Wednesday, 7 Dec 2022

Written Answers Nos. 4-23

Job Losses

Questions (4)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

4. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has been contacted or engaged by a company (details supplied) in respect of job losses at the company; if so, the nature of those discussions; if he is satisfied that the company has complied with communication protocols in respect of redundancies and-or requests to take unpaid leave; if he will clarify the obligation of a company to inform him of plans to implement a voluntary time-off programme for staff; and whether they are obliged to comply with the request. [61239/22]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Following the release of its third-quarter results in late October, Intel announced it would seek cost reductions in 2023 due to market decline. This included reducing operational expenditure and a right-sizing of its global workforce. I understand Intel is engaging with staff and offering voluntary unpaid leave options to its staff as part of this cost review process.

My Department has not received a collective redundancy notification in relation to potential redundancies at Intel. For clarity, there is no requirement under the Protection of Employment Act 1977 for employers to notify the Minister of offers of periods of voluntary unpaid leave to employees.Section 12 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 provides that employers proposing a collective redundancy must notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the proposed collective redundancy. Collective redundancies arise where, during any period of 30 consecutive days, the employees being made redundant are:

- 5 employees where 21-49 are employed,

- 10 employees where 50-99 are employed,

- 10% of the employees where 100-299 are employed,

- 30 employees where 300 or more are employed.

I recently met with the CEO of Intel who confirmed that the company remains committed to Ireland. Intel is a significant economic contributor to Ireland and an important regional employer to Co. Kildare, with the majority of its 5,000 strong workforce employed at the Leixlip campus. Intel and Ireland have a great relationship since the company first came to Ireland in 1989, and the company has made significant investments in our country over the past 30 years. The company is eager to maintain its manufacturing talent which is a key function of its operations here now and into the future. Officials in my Department, through IDA Ireland, engage with the company on an ongoing basis and will continue to support Intel with their future plans in Ireland.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (5)

Bríd Smith

Question:

5. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or his officials will meet with a student (details supplied) who has started a hunger and thirst strike over concerns relating the climate crisis in order to address the issues the student has raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61103/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Ireland is committed to transitioning to a carbon neutral economy by 2050. Delivering on this ambition requires that the Government and people of Ireland come together and recognise their shared responsibility for climate change, and being accountable for taking climate actions in a manner that is transparent, appropriate, fair, and accessible to all. This will make it possible to realise opportunities such as new sustainable careers; warmer more energy-efficient homes; better travel options; more sustainable consumer choice; integrated spatial planning; cleaner air and water; and a better environment for future generations. To support this, the Government will continue to engage, enable and empower everyone in Irish society in a two-way dialogue leading to the co-creation of climate actions. The voices of young people and students are particularly important, and several initiatives have been established to ensure that they can be heard and influence the development of climate policy. In 2022, working with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), my Department established the first National Youth Assembly on Climate (NYAC) capturing the voices of 40 young people between the ages of 12 and 24 and facilitating young people’s input into the Climate Action Plan. Minister Roderic O’Gorman and I attended, met with delegates and personally listened to their concerns and recommendations. In November, the first Report on this NYAC was published. As part of the Climate Conversations 2022, we held a focus group with young people, and invited them to submit their views through our public consultation. Youth delegates also took part in our National Climate Stakeholder events in 2022.While I am unable to meet everyone individually, I have asked my officials to contact the individual concerned to listen to their concerns and suggest ways to get actively involved in influencing and informing climate policy with a view to being part of Ireland’s transition to a better society for all.

Energy Policy

Questions (6)

Colm Burke

Question:

6. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date regarding the establishment of a new built environment and heat delivery taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61212/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I have approved the establishment of the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce and invitations are being issued to its members. The membership of the Taskforce aligns with the initial allocation of Ministerial responsibilities for the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, as agreed by Government, and the Taskforce will be supported by other groups established to examine specific aspects of its remit. The Taskforce will identify work on the critical path to accelerate and drive delivery in relation to retrofitting, renewable heat, district heat, decarbonisation and overall energy use needs of the building stock. The aim of the Taskforce will be ensuring alignment in the development of polices and activities underway across Government Departments and proactively managing risks to ensure targets are achieved.

