Tuesday, 5 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 218-240

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (218)

David Stanton

Question:

218. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the current policy with respect to remote working options for staff in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18176/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

In July 2021, the Government approved a Policy Statement on Blended Working in the Civil Service. This statement committed the Civil Service to implementing a policy of blended working that could provide flexibility to both employees and their employers in a manner that supports the continued delivery of high quality services.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has worked with employers and unions to develop a central Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service and this was published on the 31 March by Minister McGrath. This Framework allows Departments to develop their own policies with the flexibility to meet their own business needs and service delivery functions.

Now that the Framework has been agreed, my Department will continue work on developing its own Blended Working Policy, which I hope will be finalised shortly in consultation with stakeholders, including with local staff representatives. In the meantime, my Department will continue with its transitional arrangements as we move towards formal blended working arrangements.

Driver Test

Questions (219)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

219. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; if an appointment for a driving test will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18255/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The protocols employed for scheduling driving test appointments is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, who are statutorily responsible for the operation of the National Driving Test Service.

I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

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

Greenways Provision

Questions (220)

Seán Canney

Question:

220. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be made available to provide loops to connect local towns to the national greenway route from Dublin to Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18261/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and in line with Section 32(2) of the Road Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. It is important that any proposed Greenway has the support of the relevant Local Authority as funding is provided by TII to Local Authorities. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise the Deputy on the matter raised..

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

Transport Costs

Questions (221)

Bríd Smith

Question:

221. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the estimated amount it would cost to provide free public transport to all student Leap card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18325/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.

It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable. The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.

The provision of public transport services is heavily dependent on passenger fare revenue as it normally contributes about 65% of the operational cost. The remaining 35% of cost is covered by the PSO grant and the Department of Social Protection grant under the free travel scheme.

Prior to COVID-19, €287 million of Exchequer funding was provided for PSO services in Budget 2020; however, since 2020, additional funding has been required to continue to address the significant COVID impacts on public transport provision.

In 2022, I secured €538m to support PSO services including over €200m to address COVID expenses (i.e. loss of fare revenue, cleaning costs). Up to €12m will be provided as ongoing support for the licensed bus sector; while, over €15m has also been allocated to support Local Link regular service provision in rural Ireland.

The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, a suite of new measures is being introduced by Government to help with this issue, including a 20% average fare reduction on all PSO services until the end of 2022. These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO public transport every day. €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares.

Also, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. It is envisaged that the discount will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.

The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the estimated cost of waiving public transport fees for persons in possession of a student leap card. to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Tax Reliefs

Questions (222)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

222. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has examined introducing a scheme similar to the cycle-to-work scheme for college students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18331/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Cycle to Work Scheme, which I am very supportive of, is a tax incentive scheme administered by the Revenue Commissioners and governed by tax legislation and tax policy which are matters for my colleague the Minister for Finance. In that regard I very much welcomed his announcement of increased thresholds under the existing scheme as part of the July Stimulus 2020. The increases are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government in relation to the scheme.

The Programme for Government commits to “widening the eligibility of the Bike to Work scheme”. To advance this commitment, my department in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development, introduced a pilot initiative last year for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and the most marginalised and disadvantaged, via the Community Services Programme.

Funding of up to €1m per annum (€3m in total) will be provided by my Department over a three-year period and will be made available through the Community Services Programme, which is managed by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development. Five applicants were approved for support under this pilot initiative.

Bikes will get a second life, and the people building them will provide a vital service in their communities with these pilot projects. This scheme keeps valuable materials in circulation, builds local expertise, and will shorten the turnaround time for those who have come to rely on the bicycle as a convenient way of getting around.

There are currently no plans to extend eligibility for the scheme further.

