Written Answers Nos. 330-349
330. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance what options are available where lending institutions refuse to lend to a mortgage applicant where the applicant concerned has cystic fibrosis. [48391/23]
View answerThe Central Bank of Ireland is responsible for regulating the provision of mortgage and other credit by regulated financial services providers. As regulator, the Central Bank sets out macro prudential and consumer protection requirements which have the objective of protecting overall financial stability and the interests of consumers.
In line with this mandate, the Central Bank has specified certain loan to value and loan to income thresholds for mortgage lending. In addition, before providing a mortgage lenders are also required to undertake thorough creditworthiness assessments to ensure a borrower will be able to repay the mortgage. This assessment must take into account the individual circumstances of the borrower, including personal circumstances and financial situation.
Within the parameters of this regulatory framework, the decision to grant or refuse an individual application for mortgage credit is a commercial decision to be made by the regulated entity and, as the Minister for Finance, I have no function in such matters.
Where a lender refuses a mortgage application, the lender must inform the consumer without delay of the refusal. In addition, the lender must clearly outline to the consumer the reasons why the credit was not approved, and provide these reasons on paper if requested. If a mortgage applicant is not satisfied with how a regulated firm is dealing with them, or they believe that the regulated firm is not following the requirements of the Central Bank’s codes and regulations or other financial services law, they should make a complaint directly to the regulated firm.
If they are still not satisfied with the response from the regulated entity, the response to their complaint from the regulated entity is required to include details for the borrower on how to refer their complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
As regards access to mortgage protection insurance in the context of an application for mortgage credit, I understand that there are financial brokers working on behalf of consumers who have specific medical conditions that may affect their applications for life cover as they would be better placed to understand which insurer might be more likely to provide cover in such circumstances.
Brokers Ireland has established a register of advisors/brokers who specialise in sourcing cover for individuals who have difficulty in obtaining life cover due to a pre-existing illness and which is available from their website. Insurance Ireland also operates a free Insurance Information Service for members of the public, which deals with general queries in relation to insurance cover.
This service can be accessed by constituents by calling 01-676-1820 or by emailing feedback@insuranceireland.eu.
In addition, there is a provision under Section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 whereby lenders can provide a mortgage in situations where a borrower may be unable to obtain life insurance, or where such insurance is unduly costly compared to that payable by borrowers generally.
For individuals, including those with underlying health conditions and who may experience difficulties acquiring mortgage protection insurance, this is an important provision that relevant mortgage applicants should be aware of and discuss with their lender.
331. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the bike-to-work scheme for people who are self-employed in the interest of meeting our climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48394/23]
View answerSection 118(5G) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA) provides for the Cycle to Work scheme. This scheme offers an exemption from benefit-in-kind (BIK) where an employer purchases a bicycle and/or associated safety equipment for one of their employees (or directors) to use, in whole or in part, to travel to work. Associated safety equipment includes helmets, lights, bells, mirrors and locks but does not include child seats or trailers.
One of three thresholds applies to the amount of exempted expenditure. The applicable threshold depends on the type of bicycle purchased and includes related safety equipment. From 1 January 2023, the Cycle to Work scheme applies to the first:
• €3,000 of expenditure in relation to a cargo or e-cargo bike;
• €1,500 of expenditure in relation to a pedelec or e-bike; or
• €1,250 of expenditure in relation to any other type of bike.
The employer and employee may also enter into a Revenue-approved salary sacrifice arrangement under which the employee agrees to sacrifice part of his or her salary in exchange for a bicycle and/or related safety equipment.
BIK is a charge to tax which only applies where an employer provides a benefit to either their director or employee. Therefore, the exemption from BIK under the Cycle to Work scheme is only applicable where the bicycle and/or related safety equipment is provided by an employer to either their director or someone in their employment.
Self-employed individuals generally cannot qualify for the Cycle to Work scheme because an employer-employee relationship does not exist. Likewise, they generally are not eligible for the exemption from tax in respect of sacrificed remuneration because salary sacrifice arrangements may only be entered into between an employer and their director or employee.
Further, as the Deputy will appreciate, the expansion of any tax expenditure creates a cost to the Exchequer in terms of revenue foregone and that cost must be recovered elsewhere.
For these reasons, while the Cycle to Work scheme is kept under review by officials, I have no plans at present to change the scope of the scheme.
