Written Answers Nos. 238-259
238. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the reason that Transport Infrastructure Ireland removed bus stop signs on the N18 dual carriageway between Cratloe and Bunratty; when they are expected to be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6676/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
For further details, 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.
239. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Finance the number and value of applications drawn down from the living city initiative since its inception by year and county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6275/22]
View answerThe Living City Initiative (LCI) (provided for in Finance Act 2013 and commenced on 5 May 2015) is a tax incentive aimed at the regeneration of the historic inner-cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford. The scheme provides income or corporation tax relief for qualifying expenditure incurred in refurbishing/converting qualifying buildings which are located within pre-determined 'Special Regeneration Areas' (SRAs).
I am advised by Revenue that details on the number of claimants and the amounts claimed in relation to the Living City Initiative can be found on the Revenue website at link:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/property-reliefs.aspx.
This contains data for the years 2013 to 2018, the latest year for which information is currently available.
|
Year |
Amount claimed (€) |
No. of claimants |
|
2018 |
500,000 |
27 |
|
2017 |
400,000 |
23 |
|
2016 |
500,000 |
15 |
|
2015 |
500,000 |
13 |
|
2014 |
200,000 |
n/a |
|
2013 |
100,000 |
n/a |
Data for 2019 will be published at this link in the coming weeks when analysis of the relevant returns for that year is complete. Due to Revenue’s obligation to protect taxpayer confidentiality, and the small number of claims made in some counties, it is not possible to provide the information on a county by county basis.
240. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 26 January 2022, if he will provide copies of all correspondence to staff including any circular issued in 2002 which stated that all staff needed to be in the office on 1 January 2003 to qualify for 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. [5835/22]
View answerI 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.
Explanatory documents setting out the final integration proposal offer; Frequently Asked Questions; the draft proposed Memorandum of Understanding between IMPACT trade union and Revenue to be read in conjunction with and as part of the proposed agreement on Integration; along with a letter from the then Chairman of Revenue that was previously provided to the Deputy, were all published on RevNET, Revenue’s intranet. These explanatory documents were also sent by email to all staff and in line with normal Revenue procedure, were issued to all staff who were at that time availing of Special Leave and other statutory entitlements such as Maternity Leave.
I am advised by Revenue that included in all explanatory documentation was the provision that only officers serving in Revenue on Integration Day would be entitled to benefit from the Integration Agreement. The following is provided in summary, for ease of reference:
Section 10 of the final integration proposal offer provided as follows:
“10.1 The promotions/upgradings and payments under this negotiated Agreement are solely in the context of and in recognition of the unique circumstances arising for officers serving in Revenue on Integration Day. It is accepted by all parties to this Agreement that only officers serving in Revenue on Integration Day will be entitled to benefit from these promotions/upgradings and payments and that these promotions/upgradings and payments have no relevance or significance whatsoever, and cannot be referred to, in any other context or for any other purpose.”
Page 3 of the Frequently Asked Questions document provided as follows:
“ Who will be eligible to receive APTHs?
All Officers in the grades covered by the agreement who are serving on I Day and who are not selected for promotion/upgrading under this package will be eligible for payment of the APTH.”
Section 9 of the draft proposed Memorandum of Understanding between IMPACT trade union and Revenue provided as follows:
“9.1 The Union confirms that it will not seek any benefits under Integration for officers who were not serving in Revenue on Integration Day (1 January 2003) and who do not benefit from the provisions of the final offer dated 15/10/03.” This document also stated on the final page that “Only officers serving on Integration Day will be entitled to benefit from this offer.”
I am advised by Revenue that a copy of the letter from the then Chairman, dated November 2002 referred to above and that issued to all staff, was provided to the Deputy by email dated 24 November 2021 to his Oireachtas email. Copies of the other documents referred to in this reply will be provided to the Deputy. The terms of the Integration Agreement are very clear as regards eligibility and there is no provision for payment of the APTH other than under the terms of the Integration Agreement.
241. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance the supports he can provide for vulnerable current account customers who may not be in a position to switch accounts prior to the closure of said accounts by a bank (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5883/22]
View answerIn October 2021, Ulster Bank outlined its intended process to support customers closing their accounts as the bank exits the Irish market.
Initially customers will receive written notice outlining their closure date and how Ulster Bank can support them to 'Choose, Move & Close' their accounts. Further contact will be made with vulnerable customers and those with complex needs. Ulster Bank has encouraged personal customers who are ready to switch to contact them at 0818 210 260 to arrange an appointment or call into a branch for help on an individual and personalised basis.
Customers will receive reminders during the lead up to Ulster Bank's closure and ultimately, if no action is taken, a customer account will be closed with a cheque issued for any remaining balance.
I would encourage all Ulster Bank customers to engage with the bank to put in place the appropriate arrangements to switch to a new provider in advance of the it's closure.
In addition to the support Ulster Bank will be providing customers, the Central Bank of Ireland's Code of Conduct on the Switching of Payment Accounts with Payment Service Providers is also in place to support customers when switching current accounts to ensure it is easy and straightforward.
All banks, payment institutions and e-money institutions that offer payment accounts in Ireland must comply with the Code. As per provision 4.a of the Code all banks must provide a switching pack to their customers. Provision 10 of the code requires that the switch is completed within 10 days of the switching date.
In terms of supports for vulnerable customers, the Central Bank’s consumer protection framework is designed to ensure that customers’ best interests are protected. The Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 (“the Code”) states that: “Where a regulated entity has identified that a personal consumer is a vulnerable consumer, the regulated entity must ensure that the vulnerable consumer is provided with such reasonable arrangements and/or assistance that may be necessary to facilitate him or her in his or her dealings with the regulated entity. ”
On 25 June 2021, the Central Bank issued an industry letter regarding its consumer protection expectations in the changing retail banking landscape. In respect of vulnerable customers, this industry letter sets out that all customers are potentially vulnerable to the risk of making uninformed decisions, or decisions that are not in their best interests, particularly during times of uncertainty and change. The Central Bank sets out the following expectation of regulated entities in respect of vulnerable customers:
Consider specifically the impact of their decisions on vulnerable customers and provide the assistance necessary to reasonably mitigate those impacts and retain access to basic financial services.
Have specific and effective processes and communication plans to support vulnerable customers during this time of increased uncertainty.
242. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if clarification will be provided in relation to an email sent to a children’s playcentre (details supplied) on 23 December 2021 regarding eligibility for the Covid restrictions support scheme; if clarification will be issued to the Revenue Commissioners in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5935/22]
View answerThe Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) was introduced by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2020. The scheme 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 scheme is available to companies, self-employed individuals and partnerships who carry on a trade or trading activities, the profits of which are chargeable to tax under Case 1 of Schedule D, from a business premises that is subject to restrictions, set out in the relevant legislation, that prohibit or considerably restrict customer access.
From 20 December 2021, the Government introduced certain restrictive measures for businesses within the hospitality and indoor entertainment sectors. As part of these measures, an 8pm closing time has been imposed from 20 December 2021 to 22 January 2022. Businesses operating within these sectors, who would ordinarily operate evening and night-time trading hours, were considered to be significantly restricted from operating for the purposes of the CRSS and were eligible for support under the scheme where they meet the eligibility conditions. The Government also agreed that the turnover reduction criteria will be increased from no more that 25% of 2019 turnover to no more that 40% of 2019 turnover. Revenue has published revised CRSS guidelines, on its website reflecting the latest Government decisions.
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, or by public health guidance generally in force. 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 legislation provides businesses with the entitlement to appeal Revenue’s decision on CRSS eligibility to the independent Tax Appeals Commission (TAC), where they dispute the interpretation applied. If a business wishes to appeal Revenue’s decision that it is not entitled to the CRSS, it should do so within 30 days of the refusal notification.
The CRSS is just one of the Government supports to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19. Businesses not falling within the scope of the CRSS may be entitled to support under other measures put in place by Government, including the COVID Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). EWSS is an economy-wide scheme that operates across all sectors.
