Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 18 Jul 2013

Written Answers Nos. 58-71

Biofuel Production

Ceisteanna (59)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports the European Commission's proposal of a 5% limit on counting food crop-based biofuels towards the target for 10% of transport fuels to be generated using renewable energy by 2020; if he is concerned at the possible effects on food supply as a result of current EU policy particularly in developing countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36581/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware from my replies to previous Questions on this matter, I share concerns that biofuel production, unless properly regulated, can have a negative impact on food production, and on food prices. My colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has the lead responsibility for Government policy in relation to biofuels and EU policy on biofuels, including the European Commission's proposal to limit the use of foodcrop-based biofuels in transport to 5% by 2020.

The EU Renewable Energy Directive of 2009 requires that, by 2020, 10% of transport fuels should come from renewable sources. The Directive also provided that the ongoing effects of its implementation be monitored by the European Commission. Following a number of studies on the Directive’s effects, in October 2012 the Commission published a proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive. The Commission included a proposal that foodcrop-based biofuels should, at most, comprise half of the 10% quota required to come from renewable energy sources. This proposal, in conjunction with the incentives for advanced (next-generation) biofuels, signals the desire of the Commission to move towards the use of advanced biofuels made from feedstocks which do not compete with the production of food. While Member States agree that the issue must be addressed, it remains an extremely complex matter, and agreement has not yet been reached on the 5% cap. A progress report was submitted for the meetings of the Energy and Environment Councils in June 2013, and negotiations are continuing.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Ceisteanna (60)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

60. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the use of drones in surveillance and in combat; the EU position on the use of drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36582/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (commonly referred to as “drones”) are used for both civilian and military purposes. Most military drones do not carry weapons and are used mainly for reconnaissance purposes. Under international law, there is no prohibition on drones as such. Their use in armed conflict is subject to international humanitarian law. This sets specific requirements in relation to the use of force in armed conflict, including the principles of necessity, proportionality and distinction. I am deeply concerned about any indiscriminate use of drones which would clearly be contrary to international law, and by instances where innocent civilians have been killed by attacks using drones.

Outside of an armed conflict situation, international human rights law applies. Along with our EU partners, Ireland strongly condemns extra-judicial killings. Not only are these contrary to international human rights law, but they undermine the concept of the rule of law, which is a key element in the fight against terrorism. This applies regardless of the means used. The EU has consistently argued the case internationally that combating terrorism must be conducted in full compliance with and respect for international law, in particular the law of armed conflict and human rights law. In line with the UN Global Strategy on Counter Terrorism, the EU believes that effective counter terrorism and the protection and promotion of human rights are mutually reinforcing and not competing goals.

Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 26.

Human Rights Issues

Ceisteanna (62)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the ongoing violations of human rights within the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, at the UN Human Rights Council; if the resolution of the current conflict in the DRC remains a key objective of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36584/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to face one of the most complex and enduring crises in the world, and remains a high priority for Ireland and our partners in the European Union. EU Foreign Ministers will again discuss the situation in the DRC on 22 July and will assess recent progress to secure a durable solution to the crisis. In particular we will consider ways to further support the ‘Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the DRC and the Region’, which was concluded in Addis Ababa on 24 February, and also the work of Mary Robinson, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy with responsibility for overseeing implementation of the Agreement. The European Union will continue to pursue a strategic and comprehensive approach to the crisis, working through political and diplomatic engagement, development cooperation programmes, and support for the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Ireland will also continue to play a constructive role. So far in 2013, Ireland has provided €3.8 million in response to the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, which brings our emergency and longer-term development funding for the DRC since 2009 to more than €42 million. We have also funded two recent high level events in support of mediation efforts with the involvement of Special Envoy Robinson. Moreover, we are also contributing a number of military observers to the UN peacekeeping mission. Ireland has raised the human rights situation in the DRC at the Human Rights Council on a number of occasions, including at the 18th and 19th sessions in September 2011 and March 2012 respectively. At the 22nd and 23rd sessions, Ireland delivered strong statements on the DRC on behalf of the EU in our Presidency capacity. These statements focused on the continuing human rights violations in the east of the DRC, and stressed the importance of the Framework Agreement in tackling the deep-rooted issues of impunity, governance, and sexual violence.

During the DRC’s examination under the Universal Periodic Review in 2009, Ireland raised its concerns and made recommendations relating to the treatment of human rights defenders and the need for an independent mechanism to identify and take measures against members of the security forces responsible for grave human rights violations. The DRC’s next examination under the Universal Periodic Review is scheduled to take place in May 2014 and Ireland will again actively engage during that review. Ireland will continue to monitor the human rights situation in the DRC closely and will use our membership of the Human Rights Council to raise issues of concern with regards to human rights abuses and violations as appropriate, including at the upcoming 24th session of the Council in September.

