Written Answers Nos. 54-68
54. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some employers are basing the new wage subsidy scheme off workers contracted hours rather than hours worked or 2019 weekly earnings and that this is affecting many workers whose contracts do not reflect their normal working practices. [39091/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is an economy-wide scheme that focuses primarily on business eligibility, delivering a per-head subsidy on a flat rate basis. A subsidy of between €203 and €350 may be claimed by the employer retrospectively for every worker who is paid between €151.50 and €1,462 per week.
This is different from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) where the level of income given for each individual employee was based on previous wages received in January and February 2020.
The purpose of the EWSS is to maintain the link between the employee and employer insofar as is possible. It is therefore based on the number of employees on the payroll and the employer is expected to make best efforts to maintain as close to 100% of normal income as possible for the duration of the subsidy period.
Where an eligible employer makes a payment of wages, within prescribed limits, to a qualifying employee during the scheme, the employer can claim an EWSS subsidy in respect of that employee. Outside of that, the position in relation to the EWSS does not affect any legal obligations that the employer may have to their employee as regards any terms, conditions or entitlements of their employment, including pay and hours worked.
55. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if the proposed changes to the retail export scheme can be postponed in view of the difficulties caused by the ongoing restrictions to small businesses that avail of the scheme; his views on proposals to reduce the retail export scheme’s proposed threshold to €75 as this will do nothing to protect the retail and tourism sectors; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 50% of all transactions on the scheme are under €75 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39134/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Retail Export Scheme enables visitors that are resident outside the EU benefit from VAT relief on goods purchased in Ireland and subsequently taken outside of the EU. Under existing rules, when the UK becomes a third country, visitors from Britain will be able to avail of the scheme. No minimum threshold currently applies in respect of expenditure on which VAT relief may be claimed.
The Brexit Bill as published provides that the value of qualifying goods must exceed €175 in order to be eligible for a refund under the scheme. This change is fully compatible with EU law and is in line with the EU VAT Directive. The Bill also introduces a requirement of proof of importation of the goods into the UK and the associated proof of payment, where applicable, of relevant UK VAT and duties, for the goods purchased under the scheme in order to qualify for a refund.
In recognition of the difficulties facing retailers, especially businesses in the tourism sector, I am bringing forward an amendment at committee stage to reduce the threshold to €75. This reduction retains protections for the exchequer while also acknowledging the potential impact that not making this change would have on retailers across the country at this difficult time.
56. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Finance the number of businesses that have applied for the Covid restrictions support scheme to date by county; the number of applications that have been successful by county; the value of the financial support per county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39179/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) was announced in the Budget on 13 October 2020. The details are set out in Finance Bill 2020 and guidelines on the operation of the scheme, including the eligibility criteria, are available on the Revenue website at:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/2021/crss-guidelines.pdf.
The registration system for CRSS was released by Revenue on 1 November 2020 and eligible businesses have been able to register for the scheme on the Revenue Online Service (ROS) since then. Up to 23 November 2020, 8,300 businesses have registered for CRSS in respect of 8,900 business premises. A further 4,300 applications are currently being processed by Revenue.
The geographical breakdown on a county basis (rounded to the nearest 100) of the business premises in respect of which CRSS registrations have been made up to 23 November 2020 is as follows:
|
County |
|
|
Carlow |
100 |
|
Cavan |
200 |
|
Clare |
300 |
|
Cork |
1,100 |
|
Donegal |
400 |
|
Dublin |
2,100 |
|
Galway |
600 |
|
Kerry |
500 |
|
Kildare |
300 |
|
Kilkenny |
200 |
|
Laois |
100 |
|
Leitrim |
100 |
|
Limerick |
400 |
|
Longford |
100 |
|
Louth |
300 |
|
Mayo |
300 |
|
Meath |
300 |
|
Monaghan |
100 |
|
Offaly |
100 |
|
Roscommon |
100 |
|
Sligo |
100 |
|
Tipperary |
400 |
|
Waterford |
200 |
|
Westmeath |
200 |
|
Wexford |
300 |
|
Wicklow |
200 |
Revenue is publishing regular statistical updates on the operation of CRSS, as they have done for the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) since March and are doing on a continuing basis for the Employment Wage Support Scheme (EWSS).
