Written Answers Nos. 151-176
151. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of proposals (details supplied) over the 2011 to 2018 period on an annual basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35143/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulatory impact assessments (RIA) are prepared in relation to all proposals for primary legislation involving changes to the regulatory environment. However, most of the legislation brought forward by my Department does not impact significantly on the regulatory environment. In July 2016 a regulatory impact assessment was finalised in relation to the Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. It was carried out in accordance with the RIA Guidelines published by the Department of the Taoiseach, including analysis of relevant costs, benefits and impacts. This RIA is available on my Department’s website.
154. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the capital allocation of €13 million in 2018 to his Vote group by project; the proposed allocation of €17 million in 2019, by project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35216/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a capital allocation in the 2018 Revised Estimates of €13 million across its two Votes (Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade). Under the National Development Plan 2018 - 2027, it is proposed that my Department will have a capital allocation of €17 million in 2019, representing an increase of €4m on the 2018 capital allocation.
The Department’s capital expenditure priorities for 2018 include the ongoing implementation of the Passport Reform Programme, as its online services are further expanded beyond the adult passport renewal service launched last year; continued investment in the State’s global property network including the commencement of the development of a new Embassy/Ireland House facility in Tokyo; other Embassy projects, including ongoing maintenance, security improvements and health and safety improvements and the maintenance and enhancement of the Department’s ICT global communications network and new ICT system enhancements.
I can confirm to the Deputy that, in line with the priorities as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, and building on work in 2018, the Department’s strategic capital investment priorities for 2019 will be as follows:
- Measures in support of the Global Ireland Plan;
- The Passport Reform Programme;
- Investment in ICT infrastructure; and
- Investment in the State’s global property portfolio.
The main projects to be undertaken in 2019 will be the further development of an Embassy/Ireland House in Tokyo, the continuation of the Passport Reform Programme and the ongoing development of the Department’s global ICT network.
Decisions on final allocations by area will be consistent with value for money principles and will provide clear benefits for the State.
155. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018, on overseas development aid; the amount committed through Irish Aid; the projected outturn for 2018; his plans to meet Ireland’s commitment to spend 0.7% of GDP on ODA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35217/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent on official development assistance outside of the Irish Aid programme in 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected end of year spend; the amounts and the commitments by programme; the commitments Ireland has for 2019 under EU and international agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35218/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
Ireland’s annual total contribution to Official Development Assistance (ODA) comprises funding allocated under Vote 27 International Cooperation, which is managed by my Department and known to the public as Irish Aid, as well as ODA-eligible contributions made by other Government Departments. In the main, these additional contributions are made by the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Ireland’s share of the EU Development Cooperation Budget is also taken into account. In recent years roughly 70% of Ireland’s total ODA is funded through Irish Aid / Vote 27.
A summary of Ireland’s total ODA contributions from 2014 through to 2017 is provided in the following table:
Ireland's ODA 2014 through to 2017
Figures in € Millions
|
Vote 27 / Irish Aid |
Other ODA |
Total ODA |
|
|
2017 |
490.44 |
226.12 |
716.56 |
|
2016 |
482.49 |
241.21 |
723.70 |
|
2015 |
481.69 |
165.82 |
647.51 |
|
2014 |
476.29 |
138.57 |
614.86 |
For this year, the Government has allocated a total of €707 million to ODA. Just over €500 million of this amount is managed by my Department through Vote 27, and the remaining €207 million provided through other Government Departments or Ireland’s share of the EU Development Cooperation budget.
By the end of June this year, my Department had disbursed in excess of €195 million of its ODA allocation. I am confident of a full spend by year end under the Vote. Outturn for ‘other ODA’ will not be available until early next year, but based on past trends I expect expenditure levels will reach at least the estimated allocation of €207 million.
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas development cooperation programme and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our Programme for Government sets out our ambition to meet the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) to ODA, as resources permit. This was reaffirmed by the Government at the launch of Global Ireland document last month.
