Written Answers Nos. 352-371
353. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Finance if there are plans to introduce financial supports for small businesses who do not meet the criteria for the employment wage subsidy scheme and have had to close temporarily due to staff shortages and or staff contracting Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2107/22]
View answerThe 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.
The eligibility criteria for Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (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.
As the Deputy may be aware, as announced on 9th December the enhanced rates of EWSS subsidy would apply for a further two months, December 2021 and January 2022. This will give certainty to businesses when they need it most.
The Government and I have been clear that there will be no cliff edge to supports for employers but we have also been clear that the EWSS cannot run indefinitely, nor is it sustainable to continue with the enhanced rates for a prolonged period of time given the very substantial costs to the Exchequer.
As such, 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.
The Government further announced on 21st December 2021, that the EWSS will reopen for certain businesses who would otherwise not be eligible and that such businesses can continue to be supported until the expiry of the scheme on 30 April 2022. The new arrangements for EWSS will provide employers who have previously availed of EWSS but who are no longer eligible, with the opportunity to re-qualify for the scheme where they meet certain conditions. Broadly, to re-qualify the business must experience a 30% reduction in turnover, or customer orders during a particular reference period. Depending on the particular circumstances of the business in question, the re-opening of EWSS may be relevant to certain businesses who previously didn’t qualify for EWSS as at 31 December 2021.
Further details of the qualifying conditions can be located on my Department’s website at the following link-
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bf5d1-government-announces-significant-expansion-of-supports-for-businesses-affected-by-the-latest-public-health-restrictions/.
As the Deputy may be aware the Covid Restriction Support Scheme (CRSS) remains 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. Under the relevant legislation, the CRSS was due to end on 31 December 2021 but it was extended to the end of January 2022.
The Tax Debt Warehousing Scheme remains available to support businesses that are experiencing tax payment difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme applies to VAT debts, PAYE (Employer) debts, certain self-assessed income tax debts and overpayments of both the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and the EWSS.
On 20 December 2021 the Government agreed to extend the tax debt warehousing scheme to extend the period where liabilities arising can be “warehoused” to the end of Q1 2022 for taxpayers eligible for the COVID-19 support schemes; this means that interest free period for those taxpayers will now be 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, extending the period by 3 months from 31 December 2022.
It is worth pointing out the comprehensive package of other business and employer supports that have been made available over the course of the last 18 months or so and are still available, such as the CRSS and the Credit Guarantee Scheme, for businesses with reduced turnover as a result of public health restrictions. A full list of the Covid-19 Income Supports Schemes available to businesses can be obtained via the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s at the following link -
enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
In addition, I would also draw the Deputy’s attention to Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Business Continuity Scheme 2022, which was launched last week. Further details can be obtained via the following link –
www.failteireland.ie/tourism-business-continuity-programme.aspx
Finally, as has been the case throughout the pandemic, the Government will continue to monitor developments closely.
355. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the analysis his Department has carried out into increases in insurance premiums based on age; the analysis his Department has carried out into whether this practice is discriminatory; his plans to address potential discrimination in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2210/22]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to note that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have any influence over the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter assessed on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU legislative framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive). Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies as to the pricing level that they should apply to particular categories of individuals.
On a general level, insurance companies consider a number of risks when determining the premium for a proposed insurance policy. For example, in the case of motor insurance, I understand that insurers use a combination of rating factors in making decisions on whether to offer cover and what terms to apply, such as: the age of the driver; vehicle type; claims record; driving experience; number of drivers; how the car is used; etc. Insurers also price in accordance with their specific claims experience and do not use the same combination of rating factors. Accordingly, premium prices vary across the market.
With regard to the Deputy’s query about potential discrimination, I would note generally that the Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 prohibit certain kinds of discrimination, including in the provision of services. The legislation protects against discrimination on nine specific grounds, including age. However, in relation to insurance, the legislation also provides that people can be treated differently on any of the grounds (except gender) – but only if the differences are based on actuarial or statistical data or other relevant underwriting or commercial factors, and are reasonably based.
Where somebody feels they have been treated unfairly by a particular insurance provider, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO acts as an independent arbiter of disputes that consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider. The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01-567-7000.