These updates are available at:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/number-of-taxpayers-and-returns/covid-19-support-schemes-statistics.aspx.
The statistics include, among other items, the number of businesses successfully registered for CRSS by county. These statistics will be updated regularly (and published at the same link) and I am advised they will shortly include information on county level payments once the relevant data is available and validated by Revenue.
57. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if Ireland has fully and correctly transposed and is enforcing the insurance distribution directive, EU 2016/97, particularly Article 17(1), which obliges member states to ensure that, when carrying out insurance distribution, insurance distributors always act honestly, fairly and professionally in accordance with the best interests of their customers, in view of the Central Bank review of differential pricing in the private care and home insurance markets (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39251/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Insurance Distribution Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/97), or “IDD”, establishes requirements in respect of insurance and reinsurance distribution in the EU. It aims to further enhance consumer protection and ensure a level playing field by extending the scope of the directive to include all sales of insurance products. This Directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Union (Insurance Distribution) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 229/2018) as amended, and Article 17(1) in the question was transposed through Regulation 30(1) of the Regulations.
With regard to the enforcement of the Directive, the Regulations designate the Central Bank of Ireland as the relevant competent authority in the State. I understand that the European Commission recently confirmed to my Department that it had no issues concerning the completeness of the national transposition measures in respect of the Directive.
With regard to the interaction between the Directive and the Central Bank’s Review on differential pricing, I understand that the purpose of the Review is to examine the extent to which the practice of differential pricing (whereby customers with similar risk and cost of service are charged different premiums, for reasons other than risk and cost of service) is consistent with the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 (the “Code”). The Deputy will be aware that the Code requires firms to inter alia act honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interests of their customers; and make full disclosure of all relevant material information, including all charges. In addition, it is seeking to establish the impact of differential pricing on consumers; identify the drivers of consumer behaviours including how consumers engage with the insurance industry; assess the extent to which these pricing practices lead to outcomes consistent with the Code; and assess the governance and oversight of differential pricing. The Deputy will also be aware that the Central Bank’s review is ongoing and in this regard, I believe that it would be prudent to await the outcome of the review in advance of reaching any conclusions.
In conclusion, differential pricing is undoubtedly a complex issue and will need careful consideration of any potential remedies, and what overall impact they would have on consumers. We need to guard against the risk of unintended consequences in that in attempting to address an issue we don’t create an undesirable knock-on impact elsewhere. This could include discouraging competition or new entrants to the market, all of which is not in Irish consumers long-term interests.
58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance his plans to advance proposals for community banking, with particular reference to the role of the post office network in the further development of financial services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39253/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2019, the Department of Finance published a report on the Evaluation of Concept of Community Banking in Ireland by Indecon Consultants. This followed on from the publication of a previous report by the Department of Finance on Local Public Banking in July 2018.
The Indecon report looked at An Post in the context of community banking in Ireland. The report noted that An Post has a large number of post office branches and is present in every county in Ireland. Analysis by Indecon showed that An Post has in excess of 500 post offices in locations where there are no banks within 5 kms.
The report noted that An Post plays an important part of the local community banking infrastructure. An Post is now offering an increasing range of banking services, including current accounts and personal lending.
My role in relation to the provision of financial services specifically by the post office network relates primarily to payment services, for which I as the Minister for Finance authorise An Post to provide. This authorisation is under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 (Section 67) Order 2016.
For all other matters related to the post office network, I defer to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communication, Mr Eamon Ryan, TD. An Post is a body under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
59. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures included for the charity sector in budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38922/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2021 set out gross voted expenditure for 2021 of €87.8 billion, representing a significant investment in public services and encompassing a substantial package of supports in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. As is usual, some of this funding will go to the community and voluntary sector. This includes allocations to a wide range of organisations, such as voluntary hospices, disability services, rural and community supports, mental health services, homelessness services and overseas development aid.
