Written Answers Nos. 62-81
62. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies, by rank, in the Defence Forces school of music as of 15 May 2023; and when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [25264/23]
View answerThe military authorities have provided the following details in relation to the vacancies in the Defence Forces School of Music, as at 22 May 2023:
|
Rank |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Captain |
Lt |
CS |
CQ |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte |
|
Strength |
1 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
32 |
26 |
43 |
|
Vacancies |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
7 |
4 |
Vacancies will be filled in line with promotional arrangements and by recruitment. A recruitment campaign for instrumentalists is currently being advertised on the Defence Force website and it is planned to hold a competition for the vacancy at Captain level in 2023.
63. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport in respect of the Luas Finglas, the reason there is a five-year delay between the Enforceable Railway Order in 2024 and the enabling works starting in 2029; the proposed funding schedule for this project; if he intends to accelerate this schedule in light of the significant budget surplus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25032/23]
View answerThe Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2022-2042 was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in January 2023, following my approval. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030 to align with the funding allocations for public transport projects under the National Development Plan, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042.
The Luas Finglas project is part of the strategy’s medium-term proposals for development and delivery within 2031-2036 and is part of a number of proposed Luas network extensions for the proposed 2042 Luas network. On this basis, it is not delayed.
The preliminary business case for the Luas Finglas project will be submitted to my Department by the NTA later this year and will then be brought to Government for its approval in line with the Public Spending Code. This will enable the project to enter the statutory planning process through the submission of a Railway Order Application to An Bord Pleanála. The precise start date for construction of the Finglas project will depend on a number of factors, including a decision in relation to the planning application.
64. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to noise pollution being generated by flights landing and departing from Dublin Airport from 5 a.m. onwards, in contravention of the DAA commitment to ensuring there are no departures before 9 a.m.; and if he will intervene to resolve the noise pollution which is impacting residents along the airport’s flight path. [25096/23]
View answerAs the deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport.
The Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) is the Airport Noise Regulator, and is a separate and independent Directorate within Fingal County Council.
As publicised on its website, in December 2022 ANCA commenced a review of the impact of aircraft noise on the communities around Dublin Airport. daa has been directed to provide operational data to ANCA to inform the review. This data will be assessed on a phased basis over a number of months and the outcome of the review will be made public.
Due to the technical nature and volume of the information required from daa, data will be submitted and assessed on a phased basis over the coming months. Through this process, ANCA will determine if it is necessary to introduce additional noise control measures around Dublin Airport.
This review will examine how the airport has operated since the new runway opened on 24 August 2022 and consider how aircraft operations may affect the areas around the airport in the years ahead.
My Department has no role in relation to the regulation of noise at Dublin Airport or the current review being undertaken by ANCA in relation to the impact of aircraft noise on the communities around Dublin Airport as this is a wholly independent process. While I am aware that flights depart and land at Dublin Airport from 0500 on the original south runway, daa has advised my department that there are currently no departures from the new north runway before 0900 except where the south runway is temporarily closed to facilitate essential maintenance.
65. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the forecasted opening date for Kishogue railway station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25102/23]
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, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the development and implementation of rail infrastructure. In this context, I understand that Kishogue railway station is scheduled to open by the end of this year.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
66. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the development of the Hazelhatch greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25103/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways.
The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
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.
67. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a complete breakdown of the cost incurred by drone disturbance in the past two years in Dublin Airport; the amount of this cost that has been covered by the State; if counter-drone technology is now operational; the estimated amount that anti-drone technology will cost on a yearly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25146/23]
View answerThe costs associated with the disturbance to aviation operations at Dublin airport caused by illegal drone activity at the airport are a matter for the airport operator, daa, and the airlines affected. As these are commercial matters, my Department does not have access to those costs.
daa is expediting the deployment of additional counter drone technology to complement the already functioning drone detection system at the airport. The deployment of counter drone technology at Dublin airport is a complex operation and the technology needs to be deployed and operated safely.
daa is engaging extensively with the relevant safety regulators. Testing of the equipment is ongoing, and all agencies concerned are working as quickly as possible to conclude their assessment of the equipment and its deployment. This due diligence is necessary from a safety perspective and has been done in every other State where counter drone technology has been deployed.
The cost of operating the counter drone technology is a matter for daa, the aerodrome operator. There is no cost to the exchequer.
68. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the number of individuals currently awaiting driving licence test appointments; the average length of time between booking a test and the test taking place; the reason for these exceptionally long delays; and the plan he is putting in place to shorten this waiting time. [25197/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred the specific part of the Question 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.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working closely with the Authority on addressing driver testing waiting times, which is an issue of great concern.
