Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1596. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a proposal by an organisation (details supplied). [36702/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFarm Assist Scheme
Ceisteanna (1596)
Freagraí scríofa
In line with a commitment in the Programme for Partnership Government, Budget 2017 introduced an enhanced assessment of means for farm assist whereby, since March, 70% of farm income is assessed as means, down from 100%. Additional income disregards were also introduced for claimants with children - €254 of income per annum is disregarded for each of the first two dependent children and €381 per annum disregarded for the third and subsequent children. The cost of this Budget measure was estimated at €8.5 million in 2017 and €13 million in a full year.
The changes introduced in Budget 2017 means that the Farm Assist means test has now reverted to the position which applied prior to Budget 2012.
The means assessment for the Farm Assist scheme, including the current guidelines for determining depreciation of farm equipment and machinery, is detailed on the Departmental website and is available at the following link: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Farm-Means---Assessment-of-Income-from-Farming.aspx
Where farm machinery or equipment is purchased outright, an allowance for depreciation is currently made.
The maximum depreciation allowable is set at a percentage of gross output by type of farming. The relevant percentages are detailed in the following table:
|
Type of farming |
Maximum Percentage Depreciation (of Gross Output) |
|
Dairying |
3.5% |
|
Dairying & Other |
3.9% |
|
Cattle Rearing |
4.1% |
|
Cattle Other |
4.9% |
|
Mainly Sheep |
3.9% |
|
Tillage Systems |
5.4% |
|
Pigs/Poultry |
1.3% |
|
All Systems |
4% |
The costs associated with increasing the maximum percentage of depreciation allowable up to 10% are not readily available.
Any changes to the means assessment of the Farm Assist scheme would have to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.
Farm Assist Scheme
Ceisteanna (1597)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1597. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a proposal by an organisation (details supplied). [36703/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The farm assist scheme was introduced in 1999 to provide income support for low income farmers. It replaced the former smallholders’ unemployment assistance payment. In line with the then existing arrangements for unemployment assistance (including smallholders) and pre-retirement allowance, the income of farm assist recipients was exempt from class S PRSI for self-employed workers. Prior to 2007 recipients of farm assist, who had previously paid Class S social insurance, had the option of paying voluntary contributions to maintain their social insurance record, provided they satisfied the qualifying conditions.
Since 1 January 2007, the exemption from class S PRSI has been removed and those receiving jobseeker’s allowance and farm assist are subject to Class S PRSI as self-employed contributors on their self-employed income, provided their annual income is €5,000 or more.
It is not possible to estimate the cost to the Social Insurance Fund of disregarding periods of time when calculating pension entitlement as the impact of such a disregard is dependent on a number of factors including the age of the individual, the length of the disregard and other social insurance contributions paid by that individual.
Any proposal to introduce a disregard in the calculation entitlement to pension for farm assist recipients would have to be considered in the context of access to such disregards for all other categories of the self-employed and in the wider Budgetary context.
Social Insurance Yield
Ceisteanna (1598)
Niall Collins
Ceist:1598. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the approximate reduction in the social insurance yield in a calendar year if the pay related social insurance employers rate of 8.5% was extended for employees earning up to €380, €385, €390, €395 and €400 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36716/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently, Class A employers pay PRSI at the rate of 8.5% where weekly earnings are between €38 and €376. Once weekly earning exceed €376, the rate of employer PRSI is 10.75%
The cost to social insurance fund of raising the weekly 8.5% threshold to €380, €385, €390, €395 and €400 is provided in the table below.
|
Higher rate threshold |
€380 |
€385 |
€390 |
€395 |
€400 |
|
Cost |
€1.1m |
€3.0m |
€4.5m |
€6.2m |
€8.4m |
|
Employments affected |
4,582 |
11,939 |
18,130 |
24,480 |
32,774 |
These estimates are based on the latest available data and reflect macro-economic indicators for 2018. It should be noted that the estimates do not take possible changes in employer behaviour arising from changing rate thresholds into account.
Social Insurance Yield
Ceisteanna (1599)
Niall Collins
Ceist:1599. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a proposal by an organisation (details supplied). [36717/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently Class A employers pay PRSI at the rate of 8.5% where weekly earnings are between €38 and €376. Once weekly earnings exceed €376, the rate of employer PRSI is 10.75%
It is estimated introducing a new permanent employer’s rate of 4.25% for workers earning less than €380 per week would reduce income to the Social Insurance Fund by €157.4 million in a full year. This measure would impact 679,400 employments.
This estimate is based on the latest available data and reflects macro-economic indicators for 2018. It should be noted that the estimate does not take possible changes in employer behaviour arising from changing the rates of contribution into account.
