Pearse Doherty
Question:32. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test date will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46179/22]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (32)
Written answers
The scheduling of driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have no information on individual cases. I have therefore referred this 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
Bus Services
Questions (33)
Thomas Pringle
Question:33. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport his plans in relation to the expansion of the rural transport scheme operated by Local Link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46213/22]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the opportunity to further discuss the Rural Transport Programme funded by my Department and managed by the NTA under the TFI Local Link brand. My Department is strongly committed to improving public transport services in rural areas and to piloting new transport initiatives for people of all ages and abilities living there. Whether it is reduced car dependency, or a more integrated transport network, our vision for rural Ireland is ambitious, and one that is a key motivator as my Department prepares its work programme for 2023.
My Department and the NTA are supporting this by providing increased funding for enhancing TFI Local Link services, for both regular "timetabled" services, and "door-to-door" demand responsive services as well. Additionally, we are looking to explore alternative options to boost coverage by non-conventional options such as Demand Responsive Transport, Community Cars, and Local Area Hackneys.
Importantly, the ethos of “community-led transport” will also be maintained, as we are currently looking to expand the highly successful Community Car Scheme. We have also committed to reviewing the extensive learnings coming out of our pilot study in Co. Leitrim which positively integrated non-emergency health transport with public transport offerings.
One of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland falls under the previously discussed Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility plan, which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland. Currently, routes identified through the Connecting Ireland consultation process are being prioritised to provide emergency public transport services to areas where the population and transport demand has increased due to the requirement to house Ukrainian refugees in rural locations.
Having outlined some of the initiatives underway to expand rural transport offerings across Ireland, I am confident that together we will leave a legacy of a much more efficient framework for the provision of rural transport.
Departmental Funding
Questions (34)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:34. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the request from a charity (details supplied) for co-funding to be made available to its recycle mobility programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46228/22]
View answerWritten answers
In 2021 I was delighted to allocate funding towards the pilot programme of Variety Ireland's Recycle Mobility Campaign. My Department along with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), co-funded this pilot programme and I attended the launch of same along with Minister Anne Rabbitte in July last year.
This worthwhile programme provided special mobility trikes to children with mobility issues, giving young people access to outdoor cycling activities with their families, leading to physical, mental and social benefits for these children.
A unique aspect of this Programme is that when a child has outgrown their trike, it is passed back to Variety Ireland who can then provide it to another child, making the campaign environmentally friendly and fully sustainable.
The pilot programme was subject to a study by Dr Jolanta Burke of the Royal College of Surgeons, and her findings have shown a very positive effect on children's mental and physical health as well as the entire family's wellbeing.
In terms of future funding for this programme, we await the outcome of our budgetary negotiations to assess scope for provision of same. However given the obvious benefits of such a programme as I have outlined, my Department would be happy to further engage with Variety Ireland and DCEDIY to explore potential funding for the scheme going forward.
Rail Network
Questions (35)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:35. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the amount allocated by his Department for the development of the rail line from Limerick to Foynes; the date on which this expenditure will be incurred; if it is intended to complete the connection of Foynes to freight centres along the west coast (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46302/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and disused lines on the network, including the development of a proposed rail link from Shannon Foynes Port to Limerick, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
The Deputy may wish to note that the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken by my Department in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, is considering the potential future role for rail freight and for rail connectivity to our air and sea ports, including Shannon Foynes. The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network, including disused and closed lines. I expect to receive a final report in Q4 this year.
The Deputy may also wish to note that as a port on the European TEN-T Core Network, it is a requirement under EU regulations that a rail link to Shannon Foynes be developed by 2030.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Bus Services
Questions (36)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:36. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the status of the rollout of Connecting Ireland bus services; the amount allocated to date in 2022; the estimated expenditure in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46303/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.
On 19 July 2022, the NTA announced the Connecting Ireland Programme - Phase 1 2022 Implementation Plan, giving an overview of services in or proposed to go into operation in 2022. The proposals for 2022 can be viewed on the NTA’s website containing details on individual services:
www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Connecting-Ireland-Phase-1-Implementation-Plan-Rev3-2022.pdf.
