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Wednesday, 26 Jan 2022

Written Answers Nos. 41-60

Road Projects

Questions (41)

Noel Grealish

Question:

41. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if funding is available to commence the planning process for the upgrade of the N59 from Maam Cross to Clifden, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3848/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation, management and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Projects

Questions (42)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

42. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the reason that Transport Infrastructure Ireland is reporting no capital funding allocated to road improvements to the N24 and N25 that have been approved in the capital development plan; the reason that no funding has been allocated to the upgrading of these roads; when funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3867/22]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the improvement, upgrading and management of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.

Approximately €616m of exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2022. The 2022 funding allocations are made having regard for the NDP, which balances investment in transport against other priorities of Government, such as housing and health over the lifetime of the Plan. Resulting from this, funding was allocated to a number of schemes and maintenance works on the N24 and N25. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status of funding for improvements to those roads.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Traffic Management

Questions (43, 44)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the urgent need in conjunction with Kildare County Council to update the traffic management plan for the Celbridge area with a view to ensuring major improvements for local persons without closing off existing routes; if he will coordinate efforts to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3879/22]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the urgent need in conjunction with Kildare County Council, to update the traffic management plan for Naas town with a view to addressing the concerns as expressed to the local authority by residents of the area and the need to have permanent resolution in the matter of alleviation of traffic congestion in the context of inner and outer relief roads; if sufficient efforts are being made to meet the concerns of the persons in the shortest time possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3881/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to the matters outlined in the Deputy's question, while the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development such projects and works in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, including Kildare County Council, to implement same.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred your question to them for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 43.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (45)

Réada Cronin

Question:

45. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the details of the tendering process used by his Department for State contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic; the name of each company, the services involved; the amount paid to each company in each of the relevant years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4238/22]

View answer

Written answers

Details of contracts awarded by the Department of Transport in relation to Covid-19 are set out in the tables below.

As Minister for Transport, I have overall responsibility for policy and funding in relation to transport. Contracts awarded by the agencies under the aegis of the Department are a matter for the individual agencies and I have forwarded the Deputy's question them all for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Supplier

Description

Tender Procedure

2020

2021

2022

DID

Chromebooks

3 Quotes

6,948

Harvey Norman

Chromebooks, Tablets, Laptops and Routers

3 Quotes (5 separate transactions)

86,214

IT Quotes

Tablets and peripherals

3 Quotes (2 separate transactions for 2020)

37,146

208

PC World

Peripherals

3 Quotes

52

PFH

Laptops, Docking Stations and Chargers

OGP Framework

57,065

92,145

Startech

Peripherals

3 Quotes

70

Zoom

Video Conferencing license

Only Available Supplier

1,002

Webex

Video Conferencing license

Only Available Supplier

35

Docusign

e-Signatures

3 Quotes

8,301

Eurieka

Peripherals

3 Quotes

883

Hunt Office

Peripherals

3 Quotes

263

PC Peripherals

Monitors and Peripherals

3 Quotes

27,350

Power City

Peripherals

3 Quotes

106

In relation to I.T. equipment, the provision of laptops etc to staff was part of a strategy in place pre-Covid to enable a more agile and modern work model. This work was then greatly accelerated by the pandemic and the need to ensure that all staff could work effectively from home .

Supplier

Description

Tender Procedure

2020

2021

2022

RocDoc Health Check Ltd.

Covid testing facilities for hauliers travelling to France

Emergency procurement process, as set out in the derogation at Regulation 32(2)(c) of the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations S.I. 284/2016

€1,264,353

Longfield Ventures Ltd.

Accommodation for hauliers required to self-isolate as result of testing positive

Emergency procurement process, as set out in the derogation at Regulation 32(2)(c) of the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations S.I. 284/2016

€84,000

Supplier

Description

Tender Description

2020

2021

2022

Doggett Group

Digital Printing

RFQ (July 2020 I year contract with option to extend for 6 months)

€12,894.22

Doggett Group

Digital Printing

Continued 2020 contract (Doggett Group)

€5372.21

Quadra Limited

Staff Ergonomic Assessment

OGP Framework (Quadra)

No invoice received to date.

