Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:41. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the case of a person (details supplied) regarding an NCT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3152/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational Car Test
Ceisteanna (41)
Freagraí scríofa
The operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in individual cases. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (42, 43, 44)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:42. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made on the N17 Knock to Collooney road project; the current timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3219/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlan Dillon
Ceist:43. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made on road improvements in County Mayo (details supplied); the status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3220/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlan Dillon
Ceist:44. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made on a road project in County Mayo (details supplied); the status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3221/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 to 44, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), 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 Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (45)
James O'Connor
Ceist:45. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the potential to move the required CPC training of one day or seven hours annually for all HGV and PSV drivers who drive for hire and reward to be moved to an online format (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3233/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) does not facilitate on-line Driver CPC training. EU Directive 2003/59/EC which introduced Driver CPC was updated in 2018 by EU Directive 645 of 2018, and while the amended directive allows for the use of ICT tools such as e-learning and blended learning as part of CPC training, a substantial amount of the training will be required to be completed in an approved Driver CPC training centre.
The RSA believes that delivering some part of the training online is the way forward and it is their intention to consult with the industry, including all Driver CPC training organisations to establish how training can be enhanced and improved within the scope of the opportunities provided for in the EU legislation. It is hoped that this review will start in early 2021.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (46)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:46. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the status of the construction of the A5 motorway. [3292/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The planning and implementation of the proposed A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. Following the quashing of the decision to proceed with the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme in November 2018, the Department for Infrastructure has been progressing the necessary work to enable a fresh decision to be taken. A Public Inquiry concluded on 13th March 2020 and an Interim Inspector’s Report is under consideration at present.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the commitments in the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start and in the New Decade, New Approach document. The Government is committed to providing funding of £75 million (sterling) towards the cost of Phase 1a of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded and construction commences.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (47)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 17 December 2020, the status of the commitment in the programme for Government to allow applicants for international protection to access driving licences; when driving licences will be made available to international protection applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3331/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is fully committed to providing access to the driving license system for applicants for international protection. There are a number of legal, administrative and technical issues to consider and resolve. Officials in my Department and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are working in close cooperation with all the stakeholders to make this happen.
While a definitive date cannot be given at present, it is expected that access will be available within first half of 2021.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Ceisteanna (48)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:48. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Transport Infrastructure Ireland is carrying out tree felling on a substantial scale in County Mayo; the planned extent of this tree felling in the county and nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3361/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management 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 Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Network
Ceisteanna (49)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:49. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the public light LED replacement programme on the national road network; the corresponding figures for all public lighting within each local authority; when the programme will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3403/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and upgrading 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 Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (50)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:50. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the procedure for Covid-19 testing at ports for lorry drivers who exit and enter Ireland daily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3452/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is engaged in contingency planning should a Covid testing service for truck drivers be required for those drivers travelling on journeys from Ireland to the continent, so that these drivers can meet evolving Covid entry requirements on the continent. Ireland is still advocating that all EU Member States should adhere to the Green Lanes recommendation that essential transport workers should be exempt from such tests. This is in the interests of the Single Market and indeed public health by keeping supply chains open, particularly for essential goods such as food and medical supplies.
However, a number of EU Member States have in recent weeks introduced testing requirements for truck drivers coming from Ireland (Netherlands, Germany, and also France, where a driver from Ireland is travelling via the UK land bridge route to enter France). France is this week considering extending to Ireland the existing requirement for Covid testing of all truck drivers entering France from the UK. My Department is in regular contact with the French authorities and has explained the difficulties involved if such testing requirements are introduced.
The UK Government agreed to provide a free testing service for truck drivers, including drivers from Ireland using the UK landbridge. Ireland must now prepare for putting a similar system in place, given the importance of sustaining our supply lines at this time of emergency, particularly following the departure of our nearest geographical neighbour from the EU.
Testing services for persons leaving the State are provided by the private sector for a fee and this option will remain open for drivers. All testing services for the purpose of travel are completely separate to the public health test and trace system run by the HSE.
There is no requirement for truck drivers entering Ireland to undergo a Covid test. Ireland is maintaining the exemption for transport workers entering the State and will continue to call for EU Member States to comply with the Green Lanes recommendations in the interests of supply chains and the Single Market.
Ports Traffic
Ceisteanna (51)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:51. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport if a traffic plan has been put in place for Rosslare Europort, given that a full plan was put in place for Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3453/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that Rosslare Europort commenced engagement with the State Agencies operating at the Port and An Garda Síochána in 2019 in relation to traffic flows and traffic management and that engagement continued throughout 2020.
The purpose of this engagement was to agree traffic management arrangements at the port and its immediate environs.