Finally, it may be useful for the Deputy to know that Insurance Ireland, the representative body for the insurance industry in this country, operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to insurance. This can be contacted at feedback@insuranceireland.eu.
357. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the action he is taking to bring mortgage interest rates here in line with the rates applicable throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2274/22]
View answerI am aware that the general level of new lending interest rates in Ireland are higher than is the case in many other European countries. However, the price lenders charge for their loans is a commercial matter for individual lenders. As Minister for Finance I cannot determine the lending policies of individual banks including the interest rates they charge for loans including mortgages.
Despite this, it should also be noted that recent trends indicate that certain mortgage rates have been falling in Ireland. For example, the interest rates on new mortgages (excluding renegotiations) have fallen from 4.05% in December 2014 to 2.71% in November 2021.
The weighted average interest rate on new fixed rate mortgage agreements stood at 2.59% in November 2021, down from a series high of 4.11% in December 2014. There has also been a reduction in the interest rates charged on loans to SMEs and consumers over the same period.
However, Irish mortgage and other loans can have different characteristics from those offered in other countries. For example, many Irish banks include incentives such as cash back offers, which reduce the effective Irish mortgage interest rate. Also Irish mortgages are generally not subject to upfront fees which are typically charged by banks in some other EU jurisdictions.
There are also a number of important factors which will likely influence the interest rates charged on Irish mortgages. These include for example operational costs, certain structural factors as referenced above (such as incentives offered), as well as the fact that pricing will reflect:
- credit risk and capital requirements which in Ireland are elevated due to historical loss experience;
- the level of non-performing loans which is higher in Ireland relative to other European banks (as provisioning and capital requirements are higher for these loans to reflect their higher risk and this in turn results in higher credit and capital costs for the Irish banks); and
- higher cost-to-income ratios which has been a characteristic of the Irish banking sector in recent years.
Separately the Central Bank introduced a number of increased protections for variable rate mortgage holders which came into effect in 2017. The enhanced measures, which are provided for in an Addendum to the Consumer Protection Code 2012, require lenders to explain to borrowers how their variable interest rates have been set, including in the event of an increase. The measures also improve the level of information required to be provided to borrowers on variable rates about other mortgage products which could provide savings for the borrower and signpost the borrower to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's (CCPC) mortgage switching tool.
The Central Bank also introduced additional changes to the Consumer Protection Code in 2019 to help consumers make savings on their mortgage repayments, provide additional protections to consumers who are eligible to switch, and facilitate mortgage switching through enhancing the transparency of the mortgage framework. Consumers can reduce average pricing in the mortgage market by availing of switching options to ensure that recent and potential future price reductions through increased competition pass through to the greatest number of customers possible. Indeed a Central Bank study estimated that three in every five ‘eligible’ mortgages for principal dwelling homes stand to save over €1,000 within the first year if they switch and €10,000 over the remaining term.
To conclude I appreciate that greater sustainable competition in the credit market will be of benefit to consumers and other borrowers. Accordingly, the review of the retail banking market which is now underway in my Department will consider how the banking system can best support economic activity, assess competition and consumer choice in the market for banking services and consider options to further develop the mortgage market.
358. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the expected commencement date for the retail banking review public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2287/22]
View answerOn 23rd November last, I announced the Terms of Reference for the Retail Banking Review. On the same date, I wrote to the Chair of the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach, Mr. John McGuinness T.D., informing him of the review and its Term of Reference and inviting any contributions the Committee or Members may wish to make at any time throughout the course of the Review.
The Retail Banking Review team has commenced its work and it is currently in its research phase. In addition, plans are well advanced to undertake a survey of consumers in Q1 2022 to ascertain their experience and perceptions of the retail banking sector in Ireland.
The public consultation process, which will follow on from the completion of the survey, is expected to commence in early Q2 2022. This process will enable members of the public and stakeholders to make submissions on issues that fall within the Terms of Reference of the Review.
Separate to the public consultation, the Review team has already contacted a wide range of stakeholders (more than 100 in total) to draw their attention to the Review and to welcome submissions on issues that fall within the Terms of Reference at any time using the dedicated mailbox (bankingreview@finance.gov.ie).
360. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance the Covid-19 supports that are available for businesses that began trading after 26 July 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2294/22]
View answerThe Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is an economy-wide scheme that operates across all sectors for eligible businesses in respect of eligible employees. The objective of the 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.
In money terms, the overall support provided to-date (13th January) by EWSS is over €7 billion comprising direct subsidy payments of €6.12 billion and PRSI forgone of €956 million to 51,900 employers in respect of over 706,700 employees.
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. The EWSS is open to any eligible employer across all sectors who was trading before 31 December 2021.
As the Deputy may be aware, as announced on 9th December the enhanced rates of EWSS subsidy would apply for a further two months, December 2021 and January 2022. This will give certainty to businesses when they need it most.
The Government and I have been clear that there will be no cliff edge to supports for employers but we have also been clear that the EWSS cannot run indefinitely, nor is it sustainable to continue with the enhanced rates for a prolonged period of time given the very substantial costs to the Exchequer.
As such, 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.
The Government further announced on 21th December 2021, that the EWSS will reopen for certain businesses who would otherwise not be eligible and that such businesses can continue to be supported until the expiry of the scheme on 30 April 2022. The new arrangements for EWSS will provide employers who have previously availed of EWSS but who are no longer eligible, with the opportunity to re-qualify for the scheme where they meet certain conditions. Broadly, to re-qualify the business must experience a 30% reduction in turnover, or customer orders during a particular reference period. Further details of the qualifying conditions can be located on my Department’s website at the following link- www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bf5d1-government-announces-significant-expansion-of-supports-for-businesses-affected-by-the-latest-public-health-restrictions/.
Employers that qualify for re-entry to the scheme will receive support on a prospective basis from 1 January 2022 onwards, and they can remain in the scheme until its expiry date (30 April 2022).
The Tax Debt Warehousing Scheme remains available to support businesses that are experiencing tax payment difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme, which has to date provided €2.9 billion in liquidity to approximately 98,000 businesses, applies to VAT debts, PAYE (Employer) debts, certain self-assessed income tax debts and overpayments of both the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and the EWSS. Access to the scheme is automatic for SMEs managed by Revenue's Business and Personal Divisions and by agreement with larger business managed by Revenue's Large Cases and Medium Enterprise Divisions. To qualify for debt warehousing, businesses must continue to file all tax returns, even though the liability cannot be paid.
On 20 December 2021 the government agreed to extend the tax debt warehousing scheme to extend the period where liabilities arising can be "warehoused" to the end of Q1 2022 for taxpayers eligible for the COVID-19 support schemes; this means that interest free period for those taxpayers will now be 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, extending the period by 3 months from 31 December 2022.
To answer the Deputy’s specific question, depending of the particular circumstances of the business, the aforementioned supports may be available to businesses that commenced trading after 26 July 2021.
The full range of supports provided by the Government is available 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/.
Finally, as has been the case throughout the pandemic, the Government will continue to monitor developments closely.
361. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Finance the number of public sector workers under his remit by sectors (details supplied) in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2347/22]
View answer362. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Finance the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2363/22]
View answer363. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Finance the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2385/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 361, 362 and 363 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that none of the non-commercial State Agencies under the remit of my Department are located in, nor have public sector workers employed in roles that are based in, County Clare. Therefore, there were no public sector workers under the remit of my Department employed in any local electoral areas in County Clare during the time frame specified. Information relating to the Civil Service is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
364. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if private pension funds are accessible for persons before they retire if they leave employment or change professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2432/22]
View answerThe Deputy is asking whether early drawdown of pension funds is allowed in certain circumstances, such as leaving employment or changing professions. The main purpose of a pension fund is to provide a secure income in retirement for the pension beneficiary. The purpose of providing tax relief for pension contributions is to encourage saving - by employers, employees and the self-employed - towards retirement income. Any drawdown permitted would reduce the pension savings from which individuals could provide for their retirement, with smaller pension schemes losing a larger proportion of their overall savings.