Eciffo Office Ltd

Supply of PPE

RFQ (Eciffo)

€16,033.54

Additionally, the Department entered into Public Service Obligation (PSO) Agreements for the provision of Maritime Transport Services between Rosslare and Fishguard and Rosslare and Bilbao. Details of these PSOs are as follows:

Supplier

-

-

Amount

Stena Line LTD

For the provision of Maritime Transport Services between Rosslare and Fishguard

Public Service Obligation Agreement (pursuant to Government Decision S180/20/10/0648A) signed following a negotiated procedure without prior publication carried out in accordance with S.I. No. 284/2016 ? European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016. S.I. No. 284/2016 has provisions to allow contracting authorities enable the continuation of much needed services at a time of extreme urgency such as that brought about by COVID-19.

€1,087,348.30(2020)

Brittany Ferries

For the provision of Maritime Transport Services between Rosslare and Bilbao

Public Service Obligation Agreement (pursuant to Government Decision S180/20/10/0648A) signed following a negotiated procedure without prior publication carried out in accordance with S.I. No. 284/2016 ? European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016.S.I. No. 284/2016 has provisions to allow contracting authorities enable the continuation of much needed services at a time of extreme urgency such as that brought about by COVID-19.

€1,612,028.16(2020)

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Tax Exemptions

Questions (46)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

46. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if a pandemic bonus tax exemption will be introduced for employers that want to give their employees a pandemic bonus up to the value of €1,000 similar to the tax-free voucher scheme of €500 that is already in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3942/22]

View answer

Written answers

Last week the Government agreed to give a recognition payment of €1,000, for eligible frontline health and ambulance workers. An equivalent payment will be provided for relevant staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19. The intention is that the payment will not be subject to income tax, USC or PRSI. There are no plans to extend the proposed tax disregard along the lines mentioned by the Deputy.

With regard to the tax-free voucher scheme the Deputy raises, I believe he is referring to the Small Benefit Exemption. This measure allows an employer to provide limited benefits or rewards to their workers without the payment of income tax. A qualifying incentive for the purposes of the scheme may be either a voucher or other tangible asset which does not exceed €500 in value. These could take the form of hampers, meals out, gym/sports memberships, restaurant vouchers or other non-cash benefits. Where the qualifying incentive provided is a voucher, that voucher must be used to purchase goods or services only and must not be redeemable, in part of in full, for cash. The cut-off point of €500 is considered a reasonable level which allows a small benefit to be paid without tax but does not allow this exemption for more substantial benefits.

Electronic Commerce

Questions (47)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

47. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to reports that a company (details supplied) is deducting fees from unused vouchers ahead of their expiry date; his views on same; if he plans to amend the legislation to prohibit this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3953/22]

View answer

Written answers

The company in question is authorised by the Central Bank as an electronic money institution pursuant to Regulation 9 of the European Communities (Electronic Money) Regulations 2011 (as amended) (EMR).

These gift cards meet the definition of “electronic money” and are subject to regulation under the aforementioned Regulations. It should be noted that Vouchers that are deemed electronic money, within the meaning of the EMR are excluded from the Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Act 2019. This is on the basis that they are already regulated under the EMR, which transposes the Electronic Money Directive (EMD) 2009/110/EC into Irish law.

The EMD is a maximum harmonization directive, meaning that, EU countries may not introduce rules that are stricter than those set in the directive. As per Regulation 52 of the EMR electronic money products have to be redeemable at any time and cannot have an expiry date.

In particular regulated firms must design and sell products that are suitable to their customers’ needs, are capable of delivering the promised benefits, with key risks and charges with respect to those products appropriately disclosed. Specifically, Regulation 74-76 of the European Union Payment Services Regulations 2019 (PSR) sets out the specific requirements regarding the information that is required to be shared by electronic money institutions with payment service users including in relation to charges.

I have been informed by the Central Bank that while it does not comment on the supervision of specific firms, the Central Bank’s expectation is that, all regulated firms, including electronic money institutions, comply with their regulatory obligations. The Central Bank also expects regulated firms to take a customer-focused approach and to act in their customers' best interests at all times.

It may be useful to know that as part of the European Commission’s Retail Payments Strategy, which was launched in September 2020, the Commission has under taken to align the revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and the Electronic Money Directive frameworks by including the issuance of e-money as a payment service in PSD2. This will ensure greater consistency in the various pieces of legislation on retail payments and promote robust supervision and oversight of firms in the relevant sectors.

