Written Answers Nos. 189-208
189. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the L51 and L52 bus route services provided by an organisation (details supplied); the number of morning, afternoon and evening L51 and L52 services that were cancelled per month in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46436/22]
View answerAs 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 and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to Go-Ahead Ireland L51 and L52 bus route services, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
190. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the estimated underspend in his Department in 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46446/22]
View answerDeputy, At the end of 2021, my department reported an underspend of 193,382,398.28 This is a combination of Capital Carryover (161,100,000.00) and monies returned to the exchequer (354,482,398.28)
To date, we are 257,788,000.00 behind profile.
These underspends are due to a wide variety of reasons and are across several subheads. They are being addressed on a suitable case-by-case basis in a manner which can best support delivery of the Department's overall investment objectives for 2022. I will continue to monitor progress on expenditure closely between now and year end and my officials and I are actively engaging with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the expenditure allocated is fully utilised as planned.
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the passenger capacity of the commuter lines in north County Kildare can be improved while awaiting electrification of proposed commuter lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46518/22]
View answer192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if adequate parking facilities are likely to be provided in the most appropriate location between Maynooth and Kilcock; when the electrification of the Maynooth line is expected to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46519/22]
View answer193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which any new rail stations are being proposed or are anticipated on the Maynooth line or the Sallins line in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46520/22]
View answer197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if it is expected that the electrification of the Maynooth line and any other commuter lines in north County Kildare will not be impeded by issues such as lack of alternative energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46524/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191 to 193, inclusive, and 197 together.
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area. This responsibility includes parking facilities, commuter rail services and implementing public transport projects such as the DART+ programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which alternative energy can be or is being used by the National Transport Authority with particular reference to both rail and bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46521/22]
View answer198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which national or alternative energy continues to be used in rail and road public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46525/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 198 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport services and infrastructure. This responsibility includes consideration and deployment of alternative fuels in support of national decarbonisation goals.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which energy savings can be made throughout the transport sector with particular reference to the current energy crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46522/22]
View answerThe transport sector can play a significant role in achieving energy savings, particularly in the context of reducing demand for fuel, which is reflected in the Government’s National Energy Security Framework. The Framework, which was published last April, highlights the need to implement this department’s Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) as a priority, and to devise a programme of measures for the transport sector to increase energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels with particular reference to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 10-Point Plan to Cut Oil Use.
As the Deputy may know, the SMP aims to support a significant shift from car use towards more sustainable modes – walking, cycling and public transport - between now and 2030. Within the current crisis, this approach is being supported by reduced public transport fares and a significant increase in investment in active travel infrastructure.
Information campaigns, which focus on the benefits of sustainable modes – reduced costs, emissions reductions, improved health – also have the potential to realise considerable energy savings. As demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, a campaign of clear targeted messaging is one of the most effective ways to achieve significant behavioural change in a short timeframe.
In the context of the current crisis, my department will continue to engage on sector-specific and Government-wide communications initiatives to encourage individuals and businesses to lower their fuel usage where feasible, including the Reduce Your Use campaign being coordinated by the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC).
196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree, if any, to which any audit has been done to evaluate the extent to which rail or bus transport can rely on alternative energy with particular reference to indigenous methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46523/22]
View answerAs the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications holds overall responsibility for energy policy, there has been no specific audit on the capacity and demand for low-emission energy in public transport networks undertaken by officials in my Department. However, my Department has completed research and pilot programmes, which have informed our bus and rail fleet procurement and will help contribute to phasing out the use of fossil-fuels in public transport networks across the country.
Between 2018 and 2022, my department evaluated a range of alternative fuels and technologies to inform future public service obligation (PSO) bus procurement. The trials, which reproduced real-world test conditions along modified urban bus routes in Dublin and Cork, found that battery-electric buses are the most efficient technology for Ireland’s urban bus routes. The final report was published on 23 May 2022 (available from: www.gov.ie/en/publication/e2cd8-low-emission-bus-trial-final-report/).