Human Rights Issues

Ceisteanna (63)

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

63. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent concerns raised by Amnesty International regarding Bradley Manning's trial; if he will pay particular attention to this matter as Mr. Manning is of recent Irish descent and qualifies for Irish citizenship on the basis of the grandparent rule; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns questioning whether the ongoing court martial is proportionate, in view of the fact that Mr. Manning has already admitted to acts which carry a penalty of 20 years; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised that the US Government is charging the acts or attempting to make an example of Bradley Manning, as a warning to potential whistleblowers and journalists in the United States; if he will raise this with his counterparts in the United States Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36726/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. As the individual referred to is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings whose outcome remains undetermined, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in this instance, nor to raise it at political level. I am aware that concerns have been raised in relation to this case, in particular regarding the conditions of detention. It is the responsibility of every State to uphold the right to due process of all individuals detained in its jurisdiction. It is also the responsibility of all States to ensure that persons deprived of their liberty are treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.

The United States of America has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT). These international human rights treaties provide extensive guarantees in relation to the right to a fair trial and conditions of detention. As with all countries, Ireland urges the United States to ensure that at all times it fulfils its obligations under international law. I am not aware of any application by this individual for Irish citizenship. All applications are treated in accordance with established policies and guidelines.

Tax Yield

Ceisteanna (64, 67)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

64. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the the tax revenue generated through the aircraft leasing sector for each year since 2005. [35952/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

67. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the value of assets held by Irish registered companies in the aircraft leasing sector and the value of revenue generated by this sector for each year since 2005. [35955/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 67 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the data requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.

Net Taxes Paid by the Aircraft Leasing Sector from 2005 to 2012

-

VAT 1

Employer's

Income

Corp.

CGT

Total

-

-

PAYE

Tax

Tax

-

-

-

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

2005

-6

9

0

4

0

7

2006

-10

12

0

8

0

10

2007

-13

16

1

27

1

32

2008

-11

24

0

22

0

35

2009

-19

21

0

19

0

21

2010

-16

25

0

16

0

25

2011

-19

32

0

20

0

33

2012

-22

37

0

36

0

51

1 The Aircraft Leasing Sector was in a net repayment position in respect of VAT for each year.

A corresponding breakdown is not available for Stamp Duty, VAT on Imports, Customs or Capital Acquisitions Tax.

The details provided are based on the NACE code classification. NACE code classifications in tax records are compiled by reference to the primary area of economic activity reported by individual and corporate taxpayers on their own behalf. The taxes collected are allocated to those codes without reference to the precise economic activity that generated them. While the accuracy of the NACE codes on tax records is sufficient to underpin broad sector-based analyses there will undoubtedly be some inaccuracies at individual level. This should be borne in mind when considering the information provided.

Recent surveys on the aircraft leasing industry in Ireland indicate that it supports c.1,000 direct employees and c.500 indirect employees in high-value employments. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as there is no requirement under tax law to return data on the value of assets it is not possible to provide the information on assets requested by the deputy.

Tax Yield

Ceisteanna (65)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

65. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the tax revenue generated, and the over revenue and reported profits by the financial services sector here for each year since 2005. [35953/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information on total tax receipts broken down by sector, including the financial intermediation sector for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, are available from the Revenue Statistical Reports which are accessible on the Revenue website at www.Revenue.ie. The information is located in Table TR6, under the main chapter heading of Total Revenue. That table provides a percentage breakdown of the net receipt of PAYE, VAT, Income Tax, Corporation Tax and Capital Gains Tax by trade sector. The corresponding figures for 2011 are not yet available on the website but the equivalent figures for the financial sector are as follows:

Domestic VAT: 4.39%

PAYE: 14.38%

Self-Employed Income Tax: 2.55%

Corporation Tax: 19.21%

Capital Gains Tax: 5.17%

Aggregate Total: 10.83%

The corresponding receipts for all sectors for 2011, to which these percentages can be applied, were as follows:

Domestic VAT - €8,663m

PAYE - €11,345m

Self-Employed Income Tax - €1,397m

Corporation Tax - €3,500m

Capital Gains Tax - €416m

Aggregate Total - €25,321m

It should be noted that these receipt figures are net of any refunds of tax that were repaid during the year. A corresponding breakdown by sector is not available for Stamp Duty, VAT on Imports, Customs, Excise or Capital Acquisitions Tax. Equivalent figures for earlier years and projections for later years are not available on a similar basis.

Profit information is not available on the basis of the calendar years shown above. The only relevant information on profits is derived from corporation tax returns filed by companies in this sector for accounting periods ended in the years in question and is as shown in the following table. These periods cannot be directly associated with the calendar year receipts above as, for example, the receipts shown above are net of refunds of tax that could be associated with tax relating to earlier accounting years.

Taxable Income and Gains of the Financial Sector (€m)

2007

20,379.9

2008

Not available.

2009

11,144.4

2010

11,323.4

2011

9,543.4

It is not possible to provide information in respect of taxable income and gains for the tax year 2008 due to technical changes on Revenue computer systems.