Parliamentary Questions

Questions (223)

Bríd Smith

Question:

223. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 152 and 153 of 1 March 2022, when the information referred to in the replies will be received from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in view of the provisions of Standing Order 51(1) of Dáil Éireann in relation to referred replies to outside bodies. [18346/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Parliamentary Question Nos. 152 and 153 of 1 March 2022 were sent to ESB eCars for further clarification. There was a recent change in staffing which led to a temporary delay in responses. The matter has been rectified and the Deputy can expect to receive a reply shortly.

Legislative Reviews

Questions (224)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

224. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended to introduce new legislation to repeal the Merchant Shipping Act 1892 and replace it with a modern Act suitable to the realities of the 21st century; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18347/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Legislation for the maritime sector covers a wide timeframe ranging from before the foundation of the State until the present day. The core body of the Merchant Shipping Acts date from 1894 and consists of over 30 subsequent Merchant Shipping Acts. The Irish Maritime Directorate (IMD), made up of the Divisions across the maritime sector within my Department, has a wide-ranging legislative work programme in place covering safety standards for vessels, ship and port security, seafarer certification, seafarer working conditions, marine environment/ship-source pollution prevention, marine recreational safety matters, ports and harbours, and marine casualty investigation. The legislative programme is informed by international, European and domestic requirements. The implementation of this legislative programme is framed over a ten-year period 2019-2029.

In February 2021, the IMD published its Strategy for the period 2021-2025. The Strategy includes key actions to be undertaken in relation to our legislative work programme having regard to a new analysis of requirements at domestic, international and EU level and emerging requirements for the maritime sector. As part of our action plan under the IMD Strategy, officials from my Department received training from the Law Reform Commission and produced a finalised consolidated text of the Merchant Shipping Acts 1894, 1952 and 1992. This is the first step towards the progression of a future modern Merchant Shipping (Consolidation) Bill scheduled for development in the latter part of the legislative work programme.

Driver Licences

Questions (225)

Alan Dillon

Question:

225. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the technical matters that are being discussed to reach agreement on compatibility between the Irish and Ukrainian driving licensing regimes; if the Road Safety Authority benchmarked other European Union member counterparts on their recognition process; and if he will provide a timeline for the Authority and the Ukrainian authorities to establish an exchange agreement on driving licences. [18368/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) had been in discussions with Ukrainian authorities, with a view to considering a driving licence exchange agreement. This process, to examine whether the Ukrainian licensing system is in compliance with the system in Ireland under EU Directive 2006/126/EC, had not been completed before the current conflict in Ukraine. When the process was paused, the RSA had not arrived at a position where it could reach a decision on whether to proceed or not.

Benchmarking against other EU member state agreements is not an option as such agreements may be based on historical factors. It should be noted that undertaking the process of consideration of an agreement is no guarantee that an agreement will be concluded.

Driver Test

Questions (226)

Alan Dillon

Question:

226. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the additional resources that will be provided to approved driving instructors to respond to the influx of Ukrainians applying for essential driver training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18369/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Approved driving instructors are not employed by my Department or the Road Safety Authority. As independent operators, individual driving schools and instructors are best placed to determine how best to meet demand for driving lessons.

Driver Licences

Questions (227)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

227. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if the case of persons (details supplied) will be reviewed; if the matter will be referred to the RSA ; if advice will be in relation to obtaining an appointment for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18377/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

An appointment to attend in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office may be made by telephone on 0818 919 090.

Public Transport

Questions (228)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

228. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the proportion of moneys currently invested by his Department in night-time public transport services compared with investment in day-time services and if he is satisfied that current spending is adequate. [18381/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. In addition, since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the NTA. The allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.

In light of the Authority’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the proportion of public transport expenditure which is currently spent on overnight or 24 hour bus services to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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

National Car Test

Questions (229)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

229. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to long waiting times for persons requiring NCT tests; if this will have consequences for persons waiting; the reason persons now have to pay upfront for NCT tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18393/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

It is however worth noting that under road traffic legislation, all vehicle owners must be in possession of a valid roadworthiness certificate for their vehicle while it is being used in public places or on public roads. Enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

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

Departmental Contracts

Questions (230)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

230. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the cost of consultants to his Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will provide an outline of the role of each. [18897/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Deputy, please see table below setting out the cost of consultants to the Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 plus an outline of the role of each. The costs exclude legal advice and external support for interview boards.

