Written Answers Nos. 199-214
199. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to make the Dublin Mountains more accessible through public transport routes such as the plan proposed by the Dublin Commuter Coalition. [21648/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin, to which I understand the plan mentioned in the Deputy's question refers to.
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.
200. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide his response to Cork County Council Northern Committee's disappointment with the allocation of only €100,000 for the Mallow Relief Road in 2023. [21685/23]
View answerAs 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 planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year.
Approximately €491m of exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2023. These allocations were announced by the Department of Transport and TII on the 16th of February 2023.
Having regard to the funding constraint outlined above, it was not possible to provide an allocation to all new national road projects in the NDP for 2023. However, the majority of projects have been allocated funding, including the Mallow Relief Road, which has been allocated €100,000. This scheme consists of a bypass of Mallow with the objective of removing east-west traffic from the town centre. The preferred route option for the scheme was identified last year and following this a public consultation took place. The project is currently in the design and environmental evaluation phase.
As with all national roads projects included in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.
201. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the potential impact of E10 fuel on vintage vehicles; if E5 petrol will still be available to purchase for the owners of these vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21712/23]
View answerThe regulations establishing a minimum 5.5% ethanol in petrol placed upon the market by renewable transport fuel obligation account holders were made on 1 April 2023. In making the regulations consideration was given to the responses received through a statutory consultation on the draft regulations, the impact on fuel prices, and other economic and environmental impacts.
Through the consultation on the regulations many submissions were received from respondents identifying as classic or vintage car owners/enthusiasts, i.e. 70 submissions or 90% of submissions received on the regulations. Many of these responses supported the introduction of E10, but raised concerns about the need to maintain an E5 petrol grade. While a small number of the responses mentioned safety concerns, the vast majority of responses concerned the need and cost of more frequent vehicle maintenance and cost of replacement parts. It is understood that classic and vintage cars also have a value as a collectors item.
The consultation with industry prior to making the regulations indicated that the vast majority of suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade at forecourts in Ireland. It would not be feasible to mandate investment by forecourts in Ireland to provide additional refuelling infrastructure for continued supply of E5 when there would be a very small and declining demand for the fuel, and investment plans are focussed on electrification and charging infrastructure.
However, the regulations will not prevent any independent or specialist fuel supplier from placing an E5 blend of petrol on the market, if sufficient demand exists. After 1 July when the regulations are to be operational E5 supply will not, however, be eligible for renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) certificates.
The policy and regulation supporting the move to E10 takes into account the over-riding consideration of the public good in decarbonising transport through increasing biofuels. Moving to E10 will bring an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet. Ethanol (E5) in petrol currently accounts for almost 10% of annual tailpipe carbon emission savings (8.5% in 2022).
202. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his views on a report (details supplied); the steps he intends to take on foot of that report; the consideration given to introducing affordable ‘climate tickets’ for public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21755/23]
View answer203. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with Dublin Bus to establish the reasons for its discontinuance of change receipts; the way in which passengers can recoup overpayment of fares in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21756/23]
View answer204. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that, in Dublin, monthly public transport for all means of public transport tickets are only available to employees; the reason such monthly public transport tickets are not universally available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21757/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 204, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decision making on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Any suggestion that fares in Dublin are the “worst in Europe” does not reflect the reality of the overall fares offering in our capital, where public transport fares are better value than ever before.
The recently published Greenpeace report focuses purely on monthly and annual fares, which represent a very low percentage of journeys, so it is not a fair reflection of the fares options available to customers.
In 2022 for example, there were 126m passenger journeys on buses in Dublin. Of those,
• 73% - TFI Leap 90-minute fare
• 15% - Free travel pass (EG for pensioners)
• 9.5% - cash
• 3% - monthly or annual passes
For people who do multi-mode journeys, thanks to Leap card caps, they will never pay more than €8 per day and €32 per week for public transport.
The TFI 90 minute fare, (which is €2 for adults, €1 for students and under-23s, and 65c for children 18 and under) was introduced in 2021 for all modes in Dublin. This fare allows passengers free transfer across the public transport network between Dublin Bus, Luas and DART, commuter rail and Go-Ahead Ireland services in Dublin within 90 minutes of initial touch on.
Further reductions were introduced in 2022 with the roll-out of the 20% average fare reduction across PSO public transport services, and the Young Adult Card on PSO and participating commercial bus services.
Thanks to these reductions, fares are now better value than ever, and passenger numbers in Ireland have recovered at a much faster pace than in many other jurisdictions.
