Written Answers Nos. 266-289
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the total number of prizes won by prize bond holders on a monthly basis in each of the past two years to date; the extent to which ongoing supervision and monitoring of the draws takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22687/22]
View answerThe National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) have supplied the table below that shows the total number of prizes won by Prize Bond holders on a monthly basis in each of the past two years to date:
Prize Bond Winners from May 2020 to April 2022
|
Date |
No of Prizes per Month |
|
May-20 |
26,445 |
|
Jun-20 |
21,504 |
|
Jul-20 |
27,260 |
|
Aug-20 |
22,000 |
|
Sep-20 |
22,276 |
|
Oct-20 |
28,165 |
|
Nov-20 |
22,872 |
|
Dec-20 |
23,212 |
|
Jan-21 |
28,725 |
|
Feb-21 |
17,636 |
|
Mar-21 |
15,860 |
|
Apr-21 |
20,150 |
|
May-21 |
16,236 |
|
Jun-21 |
16,384 |
|
Jul-21 |
20,655 |
|
Aug-21 |
16,604 |
|
Sep-21 |
16,680 |
|
Oct-21 |
20,975 |
|
Nov-21 |
16,880 |
|
Dec-21 |
21,230 |
|
Jan-22 |
17,576 |
|
Feb-22 |
17,712 |
|
Mar-22 |
17,876 |
|
Apr-22 |
22,545 |
The Prize Bond draw is conducted using a computer based, software-driven, random number generation system. Independent consultants analyse the results of every draw to check for randomness and their reports are submitted to, and evaluated by, the NTMA on a regular basis. In addition, a representative of the NTMA attends every draw to review adherence to the operational procedures set down for the conduct of the draw.
Following each draw, the results of the Prize Bonds draw are publicised on the State Savings website (www.StateSavings.ie) usually from 12:30 p.m.
Prize Bond holders can register for State Savings Online to view their Prize Bond holdings and check if their Prize Bonds have won a prize. Further details are available on www.statesavings.ie.
268. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider establishing a scheme of tax credits in budget 2023 for owner-occupiers of defective apartments and duplexes to offset remediation costs similar to the way buy-to-let owners can offset liabilities again profit and loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22783/22]
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 identify options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance. A final paper is due to be completed by Q2 this year.
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 along the lines mentioned by the Deputy would seem to be premature at this point.
269. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of tax relief on pension contributions in 2019 disaggregated by salary band in intervals of €10,000, in tabular form. [22937/22]
View answer270. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons availing of tax relief on pension contributions in 2019 disaggregated by salary band in intervals of €10,000, in tabular form. [22938/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the available information in relation to the cost of tax relief on pension contributions is available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/costs-tax-expenditures.pdf.
The information includes the number of taxpayers availing of the relief as well as the total cost, broken down by year, to the tax year 2018, the latest year for which data are currently available. The information at the link above reflects the totals for each year.
Information on pension contributions at individual (employee) level was not separately recorded on tax returns prior to 2019. However, following changes to the PAYE system, the information sought by the Deputy for 2019 will become available in due course. 2019 data is currently being processed and verified and will be published on the Revenue website once this verification process is complete.
271. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the Revenue Commissioners to extend their opening hours of PAYE telephone line queries until 5 pm, five days a week. [22948/22]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that most PAYE taxpayers affairs can be managed online, and Revenue provides a full range of online services to support this. These services, which include an online communications channel through the MyEnquiries system, are available 24/7, are easy to use and are fully secure. Revenue also provides a PAYE Helpline telephone service operating from 9.30am to 1.30pm each day.
To date in 2022, the PAYE service has processed over 990,000 tax returns, answered more than 247,000 telephone calls, and dealt with over 311,000 items of correspondence received through the online services and the post. Demand for the online contact channel has steadily increased in the past few years. For the four months to 1st May this year Revenue has received 311,000 PAYE related online contacts, the equivalent figure in 2019 was 147,000. This represents a 111% increase.