Year	Division	Consultancy	Reason	Amount (€)
2021	MSPD	Clinchmaritime Ltd	Review of the Current Organisational Structures Underpinning Marine Casualty Investigation in Ireland in the context of national, EU and international obligations	€24,430
2021	SMPID	Arup Consultancy	All island Strategic Rail Review	€265,470.90
2021	Airports	Altitude Aviation Advisory	Advisory services supporting the delivery of a tender on the provision of Public Service Obligation air services	€18,316.24
2021		Aviation Advocacy SARL	Appeals Panel to consider the appeals of the Determination of the Commission for Aviation Regulation on an Interim Review of the 2019 Determination in relation to 2020 and 2021	€9,692.40
2021		H Nixon Consulting	Appeals Panel to consider the appeals of the Determination of the Commission for Aviation Regulation on an Interim Review of the 2019 Determination in relation to 2020 and 2021	€5,330.82
2021		Eoin McCullogh	Appeals Panel to consider the appeals of the Determination of the Commission for Aviation Regulation on an Interim Review of the 2019 Determination in relation to 2020 and 2021	€18,415.56
2021	ASSD	Helios Technology Limited	Section 32 examination of the IAA - Final invoice on completion of SAR addendum	21,816.30
2021	SRAD	Jacobs Engineering	Environmental services in respect of the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland	€6,760
2021		Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)	Development of the Aviation Carbon Tax Interim and Final Reports	€47,405
2021	CSAGD	Quadra Risk Management Consultants	Building Risk Analyses	€9,594
2021	Climate Delivery	Ipsos MRBI	Focus group tender for the EV Infrastructure Strategy	€14,980
2021	MSO	Antaris Consulting	To review and update Health and Safety documentation	€11,070
2021	MSGD/IRCG	Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services	Project Management Office Consultancy	€72,109
2021	MSGD/IRCG	Corporate Health Ireland Partnership	Medical Consultancy (Re COVID)	€3,690
2021	MSGD/IRCG	KPMG	Financial and Economic Advice	€165,442
2021	MSGD/IRCG	Graphite HRM	HR Consultancy	€16,607
2021	MSGD/IRCG	TMS Consultancy T/A Antaris	Management System Consultancy	€33,210
2021	MSGD/IRCG	Aerossurance Ltd	Aviation Consultancy	€101,268
2021	MSGD/IRCG	Great Place to Work (Ireland) Ltd	HR Survey/Consultancy	€20,627
2021	MSGD/IRCG	Bid & Tender Management Services Ltd	Procurement Consultant	€11,001
2021	MSGD/IRCG	Jane Beattie	Advisory Services and Valuations	€1,815
2021	MSGD/IRCG	Access Rescue Consulting at Height Ltd T/A ARCH	Health and Safety Advisory	€56,703
2021	MSGD/IRCG	Terence Woods Architect Ltd	Architectural and Building Consultancy	€185
TOTAL:				€935,938
2020	ITS/CAV	Arup	Draft Roadmap for CAV Activity	€32,102.39
2020	Airports	Aviation Advocacy SARL	Appeals Panel to consider the appeals of the Determination of the Commission for Aviation Regulation on an Interim Review of the 2019 Determination in relation to 2020 and 2021	€14,538.60
2020	Airports	H Nixon Consulting	Appeals Panel to consider the appeals of the Determination of the Commission for Aviation Regulation on an Interim Review of the 2019 Determination in relation to 2020 and 2021	€8,480.85