The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce will be finalised with its members, as will its work programme and administrative processes.

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (7)

Colm Burke

Question:

7. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the other capital supports that will be provided in order that Ireland can achieve its target for biomethane development of 5.7 TW hours, given that currently the renewable heat obligation scheme is the only scheme in place to assist in achieving these targets but is not due to commence until 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61213/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

As part of its decision on the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, Government agreed to the introduction of an obligation on the heat sector to include renewable heat by 2024, and the production of up to 5.7Twh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. The introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation will support and encourage the production of biomethane, and further increase the use of renewable heat. The development of an anaerobic digestion (AD) industry is at a nascent stage of development in Ireland. It is clear from the experience of other jurisdictions in which AD is well established that there is a need for both capital and operational support to kick start an industry. This will require an all-of-government approach and my Department, together with Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, is developing a National Biomethane Strategy to reach the 5.7Twh target.

A project working group to develop the National Biomethane Strategy will be established shortly under the auspices of the Heat and Built Environment Task Force. This project working group will focus on, inter alia , the types of supports that will be necessary to reach the target.

Inland Fisheries

Questions (8)

Pauline Tully

Question:

8. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the date he last met formally with the CEO and-or chairperson of Inland Fisheries Ireland; the date he is scheduled to next meet with the CEO and-or chairperson of Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61313/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I met with the CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in Anacotty on the 11 March 2022. I have not met with the Chair of IFI since her appointment on 11 May 2022.  Interaction between the CEO and Chair and Board of IFI and IFI's senior executive team, including the CEO, is generally with senior officials of my Department.  In addition to regular meetings, contact between officials and the CEO and Senior management by telephone, e-mail and correspondence occurs on an almost daily basis.  I am regularly briefed on significant issues which arise.

Energy Prices

Questions (9)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

9. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider extending the solidarity contribution, such as the windfall tax, to electricity companies, as is being considered by Spain and the Czech Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61392/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices came into force in October 2022. This Regulation seeks to address windfall gains in the energy sector through a temporary solidarity contribution based surplus taxable profits in the fossil fuel production and refining sector and a cap on market revenues in the electricity sector. On 22 November 2022, the Government decided to place a cap on all market revenues of non-gas electricity generators with a capacity of 1 MW or more. The applicable cap of €120 per MWh for wind and solar, at least €180 per MWh for oil-fired and coal-fired generation and €180 per MWh on other non-gas generation. This cap on market revenues will operate from December 2022 to June 2023 inclusive.  

Given the market cap is being put in place to address windfall gains in the electricity sector, it is not considered necessary to develop other measures in this sector. My Department is working with agencies and relevant stakeholders to implement the cap on market revenues.

Energy Prices

Questions (10)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

10. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider retroactively applying the €120/MWh cap on renewable electricity generation and €180/MWh cap on other inframarginal generation, as is being done by Belgium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61393/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Ireland will be applying the cap in line with Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices, which does not provide for retroactively applying the cap.

Transport Policy

Questions (11)

Thomas Gould

Question:

11. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 5 July 2022, if he will provide an update on the standards working group; the number of times that the group has met; when the group is expected to report.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61076/22]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The National Standards and Guidelines Oversight Group is a group set up by officials from my Department in conjunction with officials from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), National Transport Authority (NTA) and the City and County Management Association (CCMA) to oversee and co-ordinate in relation to Roads, Greenways and Active Travel.  It commenced its work in autumn 2021 and has met 8 times.  Although its remit covers all guidelines and standards it is concentrating its work on the areas of road safety, climate and environment, and Active Travel.

The Working Group seeks to co-ordinate guidelines and identify any gaps or contradictions between various guidance documents in designed a safe network.  The work of the group is ongoing and has so far issued a number of circulars relating to Guidelines and Standards usage procedures, quality and audits and the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).  These are published on the Government website.  Further development is under way in a number of these areas and in other related areas.

Bus Services

Questions (12)

Gino Kenny

Question:

12. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the position of an applicant for the position of a bus driver with Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus or a company (details supplied) in cases in which such an applicant has failed a medical test for banned or prescription drugs in their system; if such persons can reapply for the position at a future date; if not, if they are effectively barred from attaining such a position; if the policy on this is guided by national guidelines; if not, if it is guided by the company’s own regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61100/22]

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.

