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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 21 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 190-209

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (190)

James Browne

Ceist:

190. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Finance the position on the ability of a person (details supplied) to avail of the temporary wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16521/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is available to employees, whether full-time or part-time, who were on their employer payroll at 29 February 2020. This requirement is set down in Section 28 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020.

I am advised by Revenue that the person in question has been employed by two separate employers during 2020 (to date). She worked for her current employer from 14 April 2019 to 19 January 2020, from 17 March 2020 to 22 March 2020, and from 8 July 2020 onwards. She was employed by her previous employer from 16 January 2020 to 7 March 2020. As the person was not on her current employer’s payroll at 29 February 2020, it is not possible to provide access to the TWSS on her behalf.

Ministerial Advisers

Ceisteanna (191)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

191. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of advisers and special advisers appointed by him since becoming Minister; the starting annual salary of each person appointed by him; if an open interview process was conducted for each appointee; the duration and terms of each contract issued to each adviser and special adviser; and if an advisory role has been split to facilitate job sharing in tabular form. [16563/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil are currently awaiting Government approval.

It should be noted that the appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government. However, the Deputy may wish to note that I have assigned 2 persons to work with me as Special Advisers and they will be formally appointed by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.

Economic Data

Ceisteanna (192)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

192. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the estimate for the level of private sector investment in 2021 compared with projections made in the pre-Covid-19 period; and the scope for filling the shortfall by accelerated public activity in direct investment or by the development of sectoral strategies. [16577/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

At present, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) publish investment by asset class (including, machinery and equipment, building and construction, etc.) and not by economic sectors. In line with this, my Department also produces investment projections by asset class rather than by sector. Nonetheless, the nominal value for total gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) or total investment in 2019 suggest was €162 billion.

However, ‘headline’ investment figures are heavily influenced by the activities of a small number of large multinational firms which have limited impact on actual activity in the Irish economy. These activities include the on-shoring of intellectual property assets to Ireland and investment in aircraft by the leasing sector. Modified investment – which removes these distortions – is estimated to have been €44 billion in 2019. Public investment in 2019 is estimated to have been just over €8 billion. The difference of €36 billion represents a reasonable approximation of private sector investment excluding globalisation related distortions.

As set out in the Stability Programme update 2020, which incorporates the impacts of Covid-19, modified investment is expected to be severely impacted by the pandemic. It is projected to fall sharply this year and is not projected to return to its 2019 level until at least 2022. In direct response to Covid-19, there has been a significant increase in public capital investment primarily in health and business supports, bringing total projected public investment this year to just under €9 billion. Capital investment will also form part of the July Stimulus.

As well as committing to bringing forward the review of the National Development Plan from 2022, the Programme for Government makes a range of commitments directly related to public investment, notably in the areas of climate action and biodiversity; town-centric planning and compact growth; reorientation of transport investment in support of sustainable modal shift; retrofitting; and advancement of Project Ireland 2040 goals in relation to balanced regional development. The review will include an overview of the macro-economic context and justification for the planned level of expenditure taking into account demand and supply-side constraints, trends and developments in the construction sector before and during the Covid-19 period, as well as international comparisons.

Tax Data

Ceisteanna (193)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

193. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has calculated the potential extra yields if the levy charged on NOx milligram per kilometre under the vehicle registration tax environmental health, or NOx, surcharge was doubled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16580/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by Revenue that based on 2019 sales levels and the average Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) rate charged per vehicle in the first six months of 2020, the proposed increase could raise an additional €55m in a full trading year. The bulk of this additional amount (€34m) would arise from imports of second-hand diesel vehicles. This estimate assumes no consumer behavioural change as a result of doubling the NOx charge or on the numbers or profile of used imported vehicles.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the sale of motor vehicles has greatly reduced activity within this sector. For example, compared to the same period in 2019, sales of new passenger vehicles are down by 33% while used passenger vehicles are down by 57%. The yield from the NOx component of VRT for the first 6 months of 2020 is in the region of €14m.

Questions Nos. 194 and 195 answered with Question No. 185.

