Patricia Ryan
Ceist:155. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if the number of trains serving Athy railway station will be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56648/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraRail Network
Ceisteanna (155)
Freagraí scríofa
As the 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 operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 153.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (157)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:157. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who took part in the taxsaver scheme in each year since 2016 in each county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56683/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (158)
Martin Browne
Ceist:158. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the reason improvements to rail services have not been referenced in the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and the plans of the NTA regarding rail services in the context of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. [56703/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
The Connecting Ireland plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the NTA with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns. It will significantly increase both the number of routes and the frequency of existing services right across the country.
The Deputy will be pleased to learn that Connecting Ireland proposes to specifically expand the public transport network in rural areas and to increase service levels. Under Connecting Ireland, the NTA is proposing an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services as part of the five year Connecting Ireland plan. Hundreds of rural villages and areas will for the first time be served by a viable public transport link.
I joined the NTA to launch its Connecting Ireland consultation on 29 October 2021. I would urge everyone to review the NTA's proposals for their area and give their feedback to the NTA to guide the implementation of Connecting Ireland.
I have also referred the Deputy's question regarding rail services in the context of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (159)
Martin Browne
Ceist:159. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport when the strategic rail review will be completed; if the review will take into account a review of the timetables on the Limerick Junction, Waterford and the Limerick to Ballybrophy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56704/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, is undertaking a Strategic Rail Review. This Review, which Arup consultants have been appointed to undertake, will inform amongst other matters, the development of inter-urban and inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, including the role of enhanced service provision across the network.
Work on the Review commenced in September with a view to completion in Q4 2022.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (160)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:160. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when the National Investment Framework for Transport will be published; the proposed purpose of the framework; the elements that will be contained in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56720/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) is the Department of Transport’s new high-level strategic framework for prioritising future investment in the land transport network. NIFTI is currently being revised following public consultation and it is expected that the final version of the framework will be brought to Government for approval and published before the end of this year.
NIFTI has been developed to ensure that sectoral investment in transport is aligned with the National Planning Framework and supports the delivery of the ten National Strategic Outcomes. Transport investment is essential to realising our spatial and climate change objectives, and it is therefore crucial that we have developed this strategy which is aligned with and supports Government’s overarching policy objectives. NIFTI sits alongside other Departmental and Government policy and strategies, such as the Climate Action Plan, National Development Plan and forthcoming Sustainable Mobility Policy.
The framework establishes four investment priorities to ensure that transport investment is aligned with these overarching policy aims, and delivered in a sustainable and proportionate manner. The four priorities are:
1. Decarbonisation;
2. Protection and Renewal;
3. Mobility of People and Goods in Urban Areas; and
4. Enhanced Regional and Rural Connectivity.
To ensure that NIFTI supports the National Planning Framework in the most sustainable and cost-effective manner possible, it establishes modal and intervention hierarchies to supplement the Investment Priorities. The modal hierarchy will ensure that the most environmentally sustainable feasible solution to a given transport need is deployed on a given project. Project sponsors will have to consider walking and cycling before public transport, and public transport before private transport. If a solution from further down the hierarchy is proposed, project sponsors will have to justify why a more environmentally sustainable solution is not suitable for the problem at hand.
Similarly, the intervention hierarchy will require project sponsors to first consider maintenance and then optimisation of existing assets. Only when these more conservative solutions have been demonstrated to be unsuitable will significant improvement of existing infrastructure or outright new infrastructure be considered.
The hierarchies are not rigid tools. Their role is to ensure that for a given transport need or problem the most appropriate solution is deployed, but investment will remain principles-based and objectives-led. Where project sponsors can demonstrate that solutions from higher on either hierarchy are infeasible solutions to meet the objectives of a given investment, it follows that solutions from further down the hierarchy will be considered.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (161)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:161. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the studies that have been carried out by his Department in developing its transport strategy on the percentage of persons that choose to commute by walking, cycling and e-scooters in cases in which there is good walking, cycling and e-scooters infrastructure; the results of such studies by distance, age, disability and weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56721/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is currently finalising a new Sustainable Mobility Policy Framework. This will set out a strategic framework for walking, cycling and public transport to support Ireland’s overall requirement to achieve a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of this decade. The new framework will replace the existing sectoral policy documents from 2009 - Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009-2020 and the National Cycle Policy Framework.
A collaborative approach has been taken in developing the new framework. A stakeholder engagement event was held at the end of 2019 alongside the publication of a comprehensive range of background papers for public consultation. Over 250 submissions were received as part of the public consultation process from individuals and organisations. Following a review of those submissions, a report of the public consultation was published on my Department's website and further bilateral stakeholder engagement has taken place.
Transport trends such as those identified in the Central Statistics Office's National Travel Survey (NTS) have been considered in the development of the new framework including data relating to user demographics, journeys taken, reasons for travel and chosen transport mode. The 2019 NTS also highlighted geographic variations in transport trends which shows that transport needs are not uniform across the country and tailored solutions will be needed for both urban and rural areas.
