Written Answers Nos. 336-352
336. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the inaccessibility of the Dublin Heuston to Cork Kent rail route to commuters working in Cork city, given that the earliest train on this line arrives at Kent station at 9.37 a.m.; the future plans to introduce an earlier service such as those offered on the Cork Kent to Dublin Heuston route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18035/23]
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 questions in relation to the timetabling of train services to Cork, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
337. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for the installation of a bus shelter at Dublin Bus stop No. 494. [18039/23]
View answerAs 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 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.
338. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18095/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government has committed my department to legislating for the use of electric scooters, or e-scooters. The use of e-scooters is not currently permitted on public roads.
The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which is currently before the Seanad, addresses this, amongst a range of other matters, by creating a new class of vehicle in the Road Traffic Act 1961, powered personal transporters. This vehicle class will encompass light electric vehicles like e-scooters. The Bill does not legalise the use of e-scooters but allows for rules for the safe use of e-scooters and technical standards to be provided in regulations.
The Regulations are being prepared by my department and are at an advanced stage. Requirements for lighting and other equipment such as braking and audible warning systems, prohibition of their use on footpaths or in pedestrianised zones, suitable speed limits and penalties for their misuse are proper to regulations after the necessary enabling powers have been provided by the Bill. Until these regulations are in place, the use of e-scooters will remain illegal and An Garda Síochána may seize these vehicles.
339. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to outline the projected percentage increase in capacity and frequency on the Northern Commuter line (Dundalk/Drogheda to Dublin) given the recent delivery of 41 ICR vehicles and the 95 DART+ carriages due for delivery in 2024; when these carriages will be in service, given the trains on this line are full to capacity especially at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18096/23]
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 operations of public transport.
The issue of the the allocation of new rolling stock to the Northern Commuter Line and the associated increase in capacity and frequency is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
340. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport his views on the live bus tracking on the new Transport for Ireland app; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18195/23]
View answer341. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the accuracy of the live bus tracking of Dublin Bus services throughout the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18196/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 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 issues raised in relation to the TFI Live App are a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
342. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the provision of real time passenger information screens at bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18197/23]
View answerAs 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 Real Time Passenger Information signage at bus stops/ 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.
343. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport when Bus Éireann’s Expressway Route 30/30X Donegal and Route 32/32X Letterkenny will become fully wheelchair-accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18338/23]
View answer344. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport when all Bus Éireann’s Expressway Routes will become fully wheelchair-accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18339/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 344 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. The NTA also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, and to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this regard I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
345. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the reason no appeals for primary medical care are being heard at present; when appeals will be heard again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16063/23]
View answer346. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the number of appeals, and the length of time the appeal is awaiting determination, to the disabled drivers’ medical board of appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16087/23]
View answer364. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that there have been no members of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal since the previous board’s resignation in November 2021, and that it has not been possible for people with disabilities who were denied a disabled drivers certificate to appeal that decision to a Medical Board of Appeals for the past 16 months; the reason for the failure to appoint a new Medical Board of Appeal for such a long period; and the role of his Department in this appointment process. [16074/23]
View answer365. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if the disabled drivers’ medical board of appeal has been re-established subsequent to the identification of candidates for the board last July, or when it will be set up to deal with a backlog of appeals since the last board’s resignation in November 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16086/23]
View answer366. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the ongoing lack of an appeals mechanism for the refusal of an application for a primary medical certificate; and if he will provide an update on progress since my previous question of 25 October 2022 to reinstate the disabled drivers' medical board of appeal at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire. [16091/23]
View answer376. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the expected recommencement of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal since the last statement on 18 January, 2023; if the final two applicants have completed Garda vetting and been appointed to the board; if the board is up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16986/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 345, 346, 364, 365, 366 and 376 together.
As the Deputies are aware the previous members of the DDMBA resigned effective from 30November 2021. Since then two Expression of Interest campaigns have been held, seeking suitable candidates for the Board. The Department of Health has led on all actions and tasks with respect to the Expression of Interest Campaigns. Department of Finance officials have provided support to the Department of Health in this matter.