If the Government’s ambition to meet the 0.7% target is to be achieved, sustained, managed increments in ODA will be required, building on Ireland's recognised role as a reliable and effective partner in combatting global poverty and hunger, and providing humanitarian assistance to those most in need. The process requires careful planning and consultation with other Government Departments and stakeholders. Ireland’s new International Development Policy, which is currently being developed, will provide the framework for ODA budget allocations. The process to develop this new policy is being led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in close consultation with the rest of Government. The new policy, due to be completed and published later this year, will reflect the whole-of-Government effort on international development, and ensure coherence domestically and internationally. A public consultation on the new policy is underway, with written contributions invited from all interested parties prior to a series of public meetings in September.
157. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional funding requirements required for his Department in 2018 to open additional embassies and consulates; the amount spent to date in 2018; the projected extra costs in 2018; the additional funding that will be required in 2019 to meet the costs of new missions under the plans to double Ireland's global footprint by 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35219/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn additional €2 million was allocated in Budget 2018 to cover initial expenditure by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the expansion and strengthening of Ireland’s diplomatic presence overseas. Work is well underway on the initial phase of the expansion which includes the Government decision to open new Embassies in Chile, Colombia, Jordan, and New Zealand, and new Consulates General in Vancouver, Canada and Mumbai, India.
A project team is managing the expansion and extensive planning is underway to ensure the initiative makes the most efficient use of the Department’s human and financial resources. Work is advancing to facilitate the opening of the Consulate General in Vancouver and the Embassy in Wellington in early Q4 2018. The timeline for opening in Chile, Colombia, Jordan and the Mumbai is Q1 2019. Based on the timelines for opening, there has been minimal spend to date this year but we expect the majority of expenditure for 2018 to be incurred in the latter half of the year when the first of the new offices will open.
The second phase of the expansion, approved by the Government in June in the context of the launch of ‘Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025’, will include opening new Consulates General in Cardiff, Frankfurt and Los Angeles and new Embassies in the Philippines, Morocco and Ukraine. Additional expenditure for future years will be decided via the annual Departmental budgetary process. Funding allocations for this initiative are currently under consideration as part of the 2019 Estimates process. Decisions on expenditure will be consistent with value for money principles and provide clear benefits for the State.
158. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the budget allocated to Ireland’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council; the projected spend on this campaign in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; the programme it comes under; if he will seek additional funds in budget 2019 for the campaign; the estimated amount that will be required in 2019; the events planned over the next 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35220/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure to date on outside contractors and promotional events and materials as part of Ireland’s bid for a seat on the UN security council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35221/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
Ireland’s candidature for election to the UN Security Council from the Western Europe and Others Group, which was first announced in 2005, is a top foreign policy priority. The election is due to take place in June 2020. All 193 UN member States are entitled to vote. Their votes will determine which of the candidates are elected to the Council for the 2021-2022 term. A successful campaign will require Ireland to convince the UN Member States of the merits of our candidature and, to this end, an intensive period of engagement with UN Member States, highlighting Ireland’s strong UN record and our values and objectives as a prospective Security Council member, will continue from now until the election.
The main Expenditure Programme under the Department’s Vote to which costs relating to the campaign will be charged is Programme C – To Work for a More Just, Secure and Sustainable World (“Our Values”).
For 2018, an initial allocation of €280,000 has been made to the unit which is coordinating Ireland’s campaign. To date, a total of around €175,000 has been spent, including approximately €145,000 on outside contractors and materials relating to the campaign.
In relation to 2019, the costs of the campaign are under consideration and the question of funding will be discussed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the Estimates 2019 process. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the detail of those negotiations at this time. However, as I have indicated to the House in the recent past, as we move forward there will be a need for additional resources to promote Ireland’s candidature as we seek to secure support.
Over the course of the campaign, the Government will organise a small number of events. The precise arrangements for these events, including their timing, location and subject matter, are being developed. However, they will address a range of themes aimed at highlighting Ireland’s track record globally, our principled commitment to the value of multilateralism, and the importance of the issues to be addressed for international peace and security.