Passenger numbers in Dublin are now actually ahead of where they were pre-covid, by approximately 10%, which is just about unique for a European capital.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions in relation to the possible introduction of a monthly or annual travel pass, and Dublin bus change receipts to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
205. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the number of delayed arrival times for the Bus Éireann Expressway Route 30 X30 Donegal to Dublin service for the months January 2023, February 2023, March 2023 and April 2023; the reason for any such delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21763/23]
View answer206. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the number of delayed arrival times for the Bus Éireann Expressway 30 X30 Dublin to Donegal service for the months January 2023, February 2023, March 2023 and April 2023; the reason for any such delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21764/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 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.
Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including route 30 X30, are commercial bus services and responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.
As such, the issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the number of delayed arrival times for the Bus Éireann Expressway Route 30 X30 Donegal to Dublin service for the months January 2023, February 2023, March 2023 and April 2023; the reason for any such delays, is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
207. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Finance if officials from his Department are using an application (details supplied) to conduct business; if his Department has had official meetings regarding the use of the application by officials; if his Department has assessed the risk of using the application by Department officials and the input of Government-related data into the application; if his Department is using or is considering using other forms of artificial intelligence; if his Department is considering banning the use of the application by Department officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21091/23]
View answerFor operational and security reasons, we have previously been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise departmental security. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements. My Department does not comment on operational security matters.
However, I can advise that all employees of the Department of Finance, whether permanent, temporary, or seconded to the Department have a duty to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Acts and the GDPR and must follow the provisions of the Department’s Data Protection Policy. All staff have a responsibility to ensure that personal data they access, manage and control as part of their duties is carried out in accordance with the Data Protection Acts. Information on data protection is also captured in the Department’s Staff Information Booklet, given to all new entrants into the Department. Data Protection information is further covered as part of the induction training for new staff. Furthermore, all applications must be used in line with advice provided by the NCSC.
209. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the Exchequer returns for each USC bracket in 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21144/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the breakdown of the number of taxpayer units paying USC at each USC rate and the amount of liability associated with each USC rate is set out in the following table. It is important to note that, in the table below, taxpayer units may be included in some or all of the USC rate categories depending on their income levels. For example,a taxpayer unit subject to the USC surcharge of 3 per cent on non-PAYE income above €100,000 per annum, will also be classified in the 2 per cent, 4.5 per cent and 8 per cent rate categories. The data relates to 2020, the latest year for which tax returns data are currently available for dissemination. Couples who are married or in a civil partnership and elect to be jointly assessed are counted as one taxpayer unit, in all other cases a taxpayer unit represents an individual taxpayer.
|
USC Rate |
Number of Taxpayer Units |
USC Liability (€m) |
|
2% |
1,822,800 |
514 |
|
4.5% |
1,466,000 |
1,822 |
|
8% |
301,800 |
1,426 |
|
Surcharge (3%) |
13,800 |
67 |
|
Total |
N/A |
€3,830 |
Regarding 2021 and 2022, while data is not yet available regarding the breakdown for each USC bracket, the table below highlights the total USC receipts for both years:
|
Year |
USC Receipts (€m) |
|
2022 |
4,895 |
|
2021 |
4,367 |
210. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the debt servicing costs in each year since 2006, in tabular form; and projections of debt servicing costs into the future. [21150/23]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the NTMA have supplied the material below. Table 1 sets out the total debt service cost on Ireland’s National Debt for each of the years 2006 to 2022. Table 2 sets out projected debt service for each of the years 2023 to 2026. These estimates were prepared in the context of the recent Stability Programme Update 2023.
Debt service comprises net interest as well as fees and operating expenses. For the years up to and including 2014, debt service also included an annual Sinking Fund payment – a technical charge on the Exchequer current account and credit to the capital account which had no impact on the overall Exchequer balance. The requirement to make an annual Sinking Fund payment was removed in the Finance Act 2014.
