Written Answers Nos. 102-125
102. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of times annually aerial surveillance and pollution monitoring services were required by the Irish Coast Guard in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37426/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.
103. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the SAR aviation steering group has appraised an option by which the Air Corps could deliver SAR services from a single base and the remainder of SAR services could be procured on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37427/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the SAR aviation steering group has requested his Department or the Air Corps to provide an assessment of its current capabilities and expected future capabilities that would be relevant to the conduct of SAR operations in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37428/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
In compliance with the Public Spending Code, a process has commenced to consider options for the next Search and Rescue (SAR) aviation contract as the existing contract comes to an end over the coming years. A SAR Aviation Steering Group chaired by the Director of the Irish Coast Guard was established last year to manage this process with a view to ensuring the next service meets domestic and international obligations for search and rescue and represents value for money for the State. As key stakeholders, the Department of Defence and the Air Corps are fully engaged in these deliberations, including as members of this Steering Group.
The Group meets regularly for updates on the procurement and to input on the direction of the process. It receives progress reports on the project plan at regular intervals identifying where interactions with stakeholders/ potential bidders have taken place.
As a first step in the Public Spending Code process, a Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Appraisal was prepared by my Department’s Strategic Research and Analysis Division in close consultation with the Steering Group and in line with so-called “Gate 0” of the Public Spending Code. Having been agreed by the Steering Group, this went to Government for information in July.
This assessment included a strategic assessment, setting out the strategic context for SAR aviation programme, an organisational overview, and a survey of existing policies and strategies relevant to the programme. It identified the spending objectives of the programme including existing arrangements and relevant business needs; it applied the Programme Logic Model to look at potential scope and key service requirements; and identified benefits, risks, constraints and dependencies. It also included a Service Specification Framework, including critical success factors, an Options Framework and a Service Specification. It also conducted a preliminary options filtering looking at potential Service Delivery Models and Service Providers. It made some recommendations in this regard. It also touched on issues relating to governance and procurement.
As regards the preliminary filtering of options, this took account of considerations in relation to the risks, affordability and deliverability. Given that the decision-making process in relation to this is still on-going and will lead to a Government decision ultimately, it is not appropriate to release any specific details in relation to this Strategic Assessment nor the considerations around any one of the options considered as part of the Preliminary Appraisal process.
The next step in the procurement process is a detailed business case which is currently being prepared for Government. Ultimately, decisions on the scope, nature and procurement strategy for the next service will be a matter for Government once the detailed business case has been finalised. The timeframe for this will depend on various factors but it is expected that a memorandum will be brought to Government in Q1 2021.
In the interests of transparency, updates on the process are provided via the Government's etenders.ie website and a dedicated webpage.
105. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37414/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe scheduling of candidates’ driving theory tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
106. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which the final report into the Rescue 116 crash will be published. [37466/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport when the final report into the tragic aircraft accident of Coast Guard rescue helicopter R116 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37498/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 112 together.
The draft Final Report of the investigation into the accident involving Rescue 116 at Black Rock, Co Mayo on 14 March 2017 is the subject of a re-examination by a Review Board.
The Review Board has been established in line with ‘Statutory Instrument (SI) No 460 of 2009: Air Navigation (Notification and Investigation of Accidents, Serious Incidents and Incidents) Regulations 2009’. I have appointed Senior Counsel Patrick McCann as the Chairperson and sole member of the Review Board. The Review Board is independent in its work in accordance with the 2009 Regulations and the timeframe for the Board to carry out the re-examination is a matter for the Chairperson to determine.
The Regulations provide that on completion of the re-examination the Chairperson of the Review Board shall make a report to me. That report should contain a summary of the proceedings of the re-examination hearing and either confirm, dismiss or vary, in whole or part, those findings and conclusions of the draft Final Report which were the subject of the re-examination. I have not yet received a report from the Chairperson.
107. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which the current search and rescue contract expires; if there is an option contained in the current contract to extend it beyond the initial term; and if he or his predecessor has had engagement with a company (details supplied) in respect of the current and next contract. [37467/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current helicopter service contract between the then Minister for Transport and CHC Ireland DAC commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years. It contains an option to extend for a period(s) up to a further 3 years. The contract has been extended initially for one year to July 2023 to facilitate the procurement of a new service in accordance with Public Spending Code requirements and a seamless transition from one service to another. My officials regularly engage with CHC as part of the on-going governance arrangements for the current contract. I have not had any engagement with the company in relation to the current contract.
As you are aware, the Procurement process has begun for the new Search and Rescue Aviation contract. All interested bidders were invited to a live Webinar in early September and resulting from that, individual bilateral meetings were held. The current status of the SAR Aviation Project can be found on our dedicated Gov.ie SAR Webpage . This process is being managed by officials in my Department. I have not had any engagement with the company on this matter nor would such engagement be appropriate.
108. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for completion of the train station proposed in Kilbarry, County Cork, under Project Ireland 2040. [37471/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) was published earlier this year. It was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Cork City Council and Cork County Council. I note that it lays out a number of significant public transport proposals including the provision of a future commuter station at Blackpool/Kilbarry.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply on the timeline for completion of the proposed train station. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
109. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if a feasibility study has been conducted on connecting the north and southside of Cork city with the new proposed light rail system; and if so, when this study will be published. [37472/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
As the Deputy is aware the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) was developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in co-operation with the Cork local authorities and other stakeholders and published earlier this year. CMATS considered a range of proposed transport infrastructure and service interventions, including the potential for light rail in the metropolitan area.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
110. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider prioritising Cork city for a walkability study. [37493/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, earlier this year the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, or CMATS, was published and sets out a twenty year investment strategy for transport in the city and its metropolitan area. The Strategy was developed by the National Transport Authority in co-operation with the local authorities.
CMATS looks at all modes of transport, including active travel, and sets out an ambitious range of infrastructure improvements and other measures designed to improve the sustainability of transport in the area. CMATS sets out a range of proposed improvements to the walking infrastructure within the metropolitan area and also states that walkability audits will be carried out with a view to assessing footway widths, public lighting, wayfinding, permeability and removing street clutter in the early part of the Strategy.
Noting the NTA’s responsibility in relation to these matters, I have forwarded your query to them for a direct reply. Please notify my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
111. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he will make contact with Cork City Council and liaise with it regarding disabled parking accessibility in the city. [37494/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have no function in the provision of disabled parking, which is strictly a matter, by law, for each individual Local Authority.
113. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if the recommendation on a co-ordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the Covid-19 pandemic arising from the European Council meeting of 13 October 2020 requires member states to limit restriction measures restricting free movement on grounds of public health to that strictly necessary. [37514/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if, arising from the recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the Covid-19 pandemic arising from the European Council meeting of 13 October 2020, Ireland will apply those restrictions to persons coming from specific areas or regions particularly affected rather than to the entire territory of a member state. [37515/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.
As the Deputy is aware, on 13th October, EU Member States adopted a Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Recommendation set out four key areas where Member States would coordinate their efforts including:
- a common criteria to be taken into account when considering the restriction of free movement in response to the pandemic;
- a common map of EU Member States, broken down by regions, which would show the risk levels across the regions in Europe using a traffic light system;
- a common approach for travellers; and
- clear and timely information to the public about any restrictions.
It is up to Member States to decide what measures to apply on people travelling from risk areas to their territories.
The Government has developed a framework around the “traffic light” system and as part of this, people arriving into Ireland from EU green regions do not have to restrict their movement for 14 days.
The default advice for all passengers entering Ireland from orange, red and grey regions remains to restrict movements for 14 days (this advice does not apply to essential transport supply chain workers).