To ensure optimum support to PAYE taxpayers throughout the year, Revenue continuously reviews its service channels and deploys its resources on an agile basis to meet demand. The PAYE service is currently answering between 4,000 and 5,000 calls per day while also responding to between 4,500 and 6,000 correspondence items per day.
Revenue have confirmed that the purpose of operating the PAYE Helpline until 1.30pm is to free resources to process the tax returns, the more complicated items that arise through the Helpline (that cannot be dealt with during the call), and correspondence received through the online service and post. Revenue advise that when they do not concentrate resources on processing returns and correspondence in a timely matter that this results in a spike in calls from taxpayers wondering when their correspondence and refunds will be dealt with. The deployment of resources and the model of both the PAYE phone service and online service is carefully monitored and re-calibrated as required and reflects both demand levels from PAYE taxpayers and the need to provide an efficient and cost-effective service.
272. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of social media posts made on each of his departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature bilingual translations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23048/22]
View answer273. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of social media posts made on each of his departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in languages other than English or Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that featured languages other than English or Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23066/22]
View answer274. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of social media videos posted on each of his departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that included closed captioning and or subtitling between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23084/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 274, inclusive, together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that of my Department’s social media posts during the timeframe specified, none were exclusively in languages other than English or Irish, nor did any posts feature languages other than English or Irish. 1% of social media posts were exclusively in Irish, and 1.2% of posts featured bi-lingual translations. All videos posted to social media by my Department included subtitles or closed captioning.
While my Department issues “tweets” in Irish where possible, the turnaround time for translations is often an issue. My Department is examining the possibility of contracting a translation service with a short enough turnaround time to make the translation of “tweets” and other social media posts more viable.
Separate from the above, an “Ireland for Finance” social media account is also managed in my Department. None of the posts from that account were exclusively in Irish or in a language other than English or Irish, or featured a language other than English or Irish or bi-lingual translation. Social media videos were not posted on this account.
I am advised by those bodies under the aegis of my Department with social media accounts as follows:
None of the Central Bank’s social media posts were exclusively in a language other than English or Irish, or featured a language other than English or Irish. 3.1% of its posts were exclusively in Irish, with 0.3% featuring bi-lingual translations. All of the videos posted to social media by the Bank included subtitles and/or closed captioning
The Credit Review Office (CRO) is a very small organisation with limited resources, and is not active on social media. The CRO conducted a pilot with 4 posts, all of which were in English. 3 were text and no voiceover and closed captioning. As such, none of the social media posts were exclusively in Irish or a language other than Irish or English. They did not feature a language other than English or Irish, nor any bi-lingual translation. 75% of the videos posted to social media during the specified timeframe featured closed captioning.
The social media posts of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) were not exclusively in Irish or a language other than Irish or English. They did not feature a language other than English or Irish or any bi-lingual translation. All of the videos posted to social media by the FSPO during the timeframe in question included subtitles and/or closed captioning. The FSPO is currently developing a Communications and Engagement Strategy and Implementation Plan which will see further work and initiatives in relation to social media over the coming strategic period. The FSPO’s Communications and Engagement Strategy recognises that all communications must be available in accessible formats to service users, in accordance with the Web Accessibility Directive and the Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided by Public Bodies. In addition, the FSPO notes the relevant provisions of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 in relation to advertising by public bodies.
Home Building Finance Ireland confirmed that while none of its social media posts were exclusively in languages other than English and Irish, 1.39% of their posts did feature languages other than English or Irish. None of the posts were exclusively in Irish or featured bi-lingual translations. 41.66% of its videos posted to social media included subtitles and/or closed captioning.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council recognises the importance of ensuring that its ICT infrastructure is accessible. It already ensures that its videos are subtitled, that images have alt text and that content on the website is machine readable so that it is compatible with immersive readers. It is committed to ensuring that its website continues to meet the basic four POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. None of the Council’s social media posts were exclusively in Irish or a language other than Irish or English. They did not feature a language other than English or Irish, or any bi-lingual translation. The Council notes that all posts can be translated providing a web browser translator tool is enabled and that the user has translation services enabled within social media platforms.