The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which is up 28% on 2021 figures. This increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors, which include an increase in learner permits in circulation, increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.The RSA has reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has given approval for the recruitment of up to 75 driver testers. This is in addition to the 30 testers who were previously sanctioned in July 2022 and which have been fully deployed since the end of March 2023. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.It is expected that once these additional 75 driver testers are recruited, trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will start to reduce from October 2023 and agreed service levels should resume by early to mid-2024. The additional testers will be assigned to fill current vacancies and otherwise allocated to centres with the highest demand for tests. The recruitment campaign is currently under way.
69. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the dates in 2023 on which he spoke formally with the CEO and-or chairperson of each State agency under the remit of his Department, in tabular form. [25245/23]
View answerThe information requested is provided in the table:
|
Date |
Agency |
|
16th January 2023 |
DAA CEO (Dublin Airport Authority) |
|
24th January 2023 |
The board of TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) |
|
25th of January 2023 |
Board of Dublin Bus |
|
26th of January 2023 |
NTA (National Transport Authority) |
|
27th of January 2023 |
NTA |
|
1st March 2023 |
NTA board meeting |
|
6th of March 2023 |
Meeting with Port of Cork officials |
|
27th of March 2023 |
Dublin Port officials |
|
17th of May 2023 |
Briefing with the NTA |
|
19th of May 2023 |
Meeting with Port of Cork officials |
70. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if officials from his Department have met with their United States counterparts as part of the preclearance consultative group to date in 2023. [25246/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Preclearance Consultative Group (PCCG) consisting of officials and state representatives from Ireland and the U.S sides meets formally on an annual basis as part of the US preclearance agreement. The last meeting was held on 23rd February 2023 where the Department hosted representatives from the U.S side.
71. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the current number of bus driver and HGV testers in County Tipperary; and the current number of vacancies for bus driver and HGV testers in County Tipperary. [25247/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred this question 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.
72. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to have all remaining buses in the Bus Éireann fleet fully wheelchair accessible. [25248/23]
View answerAs 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 works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Bus Éireann, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of Bus Éireann's responsibilities in relation its fleets of buses, I have forwarded your questions to the company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
73. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an outline of the process by which decisions will be made on how the projected windfall revenues from corporation tax will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25033/23]
View answer74. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if there are any plans for broad consultation with different civil and political stakeholders on how the projected windfall revenues from corporation tax will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25034/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.
On May 10, my Department published a scoping paper entitled ‘Future-proofing the Public Finances – the Next Steps’. The paper outlines the pros and cons around the establishment of a long-term public savings vehicle.
The paper addresses two key policy questions facing Government at present. On the revenue side, recent years have seen extraordinary growth in corporation tax receipts. However, as these receipts are potentially windfall in nature, there is a need to avoid building up permanent fiscal commitments on the basis of transitory revenue streams. On the expenditure side, there are major fiscal challenges on the horizon, including the costs of an ageing population, the shift to climate neutrality, and the digital transition.
The scoping paper outlines some of the options available to Government to help to mitigate against these risks to the public finances. The paper considers different approaches to using the windfall receipts, including putting them towards a new long-term savings vehicle, and using a portion to pay down debt and for additional, targeted capital investment.
In doing so, the paper also takes into account the views of different institutional experts, with the positions of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, the Central Bank of Ireland, the National Economic and Social Council, the OECD and the IMF all considered. There is broad support for the establishment of a long-term savings vehicle and recognition of the need to address the future increase in ageing-related expenditure.
Taking into account this analysis, it is my intention to bring forward proposals for a long-term savings vehicle which will be used to pre-fund part of the future costs of structural change. Subject to government approval, setting up such a long-term savings vehicle will require primary legislation. This process has been set in motion, but remains at an early stage.
75. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to putting in place a carbon tax rebate for horticulturists and growers who recycle carbon in greenhouses and tunnels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25144/23]
View answerSection 98 of Finance Act 1999 provides for a relief from Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) for certain heavy oils and liquified petroleum gas used in horticultural production and mushroom cultivation. Heavy oils within scope of the relief are kerosene, fuel oil and Marked Gas Oil.