As an exceptional measure, with a view of relieving hardship during the financial crisis, early drawdown from pension funds was permitted. However, it was only available from one type of pension product (additional voluntary contributions (AVCs)) and it was introduced for a limited period of time. Section 782A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provided members of occupational pension schemes with a three-year period, from 27 March 2013 to 26 March 2016, during which they could draw down, on a once-off basis, up to 30% of the accumulated value of their AVCs. The amount drawn down was subject to income tax under Schedule E, PRSI and USC, which was collected under the PAYE system.
The maximum amount that could be drawn down under this provision was 30% of the accumulated value of AVCs made by the individual. This meant that draw down was not available to anyone who had not made AVCs. Furthermore, it was not possible to make a drawdown from AVCs paid by an employer; from any AVCs which were part of a scheme member’s “normal” contributions; from any contributions to a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA); or from contributions by the employer or the individual to an occupational pension scheme.
While leaving employment or changing professions before retirement may have implications for the individual and could potentially bring financial hardship, it is not the intended purpose of a pension fund to provide income for an individual during this time.
Ireland operates what is described as an “Exempt – Exempt – Taxed” or “EET” pension regime. Contributions to a pension fund are relieved from tax (first “E”) and growth in these funds are also accumulated on a tax-free basis (second “E”). Payments out of the fund during retirement are then subject to income tax (“T”) and USC and PRSI where applicable. The introduction of a scheme to allow early drawdown of pension funds could undermine the integrity of the “EET” regime. Therefore, I do not have any plans to introduce such a measure.
365. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if the employment wage subsidy scheme will continue at its current level in the childcare sector until the end of March 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2452/22]
View answerThe 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 (13th January) by EWSS is over €7 billion comprising direct subsidy payments of €6.12 billion and PRSI forgone of €956 million to 51,900 employers in respect of over 706,700 employees.
While the criteria for eligibility for business in general is based on a reduction in turnover, as a result of the pandemic and having regard to the importance of maintaining the provision of childcare facilities so as to enable parents to continue in, or to take up, positions of employment, the legislation provided that childcare businesses in possession of tax clearance and registered in accordance with Section 58C of the Childcare Act 1991 are eligible for the EWSS.
As the Deputy may be aware, as announced on 9th December the enhanced rates of EWSS subsidy would apply for a further two months, December 2021 and January 2022. This will give certainty to businesses when they need it most.
The Government and I have been clear that there will be no cliff edge to supports for employers but we have also been clear that the EWSS cannot run indefinitely, nor is it sustainable to continue with the enhanced rates for a prolonged period of time given the very substantial costs to the Exchequer.
As such, 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.
Since the introduction of EWSS there has been regular and, where necessary, detailed engagement between my Department and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (D/CEDIY). Analysis undertaken by D/CEDIY informed the approach taken with regard to the childcare sector. Childcare business will continue to benefit from the EWSS exemption until end April 2022.
As announced by my colleague, Minister O’Gorman, it is intended to put in place a transition fund between May and August 2022, which early learning and childcare providers can access. From September 2022, a major new funding stream will be introduced, to support providers in meeting their operating costs in return for a commitment that fees to parents will not increase.
Therefore, I am satisfied that a coherent approach has been taken as regards the exit strategy for EWSS and the introduction of the new funding stream for the childcare sector. As such, it would appear that the need for a further extension of the enhanced rates of subsidy for the childcare sector does not arise.
Finally, the Government will continue to monitor developments closely.
366. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will engage with his UK counterpart requesting that the UK authorities investigate the practice by a bank (details supplied) to offload questionable property investments on customers of a bank here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2482/22]
View answerThe Central Bank of Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the supervision of regulated financial service providers in an Irish context and I consider any potential supervisory issues as matters proper to the Central Bank.
Likewise in the United Kingdom, the statutory bodies with responsibility for the supervision of regulated financial service providers such as the Financial Conduct Authority, are the appropriate entities to deal with any supervisory issues in that jurisdiction.
In both jurisdictions, these bodies are best placed to deal with any negative practices impacting consumers rather than engagements between relevant government departments from both countries.