In collaboration with the National Transport Authority, my department has also made significant progress in the procurement of low-emission buses to help reduce fossil-fuel energy use in transport. The NTA has introduced 119 hybrid-electric buses into service, and has also signed a framework agreement for the order of eight hundred battery-electric double-deck buses, with an order for 120 buses placed on 13 June 2022.
While intercity rail electrification is unlikely in the short- to medium-term, the DART+ programme will deliver a doubling of existing DART capacity and tripling of the amount of electrified track. Ninety-five battery-electric rail units are expected to enter service in 2025, and the DART+ programme will extend and enhance the current DART system in the Greater Dublin Area.
In line with the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement and Climate Action Plan 2021, my department has also set an indicative trajectory for the use of biofuels in transport, with an approximate blend of E10 (up to 10% by volume bioethanol blend in petrol) and B20 (up to 20% biodiesel blended into diesel) expected by 2030, with an interim target of E10/B12 (up to 12% biodiesel) by 2025. The blending obligation, which currently applies to road transport, will be expanded to the rail sector from 2024. My department will shortly be publishing a summary report on renewable transport fuel policy implementation, which will include consideration of the opportunities and challenges in relation to providing further indigenous supply of renewable fuels in transport, and research on the sustainability and availability of renewable transport fuels.
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which concerns regarding the changing of bus routes have been allayed; if there remains a specific number of locations where potential for existing passengers have issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46526/22]
View answer200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that sufficient action was taken following concerns by the public during the various interactions in respect of existing or proposed bus or rail routes; if changes took place as a result of submissions; the extent of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46527/22]
View answer201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which adequate provision is being made to ensure that revised bus routes are adequately tailored to meet the requirements of passengers; if adequate warning has been given and agreement reached in terms of changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46528/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 199 to 201, inclusive, together.
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 independent Transport Regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for decisions regarding the routes of those services.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if adequate provision is being made to ensure that existing roads, bus stops and train stations, that may be due for realignment in the future will have due regard for existing residents and communities and that this be borne in mind at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46529/22]
View answerAs the 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 provision or operation of public transport.
The issue of the strategic planning of and investment in transport infrastructure projects, including giving due consideration for existing residents and communities, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to both the NTA and TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
203. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance his views on increasing the working from home relief in view of the increased heat and electricity costs faced by home workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46558/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to facilitate and support remote working. As part of the national remote working strategy: Making Remote Work, in 2021 the Tax Strategy Group (TSG) reviewed the tax arrangements for remote working in respect of both employees and employers. The paper is published on my Department’s website.
The TSG paper noted that changes to the tax arrangements for remote working may give rise to issues of deadweight loss and economic inefficiencies, as well as equity issues in the personal income tax system. The paper also noted that in the context of a whole of Government policy to facilitate and support remote working, it may be considered appropriate to enhance or amend the current tax arrangements in order to underline and reinforce public policy decisions in this area.
Taking these factors into consideration, as announced in Budget 2022, the tax arrangements for remote working were enhanced and formalised in line with Government policy to facilitate and support remote working. Accordingly, for the tax year 2022, an income tax deduction amounting to 30% of the cost of vouched expenses for electricity, heat and broadband in respect of those days spent working from home can be claimed by taxpayers.
The amount of the relief will depend on the particular circumstances of the remote worker in terms of the level of costs incurred and their marginal tax rate. However, this measure provides some relief for those with additional expenses arising from working from home, and at the same time it ensures that the traditional burden of employer related costs are not transferred from the employer to the State and the wider body of taxpayers. In addition, I would point out that, as the current deduction relates to a proportion of the cost of the relevant expenses, the amount that may be claimed will increase as those expenses increase.
There are no immediate plans to further increase the tax relief for working from home.
With regard to the cost of living increases, the Government is acutely aware of the cost pressures currently facing households and businesses and has responded to help alleviate some of this burden. On a cumulative basis to-date, the Government has announced approximately €2.4 billion in cost of living measures since last October. These measures include changes in tax and social welfare, the provision of an energy credit for households and a temporary reduction in the rate of VAT on the supply of certain energy products.
204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the steps that might be taken to alleviate price increases with consequent inflation affecting consumers throughout the country at large; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45098/22]
View answerConsumer price (HICP) inflation picked up sharply over the course of last year and stood at 9 per cent in August. Almost every advanced economy in the world is in the same position, with euro area inflation reaching a record 9.1 per cent in August.