The relief operates by way of repayment to the fuel user. The provisions currently prescribe that the repayment rate is calculated by subtracting a specified rate from the full MOT rate applicable to the fuel concerned. My predecessor introduced an amendment, in Finance Act 2022, to significantly increase the rate of repayment by providing full relief from the carbon component of MOT. The amendments were subject to a commencement order, and I am happy to advise the Deputy that I intend to bring the enhanced relief provisions into operation from 1 June 2023. This will mean that relevant fuels used for qualifying purposes from that date will be fully relieved from carbon taxation. Current repayment rates and those that will apply under the amended provisions are set out in the table below.
|
Mineral Oil Product |
Current Repayment Rate (per 1,000 litres) |
Repayment Rate from 1 June 2023 (per 1,000 litres) |
|
Kerosene |
€0.00 |
€122.83 |
|
Fuel Oil |
€35.82 |
€149.45 |
|
Marked Gas Oil |
€3.06 |
€131.47 |
|
Liquified Petroleum Gas |
€0.00 |
€79.17 |
In addition to the MOT relief amendments, Finance Act 2022 introduced amendments to Finance Act 2010 to provide for a new relief from Natural Gas Carbon Tax (NGCT), mirroring the amended MOT relief. Once the new NGCT relief provisions are commenced, natural gas used in horticultural production and mushroom cultivation will qualify for a full relief from NGCT. I am advised by Revenue that preparations for the new NGCT relief are more complex than those for updating the existing MOT relief, so more time is required. I expect to bring the NGCT provisions into operation in the coming months.
I would also like to note that the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme is currently supporting a broad range of businesses that have experienced a significant increase in their natural gas and electricity costs arising from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Businesses that are connected to the electricity grid and main gas network are eligible to apply.
A business can make a claim under the scheme if it is tax compliant, carries on a Case I trade or Case II profession and has experienced a significant increase of 30% or more in its electricity and/or natural gas average unit price. Qualifying businesses can claim for 40% of the increases in their September 2022 to February 2023 energy bills and 50% of the increase in their March 2023 to May 2023 energy bills.
Further detail on TBESS is available from : www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/tbess/index.aspx.
76. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm the interest rate that will be charged on the balance of tax liabilities which were deferred under the debt warehousing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25152/23]
View answer77. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the amount in tax liabilities that was deferred via the debt warehousing scheme from when it was implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25153/23]
View answer78. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown per sector, to include multinationals, retail and hospitality, on the amount in tax liabilities that was deferred via the debt warehousing scheme from when it was implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25154/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 77 and 78 together.
The Debt Warehousing Scheme allowed 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 allowed for the parking of the debt at 0% up to 31 December 2022 (or 30 April 2023 for those in the extended scheme). A significantly reduced interest rate of 3%, as opposed to the general interest rate of 10%, applies from 1 January 2023 on the warehoused debt (or from 1 May 2023 for those in the extended scheme).
In October 2022, Revenue extended to 1 May 2024 the period during which debts can remain “parked” in the warehouse. This means that businesses no longer have the challenge of making arrangements to repay their warehoused debt until 1 May 2024. This significant additional time should greatly support businesses in their recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and the energy crisis and prevent business failure. Importantly also, businesses are still able to avail of the reduced 3% interest rate from 1 January 2023 when they come to pay the debt.
Businesses are reminded on an ongoing basis that it remains a key condition of the Debt Warehousing Scheme that current liabilities are filed and paid on time. Revenue is actively engaging with businesses in the scheme to ensure 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.
I am advised by Revenue that the total debt eligible for the Debt Warehousing Scheme since its introduction is €30.9 billion with over 250,000 businesses eligible to avail of the scheme. As at end-April 2023, over 93% of that debt has been paid, leaving a balance of €2.037 billion in the warehouse for 62,538 individual entities.
Of this total, 19,841 (32%) have warehoused debts of less than €100, 9,607 (15%) have warehoused debts between €101 and €1,000 and a further 11,428 (18%) have warehoused debts between €1,001 and €5,000. In total, 40,876 businesses in the warehouse (65% of the total) have an outstanding balance of less than €5,000. The bulk of the debt figure is warehoused by just 6,271 customers, with outstanding balances greater than €50,000, totalling €1.728 billion.
To reduce their interest bill, some businesses have already begun to repay their warehoused debt where their financial circumstances permit. This is very evident in the warehouse balance of €2.037 billion at end-April 2023, which shows a €179 million reduction when compared to end-March 2023. Revenue’s expectation is that this trend will continue to increase for the remainder of the year and into early 2024 as businesses proactively make plans to address the payment of their warehoused debt and reduce their interest costs.