Further, the question raised in relation to bus driver applicants is an operational matter for the bus operators, as they determine the terms and conditions of employment for their respective employees with agreement between management and unions.

Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the companies 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

Bus Éireann

Questions (13)

Pauline Tully

Question:

13. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the additional PSO funded Bus Éireann services that will be provided in 2023 by location in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61311/22]

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 issue raised by the deputy in relation to additional PSO funded Bus Éireann services that will be provided in 2023 is an operational matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the NTA 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

Bus Éireann

Questions (14)

Pauline Tully

Question:

14. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers who have used Bus Éireann route 109X in each direction in 2021 and to date in 2022 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61312/22]

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 issue raised by the deputy in relation to the number of passengers that have used Bus Éireann Route 109X in each direction in 2021 and to-date in 2022 is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company 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.

Driver Test

Questions (15)

Bríd Smith

Question:

15. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 10 November 2022, if the new inspection support personnel, ISP, are employed under the same conditions as current qualified testers and within the same conditions as set by law regarding hours of employment; if the ISP are subject to Irish employment law or, alternatively, are they being paid in Spain and subject to Spanish employment law; if their level 5 qualification is in a mechanical or a related trade; if he will be implementing EU directive 2014/45/EU in full, which deals with the minimum requirements concerning the competence training and certification of inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61326/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the Deputy's query 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.

National Car Test

Questions (16)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

16. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time by centre for NCT services; the steps he has taken to reduce the waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61397/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS). I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply.

Minister Ryan and I am very aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. I have met with the RSA to convey the seriousness of this matter. My officials are meeting weekly with the Authority to monitor progress in reducing test delays, as well as supporting any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.

Progress is being made in addressing the long-term staffing issues behind this backlog. The Deputy will be aware that 20 staff from the NCTS's counterpart in Spain have recently been temporarily assigned to Northpoint test centre, which is one of the test centres most affected by delays.

In light of the labour shortages in this sector across the EU, my department has worked with Minister English's department to amend the Employment Permits Regulations and allow up to 100 qualified non-EU personnel to be recruited as needed. 44 new testers are currently being trained and will be assigned to those centres with the longest delays before the end of the year.

These measures are in addition to the 53 new staff employed by the NCTS earlier in the year, a significant increase in staff overtime, allowing 8 tests per tester per day instead of 7, and the forthcoming pilot for additional inspection personnel to assist vehicle inspectors with automated elements of the test. Recruitment is also continuing on an ongoing basis.

I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992, or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.

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

Tax Avoidance

Questions (17)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

17. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the reason a taxi company (details supplied) pay no tax in Ireland but taxi drivers who use the service must pay tax to keep their tax clearance to enable them to obtain their small public service vehicle, SPSV, licence. [61056/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As the Deputy is aware, I am unable to comment on the tax affairs of individual taxpayers, including companies. The obligation to protect taxpayer confidentiality is provided for by section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997.

However, I can assure the Deputy that Ireland has a transparent tax code, with the liability to Irish corporation tax being primarily determined by a company’s tax residence. The relevant rules are set out in Part 2, Chapter 2 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Companies that are incorporated in Ireland are regarded as resident in Ireland for tax purposes unless they are treated as resident in a tax treaty country under the provisions of a double taxation treaty. Foreign incorporated companies that are centrally managed and controlled in the State are also regarded as resident in the State for tax purposes.  In general, Irish tax resident companies pay tax on their worldwide income and chargeable gains. Non-resident companies pay Irish tax on their Irish source income, including trading income of an Irish branch or agency. Where tax reliefs or credits exist to reduce a company’s Irish tax liability, they are provided for in legislation and may only be availed of where the legislative criteria for relief are satisfied.

In relation to income tax, the rules are again transparent with any liability based on the criteria of whether the individual is resident, ordinarily resident, or has an Irish domicile. Every individual who is a chargeable person for a year of assessment is assessable to income tax that year under the self-assessment system, as provided for by Part 41A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.   Under the self-assessment regime an individual is responsible for ensuring that their tax liability is calculated correctly, including availing of any tax reliefs and credits, and that any tax owing is paid on time.  