As the Deputy may be aware, as announced on 9 December, it was decided that the enhanced rates of support which were due to end on 30 November 2021 would be extended for a further two months until end-January 2022. On 21 December, it was decided on foot of the restrictions I have outlined above, that the EWSS would reopen for certain businesses who would otherwise not be eligible for the support. Businesses that previously registered for EWSS and received a payment in compliance with the scheme have the opportunity to re-qualify for the scheme where they meet certain conditions. Broadly, the business must experience a 30% reduction in turnover, or customer orders during a particular reference period and have tax clearance.
It is my intention that the legislative aspects associated with the revised arrangements for CRSS and EWSS, outlined above, will be addressed by primary legislation in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Revenue Commissioners are operating the revised arrangements on an administrative basis pending the legislation.
The correspondence referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy is noted. As the Deputy is aware the Revenue Commissioners are responsible for administering CRSS in accordance with the relevant legislation. Each application is assessed on its own merits having regard to the facts of the individual case and relevant legislation.
243. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will increase the level of rebate on products (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6023/22]
View answerThe Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Fuel Grant is regulated by S.I. 635/2015 and provides for payment of a fuel grant based on a the value of excise chargeable per litre rate of fuel. The grant is based on the excise component of the fuel, not the market price. The current value is €0.636 for petrol, €0.535 for diesel and €0.118 for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in respect of the mineral oil taxes applying to these products. An annual maximum of 2,730 litres applies in respect of a driver or passenger, and 4,100 litres in respect of an organisation. This grant has been increased by the value of the recent increase in carbon tax with effect from 1 January 2022.
244. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the agencies under the remit of his Department; the amount that has been spent on all Covid-19-related consultancy contracts by his Department and agencies under his remit in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; the amount paid for each consultant; and the reason for the consultancy. [6037/22]
View answerMy Department did not incur any expenditure on Covid-19 consultancy contracts in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022.
The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Central Bank of Ireland, the Credit Review Office, the Credit Union Advisory Board, the Credit Union Restructuring Board, the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, Home Building Finance Ireland, the Investor Compensation Company DAC, the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, the National Asset Management Agency, the National Treasury Management Agency, the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and the Tax Appeals Commission.
The Credit Union Restructuring Board was operationally wound down in 2017 and is awaiting formal dissolution.
I have been informed that the majority of these have not incurred expenditure in relation to Covid-19 related consultancy contracts. One agency, the National Treasury Management Agency, has incurred such expenditure and has provided the information in the table below.
It should be noted that the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) provides support services to Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) under a Service Level Agreement. The contracts listed below in respect of the NTMA include those relevant services provided to HBFI, NAMA and the SBCI.
|
Body under the aegis of the Department of Finance |
Reason for Covid-19-related consultancy |
Amount paid for each Covid-19-related consultant in 2020 (VAT excl) |
Amount paid for each Covid-19-related consultant in 2021 (VAT excl) |
Amount paid for each Covid-19-related consultant to date in 2022 (VAT excl) |
|
National Treasury Management Agency |
COVID-19 compliance officer training |
€75 |
0 |
0 |
|
Health & Safety Review and drafting and update of COVID-19 Response Plan and Risk Register* |
€4,200 |
€700 |
€1,200 |
*Health & safety reviews related to various health & safety matters, not just COVID-19
245. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide tax credits in budget 2023 for owner-occupiers and social landlords of apartments and duplexes with building defects who have been subject to levies for the remediation of the defects in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6145/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has established an Independent Working Group to examine the issue of defective housing. Officials from my Department participate in this Working Group. The objectives of the group are to identify the scope of relevant significant defects in housing, to evaluate the scale of housing affected, to propose a means of prioritising defects, to evaluate the cost of remediation, to recommend appropriate mechanisms for resolving defects and, to consider financing options in line with the Programme for Government commitment to identifying options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance. A final paper is due to be completed by Q2 2022.