I would add that the role of the Central Bank includes, as the regulator of financial service providers such as banks in Ireland, ensuring that the best interests of consumers are protected. This is achieved by ensuring a positive consumer focused culture within regulated firms, that the consumer protection framework remains effective by reviewing, developing and enhancing the protections in place, and monitoring and enforcing compliance with the required standards through themed reviews and inspections.
In the event regulated firms are not meeting their obligations to consumers, the significant legislative changes introduced since the financial crisis have equipped the Central Bank with an array of investigative, regulatory and enforcement powers, including imposition of fines, to take appropriate actions against such firms.
367. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking in response to the issues raised by the former members of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2588/22]
View answer368. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the date on which his attention was drawn to the resignation of all members of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; when he planned to make this information available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2589/22]
View answer369. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons awaiting decisions by the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; when a new board of appeal will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2590/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 367, 368 and 369 together.
The Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) 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.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons who also meet one of six specified medical criteria, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant. In the event that a PMC is not granted by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer an appeal may be made to the independent Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) who operate out of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
The members of the DDMBA wrote to me recently tendering their resignation from the Board, which was formally acknowledged on the 26th November 2021. My officials are engaged with the Department of Health and the Public Appointments Service in terms of seeking expressions of interest from medical practitioners to participate in the Board. It is hoped to move this process along as quickly as possible so that appeals can recommence early in the new year.
Requests for appeal hearings can be sent to the DDMBA secretary based in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. New appeal hearing dates will be issued once the new Board is in place. Assessments for the primary medical certificate, by the HSE, are continuing to take place.
As the Deputy will appreciate this Scheme confers substantial benefits to eligible persons and changing the medical criteria to more general mobility-focused criteria, would raise the already considerable cost of the Scheme in terms of tax foregone to the Exchequer. Any increase in the cost of the Scheme would require a concomitant increase in tax, reduction in public expenditure, or increase in the Exchequer deficit.
I gave a commitment to the House that a comprehensive review of the scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities, would be undertaken. In this context I have been working with my Government colleague, Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We are both agreed that the review should be brought within a wider review under the auspices of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, to examine transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities. Its work was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This the most appropriate forum to meet mutual objectives in respect of transport solutions/mobility supports for those with a disability.
It is anticipated that the NDIS working group will be meeting shortly. My officials will continue to work closely with officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, to progress this review, and on foot of that will bring forward proposals for consideration.
370. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a further review of the National Lottery will be examined in order to address public concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2852/22]
View answer397. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the National Lottery authorities have come forward with proposals to revise the operation of the lottery with a view to ensuring the maximisation of public confidence in the system; the extent to which the regulator is currently engaged with management on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2081/22]
View answer398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the review and reform of the operation of the National Lottery is currently in hand with particular reference to addressing the core issue of the way the jackpot prize was won on several occasions between 1 January and 6 June 2021 but was not won on any occasion between 6 June and 31 December 2021; if technical or mechanical explanations have been given or are pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2082/22]
View answer399. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the tickets sales achieved by the National Lottery in the period 1 January 2021 to 6 June 2021; the total prize money paid out; the amount spent on advertising in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2083/22]
View answer400. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total value of tickets sales achieved by the National Lottery between 6 June 2021 and 31 December 2021; the total value of prize money paid out; the total cost of advertising in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2084/22]
View answer401. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if no electronic or cyber-attack on the National Lottery has taken place with particular reference to the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2085/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 370, 397, 398, 399, 400 and 401 together.
The National Lottery is a significant asset which plays an important role in generating funds for Good Causes throughout Ireland across a range of areas including sport and recreation, culture and heritage, community health, the arts, and youth affairs.
The Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery was established as an independent regulatory office, under the National Lottery Act 2013, to ensure that the National Lottery is operated to the highest standards of propriety, that the interests of participants are protected and the long term sustainability of the National Lottery safeguarded in order that revenues allocated to Good Causes are maximised. The Regulator has advised that there are protocols in place to ensure that rigorous testing of equipment takes place before each and every Lotto draw and that each step of the draw process is strictly adhered to. The Regulator has also confirmed that the Lotto game has operated in line with the game rules and that there are no regulatory issues
The current extended period without a jackpot win, preceded by three jackpot wins in three weeks, is unusual in the history of the game. However, statistically unlikely events are part of the nature of games of chance and of lotteries. Following a request from the Operator for a “Will be Won” change to the Lotto Game and to bring the extended roll-over to an end, the Regulator has approved this new feature of the game.