In making Ireland’s case, we are highlighting our approach at the UN over more than six decades of membership, including our support for and involvement in sustainable development, humanitarian action, disarmament, human rights and peacekeeping. The House will be aware that this year marks the 60th anniversary of Ireland’s participation in UN peacekeeping and that the record of our Defence Forces is a highly admirable one.
If Ireland were to be elected to the Security Council our fundamental approach to all agenda items would be to advocate and support decisions and policies based on and advancing the core values of our foreign policy – peace and security, justice, equality and sustainability.
160. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the Government will officially recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35222/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government “will honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict.”Successive Irish Governments have looked forward to being able to recognize a fully sovereign State of Palestine, and have seen this coming about as part of a lasting settlement and an overall peace agreement. However, in recognition of the frustration felt both in Palestine and here in Ireland over the lack of progress towards that objective, I have made clear repeatedly in the Dáil that I am prepared to recommend to the Government recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when I consider that it might be helpful towards advancing the peace process and achieving the objective we seek. I have not yet concluded that that moment has arrived.
I recognise of course that such a gesture by Ireland could be a welcome sign of support for Palestinians, against a backdrop of hardship and frustration. But it would also be a symbolic gesture, and as such, the Government must also consider the likely impact, and the effect of such an action on Ireland’s own influence and standing on this and other questions.
I will continue to keep this matter under close and continuous review.
162. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid out by the State Claims Agency or awarded in respect of personal injury claims both including and excluding medical negligence claims to date in 2018, by relevant State body the claims related to; the corresponding figure for the same period in 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33790/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the deputy to PQ 1476/18 in which the data for 2016 and 2017 has already been provided. The information for 2018 from January to June is addressed in the tables.
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has advised me of the information contained in this report, which has been extracted from the National Incident Management System (NIMS). These figures were correct as of 1st July 2018.
Total amount paid for 2018 from January to June and includes damages, legal fees and other expert fees. (It excludes the deduction of reimbursements or third party contributions)
Personal Injury includes incidents related to a person only, which includes service users, staff and member of the public.
In order to avoid breaches of data protection legislation, some delegated authorities have been merged where appropriate to avoid possible identification of individual payments. In relation to this, the SCA are only showing delegated authorities with payments above €50,000. All other state authorities with payments made in 2018 have been merged into the “Other” category.
Table 1 illustrates all payments in the Healthcare sector broken down by Clinical* and General* where Transaction Report Date Year is between January and June in 2018.
|
- |
Amount Payable (€) |
|
Clinical |
€134,317,667.38 |
|
General |
€24,499,610.91 |
|
Total |
€158,817,278.29 |
Table 2 illustrates all payments outside of Healthcare by delegated state authorities. This relates to claims under the General Indemnity Scheme where Transaction Report Date Year is between January and June in 2018.
|
Other Delegated Authorities |
Amount Payable (€) |
|
Defence Forces |
€3,321,434.97 |
|
Irish Prison Service |
€2,549,183.43 |
|
An Garda Síochána |
€1,914,229.74 |
|
Tusla |
€956,519.45 |
|
Community & Comprehensive Schools |
€571,425.53 |
|
Office of Public Works |
€529,154.92 |
|
Solas |
€212,994.38 |
|
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Offices |
€181,899.43 |
|
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation |
€144,256.42 |
|
Department of Social Protection |
€144,080.68 |
|
Day Schools |
€135,397.34 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
€123,226.62 |
|
Courts Service |
€104,998.72 |
|
Childrens Detention Schools |
€99,034.12 |
|
Department of Health |
€70,618.69 |
|
Probation Service |
€69,888.92 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
€62,154.93 |
|
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
€56,169.44 |
|
Other* |
€187,707.95 |
|
Total |
€11,434,375.68 |
Definitions:
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Incidents (which include claims) are reported using NIMS (previously known as STARSWeb). This is hosted by the SCA for the Health Service Executive (HSE), other Healthcare enterprises and State Authorities. An incident can be a harmful incident (Adverse Event), no harm incident, near miss, dangerous occurrence (reportable circumstance) or complaint.
An Incident can relate to a person, property, crash/collision, dangerous occurrence or complaint.
