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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 23 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 71-90

Banking Sector Data

Ceisteanna (71)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

71. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the assessment of expected losses incurred by banks across microbusinesses, small businesses and medium businesses, respectively, once the period of forbearance is lifted at the end of September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12324/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware there is an unprecedented level of uncertainty around the outlook for the Irish economy currently. The macro-financial outlook is inextricably linked to the pandemic, and the ultimate outcome will be determined to a significant degree by the effectiveness of the public health measures and the extent to which medical advances can diminish or eliminate the virus.

Currently the level of losses that will be experienced on loans to local companies is not possible to estimate as the public health crisis continues to evolve. Companies have needed, and will continue to require access to liquidity and, in some cases, solvency support to reduce the risk that the productive capacity of the economy is permanently damaged.

In this regard I have introduced a series of measures and supports to help businesses including the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and the proposed ‘warehousing’ of certain COVID-19 related tax debts to support businesses immediate cash flow challenges.

Furthermore, together with my colleagues the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms Heather Humphreys and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Mr Michael Creed, Government announced a package of measures aimed at supporting businesses and farmers of varying sizes and with varying needs including the provision of grants and loans, in relation to, working capital, longer-term finance and business advisory supports. A comprehensive list of these measures can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/63d47e-government-supports-for-covid-19-impacted-businesses/

Banks’ loan losses will be mitigated to some extent by the Government supports that have been provided to firms. I also welcome the role that the domestic banking system has played in supporting liquidity needs of households and businesses so far in this crisis, including through payment breaks.

COVID-19 will put pressure on banks’ financial position, but improved resilience, supported by recent policy actions, results in a banking system that is now better able to absorb, rather than amplify, such a shock. The Central Bank of Ireland and the European Single Supervisory Mechanism have built up, and now released, capital requirements on banks in response to the COVID-19 shock, which will allow banks to absorb potential loan losses, as well as reducing the risk of a drop in credit supply. The Irish domestic banks do not possess limitless capacity to support the economy and the absorb losses that will inevitably stem from the COVID-19 crisis. The degree to which is dependent on the severity and duration of the economic shock, which is itself is dependent health situation and societal restrictions.

I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my Department, the Central Bank, other Government Departments and their agencies to maintain financial stability and a robust economy.

Tax Collection

Ceisteanna (72)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

72. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide statistical information (details supplied) in respect of tax receipts collected in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12328/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by Revenue that the available statistical information in respect of tax receipts by companies is included in Revenue’s research paper on Corporation Tax published at link https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/research/ct-analysis-2019.pdf. This analysis relates to 2017 which is the most recent year currently available. Similar analysis for 2018 will be published shortly. Section 4 of the paper contains detailed information on Corporation Tax and employment taxes paid by companies (multinational and non-multinational). Figure 8 shows the level of Corporation Tax paid, broken down by the number of employees of the companies.

Revenue has also confirmed to me that it is not possible to separately identify Income Tax receipts arising from Case 1 alone. However, the total Schedule D Income Tax Receipts for 2019 was €1,881m. A breakdown of these receipts based on employee numbers is not available.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (73)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

73. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the proportion of wages that has already been covered and is forecast to be covered by the temporary wage subsidy scheme in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12330/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Revenue publishes detailed weekly statistics on the COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS). These statistics are available at link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/number-of-taxpayers-and-returns/covid-19-wage-subsidy-scheme-statistics.aspx .

I am advised by Revenue that Table 7 of the most recent statistics (dated 18 June 2020) shows the wage (gross pay) levels of all employees, and of employees being supported by the TWSS, for each month of this year to end May.