These proposals are routinely updated as the estimated implementation dates are indicative and may well change for a number of reasons such as planning and design process, changes in demand, availability of service providers etc. Given the rapidly changing environment, it is important that the Connecting Ireland team is agile and flexible in its management of the programme, so that where progress is impacted, other plans can be advanced instead.
In Budget 2022, I was delighted to secure an allocation of €5.6m to progress, develop and begin delivery of this important plan. To keep this momentum going, I am continuing to work closely with my colleagues in Government to secure funding for the continued rollout of Connecting Ireland over its 5-year implementation period, which started earlier this year. The 2023 allocation will be finalised in the coming weeks as part of the Estimates and Budgetary process.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Seirbhísí Iompair
Questions (37)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:37. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair cén uair a thosófar ar an tseirbhís bus idir Casla, Conamara, agus Clár Chlainne Mhuiris, Contae Mhaigh Eo faoi chlár “Éire a Nascadh [Connecting Ireland]”; cén chúis a bhí leis an oiread moille air seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [46306/22]
View answerWritten answers
Mar Aire Iompair, táim freagrach as an bpolasaí agus as an maoiniú foriomlán a bhaineann l’iompar poiblí.
Tá freagracht reachtúil ar an tÚdarás Náisiúnta Iompair (UNT) seirbhísí iompair phoiblí a chur ar fáil do phaisinéirí ar bhonn náisiúnta. Tá freagracht náisiúnta ar an tÚdarás maidir l’iompar áitiúil agus tuaithe chomhtháite chomh maith, soláthrú an Phlean Soghluaisteachta Tuaithe Éire a Nascadh (‘Connecting Ireland’) san áireamh.
Os rud é go bhfuil freagrachtaí ar leith ar an tÚdarás seirbhisí de chuid an Phlean Soghluaisteachta Tuaithe a chur i bhfeidhm, seirbhísí i gcontae na Gaillimhe agus i gcontae Maigh Eo ina measc, tá ceist an Teachta curtha ar aghaidh go dtí an tÚdarás agam. Iarraim air dul i dteangmháil le m’oifig phríobháideach muna bhfaigheann sé freagra laistigh de deich lá oibre.
Road Projects
Questions (38)
Brendan Smith
Question:38. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that funding is provided to progress the Clontibret to the border N2 road project; if his attention has been drawn to there being an urgent need to upgrade this section of road due to the high volume of traffic and its importance for a large part of the island of Ireland, north and south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46338/22]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
While it was not possible to provide funding to advance the N2 Clontibret to the Border project this year, it remains part of the NDP. The delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for next year and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available for the national roads programme.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for an update as to the current status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Network
Questions (39)
David Stanton
Question:39. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 91 and 126 of 26 April 2022, if his Department will reconsider the decision not to designate funding this year to the proposed upgrade of the N25 national road between Midleton and Carrigtwohill, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46370/22]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
While it was not possible to provide funding to advance the N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton road this year, it remains part of the NDP. The delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for next year and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available for the national roads programme.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for an update as to the current status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Road Projects
Questions (40)
David Stanton
Question:40. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Topical Issue No. 3 of 29 September 2020, if he will report on the progress made to date on improving road access to Cobh and the Great Island, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46371/22]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the Council.
All capital projects must be appraised for compliance with the Public Spending Code taking into account available funding. An important change to the Public Spending Code, as revised in December 2019, is the introduction of a requirement for a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for all projects with an estimated expenditure of €10 million or more. The SAR is now a key deliverable at the first decision stage in the project appraisal process.
Following receipt of a submission from Cork County Council in 2019 regarding an upgrade of the R624, the Department engaged with the Council in relation to the Public Spending Code project appraisal requirements and the need for the preparation of a SAR to evaluate the range of potential options for addressing connectivity in the Great Island area.
