Tuesday, 4 Oct 2022

Written Answers Nos. 199-218

Bus Services

Questions (199)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

199. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number and location of sheltered bus stops that have been installed since 1 September 2021. [48233/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters. 

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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

Taxi Regulations

Questions (200)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a vehicle (details supplied) is not acceptable for a limousine licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48409/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016.  I have no role in the matter.

Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise 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

Rail Network

Questions (201, 202, 203, 204)

Duncan Smith

Question:

201. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve and open facilities for commuters at Newbridge train station, County Kildare; if the plans include the reopening of toilet facilities; if it will include the replacement of the roof at the station which is in disrepair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48474/22]

Duncan Smith

Question:

202. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve and open facilities for commuters at Kildare town train station, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48475/22]

Duncan Smith

Question:

203. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve and open facilities for commuters at Athy train station, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48476/22]

Duncan Smith

Question:

204. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve and open facilities for commuters at Monasterevin train station, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48477/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 to 204, inclusive, together.

As 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, operation and maintenance of public transport. 

The issues raised by the Deputy regarding the opening and maintenance of facilities at specific train stations are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company 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

Question No. 202 answered with Question No. 201.

Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 201.

Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 201.

Dublin Port Tunnel

Questions (205)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

205. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the number of nights that the Port Tunnel has been closed in 2022; the reason for the increase in the number of closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48483/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 operation and management 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.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Road Projects

Questions (206)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

206. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered any ringfencing of funding to upgrade the N25 (details supplied); if he will outline the upgrades that have been identified as feasible along this route; the activity that is taking place within his Department to progress this route for upgrade and improved safety works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48492/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation, management and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. 

A number of projects on the N25 are part of the NDP, including the Waterford to Glenmore and Carrigtwohill to Midleton projects. TII is best placed to advise you in relation to these projects and to any other works on the N25. 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

Public Transport

Questions (207)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

207. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a person (details supplied) is unable to access a student card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48555/22]

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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. 

The Young Adult Card (YAC) was initially introduced on PSO services in May. Following extensive engagement between my Department, the NTA, and representatives from the commercial bus sector the initiative was broadened to include participating Commercial Bus Operators (CBOs) on the 4th of September. As a result, holders of a YAC or Student Leap Card can now avail of the 50% fare discount on both PSO and CBO services.

In relation to the Deputy's question on the eligibility requirements for the YAC, I am happy to clarify that the NTA are widening the age rules of the Scheme to allow 16, 17, and 18-year-old students in third level education to apply for the Student Leap Card so that they can also avail of the discount. This is in line with the approach that has been taken with mature students who are in full-time third level education.

I am pleased to advise that the NTA have already commenced the technical work on this matter, which is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks, at which point those third level students aged 16, 17, and 18 will be able to order a Student Leap Card and avail of the discount.

Road Safety Authority

Questions (208)

Carol Nolan

Question:

208. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of whole-term equivalent enforcement vehicle inspectors and transport officers recruited by the Road Safety Authority in each of the years 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48596/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority as the employer of vehicle inspectors and transport officers.  I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Capital Expenditure Programme

Questions (209)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

209. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the total capital funding provided for his Department in 2022, broken down by programme; the expenditure profile at the end of September 2022 on each programme; if there is likely to be an underspend in any particular area; the reason for such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48600/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Deputy, €2.547bn is allocated to the Department of Transport for capital funding in 2022. Please see, set out below, the total funding for the Department in 2022 and the expenditure profile for each programme at the end of September, setting out the status of any underspends.

Expenditure Area	REV 2022	Expenditure YTD €000s	Profile YTD €000s	Variance	%
Administration	1,280	933	930	3	0%
Programme A
Active Travel and Greenways	356,000	98,016	86,093	11,923	14%
Programme B
Carbon Reduction	102,000	74,273	72,886	1,387	2%
Public Transport	799,360	209,371	340,904	-131,533	-39%
Capital Carryover	148,550	148,453	148,550	-97	0%
Programme C
Roads	1,268,910	609,826	640,406	-30,580	-5%
Capital Carryover	8,000	1,684	3,300	-1,616	-49%
Programme D
Aviation	7,750	-	-	-	#DIV/0!
Capital Carryover	8,050	1,560	4,633	-3,073	-66%
Programme E
Maritime	10,667	1,311	2,514	-1,203	-48%
Capital Carryover	500	160	-	160	#DIV/0!
Covid Non-Core		-	-	-	#DIV/0!
Capital Carryover		-	410	-410	-100%
Total Net Capital (excl. capital carryover)	2,547,000	993,730	1,143,733	-150,003	-13%
Total Capital Carryover	161,100	151,857	156,893	-5,036	-3%

The underspends for the year to date are outlined and broken down by subhead below.