Unlike Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort is not in the immediate vicinity of critical traffic infrastructure such as the Dublin Tunnel and as such it was not considered necessary for my Department to develop a traffic management plan. Whereas the exit of the North bore of the Tunnel and the entrance to Dublin Port is a very short distance, meaning that any congestion within Dublin Port could have an almost immediate impact on the Dublin Tunnel. For safety reasons it is not possible to have stagnant traffic in the Dublin Tunnel, this, and the potential for Brexit-related traffic congestion at Dublin Port to impact on adjacent roads and the motorway system are the primary reasons why it was necessary to introduce a traffic management plan in Dublin.
Furthermore, in contrast to Dublin Port, a significant volume of traffic using Rosslare Europort is trade to/from Continental Europe, this trade avoids the new Brexit related interventions which are applicable to trade from the UK since the 1st January 2021. As a consequence, it is possible for this traffic to exit Rosslare Europort immediately without the requirement to stay in the port to undergo checks thus less likely to cause significant congestion.
Cycling Policy
Ceisteanna (52)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:52. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the 2020 usage rates of the bike sharing scheme in Cork, Galway and Limerick; if 2021 will see investment by his Department to develop the infrastructure to encourage further usage of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3463/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure.
Details regarding contracts, operation and expansion of existing and proposed bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA) working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Ferry Services
Ceisteanna (53)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the additional ferry capacity that will be available in the first half of 2021 to other EU ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3481/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In advance of the end of the Brexit transition, my Department in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), undertook a major communications campaign urging business using the GB landbridge to consider a switch to direct routes which would avoid the new control regimes. This campaign was also supported by the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Business Enterprise and Innovation and Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
This communication campaign served to reinforce the message that there is maritime capacity available to transport goods directly to Continental Europe and that these options are many and varied across different modalities (ro-ro, con-ro, lo-lo) providing both accompanied and unaccompanied options to exporters.
We have witnessed throughout 2020 and at the beginning of 2021 an unprecedented response from the shipping industry in terms of increasing capacity to match market demand. It has occurred across all relevant modes and has drawn from all available responses. These responses include (1) utilization of surplus capacity, (2) increasing capacity by altering schedules, (3) redeploying vessels within their fleets, and (4) adding new capacity in the form of additional vessels.
Number of Sailings
As of January 2021, there are around 60 RoRo freight sailings between Ireland and the Continent in a typical week. This includes five shipping operators, Irish Ferries, Stena Line, DFDS, Brittany Ferries and CLDN offering both accompanied and unaccompanied freight. This represents an increase of around 34 sailings per week, or around 130% increase in continental RoRo frequency compared to January 2020.
Specifically in relation to sailings between Ireland and France, in January 2020, there were 12 weekly sailings to and from Northern France. These were provided by Irish Ferries and Stena Line to the port of Cherbourg (not including the seasonal service operated by Brittany Ferries to Roscoff). In the last 12 months, the number of sailings to Northern France has increased by 22. Based on published schedules, there are now over 30 sailings per week to and from the ports of Dunkerque and Cherbourg, provided by Stena Line, Irish Ferries, DFDS and Brittany Ferries.
Freight Capacity
The increase in choice and frequency in the RoRo freight market over the past year has had a very significant impact on freight capacity to continental EU ports. Weekly RoRo freight capacity to continental EU ports has doubled in the past 12 months. There is now capacity for approximately 5,000 additional HGVs & unaccompanied trailers on continental RoRo services per week in January 2021.
The largest increase in capacity has come on RoRo services to Northern France. In January 2020, capacity to Northern France represented 35% of all continental EU capacity. As of January 2021, it now accounts for 49%.
Unaccompanied RoRo freight is an essential component of continental RoRo capacity. In 2020, unaccompanied RoRo freight made up over 80% of all continental RoRo volume.
Details of growth in direct services
Details on additional capacity added on direct services since 1 January 2021 include the following:-
- On 10 December 2020, Stena Line announced an additional ship on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route, doubling their capacity and frequency of sailings from January 4th.
- Irish Ferries and Stena changed their schedules to minimise overlapping so that a daily RoRo services from Ireland to Cherbourg was provided from January 2021.
- DFDS launched a new service from Rosslare to Dunkerque from 2 January 2021. There are six weekly departures from each port with a crossing time of 24 hours and capacity for up to 125 HGVs.
- CldN have added a second weekly call from Cork to Zeebrugge to cope with the increasing demand on this route which commenced on January 8th;
- Irish Ferries swopped their larger ship, the WB Yeats, from the Dublin /Holyhead to the Dublin-Cherbourg route from January 6th, 2021, substantially increasing capacity on this route. Also, the Epsilon will operate on a temporary basis with one rotation on weekends where there is increased demand on the Dublin-Cherbourg route.
- On January 13th Stena Line announced it was swapping the Stena Horizon with their new ship the Stena Embla on the Rosslare/Cherbourg route with immediate effect.
- On January 16th Stena also announced they were commencing a new Saturday service from Dublin to Cherbourg commencing on 25th January. This will be kept under review based on demand.
