Colm Burke
Ceist:132. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance the current tax reliefs available for carers; if additional relief may be made available for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17081/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTax Reliefs
Ceisteanna (132)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that there are a number of tax reliefs available to individuals who are carers. Details of the main reliefs, including the related tax credits, are as follows:
The Home Carer Tax credit is available to married couples or civil partners that are jointly assessed, where one spouse or civil partner stays at home to take care of a dependent person. Its current value is €1,600. The carer spouse or civil partner may earn up to €7,200 per year without affecting the amount of the credit awarded. Where this income exceeds €7,200, the amount of credit available is reduced by one half of the excess over €7,200, subject to a maximum income limit of €10,400. Further details on this credit can be found on Revenue’s website at the following link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-29.pdf .
The Incapacitated Child Tax Credit is a tax credit of €3,300, which can be claimed by a person in respect of a child who is permanently incapacitated either physically or mentally from maintaining himself or herself and had become so before reaching 21 years of age or finishing full-time education. More information about this credit is available on Revenue’s website, available at this link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-05.pdf .
The Dependent Relative Tax Credit is a tax credit of €245, which can be claimed by an individual who maintains, at his or her own expense, a relative, or a child, who is unable to maintain himself or herself. This credit cannot be claimed in conjunction with the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit and is subject to a cap on the income of the dependent relative. Further information on this credit can be found on Revenue’s website by following this link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-27.pdf .
The Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit is a tax credit of €1,650, which is available to a single parent (whether widowed, separated, deserted or single parent) with a dependent child who is under 18 or, if over 18, is an incapacitated child who satisfy the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit criteria. Detailed guidance on this credit is available here: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-41.pdf.
In addition, income tax relief is available for certain health expenses, including visits to the doctor, medicines, nursing care in the patient’s home (in certain circumstances), nursing home fees, expenditure in respect of children with life threatening illnesses, kidney patients’ expenses, mileage for individuals who need to travel for treatment and certain medical appliances. More information on tax relief for health expenses is available at this link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-12.pdf .
And finally, an exemption from income tax applies in respect of the Carer’s Support Grant and the Domiciliary Care Allowance, which are payments made by the Department of Social Protection.
Financial Services Sector
Ceisteanna (133)
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:133. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the status of his strategy to bolster Ireland's offering as a financial technology destination both in terms of supporting indigenous companies and attracting global investment. [17084/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In January, the Government approved the latest Action Plan 2021 ‘Building on Resilience’ under the Ireland for Finance strategy. Minister of State, Sean Fleming TD, has devoted much of his time to overseeing of the Ireland for Finance strategy (which is one of the areas that he has a special responsibility) and its implementation via annual action plans.
In this context, it is important to note that one of the Minister of State's priorities for 2021 is digital finance (financial technology or 'fintech').
The Action Plan is a key instrument for delivering on the international financial services offering, and it is supported by commitments made by industry, central government departments and enterprise agencies (Enterprise Ireland and IDA).
This collaboration between our industry stakeholders and the public sector is key to preparing a balanced and effective suite of action measures.
One of those actions, for example, the Fintech Foresight Group, led by the private sector, will develop proposals to establish better collaboration between 'big tech' in the Grand Canal Innovation District area, tertiary education, new start-ups and venture capital firms.
A new fintech group has also been recently established in the Department and in line with this year's commitments under the Action Plan, seeks to coordinate policy across sub-sectors and collaborate with stakeholders in this area.
Additionally, IDA and EI will continue their successful record of accomplishment in attracting FDIs and export of financial services via numerous policy platforms and promotional activities.
My Department has been actively involved in the work of the recent EU Digital Finance Package. This package contains proposals regarding the innovative use of technology in finance, whilst maintaining a level playing field, access to data, financial inclusion and ethical use of data. For example, the EU legislative proposal on Digital Operational Resilience and proposal on Crypto-Assets aim to mitigate risks for investors while ensuring financial stability. Developments in this area will ensure that the EU legislation, which will become the operating environment in Ireland in due course, is based on the principle of ‘same activity, same risk, same rules’ and as such is technology neutral, and fit for the digital age.