Carbon Reduction

Subhead	Expenditure (000s)	Profile (000s)	Variance	%
B.3  Carbon Reduction	74,273	72,886	1,387	-2%
B.3.2 LEV Grants	59,485	60,809	- 1,324	-2%
B.3.2 LEV Infrastructure	14,788	11,900	2,888	24%
B.3.4 Energy, Air and Adaption	-	177	- 177	-100%

B3.2 LEV Grants:

The LEV Grants provide funding towards a number of electric vehicle purchase grants, which are demand led. Expenditure is close to profile. Any underspend which emerges will be carried into 2023, subject to DPER sanction, as contractually committed expenditure.

B3.2 LEV Infrastructure:

The drawdown of funding for infrastructure is ahead of profile. At this point, it is not expected that an underspend will arise for 2022.

Public Transport

Subhead	Expenditure	Profile	Variance	%
B.4  Public Service Provision Payments	12,462	18,365	-5,903	-32
B.5.1 Heavy Rail Safety & Development	115,613	141,107	-25,494	-28
B.5.2 Public Transport Infrastructure	75,300	173,106	-97,806	-57
B.5.3 Accessibility Retrofit Programme	5,996	8,326	-2,330	-28

 B.4 Public Service Provision Payment:

The NTA are continuing to draw down the Public Service Obligation (PSO) capital funding on a monthly basis in line with the monthly CIE Operator Claims. The €18m will be fully drawn down by the end of 2022.

B5.1 Heavy Rail Safety and Development:

The underspend is predominantly due to the reduction in spend on DART+ Fleet as a result of the renegotiation of the timing of milestone payments, with a significant downpayment made to Alstom in December 2021, originally scheduled for 2022. There is also a reduction in expenditure on new intercity railcars due to an updated delivery schedule of 2023 for the majority of railcars.

B5.2 Public Transport Infrastructure:

The underspend is predominantly due to a reduction in spend on Ticketing, Technology & Integration, Support and the Bus Programme. In the case of BusConnects Dublin, there have been delays to the delivery of new fleet, submission of planning applications to An Bord Pleanála, and the rollout of the redesigned network.  €24.52m has been re-allocated to the IMMAC contract.

B.5.3 Accessibility Retrofit Programme:

The Irish Rail Accessibility project is behind Budget due to delays in appointing contractors resulting in a reduced Q2 forecast of c.€1.8m. The Wayfinding Centre Project is also behind Budget due to delays in on-boarding a contractor, who commenced work in March 2022.  The NTTC project is also behind Budget to delays in on boarding a Contractor who commenced work in March 2022.  Spend has been reforecasted for 2022. The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle project is also behind Budget due to a shortage of new and second-hand cars due to supply chain issues. The remaining accessibility works are ongoing and the objective is to spend the full allocation by year end.

Roads

Subhead	Expenditure	Profile	Variance	%
C.3  Road Improvement/Maintenance	609,826	639,576	- 29,750	-5%
C.4.2 Road Safety Agencies & Expenses	-	230	- 230	-100%
C.5  Vehicle and Driver Licencing Expenses	-	600	- 600	-100%

C3 National Roads – Asset Protection and Renewal:

TII’s expenditure is behind schedule when compared with the profile. However, TII expects to complete a full drawdown of funding by year end.

C.3.2  Construction and Development of National Roads:

Some of the underspend is related to the timing of payments.In relation to significant project delay, a Roadbridge Ltd went into receivership in March, leading to the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project being suspended.  As a result, TII re-allocated €47.8m of national roads exchequer funds; €23.35m for roads protection and renewal, €10m as a contingency for inflationary pressures and €14.45m for other programmes. These funding movements will be recorded in the provisional out-turn at year end.

C.3.5 Regional and Local Roads - Asset Protection and Renewal

Local authorities are facing significantly higher contract and material costs due to the impact of cost inflation/supply chain constraints. The extent varies somewhat between regions and the timing of tenders.  The guidance provided to date by the OGP under the terms of the Inflation/ Supply Chain Delay Co-operation Framework has allowed works to continue but it does have programme output/budget implications. 