Transaction Reporting Date
This refers to the date that payments were issued. These payments include damages, legal fees and other expert fees.
Clinical
Clinical incident on NIMS is one which falls under the Incident Hazard category of Clinical Care. This category includes incidents relating to the provision of services of a diagnostic or palliative nature. It also includes incidents relating to the provision of treatment. Incidents present in this category will be related to clinical procedures, birth specific procedures, medication incidents, or nutrition/blood related incidents.
General
A general incident on NIMS is one which falls outside of the Clinical Care Incident hazard category. This includes all incidents relating to Exposure to Physical Hazards, Exposure to Psychological Hazards, Exposure to Chemical Hazards, Exposure to Biological Hazards and Crashes/Collisions.
Other
In this category we include all the delegated state authorities with total amount paid below €50,000.
Delegated state authorities in this category are:
Waterways Ireland, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Residential Institutions, Department of Justice and Equality, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Department of Education and Skills, National Gallery of Ireland, Model Schools, Department of Defence, National Assets Management Agency, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Houses of the Oireachtas Service, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and Legal Aid Board.
163. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the reason injectable medicines here are subjected to a VAT rate of 23% in view of the fact there is no VAT on oral medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33885/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under Irish VAT law the supply of injectable medicines is liable to VAT at the standard rate of 23%, while the zero rate of VAT applies to oral medicines.
Ireland’s application of the zero rate to oral medicines derives from an historical derogation to the normal VAT rules under Article 110 of the EU VAT Directive. Under that provision, Ireland may retain the zero rate on goods and services that applied at that rate on and since 1 January 1991. As oral medicines were subject to the zero rate of VAT on that date, Ireland may continue to apply the zero rate but may not extend its scope. As the zero rate of VAT did not apply to the supply of injectable medicines on that date, in accordance with the Directive, the zero rate cannot be applied now.
164. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when the IFS public sector co-ordination group was established in relation to action 3 of IFS2020; the number of times the group has met each year since 2015; the persons that sit on this group; the frequency with which the briefings have been updated since its establishment; the changes that have been made in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33936/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the status of action 5 of IFS2020; the number of high-profile IFS platform events that were attended each year by high-level officials; the number of overseas trade missions established each year since 2015; the number of those that required ministerial participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33938/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when the banner brand and associated marketing material was first launched in relation to action 8 of IFS2020; if there has been a relaunch due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33941/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the status of action 18 of IFS2020; when a review of the authorisation service standards took place; the specific changes implemented as a result; if a review took place after the Brexit result; the changes that came from that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33951/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the status of action 19 of IFS2020; the specific changes made to DTAs as a result of this action point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33952/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the status of action 20 of IFS2020; the specific changes made under this action point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33953/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra170. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the status of action 29 of IFS2020; when the working group was first established; the persons that sit on the working group; the number of times the working group has met each year since 2015; the specific undertakings implemented by the working group on securitisation and the capital markets forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33962/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when the last IFS progress report was published; when the next IFS progress report is due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33963/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 164 to 171, inclusive, together.
In March of 2015, the Government launched the ‘International Financial Services 2020 Strategy’ (IFS2020), which is currently led by Minister of State Michael D’Arcy TD. One of the main deliverables is to create 10,000 net new jobs across the Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland portfolios in international financial services over five years from 2015 – 2020. To end-2017, the IFS2020 Strategy has created approximately 7,000 net new jobs in the sector placing us on target to create 10,000 by 2020. The IFS sector now employs almost 42,000 people across Ireland with 30% of those employed in the sector located outside Dublin.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to actions outlined in the initial Strategy document launched in 2015. The structure of the IFS2020 Strategy provides for quarterly reporting which tracks the progress of measures within the IFS2020 Strategy. These reports are regularly updated and are available on my Department’s website at the following address: https://www.finance.gov.ie/what-we-do/international-financial-services/.
The most recent progress report for Q1 2018 was published on 17 May 2018 and is available at the following link: http://www.finance.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IFS2020-Q1-2018-Progress-Report.pdf The progress report for Q2 2018 will be published shortly.