The first campaign closed on 29th April. As there were insufficient suitable candidates arising from the first campaign, a second round was issued with a closing date of 5th July 2022. These two campaigns led to the selection of three candidates. However, five members are legislatively required for a functional Board with a quorum of three needed for any appeal hearing. Consequently two other candidates were nominated by the Minister for Health in November 2022. All five candidates successfully completed Garda Vetting by January 2023.
I had hoped that I could finalise these appointments and recommence the work of DDMBA in the first quarter of this year. However, the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) has recently indicated that it wishes to cease its involvement with the scheme, and as its facilities and secretarial service, which are funded by my Department, are integral to the operation of the DDMBA, it may take time to put in place feasible and appropriate alternative arrangements. It should be noted that every effort is being made to find such arrangements including engagement with the the NRH to see if they would be willing to reconsider their position.
You should be aware that assessments for the primary medical certificate, by the HSE, are continuing to take place. In this regard, an important point to make is that even though there has been no appeal mechanism since the previous Board resigned, applicants who have been deemed not to have met one of the six eligibility criteria required for a PMC are entitled to request another PMC assessment six months after an unsuccessful PMC assessment.
As of 31st December 2022, there are currently 759 people awaiting an appeal hearing with 382 of those dating back to 2021 and the remaining 377 people applying for an appeal in 2022.
347. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the cost of abolishing stamp duty for first-time buyers of homes of less than €500,000 and for homes of less than €1 million in a full year; to outline how the estimate was arrived at respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16441/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that based on stamp duty returns for 2022, the latest year available, the estimated cost of abolishing stamp duty for first-time buyers of homes of less than €500k and for homes of less than €1 million in a full year is in the order of €47 million and €56 million respectively.
This estimate is arrived at by firstly taking the stamp duty returns for residential property purchases less than the suggested €500,000 threshold made by persons identifying themselves as first-time buyers. Then subsequently taking the associated tax liability as the potential cost of exempting them from the duty. The same exercise was repeated in respect of the €1 million threshold.
348. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance for an update on the review of ethics legislation currently being conducted by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16446/23]
View answerDuring my time as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform I commissioned a Review of Ireland's Statutory Framework for Ethics in Public Office. I am happy to inform the Deputy that the Government approved the publication of the Review in December 2022 and also agreed to the preparation of a General Scheme for legislative reform informed by the Review's outcome. The Review Report was published in February and it is available on my Department's website.
In brief, this Review covered the following elements:
- A review of Ireland's existing ethics legislative framework, including a reassessment of the 2015 Public Sector Standards Bill;
- A review of the recommendations of relevant tribunals of inquiry;
- A review of recommendations of the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) based on its operation of the current regime;
- Consultations with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the local government aspects of a consolidated statutory regime;
- A review of current EU/International best practice; and
- A Public Consultation.
The Review considered inter alia input from key public sector stakeholders including the Departments of Justice and Housing and also engaged with the Dáil and Seanad Committees on Members' Interests.
The recommendations of the Review broadly focus on five key themes:
- the legislative framework for Ethics should be underpinned by a set of overarching integrity principles;
- there should be new specific statutory prohibitions, including on the use of insider information;
- disclosure requirements should be strengthened to improve transparency and examining whether the regime should encompass more office holders;
- a strengthening of the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO); and
- any post-term employment restrictions contemplated for elected officials/public servants should seek to address matters not already covered by lobbying regulation and that should align closely with that legislation.
My Department is now preparing a draft scheme for legislative reform in consultation with relevant Ministers and informed by the outcome of the Review with the intention of bringing a General Scheme to Government for approval to publish during 2023.
In this, my ultimate goal is to create a fit-for-purpose, easy to understand and user-friendly ethical framework that contributes to the quality and efficacy of our public administration.
349. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff within his Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels; their present roles and responsibilities; the posts and responsibilities presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16559/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently 6 staff from my Department working with the European Union in Brussels, in addition to 2 Central Bank of Ireland staff who are currently seconded to the Department of Finance working with the European Union.
4 staff are based in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union (Perm Rep), whose roles and position are as follows:
Counsellor - Principal Officer (PO)
Fiscal Attaché - Assistant Principal (AP)
Budget Attaché - Assistant Principal (AP)
Financial Services Attaché - Assistant Principal (AP)
There are currently no vacant positions in the Perm Rep.