As regards managing the position, the allocations provided to local authorities for asset and protection works at the start of the year remain unchanged at this point and under the payment system local authorities cannot claim more than their allocation. As a result of the above, an underspend is not expected to arise.  

C.3.6  Regional and Local Roads – New Roads/Improvement Works:

The shortfall in expenditure is due largely to the impact of the Roadbridge receivership on the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distribution Road project and the delayed commencement of the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme due to the impact of the inflation/supply chain pressures.  Work on that scheme has now commenced.

Subhead	Expenditure	Profile	Variance	%
D.3 Regional Airports	-	-	-	-

 

Aviation expenditure is on profile.

Subhead	Expenditure	Profile	Variance	%
E.3  Maritime Administration & IRCG	1,311	2,514	-1,203	-48%
E.4 Miscellaneous Services	-	-	-	-

 

E3 Maritime Administration & IRCG:

The underspend relates to a delay in a building project which should commence in late October.

As can be seen, the underspends identified 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 capital expenditure closely between now and year end and my officials and I are actively engaging with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the capital expenditure allocated is fully utilised as planned, via either re-allocation to subheads which have capacity to bring forward expenditure, or via carryover into 2023 under circumstances where contractually committed expenditure falls into 2023.

Question No. 210 answered with Question No. 187.

Bus Services

Questions (211)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

211. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene to prevent a specific bus service (details supplied) in County Cork from further deteriorating by putting measures in place to enhance this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48622/22]

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 matter raised in relation to the Clonmel to Cork Bus Éireann route is an operational matter for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Taxi Regulations

Questions (212)

Marian Harkin

Question:

212. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if he will review a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48641/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs , is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. As such, the NTA has powers to make regulations in relation to the age limits of SPSVs.

Regulations made by the NTA in 2010 first established an age limit of less than 10 years old for new standard taxis and hackneys. The ten-year rule was adopted in recognition of the need to strike a balance between achieving standards that offer the customer confidence, comfort and safety, and allowing industry members to operate successfully.  I would note that the Irish 10-year rule for standard taxis and hackneys is not particularly onerous by comparison with other jurisdictions.

Wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys are permitted to operate up to 15 years of age. No maximum permissible age is prescribed for limousines in recognition of both the vintage nature of many of these vehicles and their generally reduced mileage.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, standard age limits for taxis and hackneys were extended on several occasions, and are currently extended through to the end of 2022. This change helped ensure no operator exited the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle.

Within the last month a series of global circumstances has, in the NTA’s view, considerably worsened the capability of taxi and hackney licence holders to secure new vehicles, with lead times of one year not uncommon already. Therefore, the NTA has recently proposed to temporarily extend the maximum permissible age for taxis and hackneys with a current final operation date in 2023 and 2024, such that no current vehicle licence holder is forced out of the industry because a replacement vehicle cannot be purchased.

The NTA opened a public consultation on this proposal on 19 September 2022, which runs until 12 October 2022. Details and submission forms are available on the NTA website.

Tax Credits

Questions (213, 233, 237, 243)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

213. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if a response will issue to a query raised by person (details supplied) in respect of the rent tax credit that was announced in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48396/22]

Colm Burke

Question:

233. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if the €500 tax credit for renters as announced in Budget 2023 will be available to those who are renting a room from a person who is letting out accommodation from the rent a room scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48514/22]

Ged Nash

Question:

237. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the qualifying criteria for the rent tax credit; if tenants in approved housing bodies, local authorities and cost-rental developments respectively will be eligible; and if not, the reasoning for that exclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48534/22]

Sorca Clarke

Question:

243. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements that have been made for those renting a room in the landlord's property in cases in which there is no obligation for the property owner to register with the Residential Tenancies Board to ensure that they can avail of the newly introduced rental tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48588/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213, 233, 237 and 243 together.

As the Deputies are aware, on Budget Day, I announced a €500 Rent Tax Credit which it is proposed will be claimable in respect of rent paid in 2022 and subsequent years to end-2025.

The intention is that, in order for a person to be in a position to claim the credit in a year :

- the rent paid must be in respect of the person’s principal private residence,

- the person living in the rented property themselves, or their spouse/civil partner, must have paid the rent and sufficient tax to avail of the credit,

- the tenancy must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) but only where this is already a legal requirement.