Insurance Costs

Ceisteanna (196)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

196. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance his plans to address the issue of rising insurance premiums, especially in the context of the risk they pose to the viability of many SMEs. [16761/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

At the outset, it is important to note that I am very much aware of the problems faced by many businesses and consumers in relation to the cost and availability of insurance. The Government will continue to prioritise reform of the insurance sector with particular emphasis on motor, public liability, and employer liability insurance. This is recognised in the Programme for Government’s cross-Departmental insurance reform agenda, which lays out commitments that are aimed at addressing consumer and business concerns on the cost of insurance; increasing transparency; examining legal reforms in the duty of care area; enhancing the role of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, and increasing competition. This cross-departmental approach to addressing the challenges many have faced with insurance builds and expands upon previous work carried out by the Cost of Insurance Working group.

In terms of addressing premiums in some sectors, a necessary step is to bring the levels of personal injury damages awarded in this country more in line with those awarded in other jurisdictions. The establishment of the Judicial Council in December is very important in this regard, and it is expected that the Personal Injuries Guidelines Committee will submit draft Guidelines to the Judicial Council by 28 October. The guidelines could play a role in the lowering of award levels and also could lead to a more consistent application of such awards by the courts.

However, it is also important to recognise that there is no single policy or legislative to remedy the cost and availability of insurance issue. There are also many constraints faced by the Government in trying to address it, in particular the fact that it cannot direct the courts as to the award levels that should be applied, or direct insurance companies as to their pricing levels.

In conclusion, I wish to emphasise that insurance reform remains a priority for the Government. This is an issue I, as Minister for Finance, along with my Departmental colleague, Minister of State Fleming, will focus on. In doing so we will be cooperating with our Ministerial colleagues that will be participating in the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment in terms of prioritising the commitments on insurance reform.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (197)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

197. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the data his Department is tracking in respect of landlord and bank dealings with enterprises impacted by Covid-19; and the policy initiatives under consideration to ensure that the appraisal of such bodies does not hamper the successful reopening of enterprises which can be made viable in the medium term. [16798/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

While I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in respect of tracking landlord dealings with enterprises, the Banking Division of my Department does monitor bank lending with a particular focus on SME access to credit and related issues. The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), a body under the aegis of my Department, is closely involved in the design and implementation of loan and guarantee schemes to support firms through this economic shock whereas the Credit Review is there to assist those companies that have had their application bank credit turned down.

In the current situation, payment breaks are a key focus and the primary data sources monitored by my Department in relation to the level of payment breaks availed of by those businesses impacted by Covid-19 are Central Bank and Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland publications and statistical reports. The most recent of these, and of particular note, is the Central Bank of Ireland’s ‘Behind the Data’ note on Covid-19 Payment Breaks – who has needed them? This publication may be found at https://www.centralbank.ie/statistics/statistical-publications/behind-the-data/covid-19-payment-breaks-who-has-needed-them?utm_medium=website&utm_source=CBI-homepage&utm_campaign=behind-the-data&utm_content=44021.

The note outlines the distribution of payment breaks across different categories of borrowers, specifically households, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporates. High-level data are provided, aggregating across financial services firms; supplemented with additional detail for Irish retail banks’ business borrowers (i.e., SME and corporate borrowers). There is additional context to the data published in the Central Bank’s recent Financial Stability Review.

As at late June, there were nearly 30,500 payment breaks approved for Irish business borrowers. Some 27,200 are SMEs with breaks in respect of loans worth €6 billion, which represents about 28% of the Irish SME loan book. The other 3,200 payment business payments break are for corporate customers. They are in respect of €2.1 billion of loans representing 17% of the corporate loan book. Irish retail banks account for the overwhelming number and value of these payment breaks.

In terms of aiding businesses to survive and successfully reopen, I have introduced a series of measures and supports including the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and the proposed ‘warehousing’ of certain COVID-19 related tax debts which are two significant measures introduced to support businesses immediate cash flow challenges.

