Written Answers Nos. 21-44
21. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the staffing levels at the price-monitoring group; the estimated cost per year to fill each position, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26465/23]
View answerA Price Monitoring Group (PMG) was established in mid-2017 to monitor the cost of residential waste collection to households in Ireland and to report on pricing trends. The Group operated from September 2017 to December 2020. The Group was chaired by Frank Conway, an independent consumer expert. It included representatives from:
• Officials from the Waste Policy & Resource Efficiency Division and an economist from my Department;
• A statistician from the Central Statistics Office;
• Shelfwatch- an independent price monitoring company.
The costs for the group were:
|
Company |
Cost |
|
Communimax (Frank Conway) |
€69,808.50 |
|
Shelfwatch |
€14,379.02 |
Given the the significant market reforms due to be delivered this year, including introduction of incentivised waste collection charging in the commercial sector, the introduction of a "recovery levy" and the nationwide expansion of kerbside bio-waste collections, I have instructed my officials to reinstitute the Price Monitoring Group to monitor whether fair and transparent pricing is consistent in the market, in line with commitments given in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE).
My Department will shortly issue requests for tenders for the role of Chair and for a market monitoring company to gather data on the market.
22. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of home energy upgrades/retrofits supported by the Government in conjunction with SEAI in County Wicklow in the first quarter of 2023; if a breakdown, in tabular form of the work carried out will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26494/23]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan includes targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
To promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, last year, the Government launched a package of significantly enhanced supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades.
Following the introduction of the new measures, 27,200 home energy upgrades were supported in 2022, which represents a 79% increase year-on year.
My Department is working with SEAI to build on the strong performance in 2022. A target of 37,000 retrofits has been set for this year. A record €356 million in funding has been allocated to SEAI this year for residential and community retrofit to support the achievement of this target. SEAI data shows that almost 10,000 home energy upgrades were delivered in Q1.
Data from the SEAI also shows that in 2022, 932 home energy upgrades were completed in County Wicklow. In the 1st Quarter of 2023, 366 home energy upgrades were completed in County Wicklow.
More detailed information is available on the SEAI website at:
www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Annual-Report-2022.pdf
www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Quarterly-Report-Q1-2023.pdf
www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/home-upgrades/
23. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will take steps to ensure the progress of a project (details supplied) that will deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits to Wicklow, and which is currently delayed due to a situation which has arisen under his Department and agencies under its remit, whereby a “demand-side strategy for large energy users”, as required under the Climate Action Plan 2023, has not been completed, leading to a situation whereby this project cannot progress under the current policy framework which is the responsibility of his Department, and which has the potential to put this project in jeopardy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26510/23]
View answerIn July 2022, the Government published a new statement on the role of data centres in Ireland’s enterprise strategy. The statement addresses sustainable data centre development to align with Ireland’s renewable energy targets, security of supply, sectoral green house gas emissions and climate priorities.
The goal of this policy is to ensure the positive benefits for sustainability are maximised and that digital technologies are used in a sustainable manner to ensure the energy and circular economy challenges from digitalisation are aligned with our climate objectives.
My Department is working regularly across relevant agencies and government departments to support the effective implementation of this policy.
In addition, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published on 23 November 2021 the “CRU Direction to the System Operators related to Data Centre grid connection processing” (CRU/21/124).
This decision requires data centre connections to have on-site generation (and/or battery storage) that is sufficient to meet their own demand and this generation should also be capable of running on renewably sourced fuels (such as renewable gas or hydrogen) when supplies become more readily available.
The recently published Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) sets out a plan to implement the carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings along with a roadmap for taking decisive action to halve our emissions by 2030 and reach net zero no later than 2050, as was committed to in the Programme for Government.
CAP23 sets out measures and actions to ensure electricity demand is managed in line with our climate objectives. Flexible and decarbonised demand from large energy users, such as data centres, is critical to protecting Ireland’s security of supply and ensuring consistency with the binding carbon budgets.
