Wednesday, 14 Oct 2020

Written Answers Nos. 114-128

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (115)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

115. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if a driver test will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30521/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.

My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA as they deal with the increased demand for their driver testing service  since operations resumed following its temporary closure due to the COVID emergency. In addition to this, due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.

It is my understanding that those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Priority then will be given in order of application date.  While there is some capacity for urgent test slots, the Road Safety Authority (RSA)'s capacity to make these available in all cases will be limited. Therefore, initially those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (116)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

116. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if a large-scale scrappage scheme for petrol and diesel cars will be introduced in view of the plans to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2030. [30388/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

Officials from my Department have considered the introduction of a car-scrappage scheme to promote the uptake of electric vehicles, and it is the Department’s view that a VRT based car scrappage scheme is unlikely to work well. The Department set out analysis on this proposal in the Climate Action and Taxes Tax Strategy Paper. This can be accessed at this link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/fdd38-budget-2021-tsg-papers/.

There are currently no plans to introduce a car scrappage scheme.

Living City Initiative

Ceisteanna (117, 118)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

117. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties either renovated or converted through the living cities initiative by city in tabular form. [30407/20]

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

118. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance his plans to expand the living cities initiative to properties in towns nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30414/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.

I am advised by Revenue that the available information in respect of the Living City Initiative is the number of claimants (rather than number of properties) and the tax forgone.

Year	Amount Claimed €m	Number of Claimants
2018	0.5	27
2017	0.4	23
2016	0.5	15
2015	0.5	13

This information is published on the Revenue website for all years up to 2018 at link; https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/property-reliefs.aspx,.

The Living City Initiative is a very specific tax incentive, established in compliance with the Department of Finance’s Tax expenditure Guidelines, with the aim of encouraging businesses and home-owners back to the centre of Irish cities in order to preserve historic buildings in special regeneration areas. I do not believe that it is a suitable vehicle for broader application beyond its original policy goal. A large scale extension of Living City, as proposed, would amount to s. 23 type relief. These types of reliefs were, with good reason, ended a decade ago. In any event, the proposal would have the potential for greatly increased Exchequer costs and would raise state aid concerns. Ireland’s past experience with tax incentives in this sectors strongly suggests the need for a cautionary stance.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (119)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

119. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Finance if the employment wage subsidy scheme will be increased to the same level as the temporary wage subsidy scheme that was in effect up to 1 September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30383/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The design of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) reflects the changing environment around the COVID-19 pandemic which has shifted from crisis mode to one of living alongside the virus, in line with the recently announced Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19.

The Government’s focus has therefore shifted from an employee income support paid via the employer that maintained the existing employee/employer relationship insofar as was possible, to a direct employer subsidy to help support viable firms and encourage employment, including prospective employment of new hires and seasonal workers.

It is appropriate that the level of State subsidy be moderated as many of the strictest public health restrictions on the economy have been eased and so it is expected that businesses are able to shoulder more of the economic burden of their businesses, including wages. At the same time, it is recognised that economic outputs are unlikely to return to normal for many businesses for much of the rest of 2020, which is why the Government remains committed to supporting employers by means of a wage subsidy.

A number of new flexibilities have been included in the EWSS, while the rates and eligibility criteria have been modified so that the support is sustainable into the more medium term. In that regard, I would note that the level of subsidy being granted under the EWSS is commensurate with the average payment per worker under the TWSS which had been reducing since the start of June and when the TWSS ceased at the end of August was €282 across all recipients and €225 in the case of first-time recipients.

It is important to emphasise that the adaptation from the TWSS to the levels of support in the EWSS will allow employers to rely on the continuation of support over a longer period of up to 8 months while also ensuring such support is sustainable and affordable.

Banking Sector

Ceisteanna (120)

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

120. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Finance the legal age of consent for a minor to open a bank, credit union or other financial account without the written signature of a parent or legal guardian; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30436/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I am advised that, in general, you cannot open a standard current account until you are aged 18. However, each financial institution has different procedures for opening an account. Some providers require that a parent or guardian sign the account opening form if the applicant is under 16 years of age. Other providers only require parental permission if the applicant is under 13 years of age.