The National Treasury Management Agency is active on Twitter and LinkedIn. None of its social media posts were exclusively in a language other than English or Irish, or exclusively in Irish. They did not feature any bi-lingual translations. It did feature languages other than English or Irish in 0.61% of its posts, and 79.31% of the videos posted to its social media included subtitles and/or closed captioning.
The only social media platform on which the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General operates is LinkedIn and none of the posts in the timeframe specified meet the criteria stipulated.
For the most part, posts from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners Twitter account link to www.revenue.ie for further information. This further information can be accessed in both English and Irish. Certain information recently added by way of advice to Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Ireland can be accessed in English, Ukrainian and Russian. In light of this, 0.26% of its social media posts were exclusively in languages other than English or Irish, and all of its videos posted to social media included subtitles and/or closed captioning. None of its other social media posts met any of the other criteria outlined.
All of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland’s social media posts were exclusively in English with all videos including subtitles and/or closed captioning.
The Tax Appeals Commission uses Twitter as a means to issue notifications to tax practitioners and accountants that a new determination has just been published on its website. All notifications are made in the English language, however if a member of the public requested the post be translated in another language, this could be accommodated. To date, the Commission has not received any requests and does not use any other form of social media.
275. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the way in which budget 2023 announcements will be delivered in a clearer way outlining the amounts that are new announcement and which are existing announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23099/22]
View answerAs part of the annual Budgetary process, my Department, along with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (PER), publish a wide range of documents. With these publications we try to strike a balance between ensuring sufficient technical detail on one hand, and making the material accessible to the general public on the other. In this regard we are constantly trying to improve the documents and material in question.
In particular, the production of the Citizen’s Guide to the Budget plays an important role in helping to communicate the overall Budgetary process and key measures introduced in any one year. The Guide provides a high-level overview of the Budget. It aims to explain how money will be raised and spent in the relevant year. It has an easy-to-use format so it can be used by a wide cross-section of society. This enables citizens to take part in informed debate about the choices made by Government.
Another document, the Tax Policy Changes publication sets out all of the tax measures announced in the Budget and includes the estimated yield or cost from each measure. This report also provides a detailed description of each measure, and in the event that a measure was announced in advance of the Budget, this would be referred to in this report.
Budget announcements in relation to expenditure measures are a matter for the Minister for PER, and are set out in detail in the Expenditure Report. The Expenditure Report contains information regarding overall allocations for Departments, allocations at programme level, what public services will be delivered within these allocations and additional amounts for selected measures.
276. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the amount of debt warehoused by high wealth individuals through the debt warehousing scheme disaggregated by tax head; and the number of high-wealth individuals that have warehoused debt through the scheme. [23127/22]
View answerThe Debt Warehousing Scheme has offered valuable and practical liquidity support to individuals and businesses, assisting them with their cash-flow during the difficult trading periods associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the scheme is to support the long-term economic viability and survival of the participants/businesses concerned. The Deputy will be aware that under the scheme, participants can temporarily ‘park’ certain tax debts on an interest free basis until the end of 2022, or until 30 April 2023 for businesses most impacted by the most recent public health restrictions and who are eligible for certain Covid-19 support schemes.
I am advised by Revenue that its Large Cases - High Wealth Individuals Division deals with the management and development of service, compliance and audit functions for those individuals in the State with net assets of €20m or more. Where individuals managed by that Division were adversely impacted by COVID-19, they could apply for access to the Debt Warehousing Scheme. In order to qualify for the scheme in respect of Income Tax, the taxpayer’s total income for 2020 and 2021 (as applicable) had to be at least 25% less than total income for 2019. Each taxpayer was required to make a declaration to Revenue to confirm that he or she met the criteria to avail of the scheme. Of the 94,000 customers availing of the Debt Warehousing Scheme, just 49 are high wealth individuals.