A further 4 staff are based in the European Commission as Seconded National Experts (SNEs):
DG ECFIN - Assistant Principal (AP)
DG FISMA - Assistant Principal (AP)
DG FISMA - CBI secondee
DG FISMA - CBI secondee
On 23 June 2016, there were 5 staff based in the Perm Rep:
Counsellor - Principal Officer (PO)
Budget Attaché - Assistant Principal (AP)
Financial Services Attaché- Assistant Principal (AP)
Financial Services Attaché - Assistant Principal (AP) IGEES
Fiscal Attaché – Administrative Officer (AO)
A further 3 staff were working in the European Commission and European Parliament as SNEs:
DG Economic and Financial Affairs - Assistant Principal (AP)
DG TAXUD - Assistant Principal (AP)
ECON European Parliament – Higher Executive Office (HEO)
350. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Finance if there are any plans to increase the rate per litre of the fuel grant for disabled drivers given the current cost of fuel and the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16614/23]
View answerThe Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Fuel Grant is regulated by S.I. 635/2015 and provides for payment of a fuel grant based on a the value of excise chargeable per litre rate of fuel. The current value is €0.636 for petrol, €0.535 for diesel and €0.106 for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in respect of the mineral oil taxes applying to these products. An annual maximum of 2,730 litres applies in respect of a driver or passenger, and 4,100 litres in respect of an organisation. This grant is designed to reflect the amount of excise on fuel and has been amended to reflect changes in the carbon tax. There are no further plans to amend rates in 2023.
351. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 244 and 245 of 28 March 2023, the breakdown of the debt warehoused across each division by sector, where possible. [16626/23]
View answer352. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 244 and 245 of 28 March 2023, the breakdown of the debt warehoused across the medium enterprises division by sector. [16627/23]
View answer353. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 244 and 245 of 28 March 2023, the default rate to date on debt warehousing by large cases and high-wealth individuals. [16628/23]
View answer354. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 244 and 245 of 28 March 2023, the default rate to date on debt warehousing across each division and subdivided by sector within each division, where possible. [16629/23]
View answer355. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 244 and 245 of 28 March 2023, the repayment structure of warehoused tax debt from 2024. [16630/23]
View answer356. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 244 and 245 of 28 March 2023, how many small and medium enterprises have repaid their warehoused tax debt to date; and the value of those repayments. [16631/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 351, 352, 353, 354, 355 and 356 together.
The Debt Warehousing scheme allows for the deferral of the payment of VAT, PAYE (Employer) and certain self-assessed income tax liabilities, including TWSS and EWSS overpayments. It provided a vital liquidity support to businesses during the Covid pandemic and continues to support businesses as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic and the current energy crisis. The scheme was automatically available to businesses and individuals that are managed by Revenue’s Business and Personal Divisions. Revenue’s Business Division manages enterprises with an annual turnover less than €3 million, which accounts for the majority of business taxpayers. Revenue’s Personal Division deals with all business entities with no trade or professional income such as trusts, charities, sporting bodies.
The scheme was also available on application to larger businesses managed by Revenue’s Large Corporates and Medium Enterprises Divisions, where such businesses have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 and included a small number of individuals in Revenue’s High Wealth Division. Revenue’s Medium Enterprises Division deals with businesses with an annual Irish turnover of more than €3 million (but less than €190 million) as well as the subsidiaries/parents of such companies. Large Corporates Division deals with the largest companies with an annual Irish turnover of more than €190 million per annum.