Further information and guidance regarding the conditions of the Cycle to Work scheme can be found on Revenue’s website at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/jobs-and-pensions/taxation-of-employer-benefits/cycle-to-work-scheme.aspx
332. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if a scheme (details supplied) will be reviewed to address an anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48430/23]
View answerThe Help-to-Buy (HTB) incentive is an income tax relief designed to assist first-time buyers with obtaining the deposit required to purchase or build their first home. With a view towards increasing the supply of new housing, the relief is only available for ‘new builds’. Broadly, the relief takes the form of a rebate of income tax, including DIRT, paid over the previous four tax years. However, it is open to claimants to select all or any of the previous four tax years for the purposes of calculating the refund available to them.
In Budget 2024 I announced a proposed amendment in Finance Bill 2023 to the Help to Buy scheme to enhance its interaction with the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAP). This amendment will enable the use of the affordable dwelling contribution received through the LAAP scheme for the purposes of calculating the 70 per cent loan-to-value requirement, thereby facilitating access to a greater number of LAAP purchasers to the HTB scheme.
This change is effective from 11 October 2023 and cannot be claimed retrospectively.
333. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the number of Revenue Commissioners staff assigned to anti-smuggling activities, across all areas of illicit trade, in each of the past ten years. [48611/23]
View answerRevenue is a fully integrated tax and customs administration and, as a result, I am advised that it is not possible to disaggregate the resources deployed at any given time to combat smuggling activities.
Over the last ten years, Revenue has had approximately 2,000 staff engaged on activities that are directly dedicated to targeting and confronting non-compliance, in all its forms. These front-line activities include anti-smuggling and anti-evasion, investigation and prosecution, audit, assurance checks, anti-avoidance, returns compliance and debt collection. I am advised that Revenue adopts a flexible approach to the deployment of resources allocated to these different aspects of enforcement and compliance work and resource levels are adjusted and realigned in response to evolving business needs and emerging or changing risks.
Revenue takes an integrated approach to combatting all forms of illegal trade and shadow economy activity. I am advised that Revenue’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 includes a commitment to confronting non-compliance, including a continued focus on smuggling and illegal activity. This commitment is given operational priority each year through Revenue’s business planning and delivery framework having regard to risk and trends and developments within illegal trades and the modus operandi of those involved. Revenue’s actions under these operational plans are designed to maximise coordination and efficiency Revenue-wide and deliver optimal impact for the effort involved and resources deployed.
I am satisfied that Revenue accords an appropriate and consistent priority to the tackling of smuggling across all forms of illicit trade. This Government will continue its strong support in ensuring that Revenue has the necessary resources, including a robust legislative regime, to fulfil its mandate in this regard.
334. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to amend the tax treatment of interest-free loans from parents to their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48624/23]
View answerCapital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) is the tax that applies to gifts and inheritances.
In the case of an interest-free loan, the person who receives the loan is deemed to take a gift for CAT purposes in each year they have the benefit of the loan. The gift is the interest-free element of the loan rather than the loan itself. The person will self-assess the value of this gift in determining whether or not any liability to CAT arises.
For example, in the case of a two-year loan in the amount of €335,000 from parent to child, the best deposit interest rate available in respect of this amount in the Irish market is currently around 3%. Based on this notional deposit interest rate of 3%, the value of the interest-free element of the loan is €10,050 for one year. When the small gift exemption of €3,000 is deducted from this amount, CAT will be due on the balance of €7,050 at the rate of 33% to the extent that this amount, when aggregated with the value of any prior gift or inheritance received by the beneficiary since 5 December 1991 from within the Group A threshold, exceeds €335,000 (the Group A threshold).
Finance Bill 2023 does not propose to make any changes to the CAT treatment of interest-free loans and I currently have no plans to amend the tax treatment of interest-free loans from parents to their children
However, the Bill proposes to introduce a mandatory reporting requirement in relation to certain interest free loans between close family members. It will apply where the interest-free loan was received from a close relative, either directly or indirectly, and the amount outstanding on all such loans during the reporting period was at least €335,000.
The introduction of this reporting requirement is intended to assist Revenue in determining whether the tax benefit of interest free loans is being self-assessed correctly.
The inclusion of the de minimis threshold of €335,000 will ensure that the additional reporting is targeted only at high-value loans, where there is a greater likelihood of a tax liability arising.
338. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Finance if a financial institution can request a letter stating that an individual is not a politically exposed person. [48730/23]
View answerThe policy responsibility for the matter of politically exposed persons, or PEPs, rests primarily with the Minister for Justice, but clearly, rules in relation to customer due diligence in respect of any individual, often arise to be applied by financial institutions.
The Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 is the relevant piece of Irish legislation which outlines the conditions for a designated person or body to take measures in assessing whether or not a customer, or a beneficial owner connected with the customer, is a politically exposed person or an immediate family member or close associate of a politically exposed person.
In January 2023, the Minister for Justice, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, approved the issuance of guidelines, under Section 37(12) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, in respect of functions in the State that may be considered to be prominent public functions. These guidelines were issued to competent authorities and published on the Department’s website.
The Central Bank of Ireland (the “Central Bank”) is the competent authority in Ireland for monitoring and supervising financial and credit institutions’ (“firms”) compliance with their anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (“AML/CFT”) obligations under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (as amended) (the “CJA 2010”). Sections 37 to 39 of the CJA 2010 provide a definition of persons who are classified as Politically Exposed Persons (“PEPs”) and prescribes circumstances in which firms are required to apply enhanced customer due diligence (“EDD”) measures. Section 37(4)(c) of the CJA 2010 requires firms to apply enhanced monitoring of the business relationship with PEPs. Section 37(4A) of the CJA 2010 requires firms to continue to apply the measures set out in Section 37(4), to a PEP, for as long as is reasonably required until the person is no longer deemed to pose a risk, arising from his or her previous PEP status.
The Central Bank’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Guidelines for the Financial Sector (the “AML Guidelines”), available on the Central Bank’s website, seek to assist firms in understanding their AML/CFT obligations under Part 4 of the CJA 2010. Section 5.5 covers enhanced due diligence (EDD) and provides that firms should apply risk proportionate levels of EDD measures in those situations where it is commensurate to the money laundering/terrorist financing (“ML/TF”) risk they have identified. In circumstances in which a firm has determined that customers or business scenarios present a higher ML/TF risk, EDD measures should be applied. Firms should also ensure that they clearly document their rationale for applying EDD measures. Section 5.6 covers EDD in relation to PEPs and Section 5.6.4 covers Enhanced on-going Monitoring of PEPs. The AML Guidelines emphasise that “PEP status itself is intended to apply higher vigilance to certain individuals and put those individuals that are customers or beneficial owners into a higher risk category. It is not intended to suggest that such individuals are involved in suspicious activity.”
The Central Bank does not:
expressly provide the actions/steps that firms should take in the identification of PEPs;
prescribe the length of time that such measures should be applied; or
provide legal or interpretive advice to firms in respect of their obligations under legislation.
339. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the issue of public access from the N4 to Castletown House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47321/23]
View answerCastletown House is an eighteenth-century neo-Palladian country house built within an extensive estate.In 1994, the Office of Public Works took responsibility for Castletown House and estate. Initially, this was only 13 acres of land with the house. It has long been the policy of the OPW to seek to reunite the historic Castletown estate. In 1997, one hundred acres south of the house was acquired. The farmyard adjacent to the house was acquired in 2001. In 2006, lands associated with the Batty Lodge were acquired with former Coillte lands to the north and east of the House acquired in 2007. Since 2008, the OPW has reassembled 227 acres of the original 580 acres of land which formed the historic demesne.
As part of the policy to seek to reunite the historic Castletown demesne lands with the house and lands in the care of the State, the OPW has sought on several occasions to purchase the lands from Janus Securities including when the lands were offered for sale on the open market in 2022. However, despite the very best efforts of the OPW, the State was out-bid in the open market process and ultimately, the lands were acquired by a private purchaser.
The OPW remains committed to acquiring the additional lands that formed part of the original estate, where they become available, in order to reunite the historic demesne. The OPW has been in commercial negotiations with the landowners for the past seven months. These discussions have included the purchase of a portion of the lands, the entire portfolio or alternatively, securing a renewal of the previous licence agreement.
While the acquisition of these lands is important, it cannot be at any price. Any purchase must be delivered in compliance with the Public Spending Code and represent value to the taxpayer.
The OPW does not have any permission to access Castletown House and Estate across the lands now owned by the new landowner. It is important to note that Celbridge Gate was, and continues to be the State's official entrance to Castletown House & Estate. Additionally, the Lime Avenue was the sole vehicular road serving the estate from 1994- 2007. During this time a significant conservation project was undertaken with a variety of contractors and services accessing the site through this entrance. It subsequently became the main entrance for all visitors to Castletown. Although it has been largely pedestrianised since then, it has been subject to daily traffic by OPW and local authority works vehicles. The OPW envisages the Lime Avenue operating as a pedestrian priority road in line with current practice across numerous OPW sites such as St. Stephen’s Green and Farmleigh. It is necessary for the safe operation of the estate however that OPW staff, contractors and service vehicles have unimpeded access to the demesne in their own vehicles and the Celbridge gate is the only gate in State ownership which allows this access.
340. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to detail any ongoing or previous use of artificial intelligence within his Department. [47341/23]
View answerWith regard to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within my Department, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and another Division of my Department have begun assessing potential AI projects through discussions with industry providers and academia, as well as through secondary research. The OGCIO has deployed AI powered security tools as part of our overall security posture but the Department does not comment any further on security measures to manage the integrity of its services. Apart from these areas, the Department is not currently making further use of AI.
More broadly, the Deputy may wish to be aware that my Department is participating in a Working Group on Trustworthy AI in Public Services, which will provide wider guidance to the Public Service on the use of AI in the near future.
341. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the moneys expended to date in relation to the flood relief scheme for Mountmellick, County Laois; when works will commence; the position regarding planning permission; the proposed timeframe for such works; when such works will be completed; the monies approved for such works; the cost of such works; the date upon which works were approved; the nature of the works to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47423/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the implementation of Ireland’s national flood policy, which includes the development of a planned programme of feasible works for flood relief schemes.
In 2018, to facilitate the development of a programme of works, the OPW completed a strategic study - the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM programme resulted in the publication of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), which identified and described the flood risk in 29 river basins (including the Barrow River Basin and the town of Mountmellick) and potentially viable flood relief works.
To facilitate the progression of potentially viable flood relief works in Mountmellick, Laois County Council agreed, with the support of the OPW, to lead the further detailed assessment of the flood risk, design options and environmental assessments to support a planning application for a viable scheme.
The Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme, which has a preliminary total project budget of €6.8m, is currently at Stage 1 – Scheme Development and Preliminary Design. To progress the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme, Laois County Council engaged the services of JBA Consulting.
With support from the OPW, various works have been completed by Laois County Council and its consultants, including Hydrological and Hydraulic Reports, and Environmental Surveys, with public consultation events also been held.
The Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme is currently approaching the end of Stage 1 with the selection of a preferred option, which involves flood defences such as embankments, walls, culvert upgrades and a bridge replacement over the Owenass River that will provide protection to some 80 properties against flooding. The preferred option was selected based on a range of criteria including economic, environmental and ecological impact, climate change adaptability and consideration of the feedback which arose during the public and stakeholder consultation process.
Following the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report, it is envisaged that in the first part of 2024, the planning application process will commence to get consent for the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme from An Bord Pleanála under Part 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Construction works will commence as soon as possible after planning consent is granted.
Expenditure to date for this scheme is some €1.15m.
342. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline all policies and plans currently in train to deal with the inevitable and increasing impacts of flooding as a result of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47436/23]
View answerIt is likely that climate change will have significant impacts on flooding and flood risk in Ireland due to rising sea levels, increased rainfall in winter, more heavy rain days and more intense storms. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has undertaken a range of initiatives to ensure that appropriate adaptive approaches are prepared for these projected climate changes and their associated impact on flood risk.
The National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme undertook detailed assessments of flooding and its impacts for 300 communities potentially at risk from flooding. These communities are home to approximately two-thirds of the population, and 80% of properties potentially at risk in Ireland from rivers and seas.
The evidence provided by the CFRAM Programme supports the Government’s €1.3bn planned investment to complete 151 flood relief schemes through the National Development Plan as part of Project 2040. Since the launch of the Flood Risk Management Plans in May 2018, the number of flood relief schemes under design and construction, by the OPW in partnership with Local Authorities, has trebled to 98 schemes. Together with the 53 schemes already completed or substantially completed, this means that the OPW and Local Authorities have completed, or are now actively working on, projects to protect 80% of those properties to be protected in this decade.
In addition to the flood relief schemes noted above, the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This scheme provides 90% funding to local authorities to manage localised flood risk. This scheme can provide temporary measures for at-risk communities pending the delivery of a major flood relief scheme for their area.
Information on the status of flood relief schemes and data on Minor Works is available at www.floodinfo.ie/.
The CFRAM Programme included an assessment of the flood risk that could arise in the future due to climate change. These assessments are kept under continuous review by the OPW. The OPW programme of flood relief schemes is taking account of climate change in their design and construction to facilitate adaptation that may be necessary in the future for the scheme to ensure that schemes continue to provide the requisite protection.