- Brittany Ferries brought forward their once weekly sailing from Rosslare to Cherbourg from March 2021 to January 18th, 2021.
- New LOLO service operated by Samskip will commence on the Dublin-Amsterdam route from January 25th, 2021.
These new sailings are in addition to a number of other new services and increased sailings that came on stream over last Summer, including new RoRo services from Ireland to Zeebrugge, Santander and Portugal by CLDN.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (54)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:54. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the driver licence renewal dates. [3497/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, the possible extension of driving licences is currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected by the end of January.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 39.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (56)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:56. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons currently waiting for driver tests and driver theory tests; the waiting times in each test centre; the way in which these figures compare with those for January 2020; if his attention has been drawn to the pressure these backlogs are putting on persons who need driver licences for family or work reasons; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2123/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Specific details on waiting lists are an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
My Department is in constant contact with the Road Safety Authority since the start of the pandemic regarding all of its services, the impact of Covid-19 on those services, and how they can best be maintained in the current circumstances.
Due to suspension of driver testing services in the first 2020 lockdown, along with the health protocols since resumption of service and the further curtailing of services during subsequent level 5 restrictions, a significant backlog has developed. The need to once again return to level 5 restrictions for reasons of public health will inevitably impact further on delays to driver testing. During the level 5 period, driving tests will be available only to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work.
While the service is limited during level 5 restrictions, the Road Safety Authority is examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints with an eye to resuming wider testing after level 5. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
Following discussions with the RSA, my Department has approved the hiring of a further 40 temporary testers for 22 months, and the process of recruitment is now underway. These new hires will be in addition to the 36 temporary testers who I previously gave sanction to rehire during 2020. These measures will help to increase testing capacity. However, I would like to stress, that many of the issues impacting on the delivery of service are concerned with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.
The RSA are also looking at a number of other measures, including whether the number of tests a driver tester can perform each day can be increased. Any decision on this matter will be guided by health protocols as it important that the health of these essential workers be protected as much as possible.
Covid-19 has also had a profound effect on the delivery of the Road Safety Authority’s driver theory testing services and a significant backlog has developed. Under current level 5 restrictions, the driver theory test has not been deemed to be an essential service. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place.
The driver theory test service has seen its capacity reduced significantly to comply with occupational and public health requirements. The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements for when servicers are resumed. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments. Much like the driver testing service, it will take time for the theory test service to return to normal waiting times.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (57)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to address the transport and logistics challenges faced by hauliers at ports in the first two weeks of 2021 (details supplied); if he is concerned the disruption will worsen in the coming weeks and months as trade levels increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2124/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The UK’s decision to leave the Single Market and Customs Union means that traders must now engage with a range of checks and controls on trade with Great Britain that did not previously apply. This is fundamentally impacting on many businesses in Ireland, including on the road haulage sector.
These changes represent a considerable shock to existing supply chains and logistics arrangements. The checks and controls which are now taking place are necessary and permanent, and are required in accordance with Ireland’s obligations to the Single Market and to protect public health and food. The Government fully acknowledges that this presents significant challenges and imposes additional burdens on hauliers and on all businesses trading with Great Britain. This is evidenced by the lower than anticipated flows of goods from Great Britain to Ireland since 1 January 2021.
I am aware that the relevant agencies continue to work around the clock to ensure trade can flow to the greatest extent possible. Where difficulties have arisen for users in specific cases, the agencies are engaging directly – whether with the companies, representative organisations or individual drivers – to get the issues resolved.
I am also aware that the agencies have engaged extensively with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and other logistics representative bodies and continue to do so. A stakeholders' forum for the Haulage and Logistics Sector, including the IRHA and FTAI, meets weekly under the Department of Transport and comprises representatives from the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture and the Marine, and the HSE. In addition, the Departments and agencies engage with the IRHA and other representative bodies continuously on an ad hoc basis as issues arise. I also understand that the Revenue Commissioners held a technical workshop with the IRHA on Friday 15 January on the new Revenue systems.
The Revenue Commissioners are reporting that, of the goods that are arriving in Dublin and Rosslare Ports, the majority are being green routed and can exit the ports directly on disembarkation. Certain goods are and will continue to be subject to documentary and physical examination and these will have be checked before being allowed to leave the port.
My Department remains in contact with the haulage and logistics sector and also participates in Brexit retail and enterprise forums to monitor issues and developments in those sectors. Trade on our direct maritime services to the EU have seen a huge increase in demand since 1 January 2021, as businesses opt to move directly to EU markets and avoid the UK landbridge. While trade flows from Great Britain remain significantly lower than anticipated and while this is a matter of concern to me, we are seeing a gradual increase in the flow of goods through our ports and I expect that this will continue as businesses become more familiar with the new arrangements and as our agencies continue to work with businesses to address any difficulties arising.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (58, 86)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:58. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of receipts registered as part of the stay-and-spend scheme to the latest available date; and the total amount of tax credits claimed as a result. [3042/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Gerald Nash
Ceist:86. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the number of claims made under the stay-and-spend tax refund scheme to date; the total cost of such claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3444/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 86 together.