IFS2020 is reviewed and updated annually through the development of annual Action Plans. Three Action Plans (2016, 2017 and 2018) have been published since the initial strategy document that the Deputy is referencing, and in total 159 actions have been identified.
Brexit has already, and will continue to change the landscape for international financial services operations already located, and choosing to locate, in Ireland. While there are many challenges arising from the UK’s decision to leave the EU, it is evident that there are opportunities for Ireland in relation to international financial services. The IFS2020 Strategy combines long-term strategic thinking with the flexible tools to react to any domestic and international developments occurring over the period. The annual Action Plans enable us to tailor responses to deal with these challenges and opportunities as they arise. As part of the development of the IFS2020 Action Plans for 2017 and 2018 a number of measures were shaped and influenced by Brexit, with significant work undertaken on Brexit across the departments and agencies who contribute to the continued development of the IFS2020 Action Plans.
PSCG
In reference to Action 3 of IFS2020 Strategy 2015, the IFS2020 Public Service Coordination Group was established in 2015 and includes representatives of the Department of the Taoiseach, Department of Finance, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Department of Education and Skills, the IDA and EI. The group met 21 times in 2015, 24 times in 2016, 17 times in 2017 and 8 times to date in 2018. Brexit is a standing item on the agenda of these meetings.
Overseas Trade Missions
In reference to Action 5 of IFS2020; since 2015 Ministers of State from my Department have undertaken a number of visits including to London, Brussels, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, France, Zurich, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Boston, Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Charlotte, Savannah, Toronto and Montreal.
In addition the Enterprise Agencies, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation have led a number of multi-sectoral trade missions and a number of these would have had a financial services element.
Banner Brand
In reference to Action 8 of IFS2020 Strategy 2015, the IFS Ireland banner brand was launched at the European Financial Forum 2016, and was subsequently launched in 2016 at a number of regional events by the then Minister of State Eoghan Murphy TD across Europe, Asia and North America. The brand continues to roll-out across the embassy and agency network overseas and is used frequently at IFS2020 related events.
Authorisation Standards
In reference to Action 18 of IFS2020 Strategy 2015, the review of the authorisation standards took place in 2015 and concluded in 2016.
On a twice yearly basis the Central Bank publishes a report, the Regulatory Service Standards Performance Report, on its performance against service standards which have been committed to in respect of authorisation activity. Following engagement under IFS2020, a number of improvements have been made to the reporting, including:
- The number (and not only percentage) of submissions or applications that met the standard,
- Processes not previously captured by reporting (e.g. the Prospectus Directive function),
- Links to the guidance on the Central Bank’s website on how to submit an application for authorisation for the various entity types, and
- Information on applications that have (a) been withdrawn by the applicant or (b) become dormant through lack of engagement from the applicant.
The report for H1 2016 was published by the Central Bank in Q3 2016 and is available on the Central Bank website. This document sets out the Central Bank’s performance against service standards that it has committed to for the authorisation of financial service providers and Pre-Approval Control Functions under the fitness and probity regime.
The reports, available on the Central Bank website summarise authorisation activity for all sectors on half-yearly basis: https://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/how-we-regulate/authorisation/service-standards. These reports set out the Bank's performance against Service Standards that it has committed to in respect of the authorisation of funds and financial service providers and the processing of fitness and probity applications. The Service Standards were met or exceeded for 100% of the targets for which applications were received in H2 2017.
I am informed by the Central Bank that it has seen a sizeable increase in the number of authorisation requests as a result of Brexit and has taken the necessary steps to ensure that it is in a position to process these.
The Central Bank has engaged with all firms who have approached it in a transparent, clear and robust manner. The Central Bank expects all firms in Ireland to be able to demonstrate that their firm is run from Ireland and has real substance in this jurisdiction. It is important with just nine months to go to Brexit that any firm who wishes to be authorised by then engages with the Central Bank now, to give the necessary time to process the application.