All Employees

Month

Number of Employees

Gross Pay

Average Gross Pay

Income Tax Paid

USC Paid

Employee PRSI

Employer PRSI

Number of Employers

January

1.90m

€6,187m

€3,249

€1,077m

€211m

€220m

€595m

153,700

February

1.88m

€5,889m

€3,136

€1,073m

€209m

€212m

€563m

150,400

March

1.87m

€6,463m

€3,460

€1,272m

€252m

€233m

€608m

148,700

April

1.61m

€4,745m

€2,942

€842m

€169m

€166m

€423m

120,400

May

1.57m

€4,387m

€2,787

€755m

€150m

€151m

€389m

124,300

TWSS Employees

Month

Number of Employees

Gross Pay

Average Gross Pay

Income Tax Paid

USC Paid

Employee PRSI

Employer PRSI

Number of Employers

January

0.52m

€1,483m

€2,847

€189m

€38m

€53m

€143m

63,700

February

0.52m

€1,349m

€2,571

€174m

€35m

€49m

€130m

62,200

March

0.52m

€1,310m

€2,504

€163m

€32m

€46m

€125m

61,400

April

0.50m

€565m

€1,134

-€16m

€4m

€10m

€29m

56,100

May

0.50m

€464m

€930

-€23m

€1m

€6m

€19m

58,700

The published statistics also provide the levels of TWSS subsidy paid out to support employees, and the share of employers making additional wage payments to those (employees) availing of the TWSS.

My Department does not have a forecast available at present for the proportion of wages likely to be covered over the remainder of the year.

Mortgage Lending

Ceisteanna (74)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

74. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his plans to engage with the major banks regarding the assessment of mortgage applicants in receipt of the temporary wage subsidy scheme in view of the fact that many banks are now denying mortgage approval to applicants in receipt of the scheme regardless of whether their income level has changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12387/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Central Bank has advised that it expects all regulated firms to take a consumer-focused approach and to act in their customers’ best interests at all times, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and my Department maintains close contact with the Central Bank and Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) as the lending industry works to address the difficulties the COVID-19 situation is causing for both borrowers and lenders.

Lenders continue to process mortgage applications and have supports in place to assist customers impacted by COVID-19. The BPFI has published a Covid-19 Support FAQ which customers can consult, or customers can contact their lender directly, if they have any queries or concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on their mortgage application.

Within the parameters of the regulatory framework, as set out below, the decision to grant or refuse an individual application for mortgage credit, or temporarily suspend a mortgage approval in principle, is a commercial decision to be made by the regulated entity and it is not possible for me to instruct lenders in that regard.

The European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements) Regulations 2016 (CMCAR) provide that before concluding a mortgage credit agreement, a lender must make a thorough assessment of the consumer’s creditworthiness. The assessment must take appropriate account of factors relevant to verifying the prospect of the consumer being able to meet his or her obligations under the credit agreement and must be carried out on the basis of information on the consumer’s income and expenses and other financial and economic circumstances which is necessary, sufficient and proportionate. The CMCAR further provides that a lender should only make credit available to a consumer where the result of the creditworthiness assessment indicates that the consumer’s obligations resulting from the credit agreement are likely to be met in the manner required under that agreement. In addition, the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 imposes ‘Knowing the Consumer and Suitability’ requirements on lenders. Under these requirements, lenders are required to assess affordability of credit and the suitability of a product or service based on the individual circumstances of each borrower.

Ireland Strategic Investment Fund

Ceisteanna (75)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

75. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the terms of the funding by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund to a company (details supplied); if the decision to invest over €70 million was taken after consultation with experts in genomic research and data protection not affiliated with the company; if further investment in the company is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12396/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Investments made by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) are made on a commercial basis, in line with ISIF’s statutory mandate to support economic activity in Ireland and deliver a commercial return. As the Deputy may know, under the statutory governance structure of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) as it relates to the ISIF, investment decisions are approved by the NTMA’s Investment Committee. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate, as Minister for Finance, for me to comment on the details of the commercial relationship between ISIF, the NTMA and any of its investee companies. However, I am informed that, as with all investments from the ISIF, the NTMA undertook customary due diligence as part of this transaction. I am also informed that the company itself made information on the transaction publicly available at the time.

Insurance Industry

Ceisteanna (76)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

76. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 20 May 2020, the insurers that have not yet indicated to the Central Bank that they will not pay discretionary dividends or implement share buyback schemes for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12414/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware from my previous reply that on 2 April, EIOPA published a statement on dividend distribution and variable remuneration policies in the context of COVID-19. This statement sets out that (re)insurers should suspend all discretionary dividend distributions and share buy backs aimed at remunerating shareholders. In addition, any variable remuneration due to be paid by (re)insurers should also be considered for postponement at this time. The Central Bank of Ireland has confirmed that it remains fully aligned with this statement, and has communicated this to insurance firms bilaterally and through relevant industry bodies. I understand that a number of firms have already announced that they are deferring dividends in this context. I welcome this and believe others should also follow suit.