Separately, my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines are clear that a tax-based intervention should only be considered where it would be more efficient than a direct expenditure measure.
In the circumstances, any intervention by me would seem to be premature at this point.
246. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the ratification of the double taxation treaty between Ireland and Oman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6153/22]
View answerNegotiations have concluded on a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Ireland and the Sultanate of Oman. The next step in the ratification process from an Irish perspective is to seek Government permission to sign the DTA.
As DTAs are international agreements they also require the approval of the Oireachtas prior to the agreement having force in law. Following signature and, subject to the approval of the Oireachtas, these agreements are delivered into legislation through an update to Schedule 24A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
In respect to the DTA between Ireland and the Sultanate of Oman, consideration is being given to the next steps towards signature. The OECD Multilateral Convention to Implement tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent BEPS (MLI) has been developed and implemented in the period since negotiation concluded and both Ireland and Oman are signatories to the MLI. The text of the proposed DTA is now being reviewed in light of the content of the MLI with a view to considering any further necessary steps before signature. I look forward to signature of this DTA in due course.
247. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in the appointment of members to a board (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6156/22]
View answer248. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the status of the appointment of new members to a board (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6179/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 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. 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 as soon as possible. I am informed by my officials that the Department of Health is in the process of finalising the expression of interest, working with the Public Appointments Service.
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.
249. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the number of electronic money institutions licences that were authorised by the Central Bank in 2020 and 2021; the total and average length of time it is taking the Central Bank to assess these applications from the date of submission; if the Central Bank is adequately resourced to handle the volume of applications in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6197/22]
View answerThe authorisation and supervision of financial service firms such as electronic money institutions is the responsibility of the Central Bank of Ireland, as competent authority of such entities.
It should be noted that the approval or refusal of applications made by any firm to the Central Bank of Ireland is not a matter which the Minister or the Department of Finance has any role or involvement in.
I have been informed by the Central Bank of Ireland that it operates a transparent and robust process for applicants seeking authorisation. This process is an important part of the Central Bank’s work to protect consumers and investors, and to ensure the proper functioning of the financial system.
The Payment Services Directive (PSD) and the revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) established common rules in relation to certain types of electronic payments, such as credit transfers, direct debits, card payments, and mobile and online payments and therefore allows for authorisation of different firms types in this sector. The main business models of these firms are; Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), Payment Institutions (PIs), Account Information Service Providers (AISPs) and Payment Institution Service Providers (PISPs). There has been a 138% increase in applications processed and authorised in this sector since the legislation came into effect in 2018.
In 2020, the Central Bank authorised 8 such firms, the breakdown of which is below:
- 5 EMI's
- 2 PI's
- 1 AISP
In 2021, the Central Bank authorised 3* firms under PSD2, the breakdown of which is as follows:
- 2 PI's
- 1 AISP
*Other firms reached an advanced stage of the authorisation process but, ultimately chose not to take up the licence.
For applicants applying for authorisation under PSD2, the Central Bank commits to a 90-day assessment service standard in providing an authorisation outcome. The assessment period will be stopped and restarted where the firm does not provide the necessary information to perform the assessment or do not meet the authorisation requirements as set out in PSD2 and relevant European Banking Authority Guidelines. Therefore, the average length of time for the assessment is driven by the firm’s ability to meet the regulatory expectations, which are published on our website.
To date the Central Bank has experienced a varied timeframe to reach authorisation decisions. The timeframe is heavily influenced by the scale and complexity of the business model a firm is attempting to operationalise as well as its level of preparedness and the quality of its engagement with the Central Bank. In a number of cases, the Central Bank have experienced firms continuing to evolve their business model within the live authorisation assessment, which makes the assessment process longer, but which represents a firm using its discretion to change its proposed business model in line with its own business objectives.
The Central Bank provides feedback to ensure that all firms are clear on their authorisation status and their pathway through the authorisation process. The authorisation framework is designed to encourage early and frequent engagement in order to support firms in their preparations for authorisation and operate an effective and efficient authorisation assessment.