This work will be carried out as part of the review of PSD2, which is expected to begin later this year. Officials in my Department will consider the issue of reducing balance fees as part of future discussions on the Electronic Money Directive.

Tax Reliefs

Questions (48)

Michael Ring

Question:

48. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will include the cost of antigen tests as a qualifying health expense for tax relief considering when antigen tests had to be paid for privately for employment purposes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3652/22]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by Revenue that section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provides for tax relief in respect of qualifying health expenses. Only “health expenses” incurred in the provision of “health care”, which has been carried out or advised by a “practitioner”, will qualify for tax relief.

Health care is defined as the “prevention, diagnosis, alleviation or treatment of an ailment, injury, infirmity, defect or disability”.

Health expenses are defined as “expenses in respect of the provision of health care” and may include, but are not limited to, the following:

- the services of a practitioner,

- diagnostic procedures carried out on the advice of a practitioner,

- maintenance or treatment necessarily incurred in connection with the services or procedures carried out by or on the advice of a practitioner,

- drugs or medicines supplied on the prescription of a practitioner, and

- the supply, maintenance or repair of any medical, surgical, dental or nursing appliance used on the advice of a practitioner.

A practitioner is a person who is:

- registered in the register established under section 43 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007,

- registered in the register established under section 26 of the Dentists Act, 1985, or,

- 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".

Where an individual incurs expenditure in obtaining a COVID-19 test he or she will be entitled to claim for tax relief if all of the above criteria are met. In accordance with the general rules of the relief, any portion of costs which have been reimbursed will not be eligible for relief under section 469 TCA 1997.

However, section 118(5K) TCA 1997 provides that, subject to a number of conditions, a charge to tax will not arise where an employer provides an employee with a COVID-19 test. This exemption was provided for in Finance Act 2021 and applies with effect from 1 January 2021.

One of the conditions attached to this exemption is that any testing provided by the employer must be a necessary requirement to enable the employee to perform his or her duties of employment. This may include, for example, scenarios where an employee is required to undergo COVID-19 testing in advance of his or her attendance at the workplace.

Alternatively, where an employer reimburses an employee for any costs that he or she has incurred in obtaining a COVID-19 test independently, a charge to tax on same will not apply where the expense incurred by the employee is vouched and the conditions attached to section 118(5K) TCA 1997 are met.

Further details in relation to income tax relief for health expenses are set out on the Revenue website and in Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-12, both of which may be found at the links below:

- Revenue website: www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/health-and-age/health-expenses/index.aspx

- Tax and Duty Manual: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-12.pdf.

For the purposes of clarity, references above to Covid-19 tests include antigen tests. There are no plans to add to the above arrangements at the present time.

Pensions Reform

Questions (49)

Gerald Nash

Question:

49. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to carry out a full review on the levy imposed on private occupational pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3661/22]

View answer

Written answers

The pension fund levy was introduced in 2011 in the wake of the financial crash and at a time when the economy was in serious difficulties, with all sectors contributing to the recovery plan. In this context, the levy was designed to claw back a small amount of the very significant tax relief that those contributing to pension arrangements had benefitted from over many years. It was time-bound in duration, ceasing in 2016.

Under the accompanying legislation, the payment of the levy was treated as a necessary expense of a pension scheme and the trustees or insurer, as appropriate, were entitled to adjust current or prospective benefits payable. It should also be noted that the performance of private pension funds is primarily a commercial matter and is contingent on market circumstances and other external factors.

The levy went to fund the tax reductions and expenditure measures introduced in the Jobs Initiative, including lowering the VAT rate for the tourism sector to 9%. The levy was successful and did its job as reflected in the increased activity and ensuing employment in that sector. The value of the funds raised by way of the levies have been used to protect and create jobs and this in turn has helped to support the improving financial and economic position of the State.

Taxpayers who may have ultimately borne the impact of the levy will have since benefited from tax reductions in the last number of Budgets, including the substantial income tax package as part of Budget 2021. Accordingly, it is within context that I can confirm that there are no plans to carry out a review of the levy.

Banking Sector

Questions (50)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

50. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if a bank must comply with European Union law and not with the current interpretation of the International Financial Reporting Standards in cases in which a bank is reporting its financial position to potential shareholders; if he has considered the UK parliamentary inquiry (details supplied) in this context of the relationship framework that exists between him and the bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3672/22]

View answer

Written answers

In answer to the first part of the Deputy’s question, the accounting rules, including those related to declarations and payments of distributions that banks, in common with all companies, are governed by the Companies Act 2014. It is the responsibility of the Directors of the respective banks to ensure these rules have been properly applied.