In addition, Government announced a package of measures aimed at supporting businesses and farmers 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/. Government is also providing a range of loan guarantee schemes to enhance access to credit, particularly for SMEs. Indeed, my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is bringing the Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Bill 2020 before the Oireachtas this week to provide for the €2 billion Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. It provides for 80% guarantees on loans between €10,000 and €1m with a maximum term of 6 years.

As the Deputy will be aware, Government has announced an Economic Stimulus package today that includes a further mix of supports having consulted with the business community.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (198)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

198. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Finance the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) and its subsidiaries by his Department and each body and local authority under his remit from 1 January 2016 to 14 July 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16847/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Finance did not hold any contracts with Aramark or its subsidiaries during the period 1 January 2016 to 14 July 2020.

There are 17 bodies under the aegis of my Department. Of these bodies, 11 have not awarded any contracts to Aramark Ireland or its subsidiaries for the period in question. These bodies are the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Credit Review Office, the Credit Union Advisory Committee, the Credit Union Restructuring Board, the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, the Investor Compensation Company DAC, the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Tax Appeals Commission.

Details of contracts awarded by the remaining 6 bodies to Aramark Ireland and its subsidiaries from 1 January 2016 to 14 July 2020 are provided below:

Body

Company/Subsidiary

Year (2016 to date)

Value of Contracts (incl. VAT)

Central Bank of Ireland

Vector Workplace and Facility Management Ltd

2016

€3,679,207.67

2017 to Present

€17,403,521.57

National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA)

Campbell Catering Ltd.

2016

€20,781.00

2017

€20,781.00

2017

€4,136.55

National Treasury Management Agency *(including National Asset Management Agency, Home Building Finance Ireland and Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland)

Vector Workplace and Facility Management Ltd (Aramark)

2019

€5,448.00

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

Campbell Catering Ltd..

2016

€3,912.85

2017

€4,595.05

2018

€4,605.45

2019

€7,165.10

* The NTMA has service level agreements in place with the National Asset Management Agency, Home Building Finance Ireland and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (199)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

199. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of employees on the temporary wage subsidy scheme receiving a top-up amount between €1 to €100 at intervals of €10, in tabular form; if he plans to introduce compulsory top-up payments similar to comparative EU wage subsidy schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16868/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Revenue publishes detailed statistics on the COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and weekly updates to these statistics are available at 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 that Table 6 of the TWSS statistics dated 2 July (at the above link) shows the most recent analysis available in respect of additional payments by employers availing of the TWSS to employees. From this analysis, over 88% of employees have received wage payments from employers in addition to the TWSS subsidy, with 45% of weekly paid employees receiving between €1 and €100 and a further 32% receiving between €101 and €200. Further details of those receiving additional payments are set out below.

Additional Pay Amount

Share of Employees

€1-€100

44.6%

€101-€200

31.8%

€201-€300

11.2%

€300+

12.6%

All Additional Pay Amount

100%

The question of an individual’s entitlements in an employment context, and the question of what wages an employer may or may not be in a position to pay such an employee in the light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the employer’s business, are matters that are outside the remit of the TWSS. The scheme has no role in relation to the employer/employee relationship in so far as the terms, conditions and entitlements of the employment are concerned.

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is provided for in section 28 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020. Of necessity, the underlying legislation and the scheme itself were developed quickly, having regard to the objective of getting financial assistance to employers and employees, where businesses have been seriously affected by the pandemic and the necessary restrictions that were introduced as a result of the Public Health emergency.

The TWSS is predicated on the employer wanting to keep the employees on the payroll and to retain them until business picks up. The amount of the subsidy for each employee is calculated based on the average net weekly pay reported for January and February 2020. There is no distinction made regarding the subsidy amount based on whether the business has closed due to the restrictions brought in by the Government or has continued to trade with employees continuing to part-time or work full time with similar hours as before the Covid-19 pandemic.

As I advised during the Dáil Committee Stage of the bill, "it could be very possible that there will be even more companies in the future that will have a very low level of income coming in because demand for their goods or service has evaporated which means they are not in a position to add to the subsidy..." and that requiring employers to add to the 70% floor on wages "...could undermine the ability of the scheme to operate."