As a general rule the Central Bank does not comment on applications for authorisation however it does publish Registers of firms regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland on its website that are updated on a monthly basis: http://registers.centralbank.ie/DownloadsPage.aspx
Double Taxation Agreements
In reference to Action 19 of IFS2020 Strategy 2015, the expansion and updating of Ireland’s double taxation treaty network helps prevent double taxation and double non-taxation, thereby enhancing competitiveness and facilitating cross border trade and investment. Ireland has signed DTAs with 74 countries with 73 of these in effect. The programme is kept under review on an ongoing basis and decisions to pursue any new agreements are dependent on a wide range of factors and are contingent on reciprocal interest from the prospective jurisdiction.
Financial Market Infrastructure
In reference to Action 20 of IFS2020 Strategy 2015, in July of 2017 I encouraged applications to establish a Central Securities Depository in Ireland. The Department is continuing its work with stakeholders to assess Ireland’s current arrangements around market infrastructure, specifically in the event of the UK exiting the EU. This assessment takes into account European Legislation and has included consultation with industry and government agency stakeholders.
Securitisation Working Group
In reference to Action 29 of IFS2020 Strategy 2015, the Ad-Hoc Working Group was never formally established as the Department of Finance instead engaged with the relevant industry groups on an individual basis. This was due to the fact the Commission adopted a number of specific legislative proposals related to CMU in 2015 such as the Securitisation Regulation and the Prospectus Regulation, where the views of industry were provided to the Department as the negotiations were underway in Council and Parliament.
172. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if the extra customs officers being recruited will solely be deployed to the country’s ports and airports; and if they will have a role in cross-Border trade even though all agree that a hard Border on the island of Ireland is not planned. [35085/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra235. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners anticipate increased levels of customs checks and enforcement following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33618/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to date and plans to take in preparation for post-Brexit customs checks at ports here specifically Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33622/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra251. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the contingency plans the Revenue Commissioners are putting in place to deal with the scenario of a no-deal, hard Brexit from the customs perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33859/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the contingencies that have been put in place by the Revenue Commissioners to deal with a new customs regime in the event of a hard Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33876/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra311. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance the involvement he or his officials had in preparing to employ additional customs and agricultural officers for all ports; the number of additional personnel that will be appointed to each port and each airport; the way in which the number was reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34549/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra312. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance when preparations for additional staff began in view of an interview given by the CEO of Dublin Port the morning after the announcement that there would be 1,000 additional officials hired to prepare for a hard Brexit (details supplied); when the jobs will be advertised; the timeframe to complete the recruitment process; the timeframe for training; and when employment will be commenced. [34553/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 172, 235, 236, 251, 261, 311 and 312 together.
The Government’s contingency planning for Brexit was initiated well in advance of the UK referendum in June 2016. To this end, co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and on 18 July the Tánaiste presented a Memorandum to the Government on Brexit Preparedness and Contingency Planning.
Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst-case outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by individual Ministers and their Departments on issues within their policy remit, was identified as an early priority and is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome. It assumes a trading relationship based on the default WTO rules, but also examines the possible effects on many other areas of concern.
My Department, along with the Revenue Commissioners, is actively engaged in this planning work which has intensified in recent months and is now well advanced. The planning, as appropriate, includes any specific responses necessary according to regional needs and at the county level.
This work has provided baseline scenarios for the impact of Brexit across all sectors, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations. This is enabling the modelling of potential responses under different scenarios, such as one where a withdrawal agreement, including a transitional arrangement, is concluded and where a Free Trade Agreement is the basis for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.
On the basis of this work, relevant Departments have now been tasked by the Government to rollout detailed Action Plans with a view to advancing, as appropriate, the mitigating measures which have been identified in the areas of their responsibility from the planning to the implementation phase.
In line with this approach, the Government has already approved a number of key Brexit preparedness measures focused on East-West trade and by the end of September, detailed and costed plans will be presented to Government on additional full time customs staff to carry out relevant controls at ports and airports; and upgrading of infrastructure at ports and airports, in particular Dublin and Rosslare Ports, to facilitate increased customs and SPS controls.