2020	Airports	Eoin McCullough	Appeals Panel to consider the appeals of the Determination of the Commission for Aviation Regulation on an Interim Review of the 2019 Determination in relation to 2020 and 2021	€24,231
2020	RCPC	RSM Ireland Business Advisory Limited, T/A RSM Ireland	Protected Disclosure Investigation	29,590
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Atlantic Marine Survey	Marine Consultancy	20,570
2020	MSGD/IRCG	DBFL Consulting Engineers Ltd	Engineering Consultancy	2,399
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Leaseplan	Advisory Services and Valuations	10,824
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Graphite HRM	HR Consultancy	56,341
2020	MSGD/IRCG	TMS Consultancy T/A Antaris	Management System Consultancy	27,225
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Aerossurance Ltd	Aviation Consultancy	92,459
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Great Place to Work (Ireland) Ltd	HR Survey/Consultancy	17,509
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Bid & Tender Management Services Ltd	Procurement Consultant	7,868
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Petronia Consulting Limited	Preparation and Delivery of National Contingency Plan for oil and HNS	61,500
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Quadra Limited	HR Consultancy	1,292
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Ray Carroll	IRCG Boat survey and review	5,000
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Search and Rescue International Ltd	Aviation Consultancy	14,680
2020	MSGD/IRCG	Sir Alan Massey	Independent chair National Search and Rescue Committee	10,656
2020	HR	Joe McDonagh – Mentoring Connections	HR Development Strategy facilitation (in 2019)	€952.88
2020	Climate Engagement	Byrne Ó Cléirigh	Low-emission bus trials	5282.86
2020	Climate Delivery	Dr Brian Caulfield	Demand Management Study	1500
2020	Climate Delivery	Systra	Demand Management Study	407,669.08
2020	ASSD	Helios Egis Avia	Examination of the performance by the IAA of its functions as required under Section 32 of the 1993 IAA Act	36,961.50
2020	ASSD	Aerossurance Limited	Aviation expertise on the opt-in provision of the EASA Basic Regulation and amendment of the 1993 IAA Act	3055
TOTAL:				€892,687
2022 to date	MSGD/IRCG	Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services	Advisory Services and Valuations	63,776
2022 to date	MSGD/IRCG	TMS Consultancy T/A Antaris	Management System Consultancy	27,675
2022 to date	MSGD/IRCG	Aerossurance Ltd	Aviation Consultancy	27,713
2022 to date	MSGD/IRCG	Bid & Tender Management Services Ltd	Procurement Consultant	2,030
2022 to date	Airports	Altitude Aviation Authority	Balance of fees due to consultant engaged to assist with PSO tender process and possible consultancy services for a legal discovery procurement	€964.01
2022 to date	ISD	Deloitte	Review of Dept of Transport Draft Technology Strategy and Governance Arrangements	€25,000
2022 to date	SMIPD	Ove Arup & Partners Ireland Limited	All Island Strategic Rail Review	€339,981
2022 to date	Climate Engagement	Byrne Ó Cléirigh	Low-emission bus trials	11,085.99
TOTAL:				€498,225

