Written Answers Nos. 178-194
178. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the status of the recommendations from the working group on insurance; the measures implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30879/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Cost of Insurance Working Group undertook an examination of the factors contributing to the cost of insurance in order to identify what short, medium and long-term measures could be introduced to help reduce the cost of insurance for consumers and businesses.
The initial focus of the Working Group was the issue of rising motor insurance premiums and the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January 2017, containing 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions.
In its second phase, the Working Group examined the cost of business insurance, in particular employer liability insurance and public liability insurance. This work culminated in the publication in January 2018 of the Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance, with 15 recommendations and 29 associated actions to be carried out.
Both of the primary Reports contain an Action Plan, setting out the agreed timelines for implementation, and also a commitment that the Working Group will prepare quarterly updates on its progress. The Working Group has published five such updates, most recently on 11 May last.
This quarterly update shows that of the 50 separate relevant deadlines within the Action Plan of the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance set up to the end of Q1 2018, one relates to an action no longer being proceeded with; of the remaining 49 deadlines, 40 have been met. Substantial work has also been undertaken in respect of the nine action points categorised as “ongoing”.
In relation to the eight actions from the Report on Employer and Public Liability Insurance due for completion in Q1 2018, all eight were completed on time.
It is envisaged that the next quarterly Progress Update will be completed by the end of July and will be ready for publication on the Department of Finance website shortly after. This update will provide details on the implementation of all of the recommendations from both primary Reports. However, a particular focus will be placed upon the 14 actions across the two Reports – seven from each – with Q2 2018 deadlines.
179. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Finance if banks here are compliant with Article 2(2) of the European Union (Payment Accounts) Regulations 2016 (details supplied). [30898/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Payment Accounts Directive, transposed in September 2016 by the European Union (Payment Accounts) Regulations 2016, contains the right to open a payment account with basic features. This right extends to an asylum seeker, and also to a person who has not been granted a residence permit but whose expulsion is not possible for legal or practical reasons.
Regulation 16 of the European Union (Payment Accounts) Regulations 2016 permits a credit institution to refuse to open an account on one of two grounds. Those grounds are set out in the legislation but essentially are that the applicant already holds a payment account or that refusal is necessary to comply with money laundering and terrorist financing legislation. The Central Bank is the designated competent authority for the purposes of the Payment Accounts Directive.
If an applicant is refused an account he or she can submit a complaint against that decision to the credit institution. A consumer who has a complaint that is not resolved by the credit institution’s internal complaints mechanism may make a complaint to the independent Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
180. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance his views on a media report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30910/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance his views on an article in the media (details supplied); if he is satisfied that all relevant agencies including the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána and local authorities are properly regulating this growing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30911/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
I am aware of the media reports referred to by the Deputy but I have no comment to make in so far as these reports refer to the business affairs of private individuals.
Any gaming machine which is made available for play in a public place, must have a valid Excise licence which is issued by Revenue and known as a ‘Gaming Machine Licence’. A Gaming Machine Licence can only be issued by Revenue to a person who holds a ‘Gaming Licence’ under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 for each premises where gaming is taking place. A ‘Gaming Licence’ can only be issued by Revenue on production by the applicant of a certificate granted by the District Court under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 which authorises the issue of a Gaming Licence for the premises in question.
In addition, Revenue also requires payment of the relevant excise licence fee and compliance with tax clearance requirements before a Gaming Machine Licence (for each machine) or a Gaming Licence (for premises) can be issued.
I am advised that in 2017 Revenue started a national compliance project on the gaming and amusement machine sector, which is designed to identify and tackle non-compliance with tax and excise licensing obligations. This project is ongoing across all regions and to date site visits have been carried out by Revenue officials to 285 separate premises. A range of follow-up actions are being pursued with respect to the tax and licensing issues identified, including seizure of unlicensed gaming machines where necessary.
I am also advised that legislative proposals are being developed at present for the gambling sector by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. To support this process, the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality has recently chaired a Gambling Regulation Working Group which has met on 5 occasions since January 2018, with the final meeting taking place last month. All relevant Government Departments, an Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners have taken part in the Working Group. I understand that a report for Government is now being prepared by the Minister of State on foot of the group’s discussions.
182. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to address Ireland's poor international reputation regarding profit shifting by corporate tax incentives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30984/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a competitive corporation tax rate, an attractive and stable tax regime and a strong commitment to transparency. Ireland’s tax regime is designed to encourage the location of real, substantive and high-value adding investment in this country. We have a competitive tax regime that is fully in line with international standards for fair tax competition as agreed at the EU and the OECD.