The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). EU-endorsed IFRS form part of European law by virtue of the EU’s promotion of convergence of accounting standards at global level to ensure consistency and comparability in financial reporting across the EU. The IASB occasionally issues interpretations on IFRSs, as required.

In addition, to provide assurance that Directors of banks have applied the relevant accounting rules they are subject to an annual independent external audit review.? ?

Nothing has been brought to my attention to date to suggest that these rules have not been correctly applied by the banks. As 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. 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.

The requirement for Banks to prepare financial statements is laid out in the Companies Acts. The Director of Corporate Enforcement has widespread powers and functions in relation to potential breaches of the Companies Acts.?

Should the Deputy have concerns in this regard, she may wish to refer such concerns to the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) or the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment as the Companies Acts come under its remit.

Revenue Commissioners

Questions (51)

Joe Carey

Question:

51. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 23 November 2021, the reason that a Departmental circular was not issued to all employees, including those on maternity leave, in respect of the personal to holder allowance or annual personal to holder payment by the Revenue Commissioners prior to it coming into effect on 1 January 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3777/22]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by Revenue that the rationalisation and integration of General Service and Departmental Taxes grading structures in Revenue followed an extensive industrial relations negotiation and communications process more than 18 years ago, in the lead-up to Integration Day on 1 January 2003. In the period prior to Integration Day, Revenue engaged in very extensive communications with staff and their representatives. A copy of a letter on the matter from the then Chairman, dated November 2002 and that issued to all staff, was provided to the Deputy by email dated 24 November 2021 to his Oireachtas email address.

I am advised by Revenue that the final integration proposal offer was published on RevNET, Revenue’s intranet, and sent by email to all staff; and that in line with normal Revenue procedure, internal correspondence such as circulars, competition advertisements etc., is issued to all staff availing of Special Leave and statutory entitlements such as Maternity Leave. Revenue does not hold postal or telephone records on this matter dating back to 2002/2003.

Tax Credits

Questions (52)

Seán Haughey

Question:

52. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) who is having difficulties uploading documents online when endeavouring to make a claim for an allowance in respect of medical expenses can make an application in hard copy using conventional post; if a helpline is available to persons having difficulties making such claims during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3806/22]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by Revenue that taxpayers claiming additional tax credits such as health expenses can upload the relevant receipts in support of the claim when submitting their income tax return in preference to retaining them for inspection for a period of six years. However, it is not mandatory to do so, providing the original receipts are kept for the required six-year period.

Revenue has confirmed that it was recently in direct contact with the person in question on foot of correspondence received and the matter is fully resolved. The person was unaware that he had the choice to either upload the receipts or keep them for the six-year period.

Finally, Revenue operates a Helpline (01-738 36 36) for PAYE customers from 9.30am to 1.30pm Monday to Friday and provides an online query service (MyEnquiries) as well as a full postal service. For more complex matters that require one to one engagement, taxpayers can avail of virtual appointments with the relevant Revenue official through video-conferencing facilities.

Tax Code

Questions (53, 54, 55)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

53. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the revenue raised by the excess bank remuneration charge in each of the years since its introduction, in tabular form. [3945/22]

View answer

Pearse Doherty

Question:

54. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of relevant employees that have been subject to the excess bank remuneration charge in each of the years since its introduction disaggregated by specified institution in tabular form. [3946/22]

View answer

Pearse Doherty

Question:

55. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of times an employer has failed to make and deliver a return on time to the Revenue Commissioner as specified under subsection 10 of section 531AAD on the Direct Tax Acts since the introduction of the excess bank remuneration charge. [3947/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 to 55, inclusive, together.

Section 531AAD of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a charge to be levied on bonus and similar payments over €20,000 paid to employees of financial institutions that received financial support from the State under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008. This charge, known as the “excess bank remuneration charge”, is incorporated into the Universal Social Charge (USC) and applies in all respects as if it were USC except that it is charged at a higher rate of 45%. I am advised by Revenue that the revenue raised to date by this charge is as follows:

Year

Revenue raised

2011

€1.288m

2012 – 2021

Nil

As regards the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of times an employer has failed to make and deliver a return on time, I am advised by Revenue that due to on-going Covid-19 related work restrictions it is not possible to access returns for tax years prior to 2014 in the time available, as such records are only available in hard copy:

Year

No of Returns under s.531AAD(1) TCA 1997 received post 14th day from the end of the year.