Revenue’s priority to date has been on upgrading relevant IT systems to have the most advanced systems possible to support and facilitate smooth and efficient trade flows. Performance testing is well advanced and I am assured by Revenue that based on the work completed to date they are confident that the various IT systems will support the expected additional work load arising from Brexit, ensuring customs processes can continue to operate effectively and efficiently post-Brexit.
Allied to this upgrading of IT systems, I am advised by Revenue that it continues to examine the full range of simplifications provided for within the Union Customs Code. There are several customs authorisations and simplifications that traders may avail of when completing their customs formalities. Revenue is meeting with representative groups and attending industry seminars to discuss the potential issues resulting from Brexit. Revenue has advised and continues to advise and encourage businesses to examine the possible impacts of Brexit on their supply chains and to consider applying for one or more of the authorisations or simplifications available that best suit their business model. Advice and assistance on customs authorisations and simplifications is available on the Revenue website and Revenue is ready to support businesses that wish to apply to avail of them.
173. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the monetary amount of help-to-buy grants granted and-or paid to persons on a monthly basis since the scheme was launched to 1 July 2018; the number of grants issued for qualifying properties priced between ranges (details supplied) in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32413/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is assumed the Deputy is seeking the number of claims approved for the Help to Buy (HTB) tax refund scheme since its inception in July 2016.
I am advised by Revenue that the monthly monetary amounts of approved claims are set out in the following table.
Estimated total value of approved HTB claims
|
Period |
Monthly total (€m) |
Cumulative total (€m) |
|
March 17* |
8.2 |
8.2 |
|
April 2017 |
6.1 |
14.3 |
|
May 2017 |
7.4 |
21.7 |
|
June 2017 |
6.4 |
28.1 |
|
July 2017 |
8.3 |
36.4 |
|
Aug 2017 |
6.6 |
43.0 |
|
Sept 2017 |
6.4 |
49.4 |
|
Oct 2017 |
6.1 |
55.5 |
|
Nov 2017 |
7.4 |
62.9 |
|
Dec 2017 |
6.0 |
68.9 |
|
Jan 2018 |
4.9 |
73.8 |
|
Feb 2018 |
5.6 |
79.4 |
|
Mar 2018 |
5.7 |
85.1 |
|
April 2018 |
6.3 |
91.4 |
|
May 2018 |
6.4 |
97.8 |
|
June 2018 |
6.5 |
104.3 |
*The relief was first made available for individuals who purchased or built between 19 July 2016 and 31 December 2016 with effect from 1 January 2017 onwards. As a result of the initial processing timeline, the data for March 2017 is the cumulative total of applications and claims up to that point.
Regarding the number of claims relating to the value of qualifying properties broken down into different ranges, the available information is provided in Table 4 of the monthly HTB statistics published by Revenue at: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/tax-expenditures/help-to-buy-stats.pdf.
|
Property Value Range € |
Total |
% of Total |
|
0-150K |
199 |
2.57% |
|
151-225K |
996 |
12.85% |
|
226-300K |
2,644 |
34.10% |
|
301-375K |
2,479 |
31.97% |
|
376-450K |
1,000 |
12.90% |
|
Over 450K |
435 |
5.61% |
|
Total |
7,753 |
100% |
174. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance the level of maximum monetary reliefs available under the rent tax credit per annum from 2008 to 2017 under the various categories in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32431/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 473 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provided for tax relief for tenants on rent paid in respect of rented residential accommodation which was their sole or main residence. Relief was available at the standard rate on the amount paid in each tax year, subject to the relevant maximum rent limit. For the years 2010 to 2017, relief only applied to individuals who were renting a property on 7 December 2010. No relief was available to individuals who began renting after 7 December 2010.