The breakdown of the warehoused debt at 30 April 2023 by Sector, including retail and hospitality, is set out in the table below:
|
Sector |
Balance (€m) |
Customers |
|
Wholesale and retail trade; Repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
414 |
9,381 |
|
Accommodation and food service activities |
324 |
6,346 |
|
Construction |
255 |
9,957 |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities |
243 |
7,265 |
|
Information and Communication |
162 |
2,444 |
|
Administrative and support service activities |
159 |
2,612 |
|
Manufacturing |
118 |
3,353 |
|
Transportation and Storage |
77 |
2,546 |
|
Real estate activities |
55 |
2,262 |
|
Human health and Social Work activities |
55 |
2,596 |
|
Other services activities |
39 |
3,879 |
|
Arts, entertainment and recreation |
32 |
1,667 |
|
Financial and Insurance Activities |
31 |
772 |
|
Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
19 |
3,310 |
|
Education |
19 |
2,023 |
|
Water supply; Sewerage, Waste management and remediation activities |
10 |
211 |
|
All other Sectors/Unknown |
9 |
1,455 |
|
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
8 |
53 |
|
Mining and Quarrying |
4 |
85 |
|
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security |
4 |
174 |
|
Activities of households as employers of domestic personnel; Undifferentiated goods-and-service-producing activities of private households for own use |
0 |
138 |
|
Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies |
0 |
9 |
|
Total |
2,037 |
62,538 |
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 were adversely impacted by the pandemic, 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 breakdown of the warehoused debt at end-April 2023 by Division is as follows:
The Breakdown of Debt Warehoused at 30 April 2023 by Division is set out in the table below:
|
Division |
Balance €m |
Customers |
|
Business |
1,286 |
58,179 |
|
Medium Enterprises Division |
618 |
1,601 |
|
Large Corporates Division |
112 |
92 |
|
Personal |
15 |
2,629 |
|
LC - High Wealth Division |
6 |
37 |
|
Total |
2,037 |
62,538 |
79. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Finance the number of vehicles seized by the Revenue Commissioners under Section 141 of the Finance Act 2001 in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [25252/23]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the table below sets out the information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of vehicles seized by Revenue under Section 141 of the Finance Act, 2001.
|
Year |
Total Vehicles |
|
2022 |
1,049 |
|
2023* |
393 |
*to 30 April 2023
The statistics provided are for vehicles seized for excise offences such as Vehicle Registration Tax, Alcohol Products Tax, Tobacco Products Tax or Mineral Oil Tax.
80. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of times the Procurement Reform Board has met in each year since 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25181/23]
View answerThe Interim Procurement Reform Board oversee how procurement reform is implemented across the public sector including in Central Government and the four key sectors of Health, Education, Local Government and Defence.
The Board also oversees the operations of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) and advises the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. It includes officials from across the public service as well as independent Board members.
To date, the Interim Procurement Reform Board have met fifteen times since 2020. I have provided a list of the dates below.
|
Interim Procurement Reform Board: Meetings since 2020 |
|
10/06/20 |
|
30/09/20 |
|
02/12/20 |
|
28/01/21 |
|
14/04/21 |
|
14/07/21 |
|
20/10/21 |
|
01/12/21 |
|
23/02/22 |
|
07/04/22 |
|
30/06/22 |
|
29/09/22 |
|
01/12/22 |
|
09/02/23 |
|
27/04/23 |
81. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the service improvement and reform plans to be prepared by each Government Department in conjunction with his Department, as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25185/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for her question. Earlier this month I launched ‘Better Public Services’, the public service transformation strategy out to 2030, which is aimed at delivering for the public and building trust.
This strategy is a successor to the Our Public Service 2020 programme and builds on the achievements that have been made in every facet of the Public Service in recent years. It incorporates priorities articulated in the published Public Service Innovation Strategy, Making Innovation Real, in addition to aligning with ambitions set out in the Civil Service Renewal 2030 Strategy and its three year Action Plan (Civil Service Renewal 2024), as they relate to the wider Public Service. Additionally, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer in my Department published Connecting Government 2030: A Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service , which sets out an approach to deliver digital government for all, while also driving the wider GovTech priorities.
By way of providing feedback on individual organisational reforms and service improvements, Public Service Bodies will be requested to identify and prioritise actions that will help deliver the goals of 'Better Public Services' when developing their own corporate strategies and business plans, which may then subsequently be reported through annual reports.
In order to ensure coherence and support for the reform efforts across the wider Public Service, my Department coordinates the Public Service Leadership Board, which draws on senior leadership from across the Public Service to monitor and advance progress in driving transformation and reforms, as well as by working together on cross-cutting programmes at a strategic level.
I should also add that there are also a number of other reporting vehicles that require Departments and public bodies to provide updates to my Department. These include the spending review programme, performance budgeting and green budgeting programmes and the wellbeing framework, all of which are considered holistically as part of our ongoing reform agenda.