The authorisation process is an iterative process. It includes stages which enable firms to approach the Central Bank at the preliminary (or speculative) phase to gain information and guidance about the process. This is particularly the case in new and emerging sectors where applicants may be less informed as it allows them to understand what is required to be granted authorisation and to take the necessary steps to prepare an application that could meet approval.
The most productive engagements arise from firms who are well prepared for such pre-application exchanges. The standards applied by the Central Bank are also a reason why firms continue to apply to be authorised in Ireland as they demonstrate credibility and trustworthiness.
There is an onus on firms to submit rigorous and credible applications to allow a proper and timely assessment to take place Where there are deficiencies in certain areas, or ambiguity around the proposed business, it can take time for the firm and its advisors to furnish information or to put in place measures which brings them in line with the expected standards.
As the financial services sector continues to evolve at rapid pace, the Central Bank anticipates a continuing increase in authorisation applications, including from innovation in the sector.
The Central Bank of Ireland's new Strategy is designed to ensure it can meet the challenges of a changing world and deliver on its mission and vision.
With regard to resourcing for authorisations, I would highlight the strategy includes that the Central Bank’s leaders and the Central Bank Commission will assess and regularly review the status of, and resources deployed to deliver, the Central Bank's strategic objectives.
250. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the number of virtual asset service provider licences that have been authorised by the Central Bank in 2021; if his attention has been drawn to the delay by Ireland in implementing the procedures to process these licences; if this is hindering Ireland’s objectives under the Ireland for Finance strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6198/22]
View answerIreland transposed the fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive into Irish law by way of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2021, and the provisions of the 2021 Act that relate to Virtual Asset Service Providers commenced on 23 April 2021.
In relation to the Deputy’s question, it is important to note that Virtual Asset Service Providers, or VASPs do not require a licence in Ireland. Instead, there is a “registration” process. Having said that, given how comprehensive the registration process is, and given the ability of the Central Bank of Ireland to refuse an application for registration as a Virtual Asset Service Provider, it is fair to say that the process is more akin to an “authorisation” or “licencing” process than that normally associated with a “registration” regime.
In order to provide a comprehensive response to the Deputy’s question, my officials consulted with the Central Bank and understand that the Central Bank web page relating to Virtual Asset Service Providers and details of their registration requirements went live on 23rd April 2021.
Furthermore, the Central Bank is currently engaging with a significant number of firms in relation to their registration applications, which are at varying stages of the application process. To date no firms have been registered as Virtual Asset Service Providers in Ireland. However once a firm has completed the process, and has been approved, the VASP Register on the Central Bank’s web page will be updated.
I have been informed that the Central Bank adopts a robust, structured and risk-based process that seeks to ensure that only those applicants that demonstrate that they are in a position to effectively comply with their AML/CFT obligations are registered. In order for the Central Bank to approve a VASP's application for AML/CFT registration, the Central Bank must be satisfied that the firm's AML/CFT policies and procedures are effective in combatting the money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks associated with its business model. In addition, it must be satisfied that the firm's management and beneficial owners are fit and proper.
The Central Bank may refuse an application on any of the grounds set out in Section 106H(1) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Acts 2010 to 2021.
The Ireland for Finance strategy was launched in 2019, and implementing its objectives is a commitment in the Programme for Government Our Shared Future. The purpose of the Ireland for Finance strategy is the further development of Ireland’s international financial services sector to 2025. The process of the registration of Virtual Asset Service Providers is a robust process that must be completed, and as the providers complete the registration process it will progressively aid in meeting the objectives of the strategy.
Direct employment is the primary metric used to assess the benefit to Ireland of the international financial services sector and of the Ireland for Finance strategy. The target set for the strategy is an increase of 5,000 jobs over the target set in the previous strategy, Ireland for Finance 2020 (IFS2020). At the end of 2021, employment in the sector is a record 52,800 people.
251. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he has spoken formally with his Australian counterpart in the past 12 months; and if so, the nature of those engagements. [6199/22]
View answerI last spoke with my Australian counterpart, the then Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann, in July 2020. That engagement provided an opportunity to take stock of global developments, including the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The opportunity to speak formally with his successor, Minister Simon Birmingham, has not yet presented itself, but I look forward to engaging with him at some point in the future as we continue to build on the already close bilateral relationship between our two countries.
252. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will be travelling abroad for St. Patrick’s week 2022 on official visits; and if so, the location he is scheduled to visit. [6232/22]
View answerThe government is in the process of finalising the programme to mark St Patrick’s Day around the world. This will include a programme of visits by Ministers that will be approved by the Government early this month, and which will be made public immediately afterwards.
253. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide statistics relating to warnings, detentions, seizures and compromise penalties made pursuant to sections 140 and 141 of the Finance Act 2001, as amended, in each of the years 2015 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6286/22]
View answer254. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide statistics relating to non-VRT checkpoint seizures and compromise penalties made pursuant to section 141 of the Finance Act 2001, as amended, in each of the years 2015 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6287/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.
I am advised by Revenue that in relation to Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), the number of vehicles which were the subject of a written warning, detained under section 140 of the Finance Act 2001, seized under section 141 of the Finance Act 2001 and/or where a compromise penalty was paid under S144(2) or S128(5) of the Finance Act 2001 for each of the years 2015 to 2021 are as set out in the table below.
A breakdown of the non-VRT checkpoint seizures and compromise penalties is not available, as this information is not maintained on Revenue systems.
|
YEAR |
WARNINGS |
DETENTIONS |
SEIZURES |
NO. OF COMPROMISE PENALTIES PAID |
|
2015 |
210 |
81 |
1,133 |
1,097 |
|
2016 |
241 |
190 |
1,384 |
1,282 |
|
2017 |
195 |
124 |
1,304 |
1,225 |
|
2018 |
127 |
81 |
1,223 |
1,160 |
|
2019 |
184 |
52 |
1,265 |
1,200 |
|
2020 |
66 |
21 |
410 |
392 |
|
2021 |
95 |
16 |
443 |
428 |
255. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance the role of the Central Bank in allowing crypto-currency exchange (details supplied) back into the single euro payments area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6303/22]
View answerIt should be noted that the approval or refusal of applications made by any firm to the Central Bank of Ireland is not a matter which the Minister or the Department of Finance has any role or involvement in.
I am also informed by the Central Bank of Ireland that it does not regulate the firm in question.
While the Central Bank cannot comment on individual firms it is the responsibility of each firm to ensure it has the right authorisation in place prior to providing regulated financial services in Ireland.
Detail of the firms regulated by the Central Bank can be found on the public registers. The Central Bank does not have a role in regulating cryptocurrencies.
Additional information relating to the regulation of providers of services relating to virtual assets can be found on the Central Bank website.
www.centralbank.ie/regulation/anti-money-laundering-and-countering-the-financing-of-terrorism/virtual-asset-service-providers
256. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will liaise with the Central Bank concerning rules on mortgage drawdown for those on the employment wage subsidy scheme. [6419/22]
View answerThe Central Bank has indicated that it expects all regulated firms to take a consumer-focused approach and to act in their customers’ best interests at all times, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, since the COVID-19 situation first arose, I have maintained contact with the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) and banks on the measures the sector has put in place to assist their customers who are economically impacted by the pandemic. In relation to the particular issue of new mortgage lending, the main retail banks previously confirmed that they are considering mortgage applications and mortgage drawdowns in relation to their customers who were on the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) on a case by case basis and that they are taking a fair and balanced approach.
There are, however, certain consumer protection requirements which govern the provision of mortgage credit to consumers. For example, the European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements) Regulations 2016 (CMCAR) provide that, before concluding a mortgage credit agreement, a Central Bank regulated mortgage lender must make a thorough assessment of the consumer’s creditworthiness with a view to verifying the prospect of the consumer being able to meet his or her obligations under the credit agreement. The CMCAR further provides that a lender should only make credit available to a consumer where the result of the creditworthiness assessment indicates that the consumer’s obligations resulting from the credit agreement are likely to be met in the manner required under that agreement. The assessment of creditworthiness must be carried out on the basis of information on the consumer’s income and expenses and other financial and economic circumstances which are necessary, sufficient and proportionate.