As the lead agency with responsibility for Flood Risk Management, the OPW developed a Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan that was approved by Government in October 2019. The overall aim of the Plan is to promote sustainable communities and support our environment through the effective management of the potential impacts of climate change on flooding and flood risk.
To deliver on this goal, the OPW has identified the following adaptation objectives:
• Enhancing our knowledge and understanding of the potential impacts of climate change for flooding and flood risk management through research and assessment
• Adapting flood risk management practice to effectively manage the potential impact of climate change on future flood risk
• Aligning adaptation to the impact of climate change on flood risk and flood risk management across sectors and wider Government policy.
The OPW has identified a number of actions under each of these objectives, in the areas of flood risk prevention, protection, and preparedness and resilience, as well as in further research and capacity building. Current activities that are ongoing include a national risk assessment of future as well as current flood risk; pilot Scheme Adaptation Plans being prepared for both new and existing flood relief schemes; liaison with the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs); and research into the impacts of climate change on short-duration, intense rainfall events and on fluvial flood flows.
With regard to coastal erosion and future changes in the inter-tidal zone, the Government established an Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy, jointly chaired by the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This group was tasked with scoping out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities. The Inter-Departmental Group has reported to Government and its report has been published.
343. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if, further to the second serious flooding incident that occurred in east Meath since September, which has destroyed many homes, he will seek an urgent update on discussions between the OPW and Meath County Council in respect of additional flood works required and plans going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47439/23]
View answerThere is an existing Flood Relief Scheme in place in Mornington, Co. Meath providing protection to 162 properties.
After the August 2023 flood event in the Mornington/Bettystown area a senior level group involving the OPW and Meath County Council was established to review the event and any additional measures in the Mornington/Bettystown area that may now be required.
The OPW instructed RPS to investigate both the cause and magnitude of the flooding events in Mornington in August and October of this year. This investigation will inform any appropriate short term measures that can be taken to manage the flood risk in this area and in the longer term the design for those further flood relief defences currently proposed. Phase 1 of this report is currently being finalised.
The most recent meeting to review progress to date on the potential flood relief measures for Mornington/Bettystown took place on 26th October and was attended by representatives from the OPW, Meath County Council, Uisce Éireann and RPS consulting engineers.
Mornington Flood Relief Scheme Maintenance
The OPW commenced, on the 9th October, the annual maintenance of the Mornington Stream channel and embankments, which together form the Mornington Flood Relief Scheme. This work will continue until mid-December 2023.
Meath County Council Maintenance Works
Meath County Council (MCC) are currently checking road gullies and storm water drains in the general area, carrying out cleaning as required. MCC will continue to check and clean gullies as needed. In addition to the works on the roads, MCC will also shortly commence the removal/trimming of trees in some of the streams in the area. These include the streams to the north and south of the Village Estate which form part of the Mornington Drainage District. When the larger pieces of vegetation that could cause blockages have been removed, any cleaning required will be undertaken.
Northlands Flood Relief Scheme
The Northlands Flood Relief Scheme commenced in November, 2016. Construction of this scheme, consisted of in-situ reinforced concrete walls and precast concrete “U-channels”, and was carried out by the OPW (direct works) on behalf of Meath County Council, and was substantially completed in Q1 of 2018.
There is currently a Steering Group in place with representatives from the Office of Public Works, Meath County Council and a design consultant to progress a design for a culvert upgrade as an extension to the Northlands Flood Relief Scheme.
344. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the flood relief scheme for Ballina, County Mayo. [47498/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the implementation of Ireland’s national flood policy, which includes the development of a planned programme of feasible works for flood relief schemes.
In 2018, to facilitate the development of a programme of works, the OPW completed a strategic study - the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM programme resulted in the publication of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), which identified and described the flood risk in 29 river basins (including the Moy and Killala Bay Basin and the town of Ballina in Co. Mayo) and potentially viable flood relief works.
To facilitate the progression of potentially viable flood relief works in Ballina, Mayo County Council agreed, with the support of the OPW, to lead the further detailed assessment of the flood risk, design options and environmental assessments to support planning applications for a viable scheme.
The Ballina Flood Relief Scheme, which has a preliminary total project budget of €30m, is currently at Stage 1 – Scheme Development and Preliminary Design. To progress the Ballina Flood Relief Scheme, Mayo County Council engaged the services of RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd.