Tenants in the rent-a-room scheme and in student accommodation will also be able to claim the tax credit, subject to compliance with bullet points one and two above.

In response to Deputy Nash's question, and as stated in my Budget address, the rent tax credit is aimed at those who do not get any other State housing supports. It is not intended, therefore, that tenants of local authorities, tenants in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment, tenants who are supported by the Rental Accommodation Scheme or who are renting from Approved Housing Bodies will be entitled to claim the relief.

A number of the above conditions applied in the past in respect of the previous “Allowance for Rent paid” measure.

Qualification/compliance requirements are continuing to be worked through at present and the aim is to have them finalised in the coming days in the context of the preparation of the Finance Bill.

Tax Credits

Questions (214)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

214. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the estimated number of tenants who will benefit from the new €500 rental credit given that the numbers of tenancies that are supported by the rental accommodation scheme, HAP or rent allowance; the numbers of students and low paid workers who do not earn enough to pay tax; the numbers of tenancies that are not registered with the Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48485/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As I indicated in my Budget 2023 address, approximately 400,000 persons are expected to be eligible to claim the proposed rent tax credit in 2023.

As a precise figure for the number of eligible tenants for the rent credit is currently unavailable from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), an estimate was arrived at using the best available data, which is published by the CSO and relates to Jan – June 2021. That release put the number of people deemed to be in the rental sector (excluding social housing tenants) at just over 600,000. Importantly, due to the method by which the data is collected (PPS numbers), the total is deemed to be overwhelmingly comprised of adults, as well as an underestimate of the actual number of people renting.

There are just over 100,000 people in supported tenancies (HAP, RAS, AHBs). When these are excluded the number of eligible tenants falls to c. 500,000. Further, according to the CSO, some 75 per cent of tenants in their dataset have employee, self-employed or director income, which would allow them to claim the relief where the other conditions attached to the credit are met. That brings the estimated number of eligible tenants to just under 400,000. Given the acknowledged underestimate of the base figure and the need for caution given the huge uncertainties around the data, an estimate of 400,000 was deemed an appropriate figure to use to cost this measure.

Subject to a number of conditions being met, the rent tax credit will be available in respect of rent paid during the course of the 2022 year of assessment and subsequent years. I am informed by Revenue that taxpayers will be required to complete an Income Tax Return in order to make a claim in respect of rent paid during the 2022 year of assessment.

Income Tax Returns for the 2022 year of assessment will be available for completion and submission in early January 2023. Further details in relation to the information and supporting documentation taxpayers will be required to provide when making a claim in respect of rent paid during 2022 will be published to the Revenue.ie website in early January 2023. Details in relation to the claim process for rent paid during the 2023 and subsequent years of assessment will also be published in due course.

Tax Yield

Questions (215)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

215. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the total yield for local property tax by local authority for 2021 and to date in 2022; the difference in the number of properties included between each year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47899/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that a breakdown of Local Property Tax (LPT) collected for the year 2021 is available in the LPT annual report available at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/local-property-tax/lpt-stats/end-of-year-reports/local-property-tax-2021.aspx.

Information in respect of the yield for 2022 is updated regularly at www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/local-property-tax/lpt-stats-2022/index.aspx.

The LPT yield is estimated to be €490 million for the year 2022, when all payments have been received. This estimate is provisional and likely to be revised.

A breakdown of properties for the years 2021 and 2022 is provided below. The figures provided include exempt/deferred properties, new and rolled forward payment instructions, Local Authority owned properties and properties where mandatory deduction at source is in place.

Properties Returned/Payment Compliant 2021(000’s)	Properties Returned/Payment Compliant 2022(000’s)
1,861	1,955

The Deputy may wish to note that, in line with the Programme for Government commitment, the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021 provided for a number of changes to LPT, which took effect for 2022, including reducing the rate of the tax and widening the bands to make the changes affordable for most homeowners; ending a number of exemptions from the tax; and bringing properties that were previously exempt or falling outside the tax into scope.

Departmental Transport

Questions (216)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

216. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance the number of domestic flights for work purposes taken by him, Ministers of State in his Department and Department staff for each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [47913/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I can confirm to the Deputy that I have not taken any domestic flights for work purposes.

The figures provided in tabular form below include the number of domestic flights taken during my appointment as Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for 2019 up to June 2020.