Some specific allocations announced in Expenditure Report 2021 for additional supports to be delivered this year include:
- An additional €10 million for the Covid-19 Stability Fund for Community and Voluntary Organisations.
- €10 million for voluntary hospices and other bodies working to enhance quality of life for people facing life-limiting illness.
- €20 million additional funding to support the Transforming Lives programme, through voluntary disability services.
The Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA), which is under the aegis of the Department of Rural and Community Development, received funding of €4.6 million for 2021 to enable it to meet its statutory obligations under the Charities Act 2009, including the establishment and maintenance of a public register of charities operating in Ireland. The objective of the CRA is to strengthen public trust and confidence in charities, provide proportionate risk based regulation and protection, promote compliance, and enhance engagement, operational efficiency and service delivery.
The Department of Rural and Community Development also supports the community and voluntary sector through its Community Development programme. The aim of this programme is to support and promote the development of vibrant, inclusive communities, as well as the development of the community and voluntary sector. In total, this programme received funding of €159 million in Budget 2021. This allocation will allow the Department of Rural and Community Development to:
- Increase funding for the Community Services Programme from €47 million to €49 million, supporting over 400 organisations and 2000 individuals in providing community services across Ireland.
- Continue funding of €44 million for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, assisting over 27,000 individuals, and provide €1 million to commence pilot community development projects at local level.
- Increase the support for volunteering from €3.5 million to €5.1 million, encouraging additional volunteering and matching volunteers to organisations.
- Continue funding supports for Public Participation Networks and Local Community Development Committees – strengthening local participation and community engagement.
60. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has received the 2019 annual report from the Office of Public Works; and if so, when will same be published. [39027/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have recently received the 2019 Annual Report for the Office of Public Works, an agency under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The report details the operations, achievements and expenditure of the OPW for that calendar year in the areas of flood risk management, property and heritage services.
I intend to bring a Memo to the next meeting of Government, as appropriate, for my cabinet colleagues to note the report, prior to its being laid before the House of the Oireachtas.
Once it has been laid before the Houses, the Annual Report will be available in Irish and English on the OPW website along with a number of printed copies.
61. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department and any commercial or non-commercial State bodies and private entities subsidised by 50% or more of public funding under the aegis of his Department have implemented social clauses in their public procurement contracts in the past three years (details supplied); and if so, the nature of these social clauses. [39054/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, good progress has already been made by the Department in including strategic, green and social policy considerations in public procurement processes more broadly. This has been done for example through: (a) the publication of an Information Note on Incorporating Social Considerations into Public Procurement in 2018; (b) the roll out of Circular 20/2019: Promoting the use of Environmental and Social Considerations in Public Procurement and (c) the ongoing work of the cross-departmental Social Considerations Advisory Group, which is chaired by the Office of Government Procurement.
As the Department's core procurement requirements involve the procurement of professional services, such as business consultancy, training and advisory services, it has not, in the main, been in a position to incorporate such clauses into its procurement contracts. A number of contracts by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer have been concluded on foot of drawdowns from ICT procurement frameworks, which are established centrally by the Office of Government Procurement, and inherit the social clauses relating to green / energy efficiency requirements included therein.
I am advised that a similar position applies in respect of the bodies under the aegis of my Department.
The Office of Public Works is currently collating details in response to the Question and will reply directly to the Deputy.
62. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason private coach operators have been excluded from payment under the Covid-19 adaptation fund (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39013/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy has clarified that the details supplied refers to the Covid-19 Adaptation Fund.
The administration of the COVID-19 Adaptation Fund is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
63. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are further grants that can be applied for by a sports club and bar (details supplied). [39085/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 2 November, I announced details of an €85 million funding package for the Irish sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the various COVID-19 restrictions imposed since March 2020. The funding, which is being allocated by Sport Ireland, will address the existential threat to National Governing Bodies and their club networks, allowing sports organisations to offset significant losses incurred in recent months and add a semblance of certainty to planning for 2021. The significant investment will reach all levels of the sport sector with National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and thousands of grassroots clubs across Ireland set to benefit.