This new feature sees the full Lotto jackpot roll down to a winner or winners in the next winning prize tier if not won by a Match 6 ticket within five draws of the jackpot reaching its €19m cap. The request for this new feature was submitted by the Operator on 7th December 2021. The Regulator and her officials have prioritised the regulatory checks in place to ensure that any changes to Lotto game rules were in the interest of players, that the National Lottery continues to be run with all due propriety and, subject to these, that returns to Good Causes are maximised. The Regulator requested further essential information, tests, and assurances from the Operator on its proposal and is satisfied that the “Will Be Won” feature meets all regulatory requirements.
The first “Will Be Won” draw held on Saturday 15th January 2022 was won by a single ticket holder. I am pleased that the long running roll over of the lottery jackpot has come to a conclusion, that the Lotto Jackpot was capped at €19m in October and note that lotto prizes have been boosted by an additional €23.9m as a result of this measure. The introduction of arrangements that ensure that this situation will not be repeated with the new “Will be Won” arrangements is also welcome. I would also note that an unprecedented €289m has been generated for Good Causes from the National Lottery in 2021, a 14% increase over 2020.
The Regulator has informed me in relation to the Deputies queries regarding ticket sales, prizes and advertising costs, that Clause 20.6 of the the lottery licence requires that the Regulator shall not disclose or divulge any of the Licensee’s confidential information without the prior written permission of the Licensee (except where compelled to by law), which has not been forthcoming. With regard to cyber-attacks, it is the view of the Regulator that it is not good practice to reveal whether there have or have not been any cyber-attacks and that confirming or denying such attacks could encourage such attacks in the first instance and create unnecessary and misplaced concern about the National Lottery’s security systems.
I do not, in the circumstances, consider it necessary or beneficial to review the operation of the National Lottery. I have however commenced a review of the transparency and effectiveness of how Lottery funding is distributed, to ensure that it is best targeted in support of Good Causes. In noting that some €6 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery commenced in 1987 it is appropriate that members of the public and those who play the National Lottery are fully aware of how lottery funding is accessed and distributed to the benefit of communities nationally.
371. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to Office of Public Works guides' limiting pension entitlements and prospects of career progression within the wider public service due to their employment classification of non-established industrial; if this issue will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63190/21]
View answerThe OPW employs approximately 2500 staff across a wide range of craft, technical, administrative, and management disciplines. All staff have important roles to play that bring great value to those availing of OPW services. While there are many different grades and classifications of employee involved, the OPW values all of its staff equally and works hard to minimise the impact of the historical differences in Terms and Conditions that apply between the employment categories involved so that the organisation is one team – one OPW.
Guides in the Office of Public Works are technically classified as “industrial employees” and are recruited to the OPW in a non-established capacity. They enjoy the same Terms & Conditions as “industrial employees” in other areas of the civil service.
A non-established State employee is a person employed in a whole-time capacity by a Government Department or Office who is not an established civil servant. Non-established State employees are not covered by the Civil Service Regulations Act, 1956.
There has been some progress by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in reducing the differences in Terms and Conditions between these categories, which I welcome. For example, there is no material difference between established and non-established Pensions for staff recruited since 1 January, 2013.
As with all non-established staff working in Civil Service Departments and Offices, OPW Guides recruited before 1 January, 2013 are members of the pre-2013 Non-Established Public Service Pension Scheme, and those recruited from 1 January, 2013, are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
Established staff recruited before 1 April, 2004 have a minimum retirement age of 60, while that of non-established staff is 65. The minimum retirement age for all staff recruited after 1 April, 2004, whether established or non-established, is 65/66.
Like all non-established State employees, Guides in the OPW have access to all open competitions for posts in the civil and public service. It is, however, the case that competitions are initiated under the Civil Service Regulations Act are confined to staff who have Civil Servant status.