As digital finance accelerates cross borders operations, it also has the potential to enhance financial market integration in the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union, and thereby to strengthen Europe’s Economic and Monetary Union.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (134)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:134. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Finance the status of his plans to assist businesses restart when the current phase of Covid-19 restrictions end. [12984/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that:
- The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) was launched last September and is the biggest ever state-backed loan guarantee in Ireland. Its focus is to provide additional liquidity to businesses in a range of sectors. This has resulted in an increased diversification in loan products available to businesses and greater geographical reach for the COVID-19 CGS.
- While take up of the COVID-19 CGS is less than was foreseen this is due to the significant supports that Government has ensured are available for businesses, including the EWSS, CRSS, tax warehousing and the commercial rates waiver.
- An extra ‘restart’ week is payable to qualifying businesses under CRSS the week after the restrictions are lifted as an additional support to them in meeting the costs of reopening.
- The current tax warehousing schemes allow for the deferral of collection of certain tax liabilities during the period when a business has been unable to trade due to the Covid-19 related restrictions and includes the first full two monthly VAT period after the business resumes trading, and 12 months thereafter.
- There has been over €810m in lending approved to 7,080 businesses across State-backed loan guarantee schemes.
- There has been high demand for the Future Growth Loan Scheme and working with the European Investment Fund, this scheme was expanded in the 2020 July Jobs Stimulus and makes up to €800m in lending available to eligible businesses to support long-term, strategic investment, including in response to COVID-19.
- The SBCI COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme makes available working capital loans to help businesses to innovate, change or adapt in response to the pandemic. These innovations may include adjustments to ensure that a business can continue to operate safely.
In addition, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment recently announced that the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid is open for applications through Local Authorities. It is available to companies, self-employed, sole traders or partnerships with a minimum turnover of €50,000 and not eligible for the CRSS, Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity Scheme or the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Live Performance Support.
Primary Medical Certificates
Ceisteanna (135)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:135. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the resumption of assessments for primary medical certificates under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14520/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I brought forward an amendment to the Finance Bill to provide for the existing medical criteria for the Disabled Drivers Scheme in primary legislation. Following approval of the Finance Act 2020, the HSE has been informed that medical assessments can recommence from 1st January 2021.
However, in the context of the national effort to suppress and manage the impact of COVID, the ability to hold assessments is impacted by, among other things, the public health restrictions in place and the role of the HSE Medical Officers in the roll-out of the COVID vaccination programme and in responding to outbreaks in residential care facilities across the country. The HSE has confirmed that the community medical doctors and their teams are predominately deployed to the COVID vaccination rollout in residential care facilities and other health care settings.
Finally, I would like to clarify that the Scheme itself is still operating. All persons or charitable organisations that can currently access the Scheme will continue to be able to do so and make claims for tax reliefs and the fuel grant in the normal manner.
Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 85.
Banking Sector
Ceisteanna (137)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:137. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if his Department plans proposals for a publicly owned bank. [16747/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the State has shareholdings in certain banks, however, the framework agreements in place in respect of those institutions prohibit the State from being involved in day-to-day operational matters including the provision of services.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department published a paper in December 2019 by Indecon Consulting on an Evaluation of the Concept of Community Banking in Ireland. This was a follow on to a previous paper on Local Public Banking published by my Department in 2018.
The Indecon report concluded that there is no business case for the State to establish a public banking system in Ireland, supporting the outcome of the previous report on Local Public Banking. The report notes that the Exchequer costs and risks involved would not be justified by the analysis of the causes and extent of market failure. The report also notes concerns over the ability of a new State owned bank to provide effective competition.
While Indecon’s report concluded there are some areas of market failure, it noted that there is extensive provision of and access to banking services through bank branches, credit union offices and An Post branches, as well as a wide range of Exchequer funded existing supports.
Notwithstanding recent announcements in the banking sector, this continues to be the case.
The Indecon report looked at the credit union sector, and concluded that credit unions are considered to be a ‘community bank’. The Government is supportive of the Credit Union movement growing as a key provider of community banking in the country.