Specifically, in relation to the Deputy's question, as per my reply of 20 May, I indicated that the Central Bank of Ireland considers the information sought forms part of its day-to-day supervisory work of insurers and reinsurers. Therefore it has indicated to my officials that it is not in a position to assist your request as it does not divulge firm specific information with respect to its supervisory activities.

Home Building Finance Ireland

Ceisteanna (77)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

77. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff employed by Home Building Finance Ireland; the staffing costs per annum; the number of staff vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12415/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The NTMA assigns staff to HBFI. As at 31st May 2020, there were 21 employees assigned by the NTMA to HBFI and there were 2 vacancies.

I am advised by HBFI that the total annual remuneration as at 31st December 2019 was €2.034m, this figure includes salary and other taxable benefits but excludes employers PRSI.

Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 67.

Retail Sector

Ceisteanna (79)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

79. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if cash is no longer legal tender; if those that do not have card facilities can be refused service; his views on whether this is discriminating against those who do not have access to card facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12500/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will aware that card payments, and in particular contactless payments, are being promoted in order to support public health policy at this time.

As retail outlets begin to reopen, I am aware that some retailers are choosing to only accept card and contactless payments in store. I understand that this may cause difficultly for consumers who do not have access to debit or credit card facilities.

The Payments Accounts Directive (PAD) was transposed into Irish law in September 2016. From this date, all banks offering payment accounts were required to offer an account with basic features free of charge for at least one year to consumers who do not already have a bank account. These basic features include a debit card, direct debits and the ability to pay for goods and services online.

This means that unbanked customers are able to open a basic bank account whatever their personal financial situation and I would encourage anyone who doesn't have access to a credit union account or An Post account to contact a bank about opening a basic bank account.

Euro notes and coins have legal tender status in Ireland. Where retailers are accepting a limited range of payment options, consumers must be informed of the payment options available in advance of a transaction. This can be achieved, for example, by displaying signs at the till and at the store entrance. If a retailer does not specify clearly in advance of a transaction the means of payment they are prepared to accept, they must accept cash.

I am advised by the Central Bank that banknotes do not represent a particularly significant risk of infection compared with other surfaces that people come into contact with in daily life. Therefore, I would encourage retailers to provide a range of payment options for consumers.

Revenue Commissioners

Ceisteanna (80)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

80. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if guidance has been issued to the Revenue Commissioners custom service on the importation of large quantities of nitrous oxide containers; if so, if this guidance is based on the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010; and if not or not entirely, if he will provide information on the Act or Acts the guidance is based upon. [12588/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by Revenue that it is aware of the emerging trend of the misuse of nitrous oxide and it is closely monitoring importations of nitrous oxide containers.

Revenue has a range of powers under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 to detain and seize psychoactive substances. Nitrous oxide containers are not prohibited goods as they have a number of legitimate uses for example in the food industry. However, where Revenue has reasonable grounds for believing that the goods being imported will not be used for legitimate purposes and that the psychoactive substance is being acquired for human consumption then Revenue has the power to detain such goods.

Apart from the powers available to Revenue under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010, I am advised that Revenue works closely with other agencies in the State including An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and Equality and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, in acting against the illegal drugs trade. I am assured by Revenue that combating the importation of any prohibited or restricted goods into this jurisdiction is, and will continue to be, a priority. Its actions in this area are kept under constant review to ensure they address any new and emerging trends.

Financial Services Regulation

Ceisteanna (81)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

81. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering plans to address the high interest rates some legal moneylenders charge; and if there are plans to introduce a cap on excessively high interest rates. [12589/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The issue of moneylender interest rates is currently being examined by the Department of Finance. The Department undertook a public consultation in 2019 seeking views on capping the cost of licensed moneylenders and other regulatory matters in relation to moneylending. The submissions received have proposed a number of policy changes in relation to the moneylending industry and are broadly in favour of introducing an interest rate restriction. Analysis of these submissions is being used in framing of policy proposals that will be completed by my Department shortly. Any legislative proposals in this regard would have to be carefully considered to achieve an overall reduction in the cost of credit and ensure that it did not have unintended consequences in terms of financial exclusion.