Within this broader context, I understand that the delivery of a Demand Side Strategy, as described in CAP23, is being developed by the CRU and that there are a number of workstreams progressing on this Strategy within CRU.
I also understand that CRU are currently developing a new Connections Policy for Large Energy Users, which is another CAP23 commitment.
CRU will be engaging with stakeholders on these two policies shortly and I would urge all interested parties to make submissions to the consultation processes.
My Department is also engaging regularly with CRU on these important matters.
24. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding provided to the Irish Environmental Network in 2022; if he plans to commit to funds in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26618/23]
View answerThe Irish Environmental Network (IEN) is an independent umbrella organisation for environmental NGOs with its own corporate governance structures. The distribution and allocation of funding to its members is decided by the IEN.
I have approved the allocation of €2.55 million in funding to the IEN from the Environment Fund for 2023. This represents an increase of €450,000 on the level of funding provided in 2022, which was €2.1 million. 50% of the 2023 funding has already been distributed to the IEN, with the remainder to be provided in Q3 of 2023.
25. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date on the Government commitment to expand the role of the NWCPO to become a market collection oversight body to include data analysis on the operation of the market, oversight of charging structures and penalties, oversight of service provision, management of consumer rights and a complaint escalation mechanism and data protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26634/23]
View answer26. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date on the Government commitment to expand the role of the Price Monitoring Group, as noted in A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26635/23]
View answer27. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how the data being collected by the Price Monitoring Group are informing the data analysis role of the NWCPO, as noted in A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26636/23]
View answer28. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date on the review of existing incentivised charging systems as noted in A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26637/23]
View answer29. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date in the standardisation of incentivised pricing structures for recycling and waste prevent, as noted in A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26638/23]
View answer30. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date on the Government commitment to require waste collectors to ensure staff are fully trained to provide accurate pricing information to the public, as noted in A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26639/23]
View answer31. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date on the Government commitment to strengthen the customer service charter with penalties, including fines, as noted in A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26640/23]
View answer32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date on the Government commitment to facilitate households and businesses to easily access their waste data and pricing plan, as noted in A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26641/23]
View answer33. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date on the Government commitment to require waste collection firms to ensure they provide accurate and timely pricing information to the public, as noted in A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26642/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25 to 33, inclusive, together.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in September 2020, contains some 200 measures which will be delivered on a phased basis over the 5-year lifetime of the plan, including a number of measures which specifically address the need to empower households and businesses through better consumer protection, including;
• Expanding the role of the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) to become a collection market oversight body;
• Expanding the role of the Price Monitoring Group (PMG) to monitor more of the market and examine whether fair and transparent pricing is consistent in the market and how it is disclosed to customers;
• Reviewing existing incentivised charging systems with a view to standardising these systems and ensuring that they incentivise waste prevention and recycling; and
• Householders and businesses will be facilitated to easily access their waste data and pricing plan to allow for comparison with other collectors.
My Department is currently working with the NWCPO to carry out a study on incentivised charging structures in the waste collection market. This study will examine what, if any, improvements are needed to ensure that waste collection systems are fully incentivising waste prevention and improved source segregation practices.
In addition, given the the significant market reforms due to be delivered this year, including the introduction of incentivised waste collection charging in the commercial sector, the introduction of a "recovery levy" and the nationwide expansion of kerbside bio-waste collections, I have instructed my officials to reinstitute the Price Monitoring Group. My Department will shortly issue requests for tenders for the role of Chair and for a market monitoring company to gather data on the market.
The results of the above study, and reports of the PMG, will be subjected to a detailed examination by my officials as part of the ongoing process of successfully delivering on the remaining relevant measures in the WAPCE .
34. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the procedure in place where a member of the Defence Forces submits a resignation; the grounds on which such a resignation can be refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26632/23]
View answerThe Defence Act 1954 Section 49 states that an officer, who wishes to resign, must tender the resignation of their commission to the President in the prescribed manner. This may be done so through the usual military channels.