Cork County Council appointed consultants earlier this year to carry out the SAR for a Great Island Connectivity Scheme. The Department has not received a draft of the SAR to date.
Veterinary Services
Questions (41)
Steven Matthews
Question:41. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the eligibility for tax relief for registration fees to newly-qualified veterinary nurses upon registering with the Veterinary Council of Ireland given that this is already in place for a number of similar professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46093/22]
View answerWritten answers
Section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA) provides for a tax deduction in respect of expenses incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily by an individual in the performance of the duties of his or her employment.
I am advised by Revenue that professional membership fees are only deductible under section 114 TCA where they are incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily by an individual in the performance of the duties of his or her employment.
In the context of professional fees, this generally means where:
- the duties of an employment necessitate that the employee is a member of a professional body, or holds a practising certificate or licence, and
- the employee cannot exercise those duties without that membership, certificate or licence.
The flat rate expense (FRE) regime is operated by Revenue on an administrative basis where both a specific commonality of expenditure exists across an employment category and the statutory requirement for the tax deduction as set out in section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997 is satisfied, namely, that the expenses are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the office or employment by the employee concerned and that such expenses are not reimbursed by his or her employer.
The FRE regime was established to apply a uniformity of approach to tax deductibility for expenses of large groups of employees and to facilitate ease of administration for both Revenue and employees. The expense should apply to all employees in that category and not be discretionary. Revenue has advised me that it will consider FRE applications where a large number of employees incur broadly identical qualifying expenses which are not reimbursed by their employer.
Applications are generally made by the representative bodies in the employment sectors concerned and are considered by Revenue based on the specific commonality of expenses within the employment category and compliance with the strictly applied statutory requirement for a tax deduction.
I am advised by Revenue that Veterinary Nurses have an existing FRE valued at €400 where the individual supplies and launders their work uniforms and €150 where the work uniforms are supplied by their employer and the individual incurs only laundry costs. This current FRE for veterinary nurses does not incorporate the yearly statutory registration fee with The Veterinary Council of Ireland.
In recent years Revenue conducted a comprehensive review of the administratively based FRE regime which involved engagement with relevant representative bodies, to ensure that the expenses granted to each employment category remain justified and appropriate to modern day. Each category of FRE allowance was examined separately in the light of the legislative requirements of section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997, which as stated above, provides that expenses are tax deductible only if they are wholly, exclusively, and necessarily incurred by the employee in the performance of the duties of his or her employment and are not reimbursed by the employer.
I understand that, on foot of the comprehensive review carried out of the FRE rates, Revenue advised the representative body for veterinary nurses that, in their case, it is intended that the statutory registration fee will be included as part of an updated FRE rate when implemented. Revenue advises me that it remains committed to the FRE regime and encourages all taxpayers to avail of their full tax relief entitlements.
Pending the implementation of the revised FRE rates, as for all employees, veterinary nurses retain their statutory right to claim a deduction under section 114 of the TCA 1997 in respect of an expense incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance of the duties of their employment, to the extent to which the expenses are not reimbursed by the employer or not already included in the relevant FRE amount.
The quickest and easiest way to claim tax relief for qualifying employment expenses (including any FRE) is to complete an online Income Tax Return. This return can be found in the PAYE Services tab in myAccount on the Revenue website.
Detailed guidance on membership fees paid to a professional body is available on Revenue’s website:
www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-05/05-02-18.pdf.
Further guidance on the general rule of deduction of expenses in employment is also available on Revenue’s website: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-05/05-02-20.pdf.
Revenue Commissioners
Questions (42)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:42. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Finance when the Revenue Commissioners' office in Blackpool, Cork, will be opened to the public for appointments. [46117/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Revenue that in-person appointment services are being provided at the Revenue office at Assumption Road, Cork since 19 September 2022. This service allows customers to schedule an appointment at a time that suits them, eliminating queue waiting times that are a feature of any walk-in service. Appointments can be booked by calling the Appointment Helpline on 01 738 3660, opening hours are 09.30 to 13.30 (Monday to Friday).