Compliance with the above tax obligations in the case of both companies and individuals and eligibility for tax reliefs are monitored by Revenue on an ongoing basis.

The Deputy mentions that tax clearance is one of the conditions for holding a Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) licence.  The conditions attached to such licences are a matter for the National Transport Authority. A Tax Clearance Certificate is confirmation from Revenue that an applicant's tax affairs are in order. 

Financial Services

Questions (18)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

18. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the statutory duty of the Central Bank in the event of a consumer experiencing, and informing the Central Bank of, two breaches of Part IX, subsection 129(2) of the Consumer Credit Act 1995, as amended, and SI 128/1996, by a lending institution in the context of a housing loan, with supporting evidence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61055/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Central Bank’s consumer protection mandate is prescribed in the Central Bank Act 1942 and includes the ‘proper and effective regulation of financial institutions and markets, while ensuring that consumers of financial services are protected’.  Under the 1942 Act, the Central Bank’s functions include ‘monitoring the provision of financial services to consumers of those services to the extent that the Bank considers appropriate, for the purposes of protecting the public interest and the interest of consumers'. 

The Central Bank assures me that all information in relation to a customer experience with a financial service provider or allegations of breaches of legal or regulatory requirements received by the Bank are considered and reviewed in the course of its supervisory work in the context of its consumer protection mandate.  

In determining whether to take any enforcement action in respect of issues within the Central Bank’s remit, whether on a regulatory or criminal basis, the Central Bank assesses all of the relevant circumstances and legal issues in accordance with its statutory function and mandate.  The magnitude, gravity, and systemic prevalence of any given issue are considered by the Central Bank in determining whether to take enforcement action in respect of an issue or not.  Pursuant to its strict statutory obligations of confidentiality, the Central Bank is prohibited from disclosing details regarding these considerations and decisions.

While the Central Bank is the competent authority under the Consumer Credit Act 1995, the Act does not require the Central Bank to prosecute if there has been a suspected contravention of section 129(2) of that Act.  The 1995 Act provides that contraventions of certain provisions of the Act, including Section 129(2), may be prosecuted by the Central Bank.  However, as with the Central Bank’s other enforcement powers, the Central Bank retains a discretion regarding the exercise of this power.

Insurance Coverage

Questions (19)

Richard Bruton

Question:

19. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has had discussions with the insurance industry regarding the withdrawal of flood cover in locations in which mapping has revealed a long-term vulnerability to flooding from rising sea levels; and if a protocol is in place to ensure that householders can benefit in insurance costs when substantial flood alleviation investments are made by the Office of Public Works. [61104/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As Minister for Finance, I have policy responsibility for the development of the legal framework governing financial services regulation, including for the insurance sector. It should be noted that the provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for those providers and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. Therefore, under the EU Solvency II Directive, neither the Minister for Finance nor the Central Bank can compel insurers to provide such cover. The insurance industry has informed the Department that firms examine the claims history of the individual risk, the risk of flooding in the area and consider any flood protection measures when deciding what underwriting action to take.

Government policy in relation to flooding is focused on the development of a sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to dealing with this issue. The cornerstone of this is the €1.3 billion committed to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030. Where defences have been built, there is the reasonable expectation that insurers will provide cover.

Please be advised that discussions on flood cover with the insurance industry do take place as part of the OPW-Insurance Ireland Memorandum of Understanding Working Group that meets on a regular basis. The Department participates in this OPW chaired group along with Insurance Ireland, the Department of Housing and Local Government and other stakeholders. These discussions focus on how the levels of insurance cover might be improved in areas where flood defence works have been completed.

Separately, the Department has regular meetings with Insurance Ireland on a range of insurance-related issues including flood cover. The Department of Finance will continue to monitor and assess the provision of flood cover, including the impact of climate change on insurance over the long term.

Finally, please be aware that Insurance Ireland operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed at [e-mail]. Likewise, Brokers Ireland, the representative body for insurance brokers in Ireland, can be contacted. They have access to a wide range of providers and products, and can offer advice for customers in sourcing cover. They can be reached at 01 6613067.