However, the employer is expected to make best efforts to maintain the employee’s net income reflected in the average net weekly payment for January and February 2020, for the duration of the TWSS. At the same time, there is no minimum amount that the employer must pay as an additional payment in order to be eligible for the scheme, but for Revenue operational systems reasons the employer will need to enter at least €0.01 in Gross Pay when running its payroll. There are no plans to change these arrangements.

Finally, I would add that details of subsidy payments made by pay date are available to view in each employee’s myAccount record on Revenue’s online system. This facility allows employees to see whether their employer is participating in the scheme and being refunded a wage subsidy on their behalf. Where the amount of subsidy paid is available from the relevant employer payroll submissions made to Revenue, that amount is also displayed.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (200)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

200. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the status of the compliance programme introduced last month to ensure correct operation of the temporary wage subsidy scheme; the number of firms audited to date as a percentage of those currently availing of the scheme; the number of breaches found to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16869/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) supports employment during the public health restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme has to date supported almost 63,000 employers in maintaining the employment of some 618,000 employees at a cost over €2 billion.

The Deputy’s question refers to the ongoing programme of compliance checks by Revenue to ensure that only employers who meet the qualifying conditions, as set out in Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020, are availing of the scheme and that the income supports are being properly paid to employees. Revenue has confirmed that the compliance checks, which are not part of its programme of audits and other tax compliance interventions are being carried out on a phased basis over the next few months. To date, compliance letters have issued to approximately 12% of employers availing of the scheme and many of these have already provided a prompt and satisfactory response to Revenue’s information requests. A small number of cases have been escalated to a more detailed examination and these enquiries are ongoing.

Revenue has advised me that it is too early in the programme of checks to draw conclusions, but to date the enquiries have not indicated any widespread abuse of the scheme.

Banking Sector

Ceisteanna (201)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

201. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the status of his latest meeting with individual banks; the details of his discussions with the banks on the charging of interest to customers on Covid-19 mortgage payment breaks; if he directed the banks to cease charging interest on mortgage payment breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16870/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The swift introduction, and subsequent extension to 6 months, of the payment breaks by the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland was critical for borrowers impacted by Covid-19. The payment breaks on mortgages allow households to absorb the shock of the crisis, so that as many as possible can recover once the virus is under control.

As at the end of June, the Central Bank reported that of the almost 160,000 payment breaks approved for Irish borrowers, just over 70,000 were for mortgage holders in respect of loans worth c.€9.6 billion. Mortgages on primary dwelling houses accounted for nearly 62,500 of these.

However, these measures do not come without cost to the banking sector and these costs will also have to be managed in a way that protects their business and will be as fair as possible to the various stakeholders. As the Tánaiste, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I made clear to the CEOs of the main retail banks in meetings last week, it will not be acceptable for banks to make excess profits from borrowers on payment breaks and it will be a matter for banks to demonstrate that this situation will not arise.

The banks assured us that work is ongoing at the highest levels to ensure a smooth return to regular repayments for their customers who are currently on COVID-19 payment breaks. Customers who have difficulties returning to regular repayment at the end of the payment break will be supported with a range of options so that a manageable repayment can be agreed.

The Government and the Central Bank of Ireland have stated that it is essential that lenders fully explain the implications, including any associated cost or other significant impacts, of the particular payment break measures being put in place. For instance, lenders should outline if the repayment term of the mortgage will be extended due to the payment break, if monthly payments will increase following the resumption of the mortgage repayments, if interest will continue to accrue during the payment break and the implications this will have for the total cost of the credit, and any other significant matter for the customer when availing of a Covid-19 payment break, or indeed for any other reason.