The Central Bank recently published (8 June 2020) new Regulations to strengthen protections for consumers of licensed moneylending services and to enhance professional standards in the sector. The regulations include a requirement on Moneylenders to include prominent, high cost warnings in all advertisements for moneylending loans with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) over 23 per cent. The warning must also prompt consumers to consider alternatives. The regulations will come into effect on 1 January 2021. However, recognising the financial effects of COVID-19 on consumers, the ‘high-cost warning’ requirement in respect of advertisements for moneylending loans with an APR in excess of 23% will come into effect on 1 September 2020.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is available to anyone experiencing problems with budgeting and debt. Furthermore, I would encourage anyone who is in receipt of a social welfare payment to explore the option of a Personal Micro Credit Scheme Loan. These loans are branded as the ‘It Makes Sense Loan’ and are offered through the credit union network. 108 credit unions and 173 sub-offices (281 locations in total) are now in a position to offer the ‘It Makes Sense Loan’.

Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 32.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (83)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

83. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance if he will assist in securing an extension for a moratorium on business debt for businesses that are unlikely to see a recovery until 2021 at the earliest. [12669/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Finance I have no function in the commercial decisions made by banks. I would urge anyone who may be worried about the impact of COVID-19 on their ability to repay their loans to make contact with their bank and discuss their options. Each of the banks have a wide range of supports available for customers impacted by COVID-19.

I welcome the ongoing work of the banks in helping business customers impacted by COVID-19, which included the initial three month payment-breaks that allowed their customers to defer some of their most significant outgoings. In April the members of the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) announced their intention to extend these payment breaks to six months for customers that require it.

The European Central Bank and the European Banking Authority have made a number of announcements recently, which set out regulatory flexibility to ensure that the banking sector can support their customers who experience repayment difficulty due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In particular, the EBA has clarified that payment moratoria, such as the one adopted by the banking sector in Ireland, should not automatically result in the reclassification of borrowers who avail of the payment break. It is important to note that these payment breaks must be applied for by 30 September 2020, as this is the new extended deadline announced 18 June by the European Banking Authority.

The Central Bank is focused on ensuring that extensions to COVID-19 related payment breaks operate in borrowers’ best interests and in line with regulatory requirements. The Central Bank has clearly communicated and agreed with the BPFI that it expects that at the end of the agreed payment break that borrowers who can return to full repayments be given, at the minimum, the option to either repay the loan within the remaining term or extend the term of the loan, without penalties noting that borrower circumstances and the appropriateness of each option may differ. These options may result in an increase in monthly repayments due to the overall increase in the cost of credit and this should be fully explained to the borrower. Borrowers can find more information on payment breaks at the Central Bank’s COVID–19 Hub.

Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 45.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (85)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

85. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a provision to ensure that both the pandemic unemployment payment and the temporary wage subsidy scheme will be tax free in order to avoid an undue burden on those who lost their jobs or had their incomes dramatically reduced as a result of the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12682/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Payments made under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) are income supports and share the characteristics of income. Therefore, they fall to be taxed as such in the normal course of events. Also, other income earners in receipt of comparable “normal wages” are taxable on those wages so there is, in addition, a strong case on the grounds of equity for payments made under the TWSS and PUP to be subject to income tax. However, tax will not be collected in real-time while the measures are in operation.

While not liable to tax in real time under the PAYE system, the liability to tax on payments under the measures will instead normally be determined by way of review at the end of the tax year. I am advised by Revenue that when an end of the year review takes place, it may be the case that an employee’s unused tax credits will cover any further liability that may arise as a result of taxation of the measures. Where this is not the case, and should a tax liability arise, it is normal Revenue practice to collect any tax owing in manageable amounts by reducing an individual’s tax credits for a future year or future years in order to minimise any hardship. Additionally, if an individual has any additional tax credits to claim, for example, health expenses, this will also reduce any tax that may be owing. I have been assured by Revenue that they will be adopting a fair and flexible approach to collecting income tax due on such payments.

In the case of the PUP, the taxation position follows the general taxation rule for social welfare payments and, thus, while liable to income tax, the payments will be exempt from USC and PRSI. This will be the case whether the recipient of the PUP is either a former PAYE worker or a person who was previously self-employed.

As noted above, income tax, USC and PRSI are not deducted from the TWSS. However, the employee will be liable to income tax and USC on the subsidy by way of review at the end of the year.

Tax Data

Ceisteanna (86)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

86. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the cumulative cost for each of the years 2022 to 2025 of indexing PAYE credits, personal tax credits, exemption limits, USC rate bands and income tax standard rate bands by 2% and 3%, respectively, disaggregated by year and category. [12686/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The pre-Budget 2021 Reckoner Ready is available on the Revenue website at the link

https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/ready-reckoner/index.aspx .