To open an account for a child under 7 you will usually have to open it in the name of the adult, with child’s name noted. For children between 7 and 12 you will typically have three options – it can be: a) in the name of the adult, with child’s name noted, b) in the name of both the adult and the child, c) in the name of the child only. In all cases, the institution is required to comply with EU rules on money laundering and terrorist financing.

Credit unions in Ireland are regulated and supervised under the Credit Union Act, 1997 (the 1997 Act) and regulations issued by the Central Bank. The Act and regulations set out the services that credit unions may provide to their members which includes savings, loans, prescribed services and other additional services where approval has been given by the Central Bank.

Section 17 of the 1997 Act sets out the requirements of, and qualifications for, membership of a credit union. Section 17(5) states the following:

Subject to any provision to the contrary in the rules of a credit union, a person under the age of sixteen—

(a) may be a member of the credit union, and

(b) subject to subsection (6), may enjoy all the rights of membership, other than voting rights, and can give all necessary receipts.

All credit unions must have a set of registered rules which bind all members. The Irish League of Credit Unions provides a set of ‘standard rules’ which many credit unions adopt. Rule 14 of these standard rules states that “Where the member under age sixteen cannot give the necessary receipts, the signature of the parent or guardian, at the discretion of the board of directors, will be sufficient”.

Accordingly, in practice the signature of the parent or guardian may be used in certain circumstances.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (121)

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

121. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken in respect of persons over 65 years of age and under 18 years of age for Covid-affected sole traders and self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30469/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no age restrictions for any of the Covid-19 related schemes that are under the remit of my Department.

Subject to the other relevant qualifying criteria being met, there is no restriction on persons who are under 18 and over 65 in the application of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), or the loss relief measure for the self-employed that was announced in the July Stimulus package.

Credit Availability

Ceisteanna (122, 123)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

122. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the code of conduct sellers of personal contract purchase, PCP, must adhere to; and the engagement his Department has had on the code. [30515/20]

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

123. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of the current PCP loan book currently in operation by county in tabular form. [30516/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

In the answer to an earlier Parliamentary Question from the Deputy (Ref: 27576/20), Central Bank data on the number and value of outstanding Personal Contract Plan (PCP) agreements for car purchases was provided. However, the Central Bank has advised that this data is not available on a county by county basis.

Regarding the regulation of PCP agreements, PCPs are a form of hire purchase agreement and the relevant provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 will apply to PCP and hire purchase agreements which are provided to consumers. However, the 'Tutty Report' on PCPs (available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/5391e5-review-of-regulation-of-personal-contract-plans/) recommended that further consumer protections in relation to PCP agreements should be introduced; in particular, it recommended that the provisions of the Central Bank Consumer Protection Code which require lenders to assess the suitability of the product for the consumer and also the ability of the borrower to repay the debt over the duration of the credit agreement, should be extended to hire-purchase/PCP agreements. This will require legislation and the Minister has obtained Government approval to draft a Bill (see relevant press release attached: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ab741f-minister-donohoe-announces-government-approval-to-draft-legislation-/) and it is the intention of Government to publish this Bill as soon as possible.

The Deputy may wish to note that consumers can refer complaints relating to PCP/ hire purchase providers to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.

Insurance Coverage

Ceisteanna (124)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

124. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the steps being taken by his Department to ensure that taxi insurers are willing to insure a suitably qualified second driver on the policies issued to taxi drivers; if discussions have taken place between his officials and the insurance companies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30533/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

At the outset, while I have an appreciation of the specific issue the Deputy raises, neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter, nor can we compel any insurer operating in the Irish market to provide cover. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive) which expressly prohibits Member States from doing so.