The in-person appointment service is in addition to the existing virtual appointment service being provided which largely reduces the need to visit in-person. Virtual appointments can also be booked through the Appointment Helpline.
I am further advised that Revenue provides a full range of online services for taxpayers to manage their tax affairs, which for the most part removes any requirement to access public offices. These services, which include an online communications channel through the MyEnquiries system, are available 24/7, are easy to use and are fully secure.
For taxpayers who, for a variety of reasons, may not have access to the online services, Revenue provides extensive support across its various telephone helplines and continues to operate a full service for queries being received through the postal system.
Exchequer Returns
Questions (43)
Catherine Murphy
Question:43. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the amount received by the Exchequer by way of dividend from commercial semi-State companies in the each of the years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 by amount and company in tabular form; the policy in respect of dividend payments to the Exchequer from commercial semi-State bodies; the way in which dividends are distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46262/22]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the following dividends were received from commercial semi-State companies from 2017 to date in 2022.
Any dividends from Semi-State bodies received by the Exchequer form part of the overall revenue collected by the State. The policies relating to the payment of such dividends are detailed in the Instrument or Legislation which covers the formation of each body and, as such, would be a matter for the Minister of the relevant parent Department.
Exchequer Payments
Questions (44)
Catherine Murphy
Question:44. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance in respect of the fine of €405 million imposed on a company (details supplied) if the funds will be lodged into the central Exchequer or if he has provided an escrow facility. [46264/22]
View answerWritten answers
These funds have not been transferred to the Exchequer as administrative fines do not get collected until they are confirmed by a Court and, if applicable, the appeals process is complete. As a result, an escrow facility is not necessary in this case.
Banking Sector
Questions (45)
Gary Gannon
Question:45. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Finance if he will engage with the banking sector to demand a moratorium on fining customers who fail to make direct debit payments on time for the duration of the energy crisis (details supplied). [46310/22]
View answerWritten answers
It should be noted that the Minister for Finance has no direct function in the operations of commercial banks. Although the State is a shareholder in some of the banks operating in the State, the Minister must ensure that these banks are run on a commercial, cost effective and independent basis to protect the value of the bank as an asset to the State. Actions taken by the banks, including the fees and charges applied to services, are matters for the board and management of each institution.
In accordance with the Central Bank of Ireland’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 (the Code), where credit institutions impose fees, provision 4.54 of the Code requires that prior to providing a service to a consumer, credit institutions must provide the consumer with a breakdown of all charges which will be passed on to the customer. In addition, provision 4.56 of the Code requires that banks must display a schedule of fees on their website and in their public offices. Furthermore, the European Union (Payment Services) Regulations 2018 also requires payment service providers to make information available to consumers regarding charges payable by them.
Under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 (as amended)(the Act), credit institutions must notify the Central Bank if they wish to introduce any new customer charges or increase any existing customer charges, in respect of the provision of any of the following services: making and receiving and receiving payments, providing foreign exchange facilities, providing and granting credit and maintaining and administrating transaction accounts.
Each notification received by the Central Bank is assessed and robustly challenged in accordance with the specific criteria set out in Section 149 of the Act. The Central Bank may either approve (in full or at lower levels than requested) or reject a credit institution’s application under Section 149. In fulfilling its statutory role under Section 149, the Central Bank assesses these notifications in accordance with the following specific assessment criteria as set out in the legislation: the promotion of fair competition; the commercial justification; the effect new charges or increases in existing charges will have on customers; and passing on costs to customers.
Where a regulated entity intends to introduce new charges or increase any existing charges, under provision 6.18 of the Consumer Protection Code, it must give notice to affected consumers of the introduction of any new charges or of increases in charges, specifying the old and new charge, at least 30 days prior to the charge taking effect.
Tax Code
Questions (46)
David Stanton
Question:46. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance his Department’s plans, if any, to amend VAT rates for print media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46353/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, it is a long-standing practice that the Minister for Finance does not comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of a Budget decision.