Anti-Poverty Strategy
Ceisteanna (1600)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:1600. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection her targets for poverty including child poverty; if these targets are being met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36722/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The national social target for poverty reduction agreed by Government in 2012 is to reduce consistent poverty to 4% by 2016 and to 2% or less by 2020. The child poverty target is to lift over 70,000 children out of consistent poverty by 2020. Ireland’s contribution to the Europe 2020 poverty target is to lift a minimum of 200,000 people out of ‘combined poverty’ (i.e. at-risk-of-poverty and/or basic deprivation) by 2020.
The latest national data from the CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) for 2015 show improvements in the key poverty targets. Consistent poverty, having fallen to 8.8 per cent in 2014, stabilised at 8.7 per cent in 2015. A reduction of almost 5 percentage points is now required to meet the 2016 interim poverty target. The number of children in consistent poverty was 139,000 in 2015, reflecting a fall of 13,000 on the child poverty figures in 2014. A new figure of 102,000 children will have to be lifted out of consistent poverty to meet the 2020 child poverty target. The population affected by ‘combined poverty’ numbered 1.6 million people in 2015, reflecting a reduction of 162,000 people on the 2014 figures. Thus, over 350,000 people will have to be lifted out of combined poverty by 2020 to meet the Europe 2020 target.
The 2015 SILC results show that we have a long way to go to achieve the national social target for poverty reduction. Given the continuing economic recovery throughout 2016 and measures introduced in Budgets 2016 and 2017, I expect the figures for those years, when they become available, to show further improvement. I will continue to work with my Government colleagues to ensure that the economic recovery is experienced in all regions and by all families, households and individuals.
The Government’s strategy for tackling poverty and social exclusion is set out in the updated National Action Plan for Social Inclusion. The Plan identifies a wide range of targeted actions and interventions to achieve the overall objective of reducing poverty. The goals include a focus on early childhood development, youth exclusion, access to the labour market, migrant integration, social housing and affordable energy. The Department will review the Plan this year, as it reaches the end of its current term, with a view to developing an updated plan for future periods. The Department will also review the national social target for poverty reduction. This review will be undertaken in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (1601)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:1601. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff in her Department that are suspended from work on full pay; the reason in each case; the time in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36736/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department currently has four staff members suspended from work pending the completion of investigations under the Civil Service Disciplinary Code.
|
- |
Grade |
Suspended From |
Reason for Suspension |
|
1. |
HEO |
August 2012 |
Alleged Fraud |
|
2. |
EO |
June 2015 |
Alleged Inappropriate Behaviour |
|
3. |
HEO |
September 2015 |
Alleged Inappropriate Behaviour |
|
4. |
EO |
November 2015 |
Alleged Inappropriate Behaviour |
In relation to case 1 above this is being dealt with by the Gardaí, who had requested that the Department delay action until completion of their investigations.
In relation to cases 2, 3 and 4 above, the investigations are now complete and appropriate action is being taken in accordance with the Civil Service Disciplinary Code.
Question No. 1602 answered with Question No. 1580.
Protected Disclosures Data
Ceisteanna (1603)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:1603. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of protected disclosures received from staff in her Department in 2016 and to date in 2017; the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36768/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department is committed to fostering an appropriate environment for addressing concerns relating to potential wrongdoing in the workplace and to providing the necessary support for staff that raise genuine concerns.
The Act requires public bodies to establish and maintain procedures for dealing with protected disclosures, and to provide written information relating to these procedures to workers. The Department has such procedures in place.
During 2016, one submission was made to the Department which was determined to be a protected disclosure under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. An investigation was completed. While issues were identified, which are now being addressed, no wrongdoing was found.
Two submissions, determined to be protected disclosures under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, have been made to the Department to date in 2017. These are currently being examined.
Social Welfare Appeals Status
Ceisteanna (1604)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1604. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36502/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 24 July 2017, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (1605)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1605. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of actuaries working in the Civil Service under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36858/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Social Protection does not directly employ any actuaries. However, there is one actuary employed in the Pension Authority which operates under the aegis of this Department.
Foreshore Licence Applications
Ceisteanna (1606)
Tom Neville
Ceist:1606. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when a decision will issue regarding an application (details supplied) for a foreshore licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35136/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department wrote to the agent representing the applicant in this case on 18 July 2017, seeking their agreement to both the specific conditions and valuation that would attach to a licence if granted. The applicant accepted both the specific conditions and the valuation by letter received by my Department on 25 July 2017. I expect the case to come before me for determination shortly.