On a general level, my understanding is that insurers will use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer motor insurance cover and what terms to apply. For example, factors may include the drivers age; relevant driving experience; the age and type of vehicle; how and where the vehicle is used; the claims record; the number of drivers; the storage location; and the use of telematics. Insurers also price quotations in accordance with their specific claims experience and do not use the same combination of rating factors. In the case of taxi drivers, I understand that insurers take into account the nature of the taxi business, which involves driving for hire or reward extensively and in their view this has a much higher risk of injury claims from passengers and other road-users as a result. Accordingly, premium prices vary across the market, demonstrating why it is important for consumers to shop around on their insurance policies. It is also my understanding that the number of underwriters providing cover in the taxi market in Ireland has increased in recent years and therefore there are more competitive offerings to the taxi community.

However, in order to be helpful to the Deputy in relation to the precise query asked, my officials contacted Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurance providers in Ireland. They stated that if on occasion a taxi operator is encountering difficulties securing a quotation, the Insurance Ireland information service is available at [e-mail] to policy holders or those seeking motor insurance. They also stated that if a policyholder was to encounter this issue with their insurance provider, the Declined Cases Agreement would come into force. They believe that this process will facilitate a quotation to be released for the nominated driver, with the consent of the policyholder. In that regard, the email address for such queries is [e-mail].

Tax Exemptions

Ceisteanna (125)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

125. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will exempt green diesel used by farmers and farm contractors from carbon tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30616/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

As I outlined yesterday in my Budget speech, I have increased the rate of carbon tax from €26 euro per tonne of Carbon Dioxide emission to €33.50 per tonne. This applied to auto fuels from midnight last night. I have delayed the increase on all other fuels, including green diesel, to 1st May 2021.

As the Deputy will be aware, those who are eligible to purchase green diesel already benefit from a much lower overall rate of excise compared to that applied to auto diesel, with the non carbon component set at a very low 4.7 cent per litre compared to 42.6 cents per litre for the non carbon component of auto diesel excise.

Farmers and agricultural contractors who incur expenses in relation to farm diesel in the course of their trade of agricultural contracting may claim an income tax or corporation tax deduction for those expenses, including any carbon tax charged in respect of the diesel.

When my predecessor increased Carbon Tax in Budget 2012 he made provision for a double income tax relief for farmers to compensate for the increase. This relief continues to apply.

Public Services Provision

Ceisteanna (126)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

126. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the increase in new MyGovID registrations since 28 March 2020. [30487/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

There has been a significant increase in the number of MyGovID accounts since the 28th of March 2020. MyGovID has seen a 38% increase in the number of basic accounts and a 51% increase in the number of verified accounts over this period, the full details of which are set out below.

MyGovID Statistics on 28th March 2020

- Basic Accounts: 1,010,622

- Verified Accounts: 545,571

MyGovID Statistics on 10th October 2020

- Basic Accounts: 1,394,176

- Verified Accounts 827,895

In addition to the increase in numbers as outlined above, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has introduced a number of measures to provide a more streamlined, efficient process for individuals seeking to verify their MyGovID accounts –

- A telephone verification service for people who wish to verify their mobile phone number via a phonecall

- An online verification service using data sharing with the RSA, for people who wish to verify their mobile phone by checking it against the number collected as part of the driving licence process

MyGovID has proven a valuable and reliable service during this challenging period, ensuring individuals can safely and securely access their public services.

Office of Public Works

Ceisteanna (127)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

127. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a detailed reply will issue to a letter sent to him relating to the OPW (details supplied); the reason for the delay in the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30523/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

It is envisaged that a reply will issue to the Deputy this week. The lack of a response is an oversight by the Office of Public Works and I apologise for the delay.

Television Licence Fee

Ceisteanna (128)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

128. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of revenue collected in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020, from the television licence fee. [30391/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The total licence fee receipts from 2015 to 2019 and to the end of September 2020 are set out in the table under:

Year	Receipts from An Post Direct Sales €000	Receipts from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in respect of Free Licences issued under the Household Benefit Scheme €000	Total Receipts €000
2015	€161,834	€52,184	€214,018
2016	€161,921	€52,184	€214,105
2017	€162,732	€53,184	€215,134
2018	€164,469	€54,825	€219,294
2019	€162,848	€59,876	€222,725
2020*	€110,570	€52,341	€162,911

*To end September 2020