Table 1: National Debt Service Expenditure 2006-2022
|
Year |
National Debt Service Expenditure €bn |
|
2006 |
2.4 |
|
2007 |
2.1 |
|
2008 |
2.1 |
|
2009 |
3.2 |
|
2010 |
4.2 |
|
2011 |
5.4 |
|
2012 |
6.5 |
|
2013 |
8.1 |
|
2014 |
8.2 |
|
2015 |
7.1 |
|
2016 |
6.8 |
|
2017 |
6.2 |
|
2018 |
6.0 |
|
2019 |
5.2 |
|
2020 |
4.7 |
|
2021 |
3.7 |
|
2022 |
3.8 |
Table 2: National Debt Service Expenditure Estimates 2023-2026
|
Year |
National Debt Service Expenditure Forecast €bn |
|
2023 |
3.5 |
|
2024 |
3.9 |
|
2025 |
3.9 |
|
2026 |
3.6 |
211. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he will list all reviews of Acts carried out by his Department in line with the provisions of the Act in question from 2000 to date; if a summary will be provided of any substantive amendments of the Act in question that occurred on foot of each review and the amending legislation, if any, in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21183/23]
View answerIt has not been possible in the time available to compile an updated list of the information sought in the Deputy's PQ. My officials will revert in writing to the Deputy when this is ready. This is likely to take some considerable time given the scope of the question posed.
212. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide tax incentives to support the tillage sector, including to adjustments to tax-free land rental incomes to incentivise the leasing of land for tillage or horticulture purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21237/23]
View answerA number of tax reliefs are in place specifically to support the farming sector, for example, accelerated capital allowances for farm safety equipment, various stock reliefs, carbon tax relief on farm diesel, succession farm partnerships relief, VAT rebates on farm buildings.
In respect of the leasing of land for farming purposes (including tillage and horticulture), section 664 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for the exemption from tax of certain income earned from the long-term leasing of farm land. The relief was designed to encourage longer term leases of farm land, with the targeted policy objective of assisting with the mobility and productive use of agricultural land.
To qualify for this relief, a number of conditions must be met. One such condition is that the lessee must carry on a trade of farming on the leased land either solely or in partnership with a person or persons who is or are also qualifying lessees.
In this context, farming includes normal farming, market gardening, horse breeding, cattle dealing, fruit growing and any other form of husbandry, intensive or otherwise, which involves the use of the land or its produce.
Subject to an upper limit, individuals who qualify for the relief are entitled to take a deduction in determining their total income for income tax purposes. This deduction may be the total amount of rental profits or gains after the deduction of capital allowances, up to the maximum limit applicable (where the qualifying lease is taken out on or after 1 January 2015).
The applicable limit depends on the definite term of the qualifying lease. They are:
• €40,000 where all the qualifying leases are for 15 years or more;
• €30,000 where all the qualifying leases are for 10 but less than 15 years;
• €22,500 where all the qualifying leases are for seven but less than 10 years; and
• €18,000 where all the qualifying leases are for five or six years.
A farmer will only qualify for one reduction regardless of the number of qualifying leases they may have. My Department is not aware of evidence which suggests that the current limits are insufficient, therefore, I have no plans to enhance this tax relief.
213. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance if he will adjust the rent tax credit to enable a person renting a room from a relative to claim the credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21238/23]
View answerThe Rent Tax Credit, as provided for in section 473B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997), was introduced by Finance Act 2022 and may be claimed in respect of qualifying rent paid in 2022 and subsequent years to end-2025.
One of the conditions attached to the credit relates to the relationship between the claimant, tenant and landlord.
Where the relationship between the claimant and the landlord is that of parent and child, or vice versa, the rent tax credit will not be available in any instance. This will be the case irrespective of the nature of the tenancy concerned and its Residential Tenancy Board registration status.
The rationale behind the prohibition on tenancies of this nature is that if such arrangements were allowed to qualify for the relief, it would leave the tax credit open to possible manipulation where parents and their children could collude to create a tax advantage for either party, which was not warranted.
Where the claimant and the landlord are otherwise related, such as grandparent and grandchild, siblings or aunt/uncle and niece/nephew, the credit can be claimed in circumstances where:
1) the tenancy is of a type which is required to be registered with the RTB, and 2) the landlord has complied with any such registration requirement.
The credit is not available in these circumstances where the tenancy is of a type which is exempt from RTB registration, such as a ‘rent-a-room’ or ‘digs’ type arrangement.
Further details in respect of the rent tax credit, including comprehensive guidance on the eligibility criteria, can be found in Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-11A at the link below:
www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-11A.pdf
The operation of the Rent Tax Credit will be closely monitored by my Department in conjunction with Revenue in the coming months and the question of whether any further adjustments are needed will be considered in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill process later this year.
214. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year yield that would be generated by establishing two new income tax bands of 47% on earnings between €135,000 and €200,000, and 55% on earnings over €200,001. [21282/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the estimated first and full year yield to the Exchequer from the introduction of two new income tax bands of 47% on earnings between €135,000 and €200,000 and 55% on earnings greater than €200,000 is €1.16 billion and €1.51 billion respectively.