The report also looked at An Post, noting that it was increasing its financial offerings and that there is a significant network of post offices in areas where there is no bank branch within five kilometres. An Post offers counter services for AIB, allowing customers to lodge and withdraw cash at An Post branches. Bank of Ireland has announced a new partnership with An Post to provide a range of banking services.
There are a wide range of models in the delivery of financial services in the State. These are being augmented all of the time, particularly in the area of online and phone app banking services. Complementing these wide range of models, we have huge diversity in the ownership of firms delivering retail services. Ownership ranges from shareholders, both domestically and internationally in the case of credit institutions and retail credit institutions, to community ownership in the case of credit unions.
Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 124.
Value Added Tax
Ceisteanna (139)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:139. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if he will seek a revision to the European Union VAT directive in order that tourism activities such as surfing and kayak instruction can be reclassified to Annex III of the directive. [1711/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the European Commission published a proposal in January 2018 in relation to VAT rates. The proposal as published provides significantly greater flexibility to all Member States to apply reduced rates. The current system (in Annex 3 of the Directive) operates a set list of goods and services to which a reduced rate may apply. The new proposal allows Member States to apply lower rates to a wider set of goods and services but introduces a list of goods and services which must be charged at the standard rate – a “negative list.” The purpose of the negative list is to ensure the application of a standard rate to supplies where there may be a risk of distortion of competition.
This proposal remains under discussion at Working Party level.
Credit Unions
Ceisteanna (140)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:140. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance his plans to enable credit unions to become involved in financing housing projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17174/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following a review of the investment framework for credit unions in 2017, the Central Bank introduced amending investment and liquidity regulations for credit unions.
Since 1 March 2018, credit unions have been permitted to invest in regulated investment vehicles where the underlying investments are investments in Tier 3 Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the provision of social housing. The regulations require that investments by credit unions in Tier 3 AHBs must be made through a regulated investment vehicle. The maximum permitted investment amount per credit union is 50% of a credit union's regulatory reserves where a credit union has total assets of at least €100 million and 25% of a credit unions regulatory reserves for all other credit unions. These limits may facilitate a combined sector investment in Tier 3 AHBs of close to €700 million.
As such the Government and the Central Bank have fulfilled their role and it is now up to both the credit union and social housing sectors themselves to progress and develop any specific funding mechanisms.
I understand three groups are currently seeking to establish an SPV to allow investment into Tier 3 AHBs, including the two credit union representative bodies the Irish League of Credit Unions and the Credit Union Development Association.
It should be noted that the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government is the department with primary responsibility for the formulation and implementation of policy, and for the preparation of legislation, in relation to housing.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (141)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:141. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend access to the Covid-19 restrictions support scheme for businesses and persons who do not operate in rateable premises but still face considerable overheads as part of their operating costs, such as travel counsellors, those working in the arts and on-track bookmakers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17172/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. Details of the CRSS are set out in Finance Act 2020 and detailed operational guidelines, which are based on the terms and conditions of the scheme as set out in the legislation, have been published on the Revenue website at: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/2021/crss-guidelines.pdf.
To qualify under the scheme, a business must carry on a trade or trading activities, the profits from which are chargeable to tax under Case I of Schedule D. The trade must be carried on from a business premises that is located in a region subject to restrictions introduced in line with the Government’s ‘Living with Covid-19 Plan’, with the result that the business is required to prohibit or significantly restrict customers from accessing its business premises.
To make a claim under the CRSS, a business must be able to demonstrate that, because of the Covid restrictions, the turnover of the business in the period for which the restrictions are in operation, and for which a claim is made, will be no more than 25% of an amount equal to the average weekly turnover of the business in 2019 (or average weekly turnover in 2020 in the case of a new business) multiplied by the number of weeks in the period for which a claim is made.
For the purposes of the CRSS, a business premises is defined as the building or similar fixed physical structure in which a business activity is ordinarily carried on. It does not require that the premises is a rateable premises. Mobile premises, or premises which are not permanently fixed in place, do not meet the definition of business premises.