In addition, the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 imposes ‘Knowing the Consumer and Suitability’ requirements on regulated lenders. Under these requirements, lenders are required to assess affordability of credit and the suitability of a product or service based on the individual circumstances of each borrower. The Code specifies that the affordability assessment must include consideration of the information gathered on the borrower’s personal circumstances and financial situation. Furthermore, where a lender refuses a mortgage application, the CMCAR requires that the lender must inform the consumer without delay of the refusal. In addition, the Code requires that the lender must clearly outline to the consumer the reasons why the credit was not approved, and provide these reasons on paper if requested.
Within this regulatory framework, the decision to grant or refuse an application for mortgage credit remains a commercial matter for the individual lender. Lenders continue to process mortgage applications and have supports in place to assist customers impacted by COVID-19.
If a mortgage applicant is not satisfied with how a regulated firm is dealing with them in relation to an application for a mortgage or the drawn down of a mortgage, or they believe that the regulated firm is not following the requirements of the Central Bank’s codes and regulations or other financial services law, they should make a complaint directly to the regulated firm. If the mortgage applicant is still not satisfied with the response from the regulated firm, he or she can refer the complaint to the statutory Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
257. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the last time a departmental tax expenditure evaluation was conducted on the research and development tax credit in accordance with the guidelines for tax expenditure evaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6529/22]
View answerAs with all tax expenditures, the R&D tax credit is regularly evaluated to assess its continuing relevance and impact. In line with my Department’s Tax Expenditure Guidelines, an evaluation of the R&D tax credit took place over 2019 and 2020.
This evaluation, as part of its scope, examined the interaction between SMEs and the credit and looked at elements of the R&D regimes in other countries that are focused on smaller claimants.
My Department launched a public consultation on the R&D Tax Credit in 2019, which formed part of a broader review of the R&D Tax Credit. The evaluation was challenging as a novel data set of taxpayer data was used and there was no recent policy change to use as an anchor for statistical analysis.
The onset of the Covid-19 crisis, and the challenges associated with the end of the Brexit transition period, required the reallocation of resources before these difficulties could be resolved.
However, the methodological issues identified will be valuable in informing my officials’ approach to the next review of the credit, due to take place this year.
258. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance the amount expended to date on the help to buy scheme since its inception; the number of first-time buyers that benefited from the scheme in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6557/22]
View answerThe Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The incentive gives a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the State over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.
I am advised by Revenue that detailed statistics on the Help to Buy (HTB) scheme are published monthly on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/htb/htb-monthly.aspx .
The most up-to-date statistics that are available are based on analysis of claims filed at 30 November. These statistics show that, since the inception of the scheme, there have been 29,421 approved HTB claims. The estimated total value of these approved HTB claims is of the order of €536.4 million. A breakdown per year can be found below:
|
Year |
Approved HTB claims |
Cost (€m)* |
|
2021 (end Nov) |
6,665 |
167 |
|
2020 |
6,202 |
126 |
|
2019 |
6,603 |
101 |
|
2018 |
4,967 |
73 |
|
2017 |
4,831 |
69 |
* Subject to rounding.
Revenue also publishes an annual statistical report in relation to the HTB scheme, which will be available shortly in respect of 2021.
259. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the primary medical certificate scheme per annum since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6566/22]
View answerThe 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 table below outlines the costs of the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities (DPD) Scheme and the Fuel Grant Scheme for the years 2012-2021. These figures do not include the revenue foregone in respect of the relief from Motor Tax provided to members of the Scheme.
|
Year |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Cost of scheme (€ m) |
44 |
43.5 |
48.6 |
50 |
65 |
65 |
70 |
72 |
67 |
68 |