Banking Sector

Questions (20)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

20. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Finance the definition of "market failure" for the purposes of the retail banking review report; the criteria in his view that would constitute market failure in the retail banking sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61119/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

For the purpose of the Retail Banking Review Report ‘market failure’ was defined as those instances where competition, if left to its own devices, is unlikely to produce efficient outcomes in terms of prices, output, use of resources.

Markets fail when the market (based on private actors) does not provide a product or service even though the economic benefits outweigh the economic costs. The criteria that would indicate market failure in the retail banking sector includes where there is clear demand for a product or service that is not being met.

The Review Team did not identify any such market failures in the retail banking sector.

Banking Sector

Questions (21)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

21. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Finance where responsibility lies in the Retail Banking Review Report for recommendations referring to ‘the retail banking sector’; the way that these actions will be assessed; if there will be any consequences for failure to achieve these actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61120/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The retail banking sector has the responsibility to ensure that there continues to be a fit for purpose retail banking sector for the years to come. The sector needs to ensure that interests of consumers and of businesses are its key priority and do the right things to deliver the best outcomes.

It is clear that intervention is needed to better manage the impact of the change that is happening, and in particular to ensure consumers and SMEs are protected, remain included and can continue to access the retail banking system. Timely actions are needed to address certain areas of concern. 

These actions are set out as recommendations throughout the Report. The retail banking sector has thus been asked to: preserve consumers’ and business’ access to cash services (pending development of Access to Cash legislation); increase its levels of collaboration where possible; to ensure that its offerings are appropriate to cater for the needs of adults at risk of harm or abuse; to review its strategies and delivery models for SME credit; to review existing mortgage product suites; and to consider how best to expand its products and services to assist in the transition to a lower carbon future.

To conclude, the recommendations for the sector are their responsibility and it is important the sector seeks to implement them. As the implementation by industry of these recommendations will result in better outcomes for consumers and SMEs with a resulting overall strengthening of the retail banking sector, especially in conjunction with the other recommendations made in the report.

Tax Code

Questions (22)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

22. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Finance his assessment of the current position in respect of Ireland’s tax sovereignty (details supplied) given the changing circumstances; if he will continue to uphold the principle of Irish tax sovereignty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61205/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Ireland’s corporate tax policy, and broader industrial strategy, has consistently focused on attracting real and substantive investment that brings jobs. The 12.5% headline rate of corporation tax has not changed in almost two decades and this has been a key component of the recent economic success of the country.  It should be noted that Ireland’s FDI attractiveness is based on more than just tax. This complements our highly educated young workforce, common law legal system, access to the EU Market, and other factors which combine to make Ireland an attractive location for FDI.

Ireland signed up to the OECD two-pillar solution in October 2021 and we intend to follow through on that commitment. Our long-standing position is that the international tax system needs to keep pace with changes in how business is now being conducted globally.

The agreement achieved at OECD is a fine balance that provides the certainty and stability required for economic growth while at the same time protecting the interests of all countries both big and small, developed and developing. Implementation of the agreement will bring much needed stability to the international tax framework after the turbulence and uncertainty of recent years.

The agreement will continue to allow our tax system to support innovation and growth with the 12.5% corporation tax retained for companies with a turnover below €750m annually, and the retention of the existing R&D tax credits.

The EU Minimum Tax Directive will implement Pillar Two in the EU. This Directive will be significant in ensuring that there is a consistent application of the OECD agreement on the minimum tax across all Member States and in accordance with EU law, and thus will play an important role in safeguarding Ireland's competitive tax regime.

We look forward to final agreement of the Directive in due course and are progressing with our preparations for domestic implementation by the proposed deadline of end 2023.

Ireland retains long-standing reservations regarding tax harmonisation at an EU level and we will continue to carefully consider any proposal tabled by the Commission.  It should also be noted that the Oireachtas legislates for tax measures on an annual basis through the Finance Bill.

Departmental Staff

Questions (23)

Pauline Tully

Question:

23. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to appoint an additional full-time fiscal attaché and an additional full-time budget attaché at assistant principal officer grade to the Irish permanent representation to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61316/22]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I wish to advise the Deputy that it is not currently intended to appoint an additional Fiscal Attaché or an additional Budget Attaché to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU in Brussels , beyond the Fiscal Attaché and Budget Attaché positions that currently exist there.