme for Government commitments in relation to Local Property Tax.
Ireland became a signatory to the historic international agreement at the OECD to reform the international tax rules to address the challenges arising from the digitalisation of the global economy. Other key achievements included the transposition of the EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives. Legislative provisions were also made for the exchange of information on digital platforms (DAC7), and the Authorised OECD Approach to transfer pricing of branches.
The main taxation priorities in 2022 will be examination in the Annual Tax Strategy Group of various options for tax policy changes across the main tax heads and social welfare issues; preparation of Budget 2023 and Finance Bill 2022; consideration of findings and recommendations of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare; publication and progression of the Taxation and Certain Other Matters (International Mutual Assistance) Bill; managing a proposed review of the issue of share-based remuneration; continued Implementation of the Department’s actions under the Housing for All Strategy including the collection of data on vacancy levels in residential properties with a view to introducing a Vacant Property Tax, and managing the planned review of the Help-to-Buy scheme as announced in the Budget.
Other priorities include the implementation of the OECD Pillar 2 agreement on minimum corporate taxation; continuing technical work at the OECD including the development and transposition of the Pillar 1 agreement and the development and publication of Ireland’s first Tax Treaty Policy.
In line with the Programme for Government, my Department will continue work to incorporate equality considerations in a more structured way in tax policy formulation and assessment.
With regard to future direction of taxation and welfare policy, the Commission on Taxation and Welfare was established this year. As set out in the Programme for Government, the Commission has been established to independently consider how best the taxation and welfare systems can support economic activity and promote increased employment and prosperity. The Commission is expected to submit a report to the Minister for Finance no later than 1 July 2022.
EU and International Engagement
In my role as President of Eurogroup, I have worked throughout 2021 with my European colleagues to maintain the consensus on a supportive fiscal stance and coordinated policies across the euro area, which has driven a stronger than forecasted economic recovery.
My Department was closely involved in the preparation of Ireland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of An Taoiseach. The Plan was submitted to the European Commission on 28 May 2021 and it was formally adopted by ECOFIN in September. This paves the way for Ireland to begin implementing the agreed suite of 25 reform and investment projects, and subsequently to begin drawing down the approximately €989million in grant funding. My Department will continue to manage overall policy in relation to the Recovery and Resilience Facility at EU level.
My Department was also responsible for managing Ireland’s participation in the European instrument for temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) loan scheme, to protect jobs and workers in the context of Covid-19. The €100 billion SURE instrument allows the Commission borrow on financial markets to finance loans to Member States, allowing Member States to benefit from the EU’s strong credit rating (AAA) and low borrowing costs.
In cooperation with the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform, my Department assisted in negotiations on the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), which provides financing to Member States and sectors that are worst affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Of the €5 billion fund, Ireland is set to receive approximately €1.165 billion. The European Commission adopted its decision to allocate the pre-financing on 6th December 2021, with disbursement due before the end of the year.
The 2021 European Semester cycle was significantly impacted by the introduction of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. While this impact is likely to continue until 2026 as Member States implement their individual Recovery and Resilience Plans, my Department welcomes the return to some of the core Semester activities in 2022, such as the production of Country Reports, updated country specific recommendations, and the implementation of the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure. My Department will continue to manage the return to a more normal European Semester process by representing Irish interests at ECOFIN and its preparatory bodies in 2022.
In the area of EU Banking, the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken in 2021 are an agreement on the introduction of the Common Backstop to the European Stability Mechanism and the termination of the Loan Facility Agreement along with related reforms. The Finance (European Stability Mechanism and Single Resolution Fund) Act was signed into law on 9th December 2021. This legislation provides the required Oireachtas approval to ratify Amending Agreements to two existing intergovernmental agreements, the European Stability Mechanism Treaty and the Single Resolution Fund Intergovernmental Agreement.
The priorities for 2022 include progressing the Banking Union discussions under the French Presidency; continuing to strengthen the regime of bank supervision, and completing any necessary work arising from ongoing discussions on the implementation of the Basel III proposals.
Banking
On domestic banking policy, the Retail Banking Review was initiated and its main priority for 2022 will be presentation of the draft report of the Review to me in November 2022. The General Scheme of the Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Bill, a commitment of the Programme for Government, was approved by Government and published on my Department's website in July 2021. My officials are working closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on the drafting of the Bill, which it is hoped can be published in Q1 2022.