With regards to a tender of resignation, the Military Authorities shall make a recommendation to the Minister, as to its acceptance or otherwise, having regard to the provisions of Defence Force Regulations (DFR). They shall consider whether there are any circumstances, which might indicate that the resignation of a commission tendered by the officer, should not be accepted.
One such provision to be considered is DFR A15 Paragraph 19.
This paragraph prescribes that an officer who has undertaken to recoup the Minister any charges to public funds incurred on their behalf in connection with a course of training or education, in the event of their resignation within a specified period, shall not be permitted to resign within such period until such sum has been paid to the Minister.
In terms of responsibility to financial governance and accountability, it is essential that monies owed to the Exchequer be recouped before the Officer's commission is relinquished.
It should be noted that the refund of undertakings is standard practice across the civil service and many other organisations.
35. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a breakdown of penalty points issued to motorists caught driving without insurance in each of the years 2018 to date in 2023. [26554/23]
View answerThe table below shows the number of penalty point notices issued for driving without insurance for the years 2018 to 2022 and to 30 April 2023 (most recent data available for 2023). The number of penalty points applied for each such offence is 5.
|
Year |
Number of Penalty Point Endorsement Notices issued |
|
|
2018 |
4,498 |
|
|
2019 |
4,334 |
|
|
2020 |
2,420 |
|
|
2021 |
3,311 |
|
|
2022 |
3,063 |
|
|
2023 (Jan to April) |
1,138 |
36. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for a driving test; if consideration will be given to circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26436/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test service. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
The RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process, and consequently I understand that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first.
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.
37. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport who the four representatives from thetaxi industry on the NTA advisory committee on SPSV are; and if any of the four represent the sizeable amount of leasing drivers. [26473/23]
View answerThe Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs), also known as the Taxi Advisory Committee, was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to provide both the Minister and the NTA with advice in relation to small public service vehicles and their drivers.
The Committee is the primary forum for dealing with issues affecting the sector and many of the measures taken to date have originated as recommendations from the Committee, including the extension of taxi age limits and the waiver of licence fees. Membership represents a broad range of interests and stakeholders. Drivers are important members of the Committee, and four positions are reserved to represent driver interests. There are currently five positions filled by licenced SPSV drivers from across the country and I am satisfied that this ensures the Committee’s advice is informed by the perspective of drivers. The Committee also features dispatch operators, passenger representatives, members representing the interests of disabled passengers and older passengers, members from the tourist industry, local government and from An Garda Síochána. Such broad and diverse representation is important when considering SPSV policy issues.
There is currently one vacancy on the Committee. The NTA, on behalf of the Minister, is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position. The terms of office of a number of other Committee members are due to expire later this year and next year and the filling of those vacancies is currently being considered. The table below shows the existing membership of the Committee.
|
Membership of the Committee |
|
Cornelius O’Donohoe, Chairperson |
|
Alan Cooley (representing SPSV and driver interests) |
|
Francis Doheny (representing SPSV and driver interests) |
|
John Murphy (representing SPSV and driver interests) |
|
Shajedul Chowdhury (representing SPSV and driver interests) |
|
Paul Gregan (representing SPSV and driver interests) |
|
Brendan O’Brien (representing local authorities) |
|
Superintendent Tom Murphy (representing An Garda Síochána) |
|
James Cawley (representing consumers' interests) |
|
Michelle Reid (representing consumers' interests) |
|
Joan Carthy (representing the interests of persons with disabilities) |
|
Ann Campbell (representing the interests of business) |
|
Mai Quaid (representing the interests of older persons) |
|
Paul Keeley (representing the interests of tourism) |
|
James O’Brien (special interest or expertise) |
|
Noel Ebbs (special interest or expertise) |
|
Fiona Brady (special interest or expertise) |
|
Vacancy |
38. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of a consequence of delays in NCT testing whereby people who have had to wait a number of months to access an NCT test are then due for their annual NCT again a short number of months later; if it is correct that this results in two tests within the same 12-month period; and if there are plans to address this issue given the delays currently faced within the booking system. [26482/23]
View answerUnder European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, Ireland, like all Member States, must comply with the minimum specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017), as amended.
Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined by its registration date and subsequent test due dates automatically fall on anniversaries of the registration date. Any certificate issued for that vehicle will be valid up to the test due date after the certificate is issued and is not automatically issued for 24 months, or 12 months in the case of vehicles over 10 years old, from the date of testing.
Permitting NCT certificates to be extended beyond the minimum test due dates without inspections would place the State in breach of our obligations under EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive. There are no current plans to amend this legislation.
39. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for when a contactless payment system will be in place on public transport in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26531/23]
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 ticketing and technology projects.
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.
40. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to correspondence from a person (details supplied), the steps he is taking to address the ongoing issue of the dangerous use of scrambler bikes in communities; the current level of progress on this issue in respect of the passage of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 through the Oireachtas; when he expects this legislation to be signed enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26562/23]
View answerThe Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 passed the final stages of the Seanad on 24 May and is due to return for the final Report back to the Dáil in mid-June. It is expected that the Bill will be signed into law towards the end of June 2023. Work on commencement orders has begun.
The anti-social use of scramblers and quads is a complex problem and involves both legislation coming within my remit as the Minister of State for Transport, and community initiatives within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice. This Bill will provide the necessary tools to An Garda Síochána to tackle this issue. There are three measures in the Bill to address this matter: dangerous driving, currently an offence only in a ‘public place’ will become an offence everywhere; there will be new Garda powers of seizure; and there will be a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
It is anticipated that all sections relating to scramblers will be commenced soon after the passage of the Bill.
41. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details on how tax credits can be claimed for a married couple, unmarried couple and an individual; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26753/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the Tax Code sets out the basis on which an individual is assessed to tax and provides for a significant number of credits, reliefs and exemptions, eligibility for which is subject to a wide range of conditions. The basis of assessment and the credits, reliefs and exemptions available vary depending on the facts and circumstances applicable in each specific case.
Basis of Assessment
Broadly there are three basis of assessment – joint assessment, separate assessment and separate treatment/single assessment. Married couples or civil partners who live together can elect, except in the year of marriage, for one of the three basis of assessment set out below. An unmarried person will be assessed under the single basis of assessment.
Assessment of married couple or civil partners who live together
Parts 44 and 44A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provide for the assessment of a married couple or civil partners who live together. Where joint assessment applies tax is chargeable on the combined total income and a single tax return is filed. Transfer of tax credits between the couple may be permitted in respect of some but not all credits.
Separate assessment is a form of joint assessment however each spouse or civil partner files their own return. If a married couple or civil partners who live together elect for this treatment, they are treated as if they are not married or in a civil partnership for tax purposes but may transfer unused tax credits (similar to joint assessment). A married couple or civil partners who live together may choose whichever basis of assessment is most beneficial to them, based on their personal circumstances.
Separate treatment, which is sometimes referred to as single assessment, applies where each individual is assessed to tax as if they were not married or in a civil partnership. As such, no transfer of tax credits is permitted between the couple.
Assessment of unmarried couple/couple not in a civil partnership/single individual
An unmarried couple, a couple not in a civil partnership, and single individuals are taxed under the single basis of assessment. Where the single basis of assessment applies an individual is taxed on their own income only and there is no combining of incomes or reliefs with another individual.
Tax Credits, Reliefs and Exemptions
Part 15 of the TCA 1997 provides for a wide range of tax credits, reliefs and exemptions. Whether or not such credits, reliefs and exemptions are available to an individual or couple depends on the circumstances of the specific case and the eligibility criteria for the individual credit, relief or exemption.