It shows, on page 10, the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of 1% indexation of a number of credits and bands.

As shown in this document, the total full year cost of a 1% increase in the PAYE credit, earned income credit, exemption limits, personal tax credits, income tax rate bands as well as USC rate bands and exemption limits is estimated to be €156 million in a full year.

This cost is based on 2020 estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using latest actual data for the year 2017, adjusted as necessary for income, self-employment and employment trends in the interim.

The cost of indexation at rates other than 1% may be extrapolated from these figures on a single year straight-line basis.

Further, costings shown in the Pre-Budget 2021 Ready Reckoner are based on revised tax forecasts (April 2020). They are tentative costings and likely to be revised as further information becomes available.

Finally, the Revenue model does not provide cost estimates for periods longer than a single year.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (87)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

87. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he wrote to the Department of Health and the HSE in August 2019 instructing that there should be no further spending on new medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12451/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE’s National Service Plan 2019 made provision to fund €10m of new drugs / new indications supported by the invest to save programme. This €10m had been fully committed by the end of June 2019. On July 2nd 2019 the Department of Health informed my department of a potential overrun of some €0.4bn for 2019 and, as a result, I wrote to the Minister of Health on July 5th in this context in order to ascertain what measures could be taken to curb this expenditure challenge and at the very least ensure it was not exacerbated.

It is important to note the funding implications of new drug reimbursement decisions are only marginally addressed in year 1 with the Exchequer financial commitment only being fully realised over a longer period. The Minister of Health has stated that the new drugs introduced in 2019 “represent an additional investment by the HSE over five years of approximately €220m in providing access to new and innovative treatment for Irish patients.”

This is evidenced in the Exchequer’s commitment to total pharmaceutical expenditure which is estimated to be above €2.3bn in 2020. This represents an estimated €0.2bn (8%) increase over 2019 (or a €0.6bn/31% increase over 2014).

Departmental Policy Functions

Ceisteanna (88)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

88. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has a diversity and inclusion policy in place; the measures taken to promote diversity and inclusion from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11830/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Diversity and Inclusion is a key pillar in my Department’s People@PER Strategy 2017-2020, providing an opportunity to integrate a framework for Diversity and Inclusion into our workplace. It has allowed us to embed recognition of diversity throughout the Department and to embrace the intrinsic and extrinsic attributes that individual staff bring to bear.

My Department has proactively embraced diversity and inclusion by promoting a culture whereby staff can work flexibly, encouraging cross -functional, cross- generational and cross- grade working, supported by a comprehensive learning and development framework for all staff. Furthermore, in 2019, all of the leadership cadre within my Department received Inclusive Leadership training.

Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (89)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

89. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he plans to bring an end to the temporary suspension of flexitime arrangements in the Civil Service and wider public service that was introduced in early April 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11917/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The timeframe for lifting the suspension will be considered in the wider context of the overall Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the current working arrangements which are in place for the civil and public service. All guidance issued by my Department in relation to COVID-19 is reviewed on a weekly basis.

The normal operation of flexi-time or equivalent attendance management rules, including any flexi-time accruals and deficits, has been temporarily suspended during the period of COVID-19 to facilitate the required new ways of working across the public service. This does not preclude organisations from using clocking in and out arrangements that apply. Any balances accrued by employees before the suspension of flexible working hours arrangements can remain and be held over until the COVID-19 working arrangements are no longer in place.

Public Appointments Service

Ceisteanna (90)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

90. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider the difficulties facing some of those seeking employment via the Public Appointments Service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11962/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is an independent, statutory body which provides professional recruitment and selection services to the civil and public service.

PAS advertised an open and interdepartmental nationwide (excluding Dublin) Executive Officer competition for the Civil Service in January 2019 and from that established panels for county locations. Vacancies were filled as and when required by employing Departments. The number of assignments from any particular panel depends on the demand from Departments/Offices and that demand is subject to their pay and numbers allocation.

All competitions are time bound and this is usually between 18 months and 2 years. This affords an opportunity for those on the panel to be recruited and also gives those not on the panel an opportunity to compete. While every effort is made to make sure that panels are not large, placement on panels is no guarantee of appointment to a position.

PAS will continue to fill vacancies from the 2019 panel until such time that a new panel is formed for each regional location.

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