With support from the OPW, various works have been completed by Mayo County Council and its consultants, including Hydrological and Hydraulic Reports, Topographical Surveys, Ground Investigations and Environmental Surveys, with public consultation events also having been held. A draft Options Report in which a preferred scheme design option has been identified is currently being reviewed. It is envisaged an Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be completed in Q1 2024 at which point Stage I will be completed and the scheme is expected to proceed to planning process from Q2 2024.
345. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the flood relief scheme for Crossmolina, County Mayo. [47499/23]
View answerMy Department has engaged independent environmental consultants to carry out the relevant environmental assessments as required by EU Directives 2011/92 and 2014/52. On the basis of advice received, in order to reach a full, reasoned conclusion on the environmental impacts of the scheme, I have sought supplementary information from the Office of Public Works as provided for under Section 7(4)(b) of the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019.
346. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the flood relief scheme for Foxford, County Mayo. [47500/23]
View answerIn 2018, the Office of Public Works (OPW) completed the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme – Ireland’s largest study of flood risk. This studied the flood risk for two-thirds of the population against their risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. An output of the CFRAM Programme, the OPW’s Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) provide the evidence for a proactive approach for designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities.
On foot of the evidence in the FRMP, since 2018 the OPW is finalising a Scheme Viability Review (SVR) for Foxford to determine whether it is feasible to progress a major flood relief scheme for this community or if other flooding mitigation measures should be progressed.
347. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW conducted a traffic audit report at the Celbridge entrance to Castletown House following the loss of the M4 entrance; if so, he will publish this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47504/23]
View answerAdditional time is needed to collate the information requested. The OPW will respond directly to the Deputy
348. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the Independent Review of the Distribution and Utilisation of National Lottery spending; if he will confirm the timeline for delivery of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47570/23]
View answerAn Independent Review of the Distribution and Utilisation of National Lottery funding was published in December 2022. The review aims to reinforce the sustainability of the National Lottery as a source of funding for good causes into the future.
The recommendations set out in the review are based on a wide engagement with Government Departments, public agencies, public consultations, surveys of the general public and an analysis of good practice in public lotteries in three other OECD countries – the UK, New Zealand and Finland.
The review recommends three options, which are not mutually exclusive. Option A represents a series of measures that could be taken without significant changes to the overall structures that are in place to oversee the allocation of National Lottery funds. These centre on a greater acknowledgement of the National Lottery by beneficiaries, and a reduction and refocussing of schemes that are supported.
Option B proposes the creation of a Cross-Departmental liaison group to promote a greater acknowledgement of National Lottery support, data collection and any necessary coordination on any other operational issues, as well as the creation of a database of beneficiaries, and the publication of an annual report setting out information on the beneficiaries of good causes funding.
Option C builds on Options A and B. Most notably, it would entail a regular independent evaluation, and the creation of an open fund
My Department will progressively roll out recommendations set out in Options A, B and C in an appropriate sequence and manner over the period 2023 to 2025, to provide a solid foundation for the National Lottery for the foreseeable future. In this regard, a Cross-Departmental Advisory Liaison Group will be established shortly, including relevant stakeholders, which will assist and liaise with my Department on implementation of the report’s recommendations.
349. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the amount of funding that has been contributed from the national lottery; the breakdown of expenditure over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47571/23]
View answerRaising funds for Good Causes which help to support and make a difference to thousands of communities all over Ireland is one of the primary aims for the National Lottery. According to the terms specified in the National Lottery licence, 65% of Gross Gaming Revenue, which is the total lottery sales minus the total prizes, is passed on to the Exchequer to be disbursed for use by good causes. This means around 30 cents of every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes.
I am informed by the Regulator of the National Lottery that the amount of funding transferred from National Lottery Fund to the Exchequer for Good Causes for the last three years is as follows.
|
- |
Amounts Transferred from National Lottery Fund to Exchequer for Good Causes (€m) |
|
2022 |
258 |
|
2021 |
290 |
|
2020 |
270 |
*The transfers in 2020 of €270m included an amount of €16.1 million in respect of historical expired unclaimed prizes .
This funding is used to part-fund expenditure through a number of Departments on Good Causes projects. The allocation of this funding along with funding from the Exchequer by Vote and by Subhead is set out as an Appendix in the Revised Estimates for Public Services (REV) each year.
Overall amounts made available to Departments in each of the last three years, as set out in the REV for each respective year, are as follows.
|
- |
Total Expenditure Allocations Part-Funded by the National Lottery (€m) |
|
2022 |
453 |
|
2021 |
425 |
|
2020 |
331 |
The breakdown of allocations by subhead for each year is available in the published REVs online at www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/.