Primary Medical Certificates

Questions (231, 233, 249, 250)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

231. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if the comprehensive review of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme has begun; and if he will provide a timeline for the completion of same. [17413/22]

Emer Higgins

Question:

233. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if there is a forum for members of the public to make submissions to the primary medical certificate review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17416/22]

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

249. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if an update will be provided with regard to the review of the primary medical certificate scheme in view of the Supreme Court decision in 2020; when he expects the review to be complete; if members of the public can make submissions to the review; the number of applications for the scheme in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of refusals in each of these years; the number of appeals in each of these years; and the number of appeals refused in each of these years. [18030/22]

Mark Ward

Question:

250. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Finance if the public can make a formal submission to the consultation process in relation to the primary medical certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18102/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 231, 233, 249 and 250 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 current medical criteria were included in the Finance Act 2020, by way of amendment to Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989. This amendment arises from legal advice in light of the June 2020 Supreme Court judgement that the medical criteria in secondary legislation was not deemed to be invalid, nevertheless it was found to be inconsistent with the mandate provided in Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989 (primary legislation).

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.

While I am very aware of the importance of this scheme to those who benefit from it, I am also aware of the disquiet expressed by members of this house and others in respect of the difficulties around access to the scheme.

Accordingly, 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.

This the most appropriate forum to meet mutual objectives in respect of transport solutions/mobility supports for those with a disability.

The NDIS working group, chaired by Minister Anne Rabbitte, with officials from both my Department and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as well as others, held its first meeting on the 26th January 2022. 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.

Regarding the issue of whether the public can make a formal submission to the consultation process in relation to the primary medical certificates, the methods and structure of the NDIS working group is a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. I cannot comment on any possible changes in advance of proposals arising from the review.

The number of applications for a Primary Medical Certificate and the number of those that were successful are a matter for the HSE. The below table outlines the number of appeals heard by the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal and of those, that were successful and unsuccessful for the years 2019 – 2022.

-	2019	2020	2021	2022*
New appeals	684	204	382	102
Number of Appeals Assessed	424	116	148	0
Number of Successful Appeals	9	4	12	0
Number of Unsuccessful Appeals	415	112	136	0

*2022 figures are to 28.03.2022

**307 appeals outstanding at 01/2019***Appeal hearings were lower than usual for 2020 due to both public health considerations and the Supreme Court Case in June 2020. Appeal hearings resumed in early 2021 following an amendment to the Finance Bill to provide for the existing medical criteria in primary legislation which, following the approval of the Finance Act 2020, allowed assessments to recommence.****2021 appeal hearings have also been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (232)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

232. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance when a new board will be appointed in view of the resignation of all members of the previous Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; and when assessments will resume. [17414/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

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 the Scheme, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate, a PMC, issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) in the HSE. Assessments for the primary medical certificate, by the HSE, are continuing to take place. 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.

I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.

In relation to the resignation of all members of the DDMBA, my officials engaged with the Department of Health and the Public Appointments Service to seek expressions of interest from medical practitioners to participate in the Board. I am informed that the formal notice seeking expressions of interest have been issued. It is hoped to move this process along as quickly as possible so that appeals can recommence as soon as possible.

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.

Question No. 233 answered with Question No. 231.

Irish Bank Resolution Corporation

Questions (234)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

234. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 251 of 3 March 2022 (details supplied), if he will provide further schedules of the assets disposed of relating to each named legal entity on the response and the amount raised for each disposal and locations of same. [17430/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Special Liquidators (SLs) have advised they are currently compiling this schedule however are not in a position to finalise this within the given timeframe. As a result, I will provide this information directly to the Deputy once it is received from the IBRC SLs.

Irish Bank Resolution Corporation

Questions (235)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

235. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a schedule of costs and real estate and-or property consultants who have made claims against him over the course of the special liquidation of IBRC to date. [17431/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Following discussions with the Deputy's office, we understand this question seeks a schedule of the professional fees (if any) paid to real estate/property consultants relating to the disposal of property to date in the special liquidation of IBRC by: (i) the Minister; and (ii) the Special Liquidators.

As Minister for Finance, I have not paid any fees to real estate /property consultants regarding the disposal of property assets in the liquidation of IBRC.

Regarding the schedule of fees incurred by the Special Liquidators ("SLs"), the SLs have advised they are currently compiling this schedule however are not in a position to finalise this within the given timeframe. As a result, I will provide this information directly to the Deputy once it is received from the IBRC SLs.

EU Data

Questions (236)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

236. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the gross and net contribution respectively of Ireland to the European Union per annum for 2020 and 2021, in tabular form. [17508/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Ireland’s gross contributions to the EU Budget in 2020 and 2021 were as follows:

2020	€2.569bn
2021	€3.507bn

Data on Ireland’s EU Budget receipts for the previous year are published annually, in my Department’s Budgetary Statistics each autumn. In 2020, Ireland received €2.080 billion in EU receipts (including Horizon 2020 receipts), which makes Ireland’s net contribution to the EU Budget in 2020 €489 million.