Housing Adaptation Grant
Ceisteanna (1607)
Hildegarde Naughton
Ceist:1607. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the financial supports or grants available to assist with the removal of asbestos from residential properties or outbuildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35204/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not have any grant available specific to the removal of asbestos from homes. However, the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability provide a range of grants for necessary improvement works or adaptations to houses in order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability. These schemes cover works reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of applicants, and can in those circumstances include the removal of asbestos.
The schemes are administered by local authorities and it is a matter for each local authority to determine how the funding is apportioned between the various grant measures and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within the capital allocations provided by my Department.
It is recommended that expert advice should be sought in dealing with asbestos materials and if removal is necessary it should only be done by a competent contractor with the required training.
Motor Tax
Ceisteanna (1608)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:1608. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the rules the EU imposes on motor tax rates; if Ireland is complying with all EU rules regarding motor tax; the reason for the discrepancy between motor tax rates here and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35270/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Other than the provisions of EU Directive 1999/62/EC (the "Eurovignette" Directive), the EU does not impose rules on motor tax rates. Directive 1999/62/EC provides a legal framework for charging heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain roads. While the Directive is largely concerned with the provision of mechanisms for infrastructure charging, it also sets minimum rates for the tax rates applied by Member States to heavy goods vehicles. The Directive provides for 39 different rates and bands, including a minimum rate of tax for the heaviest goods vehicles of €929. Although the currently applicable equivalent rate in Ireland is slightly below the rate set out in the Directive, it should be noted that the European Commission recently brought forward a proposal (COM 2017/276) which, if implemented, will gradually reduce the minimum rates by 20% each year for five years, bringing Ireland into compliance and ultimately resulting in a minimum rate of tax of zero for all bands at the end of the five years.
Other than the matters addressed by the Directive, it is a matter for the State to determine the motor tax regime and rates, having regard to revenue requirements and other policy objectives, including environmental objectives. Motor tax arrangements in the UK are a matter for the UK government.
Postal Voting
Ceisteanna (1609)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1609. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce postal votes for students that are studying abroad and students who study away from their primary residence to facilitate participation in future elections. [35800/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In order to be able to vote at elections and referendums, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides.
Measures to facilitate the greater participation of students in elections have been provided for in electoral law. Section 63 of the Electoral Act 1997 provides that full-time students attending an educational institution in the State who are unlikely to be able to go in person on polling day to vote can apply for a postal vote. While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, I have no immediate proposals to extend this facility to students studying abroad.
Renewable Energy Projects
Ceisteanna (1610, 1653)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:1610. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce guidelines or regulations with respect to solar farm construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
James Browne
Ceist:1653. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to prepare official guidelines to regulate solar energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35779/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar farms. Proposals for individual solar farm developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments. Planning applications are made to the relevant local planning authority with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
Under the Planning and Development Act, each planning authority's development plan must set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. Section 10 of the Act requires a development plan to include, inter alia, objectives for the provision or facilitation of the provision of infrastructure, including energy facilities, and many local authorities have developed renewable energy strategies for their areas in this context.
In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the Board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any submissions or observations received and relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any relevant guidelines issued by my Department. Planning authorities must then make their own decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications.
I am satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of individual planning permission applications for solar farm developments. However, the matter will be kept under review, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, and his Department - which leads on renewable energy policy - in the context of the Government's White Paper on Energy Policy, published in December 2015, the development of a Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework, as well as the finalisation of a new support scheme for renewable electricity by that Department, expected in 2018.
Vacant Sites Levy
Ceisteanna (1611)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:1611. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the estimated yield by increasing the vacant site levy to 5%, 7.5% and 10%, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35964/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 introduced a new measure, the vacant site levy, which is aimed at incentivising the development of vacant, under-utilised sites in urban areas. Under the Act, planning authorities are required to establish a register of vacant sites in their areas, beginning on 1 January 2017, and to issue annual notices to owners of vacant sites by 1 June 2018 in respect of vacant sites on the register on 1 January 2018. The levy will be applied by planning authorities, commencing on 1 January 2019 in respect of sites which were vacant and on the vacant site register during the year 2018 and will subsequently be applied on an annual basis thereafter, as long as a site remains on the vacant site register in the preceding year.
Planning authorities are empowered to apply an annual vacant site levy of 3% of the market value of vacant sites, exceeding 0.5 hectares in area - with reduced or zero rates of levy applying in specific circumstances – which, in the planning authority’s opinion, were vacant or idle in the preceding year, in areas identified by the planning authority in its development plan or local area plan for residential or regeneration development. The 3% rate of vacant site levy is consistent with the rate applied to derelict sites under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and is considered a reasonable initial step in incentivising the activation of such sites for residential or regeneration purposes.