I am advised by Revenue that in order to claim the Stay and Spend Tax Credit taxpayers are required to upload a copy of their receipt(s) for qualifying expenditure to the Revenue Receipts Tracker and then make a formal claim for the tax credit when submitting their annual Income Tax Return.
Under the scheme a claim may be made in relation to qualifying expenditure incurred between the period 1 October 2020 and 30 April 2021. Broadly, qualifying expenditure includes expenditure on either holiday accommodation or “eat in” food and drink, with a minimum expenditure amount of €25 per transaction being required.
Since the Stay and Spend scheme commenced on 1 October 2020 a total of 43,196 receipts have been uploaded to the Revenue Receipts Tracker, as at 18 January 2021. The expenditure recorded on these receipts amounts to €6,822,398 and the potential tax cost is €1,364,480, assuming all such expenditure is claimed and qualifies in full for tax relief.
Claims relating to qualifying expenditure incurred in the period from 1 October 2020 to 31 December 2020 can be made when an individual is submitting his/her 2020 Income Tax Return, which is now available for submission.
As at 18 January 2021 a total of 4,441 claims have been included in 2020 Income Tax Returns. These claims relate to €1,527,149 of the qualifying expenditure recorded on the Revenue Receipts Tracker to date and the tax cost of same amounts to €305,430. However, as the filing deadline for the 2020 Income Tax Return is not until 31 October 2021, information on the total number of claims and cost for the 2020 year of assessment will not be available until after the filing date and the returns have been processed.
Finally, subsequent to claims being made in respect of this new scheme and any other relief or deduction, verification of such reliefs and deductions forms part of Revenue’s comprehensive risk assessment programme.
Help-To-Buy Scheme
Ceisteanna (59)
David Stanton
Ceist:59. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the position on persons who have lost their first house due to bankruptcy in respect of the help-to-buy scheme; if an application by such persons who would otherwise meet all other required criteria would be accepted under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3045/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The incentive gives a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.
Section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 outlines the definitions and conditions that apply to the HTB scheme. A claimant under the scheme must make an application confirming he or she meets various conditions specified in the section, including that he or she is a first-time purchaser and has completed a tax return form and is tax compliant for each of the tax years for which a claim is being made. The obligations apply to each party, where there is more than one party to a claim.
Section 477C provides a definition of a “first-time purchaser” for the purposes of the HTB scheme. A “first-time purchaser” is an individual who, at the time of making a claim under the scheme, has not, either individually or jointly with any other person, previously purchased or previously built, directly or indirectly, on his or her own behalf a dwelling. The “qualifying residence” must be occupied as the sole or main residence of the first-time purchaser.
I am advised by Revenue that in circumstances where a person has previously purchased or self-built a home, but the property has since been repossessed due to bankruptcy, the individual will no longer be considered a “first time purchaser” for the HTB scheme given that it is a prerequisite for qualification for the relief that the taxpayer be a first-time purchaser.
Import Costs
Ceisteanna (60)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:60. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if concerns raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) about duties will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3343/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to steel imports, I am informed by Revenue that there are tariff quotas set down by the EU for specific steel products and that the UK, as a 3rd country, has been allocated a specific quota for certain steel products as set out in the most recent Steel Safeguard Regulation (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2037). This operates in the same manner as the existing Steel Safeguard measures which were introduced in 2018, and where the main steel supplying countries to the EU are allocated individual quotas based on their historical exports to the EU, while the other countries, known as the Rest of the World (ROW), share the remaining quota. The Steel tariff quotas are available to businesses on a “first come first served” basis. Where the quota is exceeded, a tariff rate of 25% is imposed. There are also some steel categories that do not benefit from a tariff quota and the tariff rate for those categories of steel is also 25%.
Businesses can check the EU Commission’s TARIC database to verify if a quota is available for goods using the product classification (CN) code and country of origin e.g. the UK. Businesses can check the EU Commission’s Tariff Quota Consultation Database for details on the balance of quotas available at any point in time for the particular products and country of origin. To claim quota relief, the importer makes the claim on the electronic customs import declaration. If there is sufficient quota remaining, then the request is accepted by the EU TARIC system. A retrospective claim can be made after goods have been imported if enough of the quota is still available. If the claims on a quota on any day exceeds the amount of quota available, claims will be granted on a pro-rata basis. A tariff rate of 25% applies in cases where the quota is exhausted.
Further information on quotas is available on the Revenue website or by contacting the Tariff Quota Section in Revenue on origin"asection@revenue.ie.