EU Budget receipt data for 2021 will be published in autumn 2022. Therefore, it is not yet possible to confirm Ireland’s net contribution to the EU Budget for 2021.

EU Data

Questions (237)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

237. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the projected gross and net contribution of Ireland to the European Union by year from 2022 to 2025, in tabular form. [17509/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Ireland’s gross contributions to the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) are expected to rise over the coming period. Ireland’s gross contributions to the EU Budget from 2022 to 2025 are forecasted to be as follows:

2022	€3.50bn
2023	€3.52bn
2024	€3.65bn
2025	€3.85bn

These forecasts were published as part of Budget 2022, and are due to be updated in the coming weeks as part of the Stability Programme Update.

Data on Ireland’s EU Budget receipts are published annually, for the previous year, in my Department’s Budgetary Statistics each autumn – i.e. 2021 receipt data will be published in autumn 2022. Therefore, it is not yet possible to confirm Ireland’s net contribution to the EU Budget for the remainder of the 2021-2027 MFF. However, my Department estimates that our receipts from the 2021-2027 MFF will be in the region of approximately €2 billion each year.

Vacant Properties

Questions (238)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

238. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the Housing for All plan for the collection of data on vacancy levels with a view to introducing a new vacant property tax to ensure empty properties are used. [17550/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Government’s strategy ‘Housing For All’ includes an action for my Department to collect data on vacancy with a view to introducing a Vacant Property Tax. The timeframe for delivery on this commitment is the second quarter of 2022. The Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021 enabled Revenue to collect certain information in relation to the occupancy status of residential properties including , where unoccupied, the duration and reason for this, in the Local Property Tax (LPT) return forms submitted by residential property owners in respect of the new LPT valuation period 2022-2025. This information, together with information from other available sources, will be used to assess the merits and impact of introducing a Vacant Property Tax.

Revenue have completed a preliminary analysis of the LPT returns received to date which has recently been shared with my Department. The results of the preliminary analysis suggest that levels of vacancy are low across all counties. I anticipate that further detail in relation to this analysis will be available in the coming weeks.

Tax Reliefs

Questions (239, 248)

Seán Haughey

Question:

239. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance if he will allow fresh start applicants including those who have judicial separations and divorces to avail of the help-to-buy incentive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17574/22]

Richard Bruton

Question:

248. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if the help-to-buy scheme is being extended to persons whose marriages have broken down as well as to first-time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17881/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 248 together.

Section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 requires that applicants for the Help to Buy Scheme (HTB) must be first-time buyers. This includes circumstances where there is more than one person involved in the purchase or building of a new home.

The definition of first time buyer in Help to Buy is as follows:

'first-time purchaser' means an individual who, at the time of a claim under subsection (3) has not, either individually or jointly with any other person, previously purchased or previously built, directly or indirectly, on his or her own behalf a dwelling;

The intention is to target the Help to Buy scheme on those who have not had the opportunity to build up equity in another property which could be used to purchase the second or subsequent property.

The definition complements that in the Central Bank's macro-prudential rules. It should be noted that the Bank is independent in the formulation of this policy.

I have no plans at present to amend the definition of first time buyer along the lines mentioned by the Deputies.

Finally, I announced in my Budget 2022 address that a formal review of the Help to Buy scheme will take place in 2022. The review will be fundamental in nature and will inform decisions for Budget 2023 and Finance Bill 2022. I understand that the tender process for the review is underway at present.

Public Sector Staff

Questions (240)

Michael Ring

Question:

240. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff who are currently absent from work on full pay due to suspension or workplace disputes in his Department and in agencies and public bodies within his area of responsibility; the number who have been absent from work for up to three, three to six, six to twelve and over twelve months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17598/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I wish to advise the Deputy that neither my Department, nor any of the bodies under the aegis of my Department, has any staff absent for the reasons outlined.