The Government has adopted a new list of exempted categories of traveller with essential function or need from the EU Recommendation. These travellers do not need to restrict their movements when performing the essential function related to their travel, for example attending a close family member's funeral, or conducting an important business meeting that cannot be held virtually. For the moment, following the outbreak of a new strain of COVID-19 in Denmark associated with mink farms, passengers travelling from Denmark are advised to self isolate for 14 days regardless of the essential nature of their journey. This requirement does not apply to international transport workers in the aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors.
The advice for those arriving from EU orange regions is that if they have a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken up to three days before departure, they are not expected to restrict movements on arrival.
From midnight 29th November, arrivals from an EU red/grey region and third countries will not be expected to restrict movements following receipt of a negative/not-detected result from a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken a minimum of five days after arrival in Ireland. This provision will also be available to arrivals from orange regions who may not have availed of a pre-departure test.
There are a number of COVID-19 testing technologies currently available or emerging on the commercial market. However, subject to the ongoing review of testing by NPHET and Government, a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test is the only test result that means the passenger is not expected to follow advice to restrict movements. Testing technology and delivery options for facilitating international travel will be kept under review.
The Passenger Locator Form, administered by the Department of Health, remains in place for all persons arriving into the State regardless of the "colour" of the location they are arriving from. Essential transport workers continue to be exempt from completing the form. The introduction of an online form supports an enhanced system of engagements with arriving passengers. The main purpose of the form is for the targeting of key public health messages to arriving passengers through SMS and email.
115. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the total funding provided for greenways and cycling infrastructure in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2020; and the allocation made in 2021 for such projects in the counties. [37543/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is probably aware that there a number of different programmes through which counties such as Cavan and Monaghan can access funding to support walking and cycling.
Within my Department there are three relevant programmes for 2020 –
- Greenways
- Cavan County Council was allocated €175,000 under the Greenways programme in relation to linking Cavan to the Ulster Canal at Drumully and from Cloverhill to Belturbet. Cavan will also benefit from the €500,000 awarded to Leitrim County Council as lead partner for the Sligo, Leitrim, Northern Counties Greenway which runs through Cavan to Blacklion.
- Monaghan County Council was awarded €100,000 in relation to a section of the Ulster Canal Greenway.
- All of the above funding allocations are to support pre-construction works such as feasibility, planning etc. and drawdowns are not expected until 2021.
- INTERREG VA Programme
- My Department also funds the Irish Government’s contribution in relation to the County Monaghan section of the approved INTTERREG VA Ulster Canal project; details of the Irish Government’s contributions for 2020 and 2021 are yet to be finalised.
- July Stimulus
As part of the July Stimulus this year Cavan County Council was awarded €1m by my Department for active travel related projects while Monaghan County Council was awarded €1.1m.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that as part of Government’s increased expenditure on active travel it is my intention that local authorities such as counties Cavan and Monaghan will have access to dedicated multi-annual funding in relation to active travel in 2021 and beyond and I expect announcements to be made very shortly in that regard.
On Greenways, I intend to announce details of further funding calls for both construction and continued planning and design in 2021, and both counties will have an opportunity to put forward suitable projects for consideration at that time.
There are also other funding programmes across Government which support walking and cycling such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and details of funding under those programmes is available from the relevant Departments.
116. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the funding provided for road maintenance in counties Cavan and Monaghan in budget 2021. [37544/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The regional and local road grant allocations are finalised following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume and take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year.
While the REV has not been published as yet, I anticipate that there will be additional funding for regional and local road maintenance and renewal in 2021.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. The planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII are best placed to advise on the funding provided for road maintenance in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2021.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
117. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the third-party contracts entered into by agencies under the remit of his Department for the operation of community and voluntary organisations; the number of staff employed by the third party; and the cost of the contract in 2019 and 2020. [37572/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the agencies under the aegis of my Department. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
118. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount drawn down by each local authority in NTA funding from the July stimulus for active travel measures including footpaths and cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37592/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day delivery of public transport, including the allocation of funds at project level.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the regional cities, allocating funds at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred you question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
119. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport when the online application system for exchanging driver licences will be in place; if a public services card will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37594/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA), through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), has expanded the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online. The system is now in place and can be used for licence exchange applications. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card, is needed to access the online system.