The Central Bank has required that regulated firms have plans and the operational capability to deliver an assessment of all borrowers on payment breaks to ensure that appropriate and sustainable solutions are identified in a timely manner for those borrowers who are not able to return to paying full capital and interest at the expiry of the payment break.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (202)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

202. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance his plans to follow other EU countries in prohibiting firms availing of the temporary wage subsidy scheme from dismissals on economic grounds; if he will seek the full repayment of the compensation per each employee in the case of dismissal on economic grounds; if he will oblige employers to reach an agreement with trade unions or other worker representatives in the case of large-scale dismissals, that is, of 20-plus employees, on economic grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16871/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s priority in so far as the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is concerned was and is to ensure that all employers experiencing significant negative economic disruption from COVID-19 can register for and start to receive payment quickly. The ambition of the scheme is to ensure the relationship between employers and employees is maintained to the greatest extent possible so that businesses can restart operations quickly once the crisis has passed.

The TWSS can only operate in respect of an employee, whether full-time or part-time, who was on the payroll of the employer as at 29 February 2020. Thus, eligible employers can participate in the scheme in respect of any eligible employees on their payroll, including rehired staff who were temporarily laid off. Eligibility for the scheme can be satisfied by an employer once they meet the relevant criteria, which can be at any point in time during the scheme’s duration.

The amount of the subsidy for each employee is calculated based on the average net weekly pay of the employee as reported to Revenue for January and February 2020. With regard to the subsidy amount, there is no distinction made between businesses who closed due to the restrictions and businesses who continued to trade, with employees continuing to work full time with similar hours as before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The TWSS has no role in relation to the employer/employee relationship insofar as terms, conditions, entitlements and rights of the employment are concerned. Consequently, the operation and management of redundancy is a matter between the employer and employee concerned and is outside the remit of the present scheme.

Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 185.

EU Investigations

Ceisteanna (204)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

204. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance his views on the judgment of the General Court of the European Union on the appeal by Ireland and a company (details supplied) against the €13 billion tax ruling by the European Commission; the legal expenses on the case to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16873/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the General Court of the European Union (GCEU) annulled the European Commission's State Aid Decision of 30 August 2016 in relation to Apple.

The GCEU concluded that the Commission in their Decision had failed to demonstrate that by issuing the opinions in 1991 and 2007 that the Irish authorities had granted the two Apple companies ASI and AOE a selective advantage. The GCEU rejected all three lines of arguments put forward by the Commission. Thus, it overturned the Commission’s 2016 Decision that Ireland had granted a State aid to Apple.

Ireland has always been clear that, based on Irish law, the correct amount of Irish tax was charged to the company and that Ireland did not provide State aid to Apple. This was the reason that Ireland appealed the Commission Decision and the judgment from the GCEU vindicates Ireland’s stance to appeal the Commission Decision.

The State and its lawyers are now examining the detail of the judgment.

As both the State and Apple have been successful in having the judgement annulled, an appeal by either the State or Apple is not possible and therefore the issue does not arise.

An appeal is open to the Commission at this stage. If the Commission appeals, the Deputy may rest assured that the State will robustly defend its position. In this case, the appeal process is likely to take a number of years to complete.

In total, costs of approximately €8.6 million (including VAT) have been incurred across all State parties involved. This includes all legal costs, consultancy fees and other associated costs. These fees have been paid by the Department of Finance, Revenue Commissioners, NTMA, Central Bank of Ireland, Attorney General's Office, and the Chief State Solicitor's Office.

The Commission decision in 2016 placed a binding obligation on Ireland to recover the alleged aid. Approximately €4 million of the total costs incurred related to the complex and unprecedented recovery process.

The remaining costs, approximately €4.6 million, were incurred in respect of Ireland’s legal application seeking the annulment of the Commission’s decision.

Tax Avoidance

Ceisteanna (205)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

205. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance his views on reported plans of the European Commission to reduce multinational tax avoidance using Article 116 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; his further views on such measures to clamp down on multinational tax avoidance in his new role as President of the Eurogroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16874/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Legislative proposals in the field of taxation are brought forward on the basis of Articles 113 and 115, which require unanimous approval by Member States to be adopted.

Article 116 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union provides that a legislative proposal may be agreed using the ordinary voting procedure if a difference between the provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States is distorting the conditions of competition in the internal market.