2014

4

2015

3

2016

4

2017

4

2018

3

I am advised by Revenue that the number of relevant employees that have been subject to the excess bank remuneration charge in each of the years since its introduction is as set out in the table below.

Year

Number of Individuals

2011

47

2012 – 2021

Nil

However, as Revenue is bound by the provisions of section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 concerning taxpayer confidentiality, it is unable to provide a disaggregation by specified institution.

Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 53.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 53.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (56)

Réada Cronin

Question:

56. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Finance the details of the tendering process used by his Department for State contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic; the name of each company, the services involved; the amount paid to each company in each of the relevant years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4230/22]

View answer

Written answers

The following table provides details of contracts in relation to Covid-19 entered into by my Department since the beginning of the pandemic:

Contracts granted in relation to Covid-19

With regard to the Bodies under the Aegis of my Department that incurred expenditure on COVID-19 related contracts, the information supplied to my Department from those Bodies is in the table below.

It should be noted that the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) provides business and support services and systems to the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI). The contracts listed below in respect of the NTMA include those relevant services provided to HBFI, NAMA and the SBCI.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (57)

Richard O'Donoghue

Question:

57. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will reconsider the groups of persons who will receive the once-off €1,000 payment to make it available to all persons who worked on the front-line in different sectors during the Covid-19 pandemic who all helped to keep the country running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3828/22]

View answer

Written answers

There are many thousands of people across the country who went above and beyond over the course of the last two years. The continued contribution of so many people in all walks of life has been essential to getting us through this difficult time. Collaboration and solidarity have been the hallmark of our national approach to COVID-19 and the measures announced on 19 January are true to those principles.

After careful consideration, the Government made the decision to give all the people of Ireland a national day of recognition and commemoration on the 18th of March this year, and another permanent public holiday in February commencing in 2023.

The Government took many factors into consideration when coming to a decision in relation to any additional recognition measure for specific sectors, however it ultimately agreed that acknowledging certain frontline healthcare workers in the public sector and in private nursing homes and hospices in particular was the most fair and appropriate, whilst acknowledging all other healthcare workers and sectors with the public holidays.

This is a balanced package of measures that will benefit all workers across the economy, while also recognising in particular the risks faced by certain frontline healthcare workers during this pandemic.

Brexit Supports

Questions (58)

Joe McHugh

Question:

58. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the mechanism for the drawdown of the Brexit fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3872/22]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland will receive just over €1 billion from the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve, the biggest single allocation for any Member State, representing just over 20% of the total funding available. The objectives and requirements of the Reserve are set out in the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Regulation which came into force on 11 October 2021.

The overall objective of the Reserve is to provide financial support to the most affected Member States, regions and sectors to deal with the adverse consequences of Brexit.

To qualify for funding, expenditure must be incurred between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023, and a direct link to the adverse consequences of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU must be demonstrated.

Member States are required to establish a Designated Body responsible for the management and oversight of funding and the required reporting and funding application to the Commission. In Ireland this function lies in my Department.

Approximately 80% of funding will be paid to Member States as pre-financing in three tranches over the period 2021 to 2023. I am pleased that on 6 December 2021 the European Commission approved the payment of Ireland’s first tranche of €361.5 million, making us the first Member State to receive such approval.

The allocation of BAR resources is being aligned with the annual Estimates process, which has been the vehicle for allocating Brexit resources since the UK referendum on EU membership in 2016.

Heritage Sites

Questions (59)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

59. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made in discussions with a landholder near the Dún Aonghusa complex on Inis Mór to facilitate the provision of improved facilities there, including parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3656/22]

View answer

Written answers

Discussions with the landowner in question are ongoing and for operational reasons, the Office of Public Works is not in a position to provide an update on the matter at this time.

Office of Public Works

Questions (60)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

60. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 15 December 2021, if he has received information in relation to the licence (details supplied). [3842/22]

View answer

Written answers

Apologies to the Deputy for the delay in issuing this response, my officials will issue a response to you in the next 10 working days.

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