As at 30 April 2022, the total debt warehoused for these high wealth individuals is as follows:
|
Large Cases – High Wealth Individuals Division |
€ |
|
Income Tax * |
3,882,918 |
|
Employers PAYE |
1,490,855 |
|
VAT |
1,366,380 |
|
Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme |
8,674 |
|
Total Warehoused |
6,748,827 |
*Relates to liabilities which fell due on 31 October 2020 and on 31 October 2021
Further information on the Debt Warehousing Scheme is available on the Revenue website.
277. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of contracts awarded in 2022 by his Department or bodies under his aegis outside the standard procurement process in order to assist the arrival of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23194/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the ‘National Public Procurement Policy Framework’ issued by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) in November 2019, sets out the procurement procedures to be followed by government departments and state bodies in accordance with EU rules and national guidelines. In that respect, my Department has not awarded any contracts in relation to assisting with the arrival of Ukrainian refugees which were non-compliant with procurement guidelines. I am also advised by the bodies under the aegis of my Department that they also have not awarded any contracts which did not follow procurement guidelines in order to assist with the arrival of Ukrainian refugees.
278. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance if his Department employs persons or firms to deal with public relations; if so, the number of persons employed by his Department or firms to deal with public relations; the names of firms involved; and the total amount spent on public relations by his Department. [23223/22]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that my Department does not currently employ any external persons or firms to deal with public relations. Public relations for the Department of Finance are handled by staff based within the Press Office.
279. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance the details of his Department's plans to ensure that recent insurance reforms have a lasting effect on liability premiums paid by business considering 42% of organisations say that insurance premiums are threatening their future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23280/22]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to the findings of a survey conducted by the Alliance for Insurance Reform during April 2022. While the survey is an indicator, I would note that it appears to only survey the Alliance’s own members and therefore cannot be said to be representative of the total market.
The National Claims Information Database (NCID), managed by the Central Bank of Ireland, collects substantial amounts of verified data on employers’ and public liability insurance across all sectors and policies. According to the first NCID Report on Employers’ Liability, Public Liability and Commercial Property insurance, published last year, many businesses are accessing affordable insurance. The Report shows that in 2019, 93% of all policies had a premium of less than €5,000.
Nonetheless, I do accept that premiums for some businesses and organisations may still be rising. This may be due to particular issues in those sectors, which our Action Plan for Insurance Reform is addressing. The most recent Action Plan implementation report, published in March 2022, shows that some 80 per cent of actions are now being delivered, with the remainder initiated. Given the increasing priority and pace of reform under the Action Plan, it is necessary for the insurance industry to pass on benefits to customers.
Both Minister of State Fleming and I have been clear on these points and have been holding the insurance sector to account on commitments made. In this regard, Minister of State Fleming has met individually with the CEOs of the eight main insurers in the Irish market twice since the adoption of the new Personal Injuries Guidelines. In these meetings, and in ongoing engagement with industry, Minister of State Fleming has consistently stressed the importance of insurers reflecting lower claims costs through reduced premiums, and the need for insurers to respect the Guidelines by not settling for amounts that are inconsistent with them.
These engagements have been positive, with insurers confirming their commitment to passing on savings from the Guidelines, and that they are adhering to them in their direct settlements. During these meetings, Minister of State Fleming emphasised to insurers the need to expand their risk appetite into ‘pinch-point’ sectors that are experiencing issues with availability and affordability of cover.
The Action Plan is still ongoing and it may take some time for the benefits of the reforms, such as the Personal Injuries Guidelines, to feed through to reduced premiums and greater availability of insurance for businesses and other groups. Minister of State Fleming and I are continuing to work with colleagues to implement the remaining actions as a matter of priority. We will also remain proactive in engaging with industry in order to hold insurers to account, with a view to ensuring that the benefits of the reform agenda are passed on to policyholders, including businesses and other liability insurance customers.
280. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to address the situation with regard to inheritance tax for single persons or childless married couples (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23351/22]
View answerFor capital acquisitions tax (CAT) purposes, the relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who receives it (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the maximum amount, known as the “Group threshold”, below which CAT does not arise.
Any prior gift or inheritance received by a beneficiary since 5 December 1991 from within the same Group threshold is aggregated for the purposes of determining whether any tax is payable on a benefit. Where a person receives gifts or inheritances that are in excess of the relevant Group threshold, CAT at a rate of 33% applies on the excess benefit.
The Group A threshold (currently €335,000) applies, inter alia, where the beneficiary is a child (including adopted child, stepchild and certain foster children) of the disponer. The Group B threshold (currently €32,500) applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, nephew, niece or lineal ancestor or lineal descendant such as a grandchild of the disponer. The Group C threshold (currently €16,250) applies in all other cases.
Accordingly, where a person leaves his or her estate to a niece or a nephew, the Group B threshold of €32,500 will apply. Tax will be payable by the niece or nephew at a rate of 33% to the extent that the benefit received, when aggregated with any prior gift or inheritance received since 5 December 1991, exceeds this threshold.
In addition, nieces or nephews may qualify for favourite niece or favourite nephew relief in respect of gifts or inheritances of business assets. The relief allows a niece or nephew who qualifies for the relief to avail of the Group A threshold. Qualifying nieces or nephews are those who have worked substantially on a full-time basis for a period of five years prior to the gift or inheritance being given in carrying on, or assisting in the carrying on, the trade, business or profession, of the disponer.
For the nephew or niece to be deemed to be working substantially on a full-time basis in the business he or she must work:
- more than 24 hours per week at the place where the business, trade or profession is carried on; or
- more than 15 hours per week at the place where the business, trade or profession is carried on exclusively by the disponer, any spouse or civil partner of the disponer and the nephew or niece.
281. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider abolishing the universal social charge which was introduced as a temporary measure in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23395/22]
View answerThe Universal Social Charge (USC) was designed and incorporated into the Irish taxation system in 2011 to replace two other charges, namely the Health and Income Levies. Its primary purpose was to widen the tax base and to provide a steady income to the Exchequer to provide funding for public services.
The USC is an individualised tax, meaning that a person’s liability to the tax is determined on the basis of his/her own individual income and personal circumstances. The USC is applied at a low rate on a wide base, which ensures that it is a stable and sustainable source of revenue for the State. Currently individuals with incomes of less than €13,000 are exempt from USC.
In 2016, joint Department of Finance/Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) research found that USC represented a more stable form of revenue than income tax. The findings highlighted that USC revenues would fluctuate by less than income tax revenues whenever income is volatile, for example where the economy moves from a boom into a bust. Given the openness of the Irish economy and consequent susceptibility to economic shocks, the contribution that the USC makes to the stability of the State’s revenue sources is considerable.
The USC has played a vital part in meeting the many expenditure demands placed on the Exchequer. USC receipts have been central to the current stability of the public finances since March 2020, despite the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Receipts from the USC in 2021 amounted to €4.4 billion – 16.5% of total income tax receipts or 6.4% of total Exchequer receipts. The projected USC yield for 2022 is broadly similar. If USC were to be abolished, it would be necessary to raise approximately €4.4 billion from other sources.
Ireland has one of the most progressive personal income tax systems in the world, which plays a crucial role in the process of income redistribution. Our redistributive tax system has been acknowledged by the IMF, the OECD and the ESRI. In my view, a broad-based, progressive income tax system, where the majority of income earners make some contribution but according to their means, is the most fair and sustainable income tax system in the long term. As such, I have no plans to abolish the USC.
282. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will consider removing VAT on automated external defibrillators, AEDs, following the publication of the European Union Council Directive EU 2022/542 of 5 April 2022 amending Directives 2006/112/EC and EU 2020/285 as regards rates of value added tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23410/22]
View answer283. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the work that is being undertaken in his Department to amend existing VAT rates following the publication of the European Union Council Directive EU 2022/542 of 5 April 2022 amending Directives 2006/112/EC and EU 2020/285 as regards rates of value added tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23411/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.