The maximum rent limits and credit available for the tax years 2008-2017 were as follows:
|
- |
Single – Under 55 |
Single – Under 55 |
Single – 55 or Over |
Single – 55 or Over |
Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner/Married or in a Civil Partnership - Under 55 |
Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner/Married or in a Civil Partnership - Under 56 |
Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner/Married or in a Civil Partnership – 55 or Over |
Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner/Married or in a Civil Partnership – 55 or Over |
|
- |
Max Rent Limit € |
Max Tax Credit € |
Max Rent Limit € |
Max Tax Credit € |
Max Rent Limit € |
Max Tax Credit € |
Max Rent Limit € |
Max Tax Credit € |
|
2017 |
200 |
40 |
400 |
80 |
400 |
80 |
800 |
160 |
|
2016 |
400 |
80 |
800 |
160 |
800 |
160 |
1600 |
320 |
|
2015 |
600 |
120 |
1200 |
240 |
1200 |
240 |
2400 |
480 |
|
2014 |
800 |
160 |
1600 |
320 |
1600 |
320 |
3200 |
640 |
|
2013 |
1000 |
200 |
2000 |
400 |
2000 |
400 |
4000 |
800 |
|
2012 |
1200 |
240 |
2400 |
480 |
2400 |
480 |
4800 |
960 |
|
2011 |
1600 |
320 |
3200 |
640 |
3200 |
640 |
6400 |
1280 |
|
2010 |
2000 |
400 |
4000 |
800 |
4000 |
800 |
8000 |
1600 |
|
2009 |
2000 |
400 |
4000 |
800 |
4000 |
800 |
8000 |
1600 |
|
2008 |
2000 |
400 |
4000 |
800 |
4000 |
800 |
8000 |
1600 |
175. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance if a proposal (details supplied) will be costed. [32461/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy has asked a number of very similar questions in the past month he may wish to contact my officials directly on these issues if the answers provided thus far have not addressed his queries sufficiently.
Alternatively, or in addition, the Deputy may also wish to avail of the services of the Parliamentary Budget Office as a source of financial and budgetary intelligence and advice.
In terms of the Deputy’s current proposal, compared to the proposal addressed in Question No. 163 of 11 July 2018, the difference is an additional €320 million in capital expenditure over the years 2019 - 2023.
For the years 2019 - 2021 there is an additional €10 million per year relative to the Deputy's last proposal. This increased expenditure would represent a further cost of c. €2.5 million, c. €5 million and c. €7.5 million of fiscal space in 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively, in addition to that set out in my last response (Question No. 163).
The ratios of Exchequer capital expenditure to GDP and GNI* are unchanged to that set out previously.
The details are set out in the following table.
|
- |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
a. National Development plan, € millions |
7,300 |
7,900 |
8,600 |
8,900 |
9,400 |
|
b. Alternative Plan, € millions |
8,510 |
9,110 |
9,710 |
10,390 |
11,100 |
|
c. (=b-a) Additional expenditure, € millions |
1,210 |
1,210 |
1,110 |
1,490 |
1,700 |
|
d. Impact of c on fiscal space after smoothing, € millions |
302.5 |
605.0 |
882.5 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
e. Alternative Plan, per cent of GNI* |
3.8 |
3.9 |
4.0 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
f. Alternative Plan, per cent of GDP |
2.6 |
2.6 |
2.7 |
n/a |
n/a |
176. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) was refused the artists' exemption under section 195 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. [32495/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by Revenue that section 195 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) empowers Revenue to make a determination that certain artistic works are original and creative works generally recognised as having cultural or artistic merit.
The scheme provides that Revenue can make determinations in respect of artistic works in the following categories only:
1. a book or other writing
2. a play
3. a musical composition
4. a painting or other like picture
5. a sculpture
The relevant legislation provides that An Comhairle Ealaíon and the Minister for Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht shall, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, draw up guidelines for determining whether a work is original and creative and is generally recognised as having cultural or artistic merit. Revenue cannot make a determination in respect of a work unless the work complies with the guidelines and the other requirements set out in section 195.
I am further advised by Revenue that where they are unable to make a determination, that they inform the applicant in writing. The letter invites the applicant, if they are not in agreement with Revenue’s determination, to submit further information for consideration by Revenue in support of their application. The letter also informs the applicant of their right to appeal Revenue’s determination to the Tax Appeals Commission and sets out the timeframe within which the appeal must be made.
For reason of confidentiality Revenue cannot comment on the specifics of any individual case.