The best way for Ireland to address any reputational issues on tax is to continue to support international tax reform efforts and to continue to implement the various recommendations that we have agreed at EU and OECD level.
I recognise the importance of ensuring effective taxation of multinational companies and the need for internationally agreed solutions to counter aggressive tax planning, base erosion and profit shifting. Ireland has fully engaged with international efforts to counter aggressive tax planning to date, through both the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting and the subsequent coordinated action at EU level leading to the agreement of the two Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives.
We continue to play our part in this ongoing work. It is widely acknowledged that difficulties in the international tax system mainly arise from asymmetries between the taxation systems of different countries. Only by acting together can we ensure that companies are taxed appropriately.
I should also add that my officials are currently finalising a roadmap setting out a clear programme of action in relation to Ireland’s Corporation Tax regime for the coming years having regard to developments at EU, OECD and the wider international level. This Roadmap follows on from the independent review of Ireland’s Corporation Tax Code conducted by Mr. Seamus Coffey, and will set out a comprehensive schedule of actions under way to action the Coffey recommendations, implement the remaining OECD BEPS recommendations and transpose the EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives. This Roadmap will be published in the coming weeks.
183. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the working group on car insurance has been a fruitful exercise; his plans to address the difficulties being faced by many motorists that are still being offered extortionate premiums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30985/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is acknowledged that pricing in the motor insurance sector has been subject to a lot of volatility in recent years and, indeed, the problem of rising motor insurance premiums was the main impetus for the establishment of the Cost of Insurance Working Group. Its Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January 2017. The Report makes 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions to be carried out in agreed timeframes, set out within an Action Plan.
Work is ongoing on the implementation of the recommendations by the relevant Government Departments and Agencies and there is a commitment within the Report that the Working Group will prepare quarterly updates on its progress. The fifth such update was published on 11 May and shows that of the 50 separate relevant deadlines within the Action Plan of the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance set up to the end of Q1 2018, one relates to an action no longer being proceeded with; of the remaining 49 deadlines, 40 have been met. Substantial work has also been undertaken in respect of the nine action points categorised as “ongoing”.
The Working Group will continue to focus on putting into place the measures proposed in the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance, in parallel with those from the Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance. It is envisaged that the full implementation of all the recommendations from both Reports cumulatively, with the appropriate levels of commitment and cooperation from all relevant stakeholders, should achieve the objectives of delivering fairer premiums for consumers and a more stable and competitive motor insurance market.
I believe however that it is important to acknowledge that the average cost of motor insurance has been consistently falling since the middle of 2016, with the most recent CSO data (for May 2018) indicating that private motor insurance premiums have decreased by 19% since peaking in July 2016. While it is accepted that premiums are still at a very high level for many people, such statistics indicate at the very least a greater degree of stability in the market on an overall basis. I believe that the endeavours of the Working Group have contributed to this positive trend in pricing, as well as putting in motion much needed reform in other related areas, such as data transparency, the interaction between insurance companies and consumers, and the personal injuries claims environment. While there is still much work to be done, I consider that the Cost of Insurance Working Group project has already proven to be a worthwhile and fruitful exercise overall. In addition, I am of the view that its work must continue to be a priority for Government and would urge all relevant Departments to continue prioritising the implementation of the recommendations of the Reports.
Finally, I would recommend drivers who are seeking or renewing insurance to consult the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website, which has a highly informative section regarding the purchase of car insurance generally. One of the key tips listed to help cut costs is to “shop around” and “always get quotes from several insurance providers when you need to get or renew insurance”.
184. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of public sector jobs offered as internal competitions or restricted to existing Civil Service or public service staff in his Department in 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31547/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that periodically vacancies arise in the Department of Finance that are filled by way of Internal, Interdepartmental and Open Competitions.
In 2017 there were 9 internal competitions and to date in 2018 there were 7. Some of these competitions involve the successful candidate being seconded to another Department or to the European Commission. In other cases the competitions are for specialist roles in the Department i.e. Press Officer or Special Adviser to the Minister of State.
The Department of Finance also fills vacancies in the Department through Interdepartmental and Open Competitions run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). In 2017 62 new entrants were recruited through PAS. These new entrants were at Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, Administrative Officer and Assistant Principal level. To date in 2018 38 new entrants were recruited through PAS. These new entrants were at Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, Higher Executive Officer, Administrative Officer, Assistant Principal and Principal Officer level.
185. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 15 May 2018, if he has received the independent report to examine the proposed changeover of the cycle trails and footpaths along Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park; the date on which works will commence on the changeover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30041/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is expected that the report referred to will be available by the end of this month.
The Office of Public Works will then give due consideration to the recommendations contained therein.
186. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full cost of each presidential, Dáil Éireann, local, European Parliament and Seanad Éireann election and by-election since February 2011, in tabular form. [30291/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe approximate costings of each Presidential, Dáil Éireann, Local, European Parliament and Seanad Éireann election and Bye-Election since February 2011 to 2016 are set out in the following table with the exception of the 2015 Carlow Kilkenny Bye Election* which was held with the 2015 Referendums Marriage Equality and Age of Eligibility to Office of President. It is not, therefore, possible to give an accurate cost of that Bye Election as there would have been an extensive sharing of staff and facilities for the different polls taken.
With respect to the most recent 2 Seanad Bye Elections in April of this year (held together) the final certified accounts after an election would not normally be available until around six months after the holding of the election poll. It is estimated that up to €0.015m could be spent taking into account some costs would have increased over time and savings from the sharing of people and facilities.
|
Month/Year |
Election Event |
Approx Cost |
|
February 2011 |
Dáil Éireann |
€29.1m |
|
February 2011 |
Seanad Éireann |
€2.7m |
|
October 2011 |
Presidential, (plus 2 Referendums: Judges Remuneration, Houses of the Oireachtas Inquiries) and Dublin West By-Election |
€30.1m |
|
March 2013 |
Meath East Bye Election |
€0.473m |
|
May 2014 |
European & Local Elections (includes 2 By-Elections: Dublin West & Longford W. Meath) |
€24.6m |
|
October 2014 |
Dublin South West and Leitrim/Roscommon By-Elections |
€1.1m |
|
October 2014 |
Seanad (Panel Member) By-Election |
€0.007m |
|
October 2015 |
Carlow/Kilkenny By-Election |
* |
|
November 2015 |
Seanad By-Election |
€0.007m |
|
February 2016 |
Dáil Éireann |
€27.3m |
|
February 2016 |
Seanad Éireann |
€3m |
|
April 2018 |
2 Seanad By-Elections |
# |
187. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full cost of each referendum held since February 2011, in tabular form. [30292/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe approximate costings for all Referendums since 2011 to 2015 are set out in the table below with the exception of the Referendum held in 2011* which was not held on its own but combined and accounted for with the Presidential Election and the Dublin West Bye Election. It is not, therefore, possible to give an accurate cost of that Referendum as there would have been an extensive sharing of staff and facilities for the different polls taken.
With respect to the most recent Referendum on the Thirty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2018 (8 Amendment) the final certified accounts after an election would not normally be available until around six months after the holding of the election poll. No expenditure has been returned to date.
While no two election events would be the same and some costs would have increased in the meantime the 2012 Referendum cost could be taken as indicative of a stand alone Referendum.
|
Month/Year |
Referendum |
Approx Cost |
|
October 2011 |
Judges' Remuneration, Houses of the Oireachtas Inquiries |
* |
|
May 2012 |
Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union |
€14.8m |
|
November 2012 |
Children |
€12.8m |
|
October 2013 |
Abolition of Seanad Eireann, Court of Appeal |
€14.4m |
|
May 2015 |
Marriage Equality and Age of Eligibility to Office of President |
€14.8m |
|
May 2018 |
Thirty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2018 (Repeal of the 8th Amendment) |
# |
188. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when work on the forensic laboratories at Backweston will commence; the expected duration of the works; when the facility will be available for occupation; if this is being supervised by the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30306/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe delivery of the new Forensic Science Laboratory at the Backweston campus is being managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The Deputy should be aware that enabling works for Forensic Science Ireland that commenced in October 2017, have now been completed.
However, due to recent changes in international forensic laboratory standards, the merging of the Garda Technical Bureau with Forensic Science Ireland and changes to staff numbers, it was necessary to add further material to the tender documentation. Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) and the OPW design team are currently examining the issues involved which relate primarily to laboratory interior finishes and mechanical and electrical adjustments.
Once this examination has been completed, the OPW will review all tender documentation and intends to re-issue a complete set of documents in Q4 2018. As this process is still ongoing it is not possible at this stage to give exact timeframes for the procurement process for contractors. When the construction contract for the main building is placed, the estimated construction period is 24 months followed by a validation and test period prior to occupation.
189. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a matter (details supplied) will be addressed regarding the draining of a river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30138/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes and catchment drainage schemes designated under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. The channel referred to by the Deputy does not form part of an Arterial Drainage Scheme. Therefore, the OPW has no responsibilities for the maintenance of the channel.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. For areas not covered by the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Programme, the OPW operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. It is open to all Local Authorities to submit a funding application under the Scheme. This administrative Scheme’s eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie.