The funding package includes COVID-19 funding of €70 million, which will provide support for the three main field sports organisations (the FAI, GAA and IRFU), a Resilience Fund to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport, a Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs, and a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund.
Under the Sports Restart and Renewal Fund, over €1.9 million was allocated to 1,637 clubs throughout the country as part of small grant schemes operated by Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs). The primary aim of the grants is to cover the costs associated with implementing Covid-19 hygiene and social distancing protocols. The club grant scheme is designed and intended to support return to sporting activities only. A breakdown of the amounts allocated by Sport Ireland to the LSPs is available on Sport Ireland's website at the following: https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2020-11/sport-ireland-covid-19-funding-annoucement-breakdown.pdf.
As this scheme is funded by Sport Ireland and operated by the Local Sports Partnerships, I am arranging for Sport Ireland to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the specific club mentioned. Please contact my private office if you do not hear within ten working days.
In regard to the Sports Capital Programme, a full Review of the 2018 round has now been completed and the terms and conditions of the 2020 round of the programme will be based on the recommendations in the Review. I intend to publish the guide to making an application and to launch the programme before the end of this month. This will include the specific details of when applications will be accepted but I expect this to be from early December. To take account of travel and other restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic I intend to give applicants until early February to complete the application process. It is planned to make allocations later in 2021.
64. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the Covid-19 supports available to self-catering businesses; and if more supports are planned by her Department. [39090/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2021 included a number of substantial measures to support and strengthen the tourism sector and are supplemented by the economy-wide business supports and social welfare measures.
€55 million has been provided for Business Continuity Schemes for strategic tourism businesses to help them survive through the pandemic and be there to help drive the recovery. Combined with the COVID Resilience Support Scheme (CRSS), the VAT cut and the rates waiver, the Government is helping to sustain businesses that have been most severely affected by the necessary public health restrictions.
Tourism enterprises including self-catering accommodation enterprises can also benefit from wider horizontal supports such as the new Employment Wage Support Scheme, liquidity and enterprise investment measures and warehousing of tax liabilities.
Fáilte Ireland has created an extensive range of business supports to guide self catering businesses to operate during COVID-19. These have been developed in consultation with industry experts and are available on Fáilte Ireland’s website.
65. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when financial support will issue to qualifying private coach operators under the coach tour operators continuity scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39010/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of vehicles that have qualified for payment under the coach tour operators continuity scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39011/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of companies that have qualified for payment under the coach tour operators continuity scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39012/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 to 67, inclusive, together.
The administration of the Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's questions to them for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
68. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department and any commercial or non-commercial State bodies and private entities subsidised by 50% or more of public funding under the aegis of her Department have implemented social clauses in their public procurement contracts in the past three years (details supplied); and if so, the nature of these social clauses. [39057/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm to the Deputy that both my Department and those bodies under its aegis are subject to Public Procurement Procedures as set out by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. These are available on the Office of Government Procurement’s website at www.ogp.gov.ie.
Within that context my Department seeks to ensure that there is an appropriate awareness of all relevant guidelines both within the Department and across those agencies under its remit. Procurement within those bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for which the bodies themselves are responsible.
The procurement profile of my Department during this time has largely focussed on the use of OGP frameworks to the greatest extent possible. Any goods and/ or services procured directly have typically been specialist services or technical supports to assist in the diverse work programme of my Department.
I can also confirm to the Deputy that where my Department is engaged in significant capital investment projects under Project 2040, such as the development of the National Gallery and National Archives, both my Department and the relevant bodies work with the OPW to ensure compliance with the requirements of Circular 20/2019: Promoting the use of Environmental and Social Considerations in Public Procurement, to ensure that where appropriate, social inclusion considerations are factored in to the procurement process.
