Written Answers Nos. 77-96
77. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the additional budget for 2018 or other years, provided to his Department and all agencies and bodies within his remit to plan or prepare for Brexit; the number of additional staff who have been recruited to work on this policy area in each body, agency and in his Department; and the number of dedicated staff planning and working on Brexit matters in each. [6329/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's International, EU and Northern Ireland Division is headed by a Second Secretary General who also acts as the Irish Sherpa for EU business, including Brexit issues. The total staffing resources of the Division, which are kept under ongoing review, currently amount to a whole-time equivalent of 23.3 staff across the full range of policy areas.
This Division covers work on all international, EU and British-Irish and Northern Ireland affairs within the Department, including Brexit issues.
It includes supporting the work of Cabinet Committee C, which deals with EU affairs, including Brexit, and supports me in my role as a member of the European Council. It also supports me in respect of Government consideration of Brexit issues including the negotiation process, both on the issues that are of unique or particular concern to Ireland, and more generally.
The Division prepares and supports my engagement on a wide range of EU issues, as well as the debate on the future of Europe, and supports efforts to develop our strategic alliances in a post-Brexit scenario.
The Division also supports me in my international role and in all of my international engagements - ensuring that they are strategically aligned with, and effectively advance, the Government's priorities, with a particular focus on driving job creation, sustainable economic development, trade, tourism and investment and on protecting and promoting our strategic interests internationally.
The Division also provides advice and support to me in relation to Northern Ireland Affairs and British Irish relations, and Brexit issues in that context.
Staff in other divisions also contribute to the work on Brexit. For example, the Economic Division advises me on economic policy aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth, with a particular focus on jobs and competitiveness including possible economic impacts of Brexit.
In all of its work across international, EU and British and Northern Ireland issues, my Department works closely with other relevant Departments including, in particular, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which has lead responsibility for most policy matters in these areas, including Brexit.
My Department does not delegate budgets to individual divisions. Salaries and travel and subsistence costs related to Brexit are paid from my Department's administrative budget.
78. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the involvement his Department has had in respect of contracts with a company (details supplied) that provides public private partnership contracts; the nature of the contract; if it was for capital construction or service supply; the duration of each contract; the value of fee commitments; and the alternative arrangements he has made. [6346/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no contracts with the company in question.
79. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the persons on State boards, that under the aegis of his Department, who also serve on other State boards; and the persons on State boards, under the aegis of his Department, who have previously served on other State boards. [6470/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe specific information sought in relation to membership of other State boards or previous boards is not held in my Department.
I appoint members to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) under the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006 and the NESC (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010 - SI 603/ 2010.
I also appoint members to the National Statistics Board under the Statistics Act 1993.
As set out in the legislation, most of these board appointments are made on the basis of nominations from third party organisations or are public servants appointed in connection with their role and responsibilities.
In the case of the NESC, the legislation provides that I appoint members on the nomination of the organisations and interests set out, i.e. business and employer, ICTU, farming and agriculture, community and voluntary and environmental sectors, public servants and independent members. The public servants are mainly Secretaries General and must include a representative of my Department and the Department of Finance.
Four vacancies remain in the independent members category. These vacancies will be filled in accordance with the process set out in the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards and have been advertised on stateboards.ie
The Statistics Act 1993 provides for an eight member National Statistics Board, including the Director General of the CSO, ex officio, and an Assistant Secretary from my Department and the Department of Finance.
Two members are nominated by the Taoiseach and three by organisations representative of the users of official statistics and providers of information under the Act.
Further details in relation to the composition and membership of state boards generally is available on www.stateboards.ie. The current membership of the National Economic and Social Council and the National Statistics Board is as follows:
National Economic and Social Council
Martin Fraser, Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach (Chair)
Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Chair)
Maeve McElwee, IBEC
Tom Parlon, CIF
Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland
Patricia King, ICTU
Tom Geraghty, PSEU
Shay Cody, IMPACT
Damien McDonald, IFA
John Enright, ICMSA
TJ Flanagan, ICOS
Sean Healy, Social Justice Ireland
Brid O’Brien, INOU
James Doorley, NYCI
Kate Ruddock, Friends of the Earth
Oonagh Duggan, Birdwatch Ireland
Michael Ewing, Irish Environmental Network
Derek Moran, Department of Finance
Robert Watt, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Orlaigh Quinn, Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation
John McCarthy, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government
Edgar Morgenroth, ESRI
Michelle Norris, UCD
Philip Hamell, Department of the Taoiseach
National Statistics Board
Dr. Patricia O'Hara, Chairperson
Dr. Eimear Cotter, Director of the Office of Environmental Sustainability
Mr. Gerard Brady, Senior Economist, IBEC
Mr. John Martin, Consultant; former OECD Director for Employment, Labour & Social Affairs
Mr. Gerard O'Neill, Chairman, Amárach Research
Mr. John Shaw, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach
Mr. John McCarthy, Department of Finance
Mr. Pádraig Dalton, Director General, Central Statistics Office.
80. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has commissioned economic or regulatory impact assessments of the risks to sectors under the purview of his Department following the decision of the UK to exit the EU and the various types of future relationships that might result; if he will provide a copy of such studies conducted; the persons or body commissioned to conduct this research; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6302/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra81. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the additional budget for 2018 or other years, provided to his Department and all agencies and bodies within his remit to plan or prepare for Brexit; the number of additional staff who have been recruited to work on this policy area in each body, agency and his Department; the number of dedicated staff planning and working on Brexit matters in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6319/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 81 together.
Contingency planning at both a domestic and an EU level is focused on three areas: preparing for a no-deal scenario or so-called “disorderly Brexit”; preparing for a transition period based on the “status quo”; and preparing for the future EU-UK relationship.
While the outcome of the December European Council and the move on to Phase 2 has lessened the likelihood of a disorderly Brexit, very detailed work on a no-deal or worst-case-scenario is advancing intensively through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This work is also informed by ongoing stakeholder engagement. Separately, a new preparedness unit in the Commission is considering EU-level responses.
All this work provides a baseline scenario for the policies and sectors impacted, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations. In this regard, it is welcome that the direction of travel is now firmly towards achieving a “status quo” transition period. Agreement on a “status quo” transition will provide certainty to individuals and businesses while also aiming to avoid any cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and a future relationship agreement coming into force. The period will provide time for businesses and citizenship to prepare for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU based on the outcome of the negotiations on the framework for the EU’s future relationship with the UK. In this respect, the expectation is that the European Council will adopt additional Guidelines at its meeting on 22-23 March 2018 on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship. These guidelines – as well as further clarity on the UK position, which has been sought by the European Council – will provide a clearer picture of the direction of travel in the negotiations.
The Government’s contingency planning continues to be firmly grounded in the extensive work and outreach that has already been undertaken by individual Departments and agencies, as well as by stakeholder organisations, academics and others. Much of this is in the public domain.
While Brexit does not give rise to fundamental strategic issues for Defence Forces operations or Defence Policy, the UK has been an important interlocutor for Ireland and both countries have generally adopted similar policy positions in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Building a broader network of alliances at EU level has been an ongoing objective in recent years but has gained increased importance with the future departure of the UK. The Department of Defence is currently conducting an internal review and analysis of issues where we have aligned with member States other than the UK. We will cross reference this with peacekeeping partners on UN, CSDP and NATO/PfP operations and like-minded States more generally as part of an ongoing process of identifying and building new alliances on the Security and Defence Agenda at EU level. The results of this analysis will help inform our bilateral engagement at Ministerial and Official level over the coming period.
As Defence operates in a support role to a range of other Departments, Defence will assist and support those Departments/Agencies in any analysis or research they are conducting which has implications for the level and nature of support offered by/required from Defence. To this end, Defence is engaging with lead Departments and Agencies as appropriate and the Defence Forces are engaged in prudent planning.
Regarding resources, matters relating to Brexit are currently being absorbed and dealt with within existing Departmental structures and resources. Accordingly there is currently no dedicated Brexit funding allocation required in the Department of Defence, nor are there any additional Brexit related roles envisaged at this time.
The structures put in place in the Department of Defence to address the potential challenges arising from Brexit include the assignment of responsibility to a senior official at Assistant Secretary General level in relation to Brexit related matters. The senior official is leading the Department’s input to deliberations within the framework established across Government and is supported in their role by a number of Branches in the Department. The senior official represents the Department on the Senior Officials Group chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach and the Interdepartmental Group on EU and Brexit which is chaired by the Department of the Foreign Affairs and Trade and is engaged with the identification of key strategic, operational and policy issues arising from Brexit. In addition, the Management Board is acting as a clearing house for Brexit and maintains oversight on an on-going basis.
82. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the involvement his Department has had in respect of contracts with a company (details supplied) that provides public private partnership contracts; the nature of the contract; if it was for capital construction or service supply; the duration of each contract; the value of fee commitments; the alternative arrangements he has made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6336/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that neither the Department of Defence nor the Defence Forces have contracts with the company referred to by the Deputy.
83. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to parliamentary Questions Nos. 288 of 25 October 2017 and 568 of 12 December 2017, the status of the Reserve Defence Forces lieutenant to captain fixed promotion scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6384/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter referred to by the Deputy is currently being progressed.
84. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the persons on State boards, under the aegis of his Department, who also serve on other State boards; the persons on State boards, under the aegis of his Department, who have previously served on other State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6460/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe only State body currently under the aegis of this Department is the Army Pensions Board.
The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non-military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
I am not aware of any current member of the Army Pension Board either currently or previously serving on other State boards.
85. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be speaking at the next EU Council meeting in March 2018 regarding the Israel Palestine conflict. [5699/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Israel Palestine conflict is expected to be on the agenda at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 26 February. This will be a continuation of a discussion at the meeting of the Council on 22 January. At that meeting, I reported to colleagues on my meetings in the region during my visit there in early January. I also addressed what the EU could do to support any balanced peace initiative which might emerge, and also in terms of action on the ground to combat many negative trends, including the deteriorating situation in Gaza.
I have given these issues a high priority in my work since assuming office, both at EU level and elsewhere, as I have reported to the House. I can assure the Deputy therefore that I will continue to contribute actively to Council discussions when this issue is on the agenda, and that I intend to do so at the next Foreign Affairs Council.
86. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials are involved with changing the North-South Ministerial Council in the context of Brexit; and if it is being considered. [6004/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has a crucial role to play in addressing the all-island impacts and challenges that are raised by Brexit.
There has already been very valuable and important engagement through the NSMC, in particular at the Plenary meetings of the Council on 4 July 2016 and 18 November 2016, where there was agreement on common principles for dealing with Brexit on an all-island basis and on optimising North-South planning in the phases preceding and following Brexit. The Council also agreed that work should be taken forward through bilateral discussions within the NSMC at sectoral level, as well as through a high-level working group comprising senior officials from the Government and from the Northern Ireland Executive Office.
The Government is most anxious that the NSMC be able to resume and progress this vital work. Through the NSMC, the Government and Northern Ireland Executive can work together at an institutional level, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement, to address the all-island implications of Brexit, where so many interests are shared, North and South.
The work that the NSMC progressed in this respect in 2016 was very valuable and it has served as an important guide for the Government as we worked through Phase One of the EU-UK negotiations last year to secure the interests of Ireland, North and South. The role of the NSMC in addressing the all-island implications of Brexit and enabling coordinated approaches by the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive has been clearly established. In this context, there is no consideration being given to any changes to the North South Ministerial Council, which as an institution of the Good Friday Agreement has very important and clearly-established functions and responsibilities, which have been agreed to by all parties to the Peace Process founded on the Agreement.
The Joint Report agreed by the EU and UK negotiators on 8 December acknowledged that cooperation between Ireland and Northern Ireland is a central part of the Good Friday Agreement, and that the UK departure from the Union gives rise to substantial challenges to the maintenance and development of North-South cooperation. The UK has accordingly committed to protecting and supporting continued North-South cooperation across the full range of contexts and frameworks of cooperation, including the continued operation of the North-South implementation bodies.
The Government will continue to work with EU partners and the European Commission Task Force to ensure that the Phase One commitments are delivered in full and that our interests, and those of the island as a whole, are advanced in the EU position in Phase Two, including the protection of North/South co-operation.
The Government wishes to see the NSMC urgently resume its work across all sectors, including the engagement on Brexit mandated last year, which can further inform the approach of Ireland, of the UK and of the European Union on the Ireland-specific issues, as Phase 2 of EU-UK negotiations progresses this year.
I am intensively engaged at present, working with the Secretary for Northern Ireland, to support agreement between the political parties that will allow for the formation of a new Executive and the resumption of the North South Ministerial Council. There remain challenges for the parties but I am convinced that an agreement can be reached between those parties, each of which wants to see the devolved institutions operating.