All levies due on an individual site will remain a charge on the land concerned until all outstanding levies due are paid. Accordingly, under the vacant site levy provisions, there will be a cumulative effect associated with not activating a site for development purposes for each year that a site remains vacant or idle.
Planning authorities are presently engaging in the necessary preparatory work, prior to the application of the levy with effect from January 2019 in respect of sites identified on the register in 2018. As required under the Act, this includes the identification of specific vacant sites for entry on the register as well as the registered owners of the sites in question along with undertaking a site valuation. Vacant site registers were established in January 2017 by planning authorities and the registers will be populated as the preparatory work progresses during the year.
The proceeds of the levy raised on vacant sites will be used by planning authorities for the provision of housing and urban regeneration development in the local area in which vacant sites are located. No more than 10% of the levy monies received by planning authorities may be used on their collection and administration costs.
At this time, ahead of the full population of registers with details of sites and valuations, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the annual levies that may be raised by planning authorities through the implementation of the levy or to estimate the annual levies that may be raised from the application of different levy rates than those provided for.
Water Charges Refunds
Ceisteanna (1612)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:1612. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans for refunding water charges to those that have paid same; the timeframe for same; the procedures he plans to use for the refunding of same; the way in which previous Irish Water customers that made the respective payments will be identified and repaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36118/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services was published on 12 April 2017 and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Committee recommended that in respect of the most cost efficient mechanism of adhering to the principle of equity of treatment for those who have paid and have not paid water charges, such households should be compensated in an equitable manner.
The Government approved the priority drafting of a Bill to give effect to the relevant recommendations set out in the Committee's report on 30 May 2017. My Department is working with the Attorney General's Office on the drafting of the Bill with a view to it being published as soon as possible.
Foreshore Licence Applications
Ceisteanna (1613)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:1613. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the Government's 35 year foreshore lease planning application to construct an offshore electricity generating station on Galway Bay embeds and fully implements the findings of the strategic environmental assessment and appropriate assessment processes relating to the State's offshore renewable energy development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36430/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The application by the Marine Institute to develop a 1/4 scale ocean energy test device site off the coast of Spiddal in Galway Bay was made on the basis of this site being necessary to support the attainment by Ireland of the required EU targets for renewable energy for 2020, 2030 and 2050. Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) published in 2014, which was subject to both SEA and AA, identified the Galway Bay test site as a necessary step in the testing of ocean energy technology, sitting between in-tank testing (1/15 scale) at the Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland (MAREI) facility in Cork and full scale testing in open ocean conditions at the Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS) in Mayo.
A final decision has not yet been made on this application. However, that decision, when made, will take into account compliance with both the Foreshore Act and any applicable EU environmental legislation, including the Birds and Habitats Directives.
Pyrite Remediation Programme
Ceisteanna (1614)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:1614. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when works on a category 2 pyrite house will be carried out in the case of a person (details supplied). [34918/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the Pyrite Remediation Scheme. The Pyrite Resolution Board, with the support of the Housing Agency, is responsible for the implementation of the pyrite remediation scheme.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Board is independent in the performance of its functions, and as Minister, I have no role in the operational matters pertaining to the implementation of the scheme. The Board may be contacted by phone at Lo call 1890 252842 or by email to info@pyriteboard.ie.
Development Contributions
Ceisteanna (1615)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:1615. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of builders that applied for the planning rebate scheme in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the cost of the scheme in each of these years. [34926/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The development contribution rebate scheme featured as part of the Government's housing package, entitled "Stabilising Rents, Boosting Supply", which was announced by the previous Government in November 2015. The primary objective of the scheme was to enhance the viability of the construction and sale of residential housing units at affordable prices in the locations of greatest need. Details of the scheme are outlined in Circular letter PL 13/2015, which issued to the relevant local authorities, and which is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/search/category/planning/sub-type/circular/topic/development-management?query.
Returns to date from the local authorities concerned indicate that there has been limited uptake in relation to the scheme, as follows:
- Fingal County Council estimates overall costs for 2017 at €6.8 million to cover rebates on expressions of interest received for 798 units spread across 9 developments. First applications are expected later this year with rebates likely payable in early 2018.
- South Dublin County Council estimates overall costs for 2017 of approximately €3.5m - €4m to cover rebates on expressions of interest received for 485 units spread across 7 developments. First applications are expected later this year with rebates likely payable in early 2018.
- Only one application has been received to date by Dublin City Council. It is for a part development and cannot be processed, until the total number of units exceeds 50.
- Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have reported no uptake to date and have received no applications as a consequence.