Officials in my Department are currently reviewing the options now available to Ireland in setting VAT rates. This will include consideration of the new options available to Member States as a result of the recently updated EU VAT rules when setting VAT rates as well as the new limitations introduced on how reduced rates may be applied.
Decisions about tax changes are generally taken in the context of the Budget and, as part of our normal annual Budget preparations. In this context, various options for tax policy changes will be considered by the Tax Strategy Group prior to Budget 2023.
284. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the inclusion of a representative organisation (details supplied) as a key stakeholder in all negotiations concerning the exit of banks from this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23431/22]
View answerMinister for State Fleming and I, as well as my officials, have regular contact with the Financial Services Union (FSU). I recently met with the General Secretary and the Head of Communications and Public Affairs of the FSU on 11 April 2022.
At that meeting, I advised that my Department will be monitoring closely the number of accounts that have closed/switched over the coming months and will continue to engage with all stakeholders, including the FSU, to ensure that the impact of the withdrawals is minimised on both customers and bank staff.
My officials and I will continue to liaise with the FSU on the withdrawal of KBC and Ulster Bank and on the longer term future of the retail banking sector as my Department’s Review of the Retail Banking Sector continues.
Along with other stakeholders , representatives of the FSU have been invited to attend the Retail Banking Dialogue organised by my Department on 16 May 2022 in Tullamore.
285. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the persons whose businesses and premises were flooded in Fermoy, County Cork on 24 February 2021 will receive compensation for the flooding event that caused damage to their premises. [22589/22]
View answerThe Office of Public Works commenced construction of the Fermoy North flood relief scheme in 2009, and the scheme was completed in 2011. The Scheme comprises grass embankments, permanent walls and demountable flood barriers, and pumping stations, and is designed to protect 77 properties on the north side of Fermoy against the 1-in-100-year flood event. Damages avoided in such an event are in the order of €18m.
Cork Co. Council carries out the Operation and Maintenance of the Fermoy North scheme on behalf of the Office Public Works (OPW), the Contracting Authority. An OPW-developed Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), which is used for both the towns of Fermoy and Mallow, is operated by Cork County Council staff in Mallow. Upon receipt of a flood warning, Local Authority staff erect the substantial demountable defences on the completed scheme on the north side of Fermoy.
The flood event which occurred in Fermoy on the morning of the 24th February 2021 led to three properties flooding at Brian Ború Square and flooding of the Town Park area, although no properties flooded there.
I am advised that the Office of Public Works has not received to date, any claims for compensation for consideration from those whose businesses or premises experienced flooding at Brian Ború Square, Fermoy on 24th February 2021.
286. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total value of expired unclaimed lottery prizes generated in 2021, in relation to the national lottery; the total value of these unclaimed prizes that transferred back to the national lottery operator; the percentage of the amount transferred back that will be spent on marketing of the lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22591/22]
View answerI am advised by the Lottery Regulator that the total value of expired unclaimed lottery prizes generated in 2021 was €17,054,620. In accordance with Clause 6.9.2 of the Licence, the full value of these unclaimed prizes was transferred to the Operator of the National Lottery to be spent solely on promoting the National Lottery.
The percentage of the €17,054,620 that will be spent on incremental marketing and advertising, and the percentage that will be used for special draws or additional top up prizes in 2022, is not yet known. The operator considers, in this regard, that details of the percentages of the 2021 spend on incremental marketing and advertising, and on special draws or additional top up prizes is commercially sensitive under the Licence and is not to be disclosed. It is further noted that the Lottery Regulator is required under Clause 20.6 of the licence to seek the Operator's consent to release such information and that consent has not been forthcoming in this instance.
287. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the revenue generated by the sale of national lottery scratch cards and other instant-win lottery games forms part of the overall contribution to the national lottery good causes fund; if so, the percentage of the contribution made that is derived from scratch cards and other instant-win games; the amount this percentage represents in monetary value in each of the years 2014 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22592/22]
View answerI understand that he revenue generated by the sale of National Lottery scratch cards and other instant-win lottery games forms a substantial part of the overall contribution to the National Lottery Good Causes Fund.
In this regard, 65% of the returns from sales of National Lottery games less the prizes in those games is transferred to the Central Fund for Good Causes. This is the case regardless of whether the game is a draw-based game, a scratch card game, an instant-win game, played only in Ireland, or played across the Euro Millions community.
The percentage of the contribution to Good Causes funding each year that is derived from scratch cards and other instant-win games depends on the relative sales of these games compared to draw-based games in the year and the relative sales of different scratch cards and instant-win games in the year.
As per the published audited accounts of the National Lottery Operator, in 2020, scratch cards and instant-win games comprised €326.9m which was 36% of the €918.9m total sales for that financial year. However, one cannot apply the reported percentage of total sales paid out in prizes in 2020 (which was 57.56%) and apply 65% to calculate the returns to Good Causes from sales of scratch cards and instant-win games in 2020. This is because scratch cards and instant-win games have different, higher, prize pay outs than draw-based games, such that the percentage contribution to Good Causes will have been less than 36% of the €253.6m of Good Causes funding generated by 2020 sales.
As an example the All Cash Tripler is a scratch card game with tickets priced at €3 and a prize payout of 64%. For every €1 of sales of All Cash Tripler: 64c goes into Prizes, 23.4c goes to Good Causes, 6c goes to the retailer in commission, and the remaining 6.6c goes the Operator.
The Operator does not publish audited figures for the precise contribution to Good Causes funding each year that is derived from scratch cards and other instant-win games, in either monetary or percentage form. I would note that the Regulator of the National Lottery is aware of the percentage contribution through her Office’s regular oversight of the National Lottery. Furthermore, the Operator has confirmed that it publishes all required sales information in its audited financial accounts but considers the level of detail requested to be commercially sensitive under the Licence and is not to be disclosed. It may be noted in this regard, that that the Lottery Regulator is required under Clause 20.6 of the Licence, to seek the Operator’s consent to release such information and that consent has not been forthcoming in this instance.
288. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the establishment and operation of the national flood forecasting and warning service unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22594/22]
View answer289. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the establishment and operation of the national flood forecasting and warning service unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22596/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.
In 2016, the Government agreed to the establishment of a National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service (NFFWS) to enable members of the public and local authorities take more preparatory action to reduce the impact of flooding.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) chairs the Steering Group for the NFFWS, which comprises representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Met Éireann and the local authorities to steer and support the establishment of the new service. The Steering Group has agreed an implementation plan for the delivery of this service and there has been significant progress made to date in relation to its implementation. There are a number of subgroups reporting to the Steering Group which deal with technical, communications and legal issues.
Within Met Éireann, the Chief Hydrometeorologist is leading the establishment and development of the Flood Forecast Centre (FFC) and is currently supported by 7 hydrometeorologists and 1 Principal Meteorological Officer. The staffing complement at the FFC is now at 9 persons.
Met Éireann staff have developed prototype forecast models for all 36 Hydrometric Areas in Ireland using the preferred flood forecasting software. These have all been integrated into software that will automate the running of the models and the production of flood forecasts. The pre-operational version of the national scale flood forecast system was completed at the end of 2021. Testing, identification of data gaps and improvement of this system will continue to be carried out. This will also involve close liaison with end users (primarily local authorities) to provide feedback on what services they will require from the system.
When fully operational, this service will be of significant benefit to communities and individuals to prepare for and lessen the impact of flooding. The service will deal with flood forecasting from fluvial and coastal sources and when established it will involve the issuing of flood forecasts and general alerts at both national and catchment scales. Existing flood forecasting and warning systems and arrangements will continue to be maintained until the national service is fully operational.