A new Executive will be able to speak for Northern Ireland as the UK progresses its approach to the Article 50 negotiations, and the North South Ministerial Council will be able to resume its important work, including addressing the all-island issues and concerns that are raised by Brexit.
87. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the invasion by Turkish forces of the Kurdish Afrin region in northern Syria; if he has raised this with the Turkish Government or received a briefing on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6255/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe conflict in Syria, and the destabilising impact it has had on the wider region, remain a source of deep concern. Clearly, a comprehensive, inclusive political solution to the conflict is urgently needed, both to end the suffering of the Syrian people and to prevent any further turmoil in the Middle East.
For these reasons Ireland fully supports the UN-led political negotiations to end the conflict based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council resolution 2254, which calls for an end to violence; release of political prisoners; formation of a transitional governing body with executive powers and a constitutional reform process. Ireland fully supports this process and the work of UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. The EU provides direct assistance to the UN-led Geneva peace talks and has launched, in coordination with the UN, an initiative to develop political dialogue with key actors from the region to identify common ground.
At the December EU Foreign Affairs Council, we discussed the regional situation in the Middle East, including of course the urgent need for progress towards peace in Syria. I joined colleagues in stressing the primacy of the UN-led Geneva process and the need for an inclusive political transition in Syria.
Since 2012 Ireland has contributed over €90 million to the international humanitarian response to the Syria crisis, including over €15 million to the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey. Through our annual contributions to the EU institutions Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response to the crisis. The EU and its Member States have together mobilised more than €9.5 billion for humanitarian and resilience assistance to support Syrians inside the country and in neighbouring countries, making the EU the largest single donor to the effort. The EU will host another donors’ conference for Syria in 2018.
Officials from my Department met with the Turkish Ambassador to Ireland earlier this week. They conveyed Ireland’s overarching concern for the protection of civilians, including in the context of this particular operation, and urged caution to avoid escalating the conflict any further.
Ireland understands Turkey’s concern about the conflict raging on its southern border. Turkey has borne a heavy burden in terms of knock-on effects of the conflict, including in terms of migration and spill-over of violence. However, our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of civilians on both sides of the border, especially displaced and vulnerable communities.
I call on all parties to exercise restraint in order to avoid any further exacerbation of this already fragile situation and to cooperate in the effort to find a political solution under UN auspices which alone can bring lasting peace to Syria.
88. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has commissioned economic or regulatory impact assessments of the risks to sectors under the purview of his Department following the decision of the UK to exit the EU and the various types of future relationships that might result; if he will provide a copy of such studies conducted; the persons or body commissioned to conduct this research; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6306/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not commissioned or paid for any studies or assessments regarding Brexit. Of course, in its cross-departmental co-ordination role the Department is in close touch with all Departments, including those which have commissioned such work.
The Government’s contingency planning continues to be firmly grounded in the extensive work and outreach that has already been undertaken by individual Departments and agencies, as well as by stakeholder organisations, academics and others. Much of this is in the public domain and a number of further important studies are underway with a view to publication in the coming weeks and months.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has lead responsibility for planning for, preparing positions on, and following the EU-UK negotiations. This requires research on and analysis of very many legal, institutional, and political issues, the eventual outcome of negotiations on which will of course be decisive in determining the shape and effects of Brexit. The Department is also analysing the possible impact of Brexit on policy areas within its remit, notably the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and the EU’s policy on international development.
All of this work is being done by the officials of the Department at home and in Missions.
The Department also works closely with the European Commission and European Parliament Offices here in Dublin and with civil society organisations including the Institute for International and European Affairs and European Movement Ireland. With funding from this Department, the IIEA is undertaking research on the future shape of the EU and the new strategic alliances that Ireland will need to develop within the EU after Brexit.
89. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional budget for 2018 or other years, provided to his Department and all agencies and bodies within his remit to plan or prepare for Brexit; the number of additional staff who have been recruited to work on this policy area in each body, agency and his Department; the number of dedicated staff planning and working on Brexit matters in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6323/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraManaging our response to Brexit has impacted on the work of many staff at Headquarters and a significant number of those overseas. Our approach has not been merely to recruit or assign additional staff, but rather also to prioritise Brexit across the entire range of work of the Department. There is no State Agency under the aegis of my Department.