A business that does not ordinarily operate from a fixed business premises located in a region that is subject to restrictions, as in the case of an on-track bookmaker, a travel counsellor or certain businesses in the arts sector, will not meet the eligibility criteria.
The CRSS is just one of the Government supports to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19. Businesses not falling within the scope of the CRSS may be entitled to support under other measures put in place by Government, including the COVID Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). Businesses 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.
Businesses who are not eligible for CRSS may qualify for other support schemes, where they meet certain criteria. These include the Live Performance Support Scheme 2021, the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme and the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC). However, a condition for eligibility for SBASC is that the business operates from a rateable premises.
There are no plans to revise the eligibility criteria for CRSS. The purpose of the CRSS is to provide additional support to the businesses who have had to close temporarily or significantly restrict access to their premises as a direct result of public health Regulations. The Government will continue to assess the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and I will continue to work with Ministerial colleagues to ensure that appropriate supports are in place to mitigate these effects.
Interest Rates
Ceisteanna (142)
Pa Daly
Ceist:142. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Finance his views on the charging of negative interest rates on accounts used to hold funds for probate or conveyancing proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16746/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The application of interest rate charges is solely a commercial matter for the board and management of each bank. I have no role in the day to day operations of any bank operating within the State including banks in which the State has a shareholding. Decisions in relation to commercial matters are the sole responsibility of the board and management of the banks, which must be run on an independent and commercial basis.
Deposit balances and liquidity in general has risen significantly across the banking system in Europe in recent years as the ECB has continued to provide additional funds through their asset purchase schemes and long term refinancing operations. This has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as households continue to stay at home and save and businesses defer investment decisions.
This excess liquidity which has grown significantly in the European system and in the main it gets placed back on deposit with the ECB who charge the banks -0.50%. The application of negative deposit rates by the ECB has resulted in European banks incurring a consequent cost on deposit accounts. The Irish banks are impacted in a similar way to their European counterparts. The banks across Europe have looked to pass some of the costs associated with negative rates to deposit holders with larger balances. The Irish banks are no different in this regard.
In passing on some of these costs, banks have decided that they cannot differentiate between customers in different sectors and for that reason, banks have chosen to apply charges based on the size of the deposit balance.
I am not in a position to comment on the potential impact on accounts used to hold funds for probate and conveyancing proceedings. However, I understand that some legal practices have already taken steps to work closely with clients to ensure that clients' monies for transactions spends the least amount of time possible in the client account.
Question No. 143 answered with Question No. 98.
Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 57.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (145)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:145. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the details of the engagement he has had to date in 2021 with an organisation (details supplied) with regard to the question of reinstating the co-ordinated Covid-19 payment break regime voluntarily undertaken by the organisation in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17153/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Last year the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) announced a coordinated approach by their member banks and other lenders to help their customers who were economically impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. The measures included flexible loan repayment arrangements where needed, including loan payment breaks initially for a period up to three months and then subsequently extended for up to six months. The implementation of this voluntary moratorium by the banking industry was a flexible response to the emerging COVID-19 crisis and ensured that a large volume of affected customers could benefit quickly during a fast moving and evolving public health crisis.
While many borrowers whose payment break has ended have been able to return to full payments, it is also recognised that many borrowers continue to be impacted by the economic consequences of COVID-19. For those borrowers, lenders are expected to engage with them in an effective way and, in line with the requirements of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, the Consumer Protection Code and regulations on lending to SMEs, to deliver appropriate and sustainable solutions and facilitate as many borrowers with their debt repayments.
In relation to the reintroduction of mortgage payment breaks, the Central Bank has confirmed that there is no regulatory impediment to lenders offering payment breaks to borrowers, providing they are appropriate for the individual borrower circumstance. My Department maintains ongoing contact with the BPFI and lenders and the BPFI has also stated that standard payment breaks continue to be part of the wide range of tailored solutions which are being made available to customers upon assessment of their particular situation.