One such credit is the basic personal tax credit, which is provided for in section 461 of the TCA 1997. For the 2023 year of assessment, the basic personal tax credit is valued at €1,775 per person. In the case of a married couple or civil partnership, each spouse or civil partner will be entitled to his or her own basic personal tax credit of €1,775. Again, this is the case irrespective of whether the couple has one or two incomes.
Claim for Tax Credits
Claims for tax credits can be made through Revenue’s ‘My Account’ facility if a PAYE customer or by filing an annual Income Tax Return. Detailed information regarding the range of tax credits available, including the claims process can be found on Revenue’s website.
42. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider ringfencing a section of the Budget surplus to invest in critical wastewater and water infrastructure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26431/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, it would not be appropriate for me to speculate on policy decisions in advance of Budget Day and it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment on matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
In addition, I must also note that this question is outside of my remit as the Minister for Finance. It is Uisce Éireann that has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels.
43. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the number of primary medical certificate appeals that are currently registered; when it is anticipated the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals will recommence appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26434/23]
View answerThe Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA). To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled, and satisfy at least one of the six medical criteria, as set out in the Finance Act 2020.
In the event that a PMC is not granted by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer an appeal may be made to the independent Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA).
At an appeal hearing the Board reviews the decision by a HSE Primary/Senior Area Medical Officer and determines if an appellant does, or does not meet, one of the six medical criteria. Only if an appellant meets one of the six eligibility criteria will the Board issue a Board Medical Certificate.
I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.
Following the resignation of all previous DDMBA members in November 2021, I had hoped that I would be in a position to establish a new DDMBA and recommence the appeals process by this point.
With respect to the recruitment of new members, as background five members are legislatively required for a functional Board with a quorum of three needed for any appeal hearing.
The Department of Health has led on all actions and tasks with respect to Expression of Interest Campaigns to recruit candidates. Department of Finance officials have provided support to the Department of Health in this matter. Active recruitment efforts began shortly after the resignation of all members in November 2021, with the first Expression of Interest Campaign launched in January 2022.
By November 2022 after three recruitment campaigns, five individuals had been nominated by the Minister of Health, pending successful completion of Garda vetting of two final candidates. These candidates successfully completed Garda vetting in January 2023.
Engagement began in December 2021 with the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), to ascertain the conditions for their continued hosting of the new DDMBA. In February 2023, the National Rehabilitation Hospital (that has hosted the DDMBA since 2000) indicated their intention to withdraw their services with immediate effect. Officials from both the Department of Finance and Department of Health are actively seeking to implement new arrangements, including engaging with the NRH. As there are a range of requirements and complex issues involved this may take some time.
In March 2023, one nominated member of the DDMBA resigned for personal reasons. The Department of Health with support from the Department of Finance launched another Expression of Interest Campaign on 3rd April 2023 with a closing date of 28th April 2023. One candidate has been interviewed.
Requests for appeal hearings can still be sent to the DDMBA based in the National Rehabilitation Hospital.
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 the 24th April (latest data available) there were 912 appeals outstanding.
44. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the tonnage and value of gold held in reserve by the Central Bank as of month end in May 2023; if he will identify the sources and/or origin of the gold held in current reserve; the date on which the Central Bank disposed of gold and value and weight disposed of; and the state and/or body that received it. [26442/23]
View answerThe Central Bank holds 12.02 tonnes of physical gold. The asset class is revalued at market prices by the Bank on a quarterly basis and this holding had a market value of €703.94m at the end of Q1 2023. Transactions for gold, as for all the Bank’s investment assets, are conducted on the capital markets with investment banks that are approved as investment counterparts by the Central Bank Commission. There have been no disposals of gold in in recent years.
Gold is held as part of the diversified longer-term investment strategy for the discretionary investment assets, aimed at improving balance sheet resilience. The full range of investment assets held by the Bank is published in its Annual Report available at the link below.
www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/publications/corporate-reports/annual-reports/annual-report-2022-and-annual-performance-statement-2022-2023.pdf?sfvrsn=e4039e1d_4.