Any application received is considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
190. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of travel expenses for him and those that travel with him since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30516/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cost of official domestic and overseas travel, including the cost of accompanying officials, since my appointment as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in May 2016 is €76,329.89. The Deputy should note that €39,100 of this cost relates to accompanying officials.
In light of the Government’s commitment to limit the cost of Ministerial cars from the fleet of An Garda Síochána, the overall figure also includes monthly mileage payments which assist with the costs associated with the use of my own car for official purposes. It should be noted that there is cost saving in respect of mileage due to my appointment across two Departments.
It should be further noted that costs associated with three of the four political advisors that I have appointed since coming to office in May 2016 are costed to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (the fourth advisor is costed to the Department of Finance).
191. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of times he has met his officials regarding Project Ireland 2040 since its launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30557/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am in constant contact with my Officials in relation to all of the matters that fall into my remit.
In respect of Project Ireland 2040, Government has agreed arrangements to oversee its implementation and the delivery of the National Development Plan. This reflects the fact that Government has now identified the strategic path to be taken, and the focus has now moved to implementation.
As I announced last March, I have established a high level Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board, supported by an Infrastructure Projects and Programmes Office, to take on this role on behalf of the Government. The Delivery Board consists of the Secretaries General of the main capital spending Departments, and is jointly chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and the Secretary General of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The Board will report to Government through the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure.
The Delivery Board will monitor and oversee implementation structures and performance across the various sectors to ensure a co-ordinated and collaborative whole-of-Government approach to NDP and NPF delivery. Measures being taken in this regard include:
- The Infrastructure Projects and Programmes Office is being established in my Department to coordinate reporting on the NDP and drive reforms in relation to areas such as project appraisal and selection;
- The Major Capital Projects Tracker, published in September 2017, is being updated and further developed to provide more comprehensive information on the cost and delivery of the various infrastructure projects and programmes identified in the NDP;
- A Construction Sector Group is being established to ensure regular and open dialogue between Government and the construction sector in relation to issues that may impact on the successful delivery of the NDP on a value-for-money basis for the State.
The Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board has already met twice, in May and June of this year, and is due to meet again in July.
192. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of FOI requests his Department has received since January 2018; the number of refusals; the number that have been appealed and that are ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30574/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the FOI requests received by my Department from 1 January 2018 to 6 July 2018 are outlined in the table below.
Appeals on FOI decisions issued by my Department can be made by seeking an Internal Review of the matter. The appeal will involve a complete reconsideration of the matter by a more senior member of staff of the Department and a decision will be communicated within three weeks. My Department received five requests for an Internal Review in the period in question, none of which are outstanding.
An appeal of an Internal Review decision can be applied for by writing to the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). To date, my Department has not received notification from the OIC of any external reviews for the period in question.
|
2018 Month |
FOI Granted |
FOI Part Granted |
FOI Refused |
FOI Withdrawn |
Handled outside of FOI |
FOI In Progress |
Monthly Total |
|
January |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
2 |
|
February |
4 |
6 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
- |
20 |
|
March |
4 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
- |
13 |
|
April |
1 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
- |
13 |
|
May |
2 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
- |
12 |
|
June |
2 |
4 |
8 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
25 |
|
July |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3 |
3 |
|
Total |
14 |
27 |
29 |
2 |
4 |
12 |
88 |
193. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of vacancies on State boards under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30591/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy’s question on vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department, I can confirm that I make appointments to the Board of the Public Appointments Service, which currently has no vacancies at Board level. The details of the membership of the Board of the Public Appointments Service are available on the PAS website.
More generally, as the Deputy will be aware, details of the current membership and Board vacancies of all State Boards are published on www.stateboards.ie
194. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if financial assistance will be provided to Fingal County Council to tackle the rate of coastal erosion that is occurring at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30661/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am familiar with the problem of coastal erosion at Portrane and I have visited the area and have received a briefing from Fingal County Council (FCC). It is a matter for local authorities, in the first instance, to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is engaging with FCC to assist it in finding the appropriate long term solution to the problems at Portrane.
On 1 June 2018 a meeting took place between FCC and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), with OPW in attendance, to update all bodies on the current situation at Portrane and to examine the optimum way forward to deal with this serious problem.
I am advised that RPS, who are the engineering consultants engaged by FCC in this matter, have submitted to the local authority details of interim measures and proposals for their implementation. These proposals are being considered by the relevant agencies with a view to their earliest possible implementation.
In addition a potential permanent coastal protection option has been identified but further assessment of this is required. If a viable solution is identified the local authority may undertake works using their own resources or, if necessary, apply for funding to the OPW or other central Government Departments where appropriate.
I would acknowledge the work and contribution which the local community have made in highlighting and seeking solutions to the problem at Portrane.