I will continue to work with the Central Bank, as regulator, to ensure that the Central Bank consumer protection and other applicable frameworks will be fully available to all borrowers that still need support at this time.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (146)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:146. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance If he has considered amending the Covid restrictions support scheme to include businesses engaged in outdoor activities that currently find themselves excluded from the scheme because they do not have a fixed premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1854/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (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 is available to companies, self-employed individuals and partnerships who carry on a trade or trading activities, the profits from which are chargeable to tax under Case I of Schedule D, from a business premises located in a region subject to restrictions introduced in line with the Living with Covid-19 Plan.
Details of CRSS were published in Finance Act 2020 and detailed operational guidelines, which are based on the terms and conditions of the scheme as set out in the legislation, have been published on the Revenue website at: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/2021/crss-guidelines.pdf
To qualify under the scheme a business must, under specific terms of the Covid restrictions, be required to either prohibit or significantly restrict, customers from accessing their business premises to purchase goods or services, with the result that the business either has to temporarily close or to operate at a significantly reduced level. For the purposes of CRSS, a qualifying “business premises” is a building or other similar fixed physical structure in which a business activity is ordinarily carried on.
Where a business does not ordinarily operate from a fixed business premises, such as an outdoor activity business, that business will not meet the eligibility criteria for CRSS.
It is not sufficient that the trade of a business has been impacted because of a reduction in customer demand as a consequence of Covid-19. The scheme only applies where, as a direct result of the specific terms of the Government restrictions, the business is required to either prohibit or restrict access to its business premises.
The Deputy will be aware of the Tourism Business Continuity scheme, a €55m strategic funding scheme announced as part of Budget 2021 to support tourism businesses. I understand that outdoor activity providers, boat tour companies and caravan and camping and other outdoor accommodation providers that are registered with Fáilte Ireland are eligible for phase 1 of this scheme, which is now open for applications. Further details of the scheme are available on the Fáilte Ireland website at https://www.failteireland.ie/Identify-Available-Funding/Tourism-Business-Continuity-Scheme.aspx
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 purpose of the CRSS is to provide additional support to the businesses who have had to close temporarily or significantly restrict access to their premises as a direct result of public health Regulations. The Government will continue to assess the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and I will continue to work with Ministerial colleagues to ensure that appropriate supports are in place to mitigate these effects.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (147)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:147. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Finance the details the scale of the increase in both temporary and permanent spending arising from Covid-19; the impact on the structural deficit as a consequence of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17135/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Covid-19 and the associated public health restrictions have resulted in a significant shock to the Irish economy and our society more generally. The challenges have been unprecedented and Government has responded accordingly.
Last year, the Government made provision for approximately €16.8 billion in direct expenditure interventions in response to the economic impacts of Covid-19 and to support key public services. This included additional funding of over €2.5 billion to support our health service, as well as the introduction of supports for employees and businesses such as the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, the Wage Subsidy Schemes, restart grants and commercial rates waivers.
Furthermore, Departmental Estimates for 2021 presented last December included expenditure on Covid-19 related measures and supports of €6.5 billion. These measures and supports include additional expenditure on employment and income supports arising from Covid-19, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment; ongoing costs in the Health service arising from the pandemic; additional funding in Education and Further and Higher Education and support for the operation of our public transport system given the capacity restrictions in place under public health guidelines.
In addition, a further €3.4 billion was set aside in the Recovery Fund and almost €2 billion in a Contingency Reserve within the overall expenditure ceiling for 2021 of €87.8bn. These reserve funds bring the funding provision for measures to respond to Covid-19 this year to almost €12 billion. I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has made a distinction between core expenditure and the additional funds allocated to respond to Covid-19 so that when supports are no longer required, they do not permanently enter the expenditure base.
The substantial additional funding provided across 2020 and 2021 is a result of the exceptional circumstances arising from this crisis. The Government’s focus has been on implementing measures to support our people and businesses experiencing extreme difficulties, while ensuring that our health service has the resources to respond to the pandemic.
While estimates of the structural balance were not published in Budget 2021, my Department is currently working on new estimates which will be published in April as part of a full set of updated medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal forecasts with the Stability Programme Update.
Question No. 148 answered with Question No. 94.
Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 79.