The details of any such travel by my successor as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the period July 2020 to 25th September 2022 will be included in the response to this Parliamentary Question provided by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Domestic Flight Numbers	2019	2020	2021	2022 up to 25/09/2022
Minister	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Minister of State	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Department Staff	1	Nil	Nil	Nil

Tax Code

Questions (217)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

217. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance if he will remove the local property tax due to the difficulty which many householders are encountering with the cost-of-living crisis being experienced at present (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47980/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Government recognises the impact rising prices have had on households and businesses across the country and has taken significant action. On Budget Day this Tuesday, Minister McGrath and I announced a “cost-of-living” package of once-off measures worth €4.1 billion. This was accompanied by budgetary measures for 2023 worth €6.9 billion.

The total size of Budget 2023 is €11 billion. This package builds on the fiscal supports the Government has already provided, with the aim of helping families, individuals and businesses deal with the rising cost of living.

The Local Property Tax (LPT) was introduced in 2013 to provide a stable and sustainable funding base for local authorities and is a significant base-broadening measure. LPT has yielded over €4 billion for Local Authorities since its introduction.

All property owners benefit from the essential local services LPT helps to fund. The proper functioning of these services is important for every community and household. If the tax were abolished, the funding gap would ultimately need to be met by the Exchequer in the form of increased general taxation. For these reasons, I do not plan to abolish the Local Property Tax.

The Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021 provides for a cut in the main rate of the tax and widening of the valuation bands to make the changes affordable in accordance with the Programme for Government commitment. As these changes were implemented for the 2022 LPT year, this meant that the majority of homeowners saw either a decrease or no change in their LPT liability. Where increases arose, the majority were by a single band.

The LPT legislation provides for the possibility of deferring the charge to LPT in certain circumstances to assist individuals who may have difficulty paying the tax. A qualifying person may opt to defer, or partially defer, payment of the tax. The deferred tax remains as a charge on the property, and must be paid before a sale or transfer can be completed.

It is also possible to apply for a deferral on the grounds of hardship if a person suffers an unexpected and unavoidable significant loss or expense. Further information regarding the deferral of LPT is available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/deferral-of-payment/index.aspx

I am advised by Revenue that it has engaged extensively with residential property owners who are experiencing financial difficulties, to agree flexible LPT payment arrangements that best suit their circumstances and avoid unnecessary hardship, and Revenue has assured me that this will continue to be the case.

Any property owners experiencing financial difficulties can avail of a wide range of flexible payment options both in respect of 2022 liabilities and for any previous years where liabilities remain outstanding. The full range of payment options, which includes phased arrangements, are available to property owners on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/paying-your-lpt/index.aspx.

The LPT payment compliance rate for 2022 currently stands at 96%. Payment of the LPT for 2023 is not due until January 2023, at the earliest.

Finally, property owners experiencing difficulties in meeting their LPT obligations can contact Revenue through MyAccount at www.revenue.ie or by calling the LPT helpline [phone].

Tax Yield

Questions (218)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

218. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 372 of 8 September 2022, if he will provide a breakdown on a local-authority basis of the amount derived from the 108,744 properties brought within the scope of local property tax for the year 2022 to date. [48092/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Further to the Deputy's question of 8 September 2022, I am advised by Revenue that the following table presents a breakdown of the Local Property Tax (LPT) liability associated with the 108,744 properties brought within the scope of LPT for the year 2022, on a Local Authority basis. This information is provisional and likely to be revised as additional returns are filed.

Local Authority	LPT Liability (€ Million)
Carlow County Council	0.20
Cavan County Council	0.25
Clare County Council	0.53
Cork City Council	1.43
Cork County Council	2.48
Donegal County Council	1.30
Dublin City Council	5.09
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown CC	4.44
Fingal County Council	4.26
Galway City Council	0.39
Galway County Council	0.97
Kerry County Council	0.71
Kildare County Council	3.05
Kilkenny County Council	0.39
Laois County Council	0.31
Leitrim County Council	0.12
Limerick City and County Council	0.86
Longford County Council	0.12
Louth County Council	0.64
Mayo County Council	0.48
Meath County Council	2.15
Monaghan County Council	0.16
Offaly County Council	0.22
Roscommon County Council	0.22
Sligo County Council	0.29
South Dublin County Council	2.43
Tipperary County Council	0.46
Waterford City & County Council	0.52
Westmeath County Council	0.31
Wexford County Council	0.71
Wicklow County Council	1.82
Total	37.3