The Communications published last week by the European Commission represent the Commission’s ideas and ambitions in the area of taxation. One of the Communications noted the Commission's intention to explore the use of Article 116 in the context of taxation. No further detail has been given and no formal proposal has been made by the Commission.

The Programme for Government affirms that taxation is a national competence. I have always been clear in my position that unanimity is the appropriate voting system for any tax proposals at EU level.

As set out in the Programme for Government, Ireland recognises that international taxation policy needs to reflect a changing digital economy. It is my firm belief that this work is best done through the BEPS Inclusive Framework at the OECD and my officials and I are constructively engaged in that forum to seek to agree a long term, robust, sustainable international tax system.

The Eurogroup is the body through which Finance Ministers of the 19 Euro Area Member States take decisions on policy issues relating to management of the Euro Area economy. While taxation is not an area of competence of the Eurogroup, as Minister for Finance I will state that tackling tax avoidance is, and will continue to be, a priority.

Housing Data

Ceisteanna (206)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

206. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 30 June 2020, the reason for the difference in the figures provided in the response (details supplied). [16906/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by NAMA that, from 2014 to end-March 2020, NAMA has funded the direct delivery of 11,761 residential units and facilitated the indirect delivery of 5,357 units. Therefore, the figure of 17,000 units per NAMA’s 2019 Annual Report includes 5,300 units which have been indirectly delivered by NAMA.

Indirect delivery relates to units delivered on sites for which NAMA previously financed planning permission, enabling works, legal costs or other site holding costs before the sites were sold for development by private operators. This method of delivery effectively de-risks NAMA’s secured portfolio as it allows NAMA to dispose of land when it makes commercial sense while ensuring more homes can be delivered without putting additional capital at risk.

The Deputy’s PQ of 30 June 2020 sought a level of detail that NAMA could only provide for units which were directly delivered by the Agency.

Cycling Policy

Ceisteanna (207)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

207. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he will widen the eligibility of the bike-to-work scheme; if he will provide an increased proportionate allowance for e-bikes and cargo bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16956/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As I outlined in my responses to a number of questions on the cycle to work scheme on 16 June, any extension of the scheme or increase in the allowance, would create an additional cost and that cost must be recovered elsewhere.

The scheme continues to be kept under review by my officials and the Programme for Government commitment will be considered as part of the ongoing budgetary and Finance Bill process. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this time, on what changes, if any, are being considered in terms of this relief or any other tax relief.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (208)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

208. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if urgent consideration will be given to the requests of a federation (details supplied) for specific supports for a sector in view of its importance for employment in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16984/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is fully aware of the unprecedented impact that the coronavirus is having on business and people’s livelihoods. In this regard a range of measures have been introduced to provide income support to those who need it while also giving confidence to employers to retain the link with employees so that when this crisis passes our people can get back to work as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

This Government is currently finalising the July stimulus package which will set out supportive measures for a wide range of sectors including the hospitality and tourism sectors to ensure that the economy is in a position to recover rapidly while maintaining a stable tax base. Details of the July stimulus package will be announced by Government shortly.

Housing Issues

Ceisteanna (209)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

209. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if the statutory agencies of the State will assist persons who purchased apartments and have been denied access to their properties (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16994/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will appreciate, I do not have a statutory responsibility for all State agencies; instead my functional responsibility relates to the public affairs connected with my Department and also to matters of administration for which I am responsible, including in respect of Government policy, those particular bodies which fall within the functional remit of my Department.

While I am indeed sympathetic to the issue raised by the Deputy, public policy matters in relation to the general operation of private contracts or to the management and operation of multi-use developments do not fall within the direct remit of my Department. Also, prima facia, it is not immediately apparent that one of the bodies under the aegis of my Department would have a particular operational or administrative function regarding the issue raised by the Deputy. However, if the Deputy does indeed have a particular operational or administrative issue to raise which is relevant to the administrative remit of one of the bodies under the aegis of my Department, then that specific matter can be raised directly with the particular relevant body.

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