The value of debt warehoused at the end of February 2023 was €2,257 million for 64,746 customers. 6,617 of these customers have warehoused debt in excess of €50,000 and this cohort accounts for €1,928 million of the overall warehoused debt figure. The breakdown of the warehoused debt by Division and by Sector, including the Medium Enterprises Division, is as follows:
Debt in the Debt Warehouse by Sector and Division as at end of February 2023
|
SECTOR |
Business Division |
LC-HWI |
LCD |
MED |
Personal Division |
Total |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
16 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
20 |
|
All other Sectors/Unknown |
7 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
9 |
|
Mining and Quarrying |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Manufacturing |
86 |
0 |
0 |
35 |
0 |
122 |
|
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
1 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
9 |
|
Water supply; Sewerage, Waste management and remediation activities |
7 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
11 |
|
Construction |
177 |
0 |
0 |
84 |
6 |
267 |
|
Wholesale and retail trade; Repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
230 |
0 |
74 |
126 |
1 |
430 |
|
Transportation and Storage |
62 |
0 |
82 |
16 |
0 |
161 |
|
Accommodation and food service activities |
207 |
3 |
35 |
147 |
0 |
392 |
|
Information and Communication |
121 |
0 |
0 |
49 |
0 |
169 |
|
Financial and Insurance Activities |
19 |
0 |
4 |
9 |
0 |
32 |
|
Real estate activities |
38 |
3 |
0 |
15 |
2 |
57 |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities |
195 |
0 |
22 |
32 |
0 |
249 |
|
Administrative and support service activities |
77 |
0 |
7 |
84 |
0 |
168 |
|
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Education |
15 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
19 |
|
Human health and Social Work activities |
45 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
5 |
58 |
|
Arts, entertainment and recreation |
23 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
1 |
32 |
|
Other services activities |
30 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
2 |
41 |
|
TOTALS |
1,362 |
6 |
227 |
639 |
21 |
2,257 |
*Variances in calculation of total figures is due to rounding
The extension to the scheme announced in October 2022 means that there is no obligation on businesses to commence repaying their warehoused debt until 1 May 2024. Therefore, the question of businesses ‘defaulting’ on the repayment of their warehoused debt does not currently arise. However, 635 customers with €60m of debt previously warehoused have exited the warehouse scheme to date, with the debt determined as uncollectible due to a variety of reasons, including liquidation, examinership, cessation of trading and bankruptcy.
It remains a key condition of the Debt Warehousing Scheme that current liabilities are filed and paid on time, and this message has been consistently communicated by Revenue in all its warehousing communications and guidance documents to date. Revenue is actively engaging with businesses in the scheme to ensure that they are complying with this key condition in order to retain the benefits of the scheme. Where payment difficulties arise, particularly in relation to current tax obligations, I am assured that Revenue will work proactively with businesses who engage early to resolve these payment difficulties.
However, where there is a continued lack of engagement and persistent non-compliance with current tax obligations, businesses will lose the benefit of the debt warehouse scheme. To date, just over 12,800 customers with warehoused debt of €197m have had their warehouse status revoked due to persistent non-compliance issues and the debt concerned is being pursued. Where a business addresses their non-compliance issues and brings their current taxes up to date, the business can have its warehouse status reinstated. As at end February 2023, 338 of the revoked cases have had their warehouse status reinstated, in respect of €20m debt.
With regard to the repayment of warehoused debt from 1 May 2024, Revenue’s approach to collecting the tax debt remaining in the warehouse at that time will be flexible and tailored to each business based on its capacity to pay. An interest rate of 3% per annum has begun to accrue on warehoused debt from 1 January 2023. This is a significant reduction from the standard interest rates of 8% and 10% per annum that normally apply to late payments of tax. In advance of the 1 May 2024 repayment date, Revenue will engage with all businesses availing of the scheme at that time to agree a tailored phased payment arrangement in respect of the ‘parked’ liability, over an agreed timeframe.
The breakdown of the eligible debt and payments made to date by Division is given in the following table. The Business Division case base consists largely of small and medium sized enterprises.
|
Division |
Total Debt Eligible for Warehousing € million |
Total Payments € million |
Debt Warehoused at end Feb 2023 € million |
|
Business |
18,563 |
17,200 |
1,363 |
|
Medium Enterprises |
8,022 |
7,382 |
640 |
|
Large Corporates |
2,896 |
2,669 |
227 |
|
Personal |
1,461 |
1,440 |
21 |
|
Large Cases – High Wealth Individuals |
20 |
14 |
6 |
|
Total |
30,962 |
28,705 |
2,257 |
*Variances in calculation of total figures is due to rounding