The key driver of the elevated level of inflation at present is the sharp rise in wholesale energy, food and other commodity prices since the onset of the war in Ukraine. As highlighted in the correspondence, pass-through price effects from higher energy prices are increasingly being felt in other sectors including food (via higher energy inputs). Indeed, the recent rise in non-energy or ‘core’ inflation, which stood at 5.8 per cent in August, suggests inflationary pressures are becoming increasingly broad-based.
The Government recognises the impact this has had on households and businesses across the country, and has taken significant action. Some €2½ billion in cost of living measures have been announced since last October.
The government is committed to tackling the cost of living challenges head on and the forthcoming Budget will set out further supports to help alleviate the inflationary pressures on society. In doing so we must strike a balance between protecting the most vulnerable households and firms from a once-in-a-generation energy price shock, while at the same time ensuring that policy doesn’t added to the inflationary cycle.
However, we must be cognisant that resources are limited and the Government has to balance the appropriate response to the increased cost of living in Ireland with the unprecedented level of global economic uncertainty and macroeconomic risk.
205. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the removal of VAT on equipment for apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46387/22]
View answerAs 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.
206. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the reason that the offices of the Revenue Commissioners still remain closed to the public; if he will request the reopening of this vital service to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46396/22]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that in-person appointment services are being provided at the Revenue offices at Cathedral Street, Dublin 1 and Assumption Road, Cork. Appointments can be booked by calling the Appointment Helpline on 01 738 3660. It is envisaged that similar services will be provided in Limerick and Galway in the near future and consideration will then be given to extending the service to other public offices.
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.
207. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider reviewing the criteria of the bike-to-work scheme to allow for second-hand bikes to be purchased under the scheme, in the context of the Government’s new circular on economy priorities. [46411/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, section 118(5G) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provides for the Cycle to Work scheme. This scheme provides an exemption from benefit-in-kind (BIK) where an employer purchases a bicycle and associated safety equipment up to a maximum of €1,250 (€1,500 in the case of e-bikes), for an employee to use, in whole or in part, to travel to work. Safety equipment includes helmets, lights, bells, mirrors and locks but does not include child seats or trailers.
From 1 August 2020, this exemption was increased from €1,000 to €1,250 for expenditure incurred by an employer in connection with the provision of a bicycle and/or bicycle safety equipment in respect of any one employee. A higher exemption limit of €1,500 applies in the case of the provision of an electric bike (which may also include bicycle safety equipment). These increases and the change to a 4-year period from a 5-year period were in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.
The Cycle to Work scheme operates on a self-administration basis. Relief is automatically available provided the employer is satisfied that the conditions of its particular scheme meet the requirements of the legislation. As the Deputy has noted, one of the conditions of the scheme is that the bicycle and safety equipment must be unused and not second-hand. The Deputy may also be aware that the Department of Transport published an examination of the scheme in November 2021 as part of the Spending Review series.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this time, on what changes, if any, are being considered in terms of this relief or any other tax relief.
208. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer of widening the tax bands for income tax and cuts to the rates of universal social charge for each of the years 2015 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46450/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, estimated costings of any tax policy change or new tax measure announced in the Budget are set out in the Tax Policy Changes document published on Budget Day. The estimated costings are provided on a first year and a full year basis, based on the most up to date information available at the time when the measure is announced.
The Budget 2022 tax policy changes can be located at the link below, and the tax policy changes in Budget 2015 to Budget 2021 can be located on the Budget website for the respective years - www.gov.ie/en/publication/7e491-taxation-measures/
As part of the 2022 Income Tax TSG (Tax Strategy Group) paper, my Department provided a comprehensive overview of the recent Income Tax developments from Budget 2015 to Budget 2022, which includes changes to the USC and widening of the income tax bands, as well as other measures such as increases to personal tax credits. The TSG paper is published on my Department’s website and the table below contains a breakdown per year of the estimated “full year” costs of the Income Tax Packages in Budgets 2015 – Budget 2022.