The figures shown are based on a sector identifier used on the tax records called the 4 digit “NACE code (currently Rev. 2)” which is an internationally recognised economic activity code system. The NACE codes are not essential for the assessment and collection of taxes and duties and the correct allocation and maintenance of these codes is subject to the limit of available resources. NACE code classifications on tax records are compiled by reference to the primary area of economic activity reported by individual and corporate taxpayers on their own behalf and the taxes collected are allocated to those codes without reference to the precise economic activity which generated them.

While the accuracy of the NACE codes on tax records is sufficient to underpin broad sector-based analyses there will undoubtedly be some inaccuracies at individual level. This should be borne in mind when considering the information provided. The sector identified for this reply represents the closest equivalents in the NACE code system to the sector mentioned in the question.

Financial Services Sector

Ceisteanna (66)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

66. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the total value of assets held by companies in the financial services sector for each year since 2005. [35954/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy might find the data contained in the Central Bank’s Quarterly Financial Accounts useful. These accounts present a set of data for all resident institutional sectors. The Preliminary data tables in the accounts show the financial assets of each institutional sector in terms of their quarterly financial balance sheets. The link on the Central Bank’s website is as follows: http://www.centralbank.ie/polstats/stats/qfaccounts/Pages/Data.aspx. Table 4.1a contains figure on assets for Monetary Financial Institutions.

Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 64.

Banking Sector Issues

Ceisteanna (68)

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

68. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Finance if he will contact the banks to urge them to adopt a charter whereby citizens can opt for a basic current account that will cost no more than a maximum of 100 euro per annum; if he will work with the institutions to encourage them to operate a basic account for those on very low incomes or State supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35959/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As part of my Department’s Strategy for Financial Inclusion, a basic payment account (named the Standard Bank Account) was offered by three banks (AIB, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB) in three pilot locations (New Ross, Tallaght and Tullamore) during 2012. The Financial Inclusion Working Group, chaired by my Department, was tasked with governance of the project. The Standard Bank Account (SBA) Pilot finished on 31 March 2013 after a 9-month pilot period. The report of the Financial Inclusion Working Group on the Pilot is being finalised and will be submitted for my consideration shortly. I expect that the Report will be presented to Government and later published on my Department’s website.

Through the Financial Inclusion Working Group, my Department will work closely with all stakeholders over the coming months to optimise the availability of the Standard Bank Account nationally. The Standard Bank Account will either be a low cost or a no cost account, the exact details need to be agreed with all stakeholders. The aim of the strategy is to ensure that financially excluded persons may access the benefits of the financial system through having their own bank accounts.

Bond Redemption

Ceisteanna (69)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

69. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will verify the assertions made in an article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35969/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Central Bank of Ireland that certain tracker bonds sold to a number of credit unions which were liabilities of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) at the time of the liquidation have a structured deposit element which is covered by the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS) for that element of the product. As a result the first €100,000 of any claim in such cases is covered under the DGS. The bond itself is not covered by the ELG scheme as it predates that scheme. Credit unions and others affected have been advised to deal with the Special Liquidator in relation to this matter.

On the issue of why these bonds did not transfer out of the bank, I understand that tracker bonds were specifically excluded from the Transfer Order due to the complex nature of those products which contain a variety of derivative elements. As part of their regulatory requirements, credit unions are required to maintain realised reserves for the purpose of absorbing unexpected losses, including from unguaranteed losses. This should be the first line of defence in such circumstances.

NAMA Portfolio Issues

Ceisteanna (70)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

70. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify if the National Assets Management Agency has property in their portfolio that has been sold or passed on to a company (details supplied) and to explain their meetings with the directors of that company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35971/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In line with NAMA Board guidelines, NAMA requires that the sale of property assets by debtors and receivers is conducted by suitably qualified professional sales agents and that all such sales are openly marketed. NAMA advises that the appropriate sales and marketing strategy for all disposals is determined by reference to a range of factors, including asset class, location and the value of the property, and having regard to NAMA’s objectives as set out in Section 10 of the NAMA Act. NAMA advises that, by reference to these considerations, its debtors and receivers draw from a large number of suitably qualified sales professionals to manage the sale of their properties. I am advised that NAMA debtors and receivers have engaged Allsop Space to sell a small number of properties.

NAMA advises that its policy is to meet a wide range of interested parties, including investors, potential asset purchasers and service providers, both national and international, and to brief such parties in the functions and operations of the Agency. The Agency advises that such briefings include discussion on its protocols for the disposal of assets and its policy in relation to the engagement of third party service providers.

Budget 2014 Issues

Ceisteanna (71)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

71. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has held with officials in his Department regarding consideration of targeted income tax cuts for working middle-income families in the context of budget 2014, which is set to be unveiled in October; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35982/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, it is the standard practice for the Minister for Finance to review all tax expenditures and reliefs in the run up to annual Budget. It is also a long-standing practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.

Barr
Roinn