A draft statutory instrument implementing the EU Crowdfunding Regulation is expected to come into effect by year end. My Department will continue to work with the Central Bank in 2022 as regards ongoing implementation of the Crowdfunding Regulation. Part 3 and sections 28, 29 and 31 of the Counterfeiting Act 2021 were commenced in July 2021, providing for the enforcement of the two EU Regulations and an ECB Decision regarding the protection of the euro against counterfeiting.
Statutory Instruments 417 and 418 of 2021 amended the Cross Border Payments Regulations and the Payment Services Regulations to reflect the codification of the EU Cross Border Payments Regulations and its amending Regulations; Statutory Instrument 460 of 2021 was signed into law authorising An Post to provide account information services; the European Council general approach on the Digital Operational Resilience Act was agreed, and transposition was completed of the Covered Bonds Directive, Directive (EU) 2019/2162, through 3 Statutory Instruments namely, S.I. 485 of 2021, SI. 486 of 2021 and S.I. 576 of 2021.
Also in domestic banking policy in 2021, publications included the Irish Sovereign Green Bond Allocation Reports in respect of the years 2020 and 2021; Irish Sovereign Green Bond Eligible Green Projects Impact Report in respect of the years 2019 and 2020; the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2014 (Designated Bodies) Order 2021, and the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2014 (Commencement) Order 2021. The General Scheme of the Consumer Credit (Amendment) Bill and the Moneylending Policy Proposals report were also published in 2021. The final phase of the process to replace Irish Water’s commercial debt with State debt was completed.
Climate Finance
In the areas of climate and engagement with international financial institutions, achievements this year included successful engagement at virtual IMF-World Bank Spring and Annual Meetings; completion of the IMF Article IV mission; drafting the Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Bill 2021; integrating Department of Finance policy into the Ireland and EU negotiation strategy for COP26; implementation of sustainable finance measures under Ireland for Finance 2021 Action Plan.
In July, Department officials and members of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Ireland team hosted a number of EIB-Ireland Financing sub-group meetings to enhance engagement between the EIB and key Departments. My Department effectively engaged on the Climate Action Plan 2021 and on the International Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action.
The main priorities of the Department of Finance in driving the climate agenda in 2022 will be engagement at the IMF/WB Spring and Annual Meetings; IMF Article IV review; IMF 16th Review of Quotas; participation in the whole of Government development of the 2nd Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) National Implementation Plan and preparations for an SDG Voluntary National Review. Publication and progression of the Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Bill 2021 through the Oireachtas will be a priority in 2022, as well as implementation of relevant actions under the National Sustainable Finance Roadmap.
Financial Services
On the financial services agenda, the Action Plan for Insurance Reform sets out 66 actions across several departmental policy areas, including that of my Department, which aim to improve the cost and availability of insurance. In terms of responsibilities of my Department, key achievements in 2021 include the creation a new Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market; the expansion of the National Claims Information Database to gather data on employers’ and public liability insurance, and the publication of the first report on this subject; publication of the Final Report of the Central Bank’s Review of Differential Pricing in the Motor and Home Insurance Markets, and publication of the General Scheme of the Insurance (Miscellaneous Provision) Bill. Priorities for 2022 include progressing the Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which aims to address further insurance-related issues beyond the remit of the Action Plan.
Regarding pensions policy in 2021, ongoing implementation of the Interdepartmental Pension Reform Tax Group (IDPRTG) report is underway, including through Finance Bill measures. These are the abolition of the Approved Minimum Retirement Fund; the inclusion of the Approved Retirement Funds option for death-in-service, and removal of the 15-year rule on transfers from an occupational pension scheme to a Personal Retirement Savings Accounts. Looking to 2022, priorities will be to continue further implementation of the IDPRTG recommendations for next year’s Finance Bill; transposition of the Pan-European Personal Pension Product Regulation, and input on the development of the Auto-Enrolment system.
In March 2021, my Department supported the successful migration of Ireland’s securities settlement system from the UK to Belgium. This complex project was led by industry in response to Brexit and saw over €100 billion worth of securities migrated. The Investment Limited Partnerships (Amendment) Act 2020 was commenced on February 1st 2021. The Act enhances the transparency of Ireland's fund vehicles, reduces potential for money laundering and ensures the highest standard of international requirements are applied. The main priority for 2022 is the promotion of Ireland’s economic and financial policy interests at EU and international fora during negotiations, particularly relating to the recently published European Commission Capital Markets Union legislative package.