Additional staff have been assigned to the key Divisions with responsibility for Brexit matters, namely the European Union Division and the Ireland, UK and Americas (IUKA) Division, to cover the issues arising from the UK exit process.
For operational and service-oriented units like the Passport Office and Consular service, there has been a marked increase in demand for passports and citizenship via foreign birth registration from applicants in Northern Ireland and in Britain.
Many business units of my Department at headquarters in Dublin are involved in the response to the UK exit, including the Legal Division, the Trade Division and the Policy Planning Unit. Further information on some of the new positions established in these Divisions as a consequence of Brexit is provided in the table.
Overseas, additional posts have been assigned to our Embassies in London, Berlin, and Paris as well as the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels (PRB). Details are provided in the table.
In 2018 an additional €4 million has been allocated to the Department’s budget including to support the ongoing complex and intensive Article 50 negotiation process. These additional resources will be targeted at the management of the negotiations on UK withdrawal and subsequent agreements; enhanced Brexit co-ordination, promotion and public engagement/outreach on the Future of Europe; resources for the processing of a significant increase in Foreign Birth Registrations; a targeted response in new and mature markets to mitigate the economic impact of British withdrawal and targeted additional resources in EU capitals focused on trade and economic promotion and further enhancement of key strategic relationships/partnerships.
In 2017 €2 million in additional resources was provided in support for Brexit negotiations and for additional staff in key Embassies in Europe. In addition, €3.2 million was transferred, along with the staffing, from the Department of the Taoiseach to my Department for the establishment of a new EU Division which, together with the Department's Ireland, UK and Americas Division, has key responsibility for Brexit matters and seeking to ensure that Ireland’s interests are safeguarded during the negotiations on the UK’s EU withdrawal.
The Deputy will appreciate that I am not yet in a position to outline additional budget allocations in 2019 and subsequent years.
These measures remain under review. The Department will allocate additional staff resources as deemed necessary to further augment our level of support across Government and across our diplomatic mission network.
New posts dedicated to Brexit-related work
|
HQ/Mission |
Location |
Grade |
No. |
|
Mission |
London |
Counsellor(Jan 2018) |
1 |
|
Mission |
London |
First Secretary |
1 |
|
Mission |
London |
HEO |
1 |
|
Mission |
London |
EO |
1 |
|
Mission |
London |
Third Secretary |
2 |
|
Mission |
London |
Interns |
5 |
|
Mission |
London |
TCOs |
|
|
Mission |
Paris |
Counsellor |
1 |
|
Mission |
Berlin |
Counsellor |
1 |
|
Mission |
PRB |
Counsellor |
1 |
|
Mission |
PRB |
First Secretary |
1 |
|
Mission |
PRB |
Third Secretary |
1 |
|
HQ |
EU Division |
Counsellor |
1 |
|
HQ |
EU Division |
First Secretary |
2 |
|
HQ |
EU Division |
Third Secretary |
3 |
|
HQ |
EU Division |
CO |
1 |
|
HQ |
Ireland, UK & Americas Division |
First Secretary |
2 |
|
HQ |
Ireland, UK & Americas Division |
Third Secretary |
1 |
|
HQ |
Communications |
First Secretary |
1 |
|
HQ |
Communications |
Third Secretary |
1 |
|
HQ |
Legal Division |
Assistant Legal Advisor |
1 |
|
HQ |
Trade Division |
First Secretary |
1 |
|
Total |
|
|
30 |
90. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the involvement his Department has had in respect of contracts with a company (details supplied) that provides public private partnership contracts; the nature of the contract; if it was for capital construction or service supply; the duration of each contract; the value of fee commitments; the alternative arrangements he has made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6340/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has an annual contract for support and maintenance of a proprietary system developed by a company named Capita IB Solutions (Ireland) Ltd. for the Department in 2012. The annual value of the contract is €16,119 with a further €32,000 of enhancements delivered in 2017. The system provides for the online delivery of certain Consular services. The maintenance and support contract is due for renewal in April this year. The Department has no contract with any other firm named Capita or a variation of that name.
91. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the persons on State boards under the aegis of his Department who also serve on other State boards; the persons on State boards under the aegis of his Department who have previously served on other State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6464/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no state boards under the aegis of my Department.
92. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the measures he is introducing for returning emigrants to access competitive car insurance by having their driving history abroad considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6238/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that Recommendation 6 of the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance aims to address the specific problems faced by returning emigrants in relation to motor insurance. Pursuant to this recommendation, a protocol has been agreed between the Department and Insurance Ireland under which insurance companies have committed to accepting the driving experience of returning emigrants gained while abroad, when the driver has previous driving experience in Ireland. The guiding principle of the protocol is to ensure that a returning emigrant is not treated any differently to any other driver subject to their ability to demonstrate, and the insurance company to verify, continuous driving experience and the normal acceptance criteria of the company. What this means is that the returning emigrant will not be disadvantaged from spending time abroad. Furthermore, under the protocol insurance companies will not distinguish between countries on the basis of which side of the road driving takes place therein.
In addition to the above, insurance companies have agreed to provide relevant and helpful information on their websites to make it easier for consumers to understand the implications of their move abroad from a motor insurance perspective. As part of this exercise, they will outline what people need to do under a number of different circumstances depending on the length of time they intend being away from Ireland.
Insurance Ireland submitted a report on the implementation of this recommendation to the Department of Finance on 22 December 2017. This report confirmed that Insurance Ireland members have agreed to publish the wording of the agreed protocol on their company websites and any other forms of social media, in addition to providing training for staff who can work through issues with emigrants before they leave, whilst they are out of the country and when they return to Ireland. The stated intention is “to resolve any issues well before they arise and for the consumer to be aware of the considerations when moving abroad ”. The wording of the agreed protocol is also available on the Insurance Ireland website.
The report also outlines some sample cases which demonstrate how the rolling-out of the protocol has already led to disputed cases being resolved to the benefit of returning emigrants, and provides figures indicating that the number of such cases being processed under the Declined Cases Agreement is decreasing.
If, however, a returning emigrant is continuing to have difficulty in obtaining insurance, Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. The relevant contact details are: feedback@insuranceireland.eu or declined@insuranceireland.eu or 01-6761914.
93. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Finance if the cost of counselling is tax refundable for a PAYE employee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6139/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTax relief is available to individuals, including PAYE employees, the self-employed and those with other sources of taxable income, in respect of qualifying health expenses as defined in section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Section 469 defines "health expenses" as "expenses in respect of the provision of health care including the services of a practitioner".
A practitioner is defined in the section as "any person who is:
1. registered in the register established under section 43 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007,
2. registered in the register established under section 26 of the Dentists Act, 1985, or,
3. in relation to health care provided outside the State, entitled under the laws of the country in which the care is provided to practice medicine or dentistry there".
In the case of counselling costs, tax relief is available where the practitioner administering the therapy is a qualified practitioner as defined above.
Further details in relation to income tax relief for health expenses are set out on the Revenue website at https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/health-and-age/health-expenses/index.aspx and in the Tax and Duty Manual available at:
https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-12.pdf.
It is my understanding that there can be significant differences in the level of qualifications and/or clinical training undertaken by individuals who provide counselling services and who do not fall within the definition of practitioner as set out above. The question as to whether counsellors can be registered practitioners is a matter primarily for the Minister for Health, Mr. Simon Harris T.D. In this regard you may be aware that the Department of Health recently conducted a review of proposals for regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists, and further information on this process can be provided by the Department of Health.
94. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the total overpayment against a person (details supplied) in respect of income tax; the amount repaid; the amount outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6155/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that a review is being undertaken of the overall tax payment position for the person concerned and that when this is completed shortly, Revenue will contact the person concerned directly providing full details in relation to their tax liabilities and payments for recent years.
95. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance if an application for tax concessions by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6227/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that following direct contact by them to assist the person concerned a new application was submitted online on 23 January 2018. This application has since been processed and the required exemption letter is available for download by the person concerned.
96. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the projects awarded to a company (details supplied); the number of persons employed or contracted by it; the role and location of each type of projects involved, such as financial, administrative, construction and other services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6233/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the involvement his Department has had in respect of contracts with a company (details supplied) that provides public private partnership contracts; the nature of the contract; if it was for capital construction or service supply; the duration of each contract; the value of fee commitments; the alternative arrangements he has made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6339/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 100 together.
I can advise the Deputy my Department does not currently have any projects or contracts with the firm Capita or with the Capita group.
Based on the information available, which goes back to 2003, my Department has not had any contracts with Capita or the Capita group since that period.