To apply for, or renew, a driving licence you are required to present photographic ID, evidence of PPSN, evidence of address and evidence of residency entitlement. An applicant must present in person at a NDLS office where the required documentation can be examined and a face-to-face validation can be made. The same information is required when accessing the online system, and the Public Services Card satisfies this requirement as the information has already been provided and verified by another Government department. Without a PSC, it is not possible to access the online system as the necessary face-to-face validation has not been made.
120. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the refusal of the DAA to negotiate with or recognise representative associations of taxi drivers in the provision of taxi services at Dublin Airport; if he or his Department were informed by the DAA of this policy; if the policy will be raised with DAA management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37617/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, daa are the body with statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport and issues with regards to taxi services at Dublin Airport fall with the operational responsibility of daa . I understand that the daa have updated their arrangements for engagement with the sector and have introduced a number of measures by which permit holders receive information and can provide feedback directly.
As daa are the body with whom you will need to continue to address the matter with, I have forwarded your question to daa, for direct reply.
If the Deputy does not receive a reply from daa within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
121. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the requests for financial support that have been received from public transport companies to date in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37708/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe continued operation of the public transport sector is important and, from a very early stage in the Covid-19 crisis, public transport was designated by Government as among the essential services that could continue throughout the emergency. Guided by public health advice, measures have been introduced across the system to enable the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and appropriate social distancing measures across the network. New Regulations were also introduced making mandatory the wearing of face coverings on public transport, with some limited exceptions.
There is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and, therefore, should only be used for essential travel, with only those who have to travel at peak times doing so. People are being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical, and organisations are encouraged to continue to facilitate working from home.
The Government is also spending considerable additional Exchequer funds on the public transport sector in order to support the continued operation of necessary services, despite the reduced demand and the restricted capacity owing to the Covid-19 situation. The Exchequer is now funding the PSO (public service obligation) regime far in excess of the allocation that had been provided under Budget 2020. In addition, the Government introduced a new temporary funding support for the non-PSO (licensed, commercial) bus sector in respect of its continuation of necessary scheduled bus services. The Government also provided additional funding for enhancements to certain PSO bus services announced under the Stimulus package.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial and competitive basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country.
I want to reassure the Deputy that both the NTA and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the crisis to help inform policy decisions in relation to the public transport sector as we continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19. In this context, my Department has been liasing with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) since early May - ten meetings have taken place, the most recent being the 6th November 2020.
I am aware of the very difficult business environment that the commercial operators have been facing. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors.
Public transport is a key facilitator of interaction in the economy and society. It is an efficient and sustainable way of getting people to work, education, shopping and other social engagements. The essential nature of these services has been acknowledged a number of times by the Government in recent months, most notably in the decision to provide additional funding for PSO services and the introduction of temporary funding measures for the licensed bus sector as I have outlined.
These temporary funding supports have been introduced to help ease the financial pressure on operators arising from the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19. They are aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months and are targeted at covering the gap between specified costs and the revenues generated on the services. The supports are targeted at those classes of bus services where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention, in line with relevant state aid considerations. The NTA, as the public transport licensing agency, is responsible for administering the funding support through contracts with the relevant operators.
These supports are in addition to the suite of other financial support measures that the Government has introduced to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19, including the pandemic unemployment payment which operators can avail of and which remains open to new applicants until the end of the year and a Covid-19 enterprise support grant which can be put towards the costs associated with reopening a business, including the purchase of cleaning materials and personal protective equipment.
These measures are in addition to rates waivers, lending facilities, equity injection and business advisory supports, all of which will help to improve cash flow. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has also set up on online tool to help support Irish start-ups and SMEs to navigate the range of Government supports and identify which support may be most relevant to their business.
122. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of commercial flights that arrived here by airport for each month to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37709/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to advise that Deputy that my Department does not collect this data.
The Department publishes a Quarterly Aviation Statistics Snapshot which gives headline statistics on passenger numbers at our airports for the previous quarter. The CSO Annual Aviation Statistics remain the official source of passenger and flight statistics, with the Department's quarterly snapshot supplementing that release to provide information on the most recent trends.
In the Quarterly Aviation Statistics Snapshot, the Department provides the number of commercial movements at each airport. This number does not indicate how many commercial flights arrived at the airports but is a block figure for total commercial movements at the airport each month. This information is available on the Department website https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/0e1fd9-dttas-quarterly-aviation-statistics-snapshot/
123. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 790 of 10 November 2020, when the Revenue Commissioners were informed by OLAF to check hand sanitisers to determine if they were safe to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37497/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office, notified it of concerns regarding the importation of a hand sanitiser product from Turkey to Ireland on 24 September 2020. Revenue subsequently notified the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on 25 September 2020.
124. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will be examined. [37420/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Finance if the Covid restrictions support scheme will be amended to enable on-course bookmakers to avail of support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37492/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 128 together.
The details of the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) are set out in the Finance Bill 2020 and guidelines on the operation of the scheme are available on the Revenue website (https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/2021/crss-guidelines.pdf). The CRSS is a targeted support for businesses significantly impacted by restrictions introduced by the Government under public health regulations to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The support will be available to companies and self-employed individuals who carry on a trade or trading activities from a business premises located in a region subject to restrictions, introduced in line with the Living with Covid-19 Plan, with the result that the business is required to prohibit or considerably restrict customers from accessing their business premises. Generally, this refers to Covid restrictions at Level 3, 4 or 5 of the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19 but certain businesses may qualify for the support where lower levels of restrictions are in operation.
The CRSS applies to businesses carrying on trading activities from a business premises located in a region subject to restrictions, which requires the business to prohibit or considerably restrict customers from accessing their business premises and as a result, is operating at less than 25% of turnover in 2019.
Based on the information provided to me in relation to question 124, it would appear that the reduction in turnover test is not met in this instance, and therefore the business does not meet the eligibility criteria for CRSS.
Where businesses ordinarily operate from a business premises (generally a building) located in a region for which restrictions are in operation, they may qualify under the scheme provided they meet the eligibility criteria, including the requirement that customers are either prohibited, or significantly restricted, from accessing their business premises to purchase goods or services due to the specific terms of the Covid restrictions announced by Government.
Where a business does not ordinarily operate from a fixed business premises located in a region that is subject to restrictions, such as an on-course bookmaker, that business will not meet the eligibility criteria.
The CRSS is an additional measure for businesses in a region subject to significant Covid-19 restrictions. Businesses who do not qualify under this scheme may be entitled to support under various measures put in place by Government, including existing supports available under the COVID Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). They may also be eligible to warehouse VAT and PAYE (Employer) debts and also excess payments received by employers under the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, and the balance of Income Tax for 2019 and Preliminary Tax for 2020 for self-assessed taxpayers if applicable.
The CRSS is being implemented by the Revenue Commissioners who have shown as an organisation that they are very effective in operating schemes to support businesses in this crisis.
Deputies will be aware that the Finance Bill is at Committee Stage of the legislative process this week but I have no plans to extend the scheme.
125. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he will address queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the help-to-buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 requires that applicants for the Help to Buy Scheme (HTB) must be first-time buyers. This includes circumstances where there is more than one person involved in the purchase or building of a new home.
Revenue has advised me that according to its records one of the persons involved in the purchase of the property in question is not a first-time buyer and was previously a joint purchaser of another residential property. This precludes the couple’s eligibility for relief under the HTB scheme.
Revenue has also confirmed to me that it will make direct contact with the persons in the coming days to explain the eligibility requirements for the scheme and to clarify any queries they might still have.