In 2021, the main achievements on anti-money laundering policy are establishment of an Interdepartmental Working Group to examine the manner in which United Nations and European Union Restrictive Measures (sanctions) are implemented and enforced in Ireland; strengthened terms of reference for the Anti-Money Laundering Steering Committee; introduction of a registration & supervision regime for virtual assets service providers for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) purposes; development of the first (non-published) Annual Report from the Anti-Money Laundering Steering Committee, and co-leading a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Project examining links between Money Laundering and Environmental Crime alongside international colleagues. In 2022, priorities will include publication of the sectoral Risk Assessment on Trust or Company Service Providers, and development of proposals for an Irish single body on AML/CFT/sanctions.
The Ireland for Finance Action Plan 2021 was launched on 10th February 2021, the eve of the European Financial Forum which is Ireland’s showcase event in relation to our international financial services offering. Implementation of the Plan remains broadly on track and highlights include the hosting of the European Financial Forum in 2022, establishing the Fintech Steering Group and the launch of Ireland’s first National Sustainable Finance Roadmap. Priorities for 2022 include the launch of the Ireland for Finance Action Plan 2022 and a mid-point update of the Ireland for Finance strategy.
Employee Engagement
My Department has continued to maintain business continuity throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic; continued access to the ICT infrastructure for staff working from home has been facilitated. This has allowed the Department to meet its business priorities and objectives and to continue to support the Government, its citizens and businesses.
A key policy in 2022 will be the development of the Department’s Blended Working Policy. Preparatory work was undertaken in 2021 by way of a survey of the Senior Management Group and wider staff consultation in a series of Open Forums. The policy is expected to be in place by April 2022, but this is contingent on central agreement of the Civil Service Blended Working Framework which will act as a template for the development of a policy, tailored to the business needs of my Department.
61. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Finance the details of non-financial or pension supports and resources being made available directly or indirectly through his Department and bodies under his aegis to those who are preparing for retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62227/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department funds pre-retirement courses for staff planning their retirement. The goal of this 2-day course is to provide participants with an overview of the wide-ranging changes associated with retirement, as well as advice regarding personal retirement planning. Funding is also provided for a guest or family member to attend this training with the staff member, if required. The course is facilitated through the Civil Service OneLearning training platform.
Details in respect of the bodies under the aegis of my Department which provide non-financial supports to those preparing for retirement are set out below.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the pension process for Revenue staff is managed by the National Shared Service Office (NSSO). The NSSO web portal, which can be accessed from a link on the desktop of each Revenue staff member, provides information on both the retirement process and pensions. OneLearning, which comes under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (D/PER), provides a Retirement Planning course which is available to Revenue staff members. The two-day course addresses queries and concerns which participants may have and includes topics such as planning for change, social engagement, civil service pensions, finance and money, taxation, legal issues and health and wellbeing. In addition, Revenue provides pensions information for staff through their internal intranet. his information includes links to the relevant D/PER circulars, FAQs and details of the internal dispute resolution process for pension appeals. Revenue has, within their Corporate Services Division, a dedicated Superannuation Team that provides assistance to staff with the retirement process.
The Central Bank in-house pension team provide information on the Central Bank pension scheme to staff. Staff can also plan for their retirement using the member specific online pension calculator tool which allows staff to estimate benefits at various retirement ages. A 2 day pre-retirement course is also available to staff wishing to plan for their retirement. The course content includes Change, Finance, Healthy Living, Social Welfare, Legal, Mental Stimulation, Social Engagement and Developing a Personal Plan.
The staff of the Investor Compensation Company DAC are Central Bank employees, and as such, can avail of the supports detailed above by the Central Bank.
In October 2021, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman provided a pre-retirement planning seminar for its staff to prepare for approaching retirement, at a total cost of €2,546 (incl. VAT).
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) provides HR services to the National Asset Management Agency, Home Building Finance Ireland and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. As it was not possible for the NTMA to respond to this information request in the time available, I have referred the question to them for direct reply.
62. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance if his officials have considered giving additional support to businesses and hotels that are just over the threshold for the employment wage subsidy scheme but still face challenges meeting overheads and costs of running a business during the pandemic restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62278/21]
View answerThe Government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been swift and robust, with a number of schemes created to support businesses and employees since the start of this pandemic. The Government remains fully committed to supporting businesses, employers and employees insofar as is possible at this time.
The objective of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is to support employment and maintain the link between the employer and employee insofar as is possible. The EWSS has been a key component of the Government’s response to the Covid-19 crisis. It is an economy-wide scheme that operates across all sectors.
In money terms, the overall support provided to-date (9th December) by EWSS is over €6.6 billion comprising direct subsidy payments of almost €5.73 billion and PRSI forgone of €902 million to 51,700 employers in respect of over 696,900 employees.
The eligibility criteria for EWSS are based on self-assessment principles and the legislation provides that an employer must be able to demonstrate that his or her business will experience a 30% reduction in turnover or customer orders between 1 January and 31 December 2021, by reference to the corresponding period in 2019, as a result of business disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) applies to businesses carrying on trading activities from a business premises located in a region subject to restrictions, which requires the business to prohibit or considerably restrict customers from accessing their business premises and as a result, is operating at less than 25% of turnover in 2019.
Subject to meeting the qualifying criteria, a cash payment equivalent to 10% of the average weekly turnover of the business in 2019 up to €20,000 and 5% thereafter, is made subject to a maximum weekly payment of €5,000, for each week that the business is affected by the Covid restrictions. A total of €704m has been paid out under the CRSS in respect of 25,500 premises.
Following the agreement of Government on 3 December 2021, my Department and Revenue sought to develop a proposal to modify the CRSS to provide for a supplementary subsidy for businesses which are subject to the latest restrictions on operating. The objective of the modified scheme was to provide targeted, timely and sector-specific support to supplement the reduced EWSS payments to the sector.
However, on further consideration and analysis of the available data, it proved to be administratively complex to design such a scheme and it would not be possible to have it operational ahead of Christmas as was hoped. The proposed modifications which included a change to both the turnover threshold and the rate, as well as consideration of a higher weekly cap, had the potential to significantly increase the cost of the scheme, particularly in the context of uncertainty around the trajectory of Covid-19 and the impact of the Omicron variant.
Therefore a decision was taken that a restoration of the higher EWSS rate was a relatively more efficient and effective way to support businesses in the immediate term. The CRSS will remain in place to support businesses who are required to close or significantly restrict customers from accessing their business premises, and who meet the qualifying criteria.
The enhanced rates of EWSS subsidy will apply for a further two months, December 2021 and January 2022. This will give certainty to businesses when they need it most.
The CRSS was due to end on 31 December 2021 but has now been extended to the end of January 2022. Provision has also been made to allow the Minister to extend the CRSS up to 30 April 2022 by Ministerial order if deemed necessary.
The Government and I have been clear that there will be no cliff edge to supports for employers, and we are confident that revised rates for the EWSS and the extension of the CRSS will give certainty to businesses when they need it most.
63. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners have discontinued all face-to-face interaction with citizens; and, if so, if such a service will be restored. [62282/21]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that its public offices remain closed in accordance with public health advice in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the situation is kept under constant review in line with guidance.
Revenue has also advised me that its telephone helplines remain operational despite the difficulties encountered from the pandemic. Further details on the opening hours for the full range of helplines is available on the ‘Contact Us’ page of the Revenue website, which may be of assistance to the Deputy. For situations where more complex tax issues exist that require direct engagement, Revenue provides a one-to-one appointment service with the relevant official. These engagements can be carried out remotely by video conferencing. An appointment can be arranged by contacting Revenue at telephone 01-7383660 between 09.30 to 13.30 (Monday to Friday).
By way of general information, Revenue has invested significantly in designing IT systems that provide a comprehensive range of online services for taxpayers to manage their tax affairs. These services, which include an online communication channel through the MyEnquiries system, are available 24/7, are easy to use, are fully secure and, in most cases, remove the need to make telephone contact. I am assured that the systems are intuitive and straightforward to use and do not require a significant level of IT literacy.
Finally, if the Deputy is aware of a specific taxpayer that requires assistance, he should provide the details through the Oireachtas Helpline telephone number and Revenue will make direct contact with the person.
64. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to granting reductions in the local property tax for homeowners in developments in which property management fees are to be paid; and if his Department intends to regulate these companies and their fees. [62286/21]
View answerThere is no Local Property Tax (LPT) relief for those paying management or apartment fees under the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended), though such persons may be entitled to an exemption on other grounds or may qualify for a deferral subject to meeting the qualifying conditions. When a person pays a management fee they receive services such as bin collection, maintenance of common areas and a sinking fund for any needed repairs. These are costs that those who do not pay management fees or who live in housing estates that are not subject to management fees must meet from their own means. The 2019 LPT Inter-Departmental Review Group looked at this matter but did not recommend that persons paying management fees be afforded relief in respect of LPT. Moreover, the review did not consider that there was a case for deductibility of such management fees against LPT. I have no plans to introduce such a relief.
The regulation of management companies is not a matter for the Department of Finance. The Programme for Government commits the Government to conduct a review of the existing management company legislation. I understand the Department of Justice will engage with other relevant Departments in relation to taking the appropriate steps to advance this matter.
65. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a consequence of closures of branches by a bank (details supplied), there are no ATM facilities in Moate, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62375/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Finance I have no role in the commercial decisions made by any bank in the State. This includes banks in which the State has a shareholding.
Decisions in this regard, including the management of branch networks, are the sole responsibility of the board and management of the banks, which must be run on an independent and commercial basis. The independence of banks in which the State has a shareholding is protected by Relationship Frameworks which are legally binding documents that cannot be changed unilaterally. These frameworks, which are publicly available, were insisted upon by the European Commission to protect competition in the Irish market.
Notwithstanding this, officials in my Department referred your question to Bank of Ireland who advised that there are ATMs located in Al’s Store and Centra in Moate.
66. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department intends to apply reduced or zero-rated VAT rates on new sanitary products, such as menstrual cups and period proof underwear in line with point 3 of Annexe 1, in view of the agreement reached on 7 December 2021 by the Council of the EU (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62381/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Commission issued its original proposal to amend a Council directive on the common system of value added tax as regards rates of value added tax on 18 January 2018. The compromise text agreed at ECOFIN has been amended significantly in comparison to the original proposal so the EU Parliament will once again be consulted for their opinion. Once the Parliament has issued its opinion on the proposal, the Council will formally adopt the directive. It will then enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Officials in my Department will be reviewing the options now available to Ireland in setting VAT rates. Future tax changes are generally taken in the context of the Budget. Deputies will be aware that my officials prepare a series of papers containing tax options for the Tax Strategy Group to be considered in the context of the budgetary process, alongside a wide range of submissions from various stakeholders and lobby groups.
67. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken by his Department during 2021 and his main priorities for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62200/21]
View answerThroughout 2021, the staff of my Department worked collaboratively on a very wide range of policies, projects and initiatives to deliver on the strategic goals set out in the Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2023. Full details in relation to the achievements of the Department in respect of its key objectives for 2021 (summarised below) will be set out in my Department's Annual Report 2021, which will be published on the Gov.ie website in early 2022. These include:
- To continue to manage public expenditure effectively while addressing challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and Climate Change;
- To produce multi-annual Estimates and Expenditure Statements that meet Government objectives, EU commitments and support economic, social and climate-related progress on a fiscally sustainable basis, and to monitor voted expenditure outturns and trends during the year;
- To mainstream budgetary reforms to promote certainty and discipline regarding the level and broad composition of public expenditure over the medium term, to enhance the quality of performance information and to continually develop the evidence-based approach to expenditure policy formulation, including through the key role of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service and through the promotion of the linkage between the allocation of resources and the proposed wellbeing framework;
- To manage public service pay and pension costs on a fiscally sustainable basis using agreed industrial relations frameworks and advance solutions to support the effective administration of the Single Pension Scheme;
- To oversee the review of the National Development Plan and alignment with the National Planning Framework as part of Project Ireland 2040;
- To address the challenges posed by Brexit, while maximising the opportunities presented by EU membership in a range of EU policy areas, and make the best use of EU funding, including the existing European Structural and Investment Funds and the new Recovery and Resilience Facility and Brexit Adjustment Reserve, and promote North-South cooperation, including through PEACE PLUS;
- To lead the implementation of Our Public Service 2020 to deliver better outcomes for the public, build effective public service organisations, and develop a culture of innovation as part of the reform programme, and to develop and lead the next phase of reform;
- To lead the development and implementation of a ten year Civil Service Renewal Vision and Strategy and the first of three operational plans;
- To promote and support open, accountable and transparent government and public administration and good governance in the Public Service;
- To lead and support the development and implementation of a new Civil Service People Strategy, which reflects the workplace transformation that has taken place as a result of Covid-19 and challenges traditional ways of working to support business continuity and effectiveness into the future;
- To drive the implementation of the GovTech priority actions and the Public Service ICT, Data and eGovernment strategies, with particular focus on those initiatives that will improve delivery of public services, encourage take-up of digital services, encourage sharing and promote the use of data as a key enabler of better services; and
- To lead the Procurement Reform Programme, to enable effective, sustainable and compliant procurement across the Public Service.
My Department has an important role in respect of service delivery to other public bodies and the details of the wide range of policies, projects and initiatives to deliver on the following priorities will also be included in the Annual Report 2021, including:
- To deliver effective and efficient ICT services to relevant public bodies as part of the Build to Share programme and use the OGCIO Vote to support the sustainable development and delivery of these services;
- To ensure oversight, value for money and evidence based prioritisation of learning solutions by OneLearning, which has responsibility for all L&D that is common across the Civil Service;
- To implement projects to strengthen HR service delivery across the Civil Service; and
- To continue to drive an integrated approach to public procurement through the Office of Government Procurement and to provide a range of procurement solutions for the Public Service, delivering value for money, compliance and risk reduction.
The Department's Annual Business Plan for 2022 is currently being finalised and will set out the key initiatives for 2022. It is expected to be published in January 2022.
The Deputy may also wish to note that a broad range of information and updates about the Department's key policy areas are published on its section of the gov.ie website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-public-expenditure-and-reform/.
68. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works can give advice and assistance to homeowners likely to be prone to flooding as a result of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62215/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW), through its Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, carried out the largest ever flood risk study in Ireland to date. The study assessed 80% of properties at risk from Ireland’s main causes of flooding. The OPW Flood Maps are a key output of the study together with 29 Flood Risk Management Plans, with the proposed flood relief measures to address the flood risk in each community studied.
The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030 to protect properties in threatened communities from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities, to treble to nearly 90 the number of schemes at design and construction at this time.
The CFRAM study included an assessment of the flood risk that could arise in the future due to climate change and all new flood relief schemes are being designed and built to allow for adaptation for the potential impacts of climate change.
Details on the flood relief schemes completed, underway and planned – and a link to individual flood relief scheme websites is available at www.floodinfo.ie/scheme-info
The OPW has a dedicated website www.flooding.ie which provides guidance to the public on how to plan and prepare to protect themselves and their livelihoods in advance of a flood event. The website also provides guidance on managing during and after a flood event.
69. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated number of persons who retired across the public sector over the past five years to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62225/21]
View answer70. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated number of persons who are due to retire across the public sector over the next five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62226/21]
View answer71. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons who have entered retirement from the public service over the past five years to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62228/21]
View answer72. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated number of persons who are due to retire across the public sector over the next five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62229/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 69 to 72, inclusive, together.
The authorities responsible for the administration of the large number of pension schemes operating in the various sectors of the Irish public service are, in general, the relevant employers and Ministers in those sectors.
It would be a matter for those sectoral authorities, including relevant Ministers, to supply such information as may be available in respect of the number of retirees in each year to those individual pension schemes.
I and my Department are responsible for the civil service pension schemes, which cover personnel in established and unestablished civil service and State Industrial posts.
We would not be in a position to provide figures for 2021 until such time as the full year has elapsed and the Appropriation Account for 2021 has been audited.
There has been 7,535 retirements from the civil service from 2016 to 2020 inclusive. The retirements are broken out by year in the table below.
|
Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Total |
|
No. of civil service retirees |
1,457 |
1,479 |
1,593 |
1,524 |
1,482 |
7,535 |
Regarding expected civil service retirements over the next 5 years, it is difficult to predict the level of retirements in future years because civil servants can choose to retire in any year having reached minimum retirement age. This was increased to age 70 under the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018. As such, there is more certainty in the projections when the cumulative number of retirements over a period is considered.
Accordingly, the projected cumulative number of retirements from the Civil Service over the period 2022 to 2026 is approximately 8,500. This is a projection not a forecast which should be reviewed in light of updated data as and when available.