I hope to publish the Sustainable Mobility Policy Framework shortly. It will set out a comprehensive set of actions to increase active travel provision and improve public transport capacity and services across the country in order to make sustainable modes the preferred choice for as many people as possible. It is also important to consider the role that newer forms of mobility such as e-scooters can play in reducing reliance on the private car. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which is currently at Second Stage in this House, contains measure to give the Minister the power to make regulations to legalise the use of e-scooters on public roads. The regulations will determine conditions for their use and technical standards.
Tax Data
Ceisteanna (162, 163)
Michael Ring
Ceist:162. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the total tax take on a litre of petrol retailing at €1.10, a litre of diesel, retailing at €1.10 and on a litre of LPG retailing at €1.10, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56592/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Ring
Ceist:163. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the total tax take on a litre of petrol retailing at €1.50, on a litre of diesel retailing at €1.50 and on a litre of LPG retailing at €1.50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56594/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the breakdown of the tax liabilities, at current Mineral Oil Tax (MOT), Carbon Duty and VAT rates, on a litre of petrol, diesel and Auto-LPG retailing at €1.10 or alternatively at €1.50 are as follows.
Petrol
|
Price (tax inclusive) per Litre € |
MOT Component of Price € |
Carbon Component of Price € |
VAT Component of Price € |
|
1.10 |
0.54 |
0.09 |
0.21 |
|
1.50 |
0.54 |
0.09 |
0.28 |
Diesel
|
Price (tax inclusive) per Litre € |
MOT Component of Price € |
Carbon Component of Price € |
VAT Component of Price € |
|
1.10 |
0.43 |
0.11 |
0.21 |
|
1.50 |
0.43 |
0.11 |
0.28 |
Auto LPG
|
Price (tax inclusive) per Litre € |
MOT Component of Price € |
Carbon Component of Price € |
VAT Component of Price € |
|
1.10 |
0.06 |
0.05 |
0.21 |
|
1.50 |
0.06 |
0.05 |
0.28 |
Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 162.
Tax Data
Ceisteanna (164, 165, 166)
Michael Ring
Ceist:164. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the total tax take by his Department on petrol sales for February 2021 compared to the total tax take for this product for October 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56596/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Ring
Ceist:165. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the total tax take on sales of diesel for February 2021; the way this figure compares this to the total tax take for this product for October 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56599/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Ring
Ceist:166. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the total tax take on sales of LPG for February 2021; the way this figure compares to the total tax take for this product for October 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56602/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164, 165 and 166 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the table below shows the provisional breakdown of tax receipts for petrol, diesel and Auto-LPG for the months of February and October 2021. As a significant proportion of VAT collected on diesel sales is refunded to VAT registered businesses, the table provides for the net (VAT) receipts based on estimated volumes and price. It should be noted that there was a significant increase in volumes consumed during that time frame, likely due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
|
Period |
Tax |
Petrol €m |
Diesel €m |
Auto-LPG €m |
|
Feb-21 |
Mineral Oil Tax (Non -Carbon Charge) |
20.72 |
83.30 |
0.01 |
|
|
Carbon |
2.82 |
16.60 |
0.00 |
|
|
VAT |
10.52 |
12.58 |
0.03 |
|
|
Total Tax February |
34.06 |
112.48 |
0.04 |
|
Oct-21 |
Mineral Oil Tax (Non-Carbon Charge) |
43.14 |
130.71 |
0.01 |
|
|
Carbon |
5.88 |
26.04 |
0.00 |
|
|
VAT |
28.72 |
25.87 |
0.03 |
|
|
Total Tax October |
77.73 |
182.62 |
0.05 |
It should be noted that there has been no increase in the rate of Mineral Oil Tax (non-carbon charge) between February and October. The increase in the revenue yielded arises as a result of an increase in volumes consumed, likely due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions during that time frame.
The following table shows the provisional volumes for petrol, diesel and Auto-LPG. As the receipts for February and October are on foot of returns made in respect of the previous month, the volumes shown relate to January and September.
Volume in Kilolitres (Provisional)
|
Month |
Petrol |
Diesel |
Auto-LPG |
|
Jan-21 |
38,130 |
197,307 |
148 |
|
Sep-21 |
79,876 |
310,449 |
177 |
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 164.
Question No. 166 answered with Question No. 164.
Inflation Rate
Ceisteanna (167)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:167. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance his plans to address rising inflation and the resulting increase in the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56629/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While Covid-19 had a deflationary impact both in Ireland and internationally last year, inflation has picked up since the beginning of this year. The annual rate of HICP inflation rose to 5.1 per cent in October – the highest rate since 2003. The emergence of inflationary pressures is not unique to Ireland however, with inflation rates of 6.2 and 4.1 per cent recorded in the US and euro area respectively in October.
The recent rise in inflation is partly explained by temporary factors, which are expected to fade over time, including ‘base effects’ associated with the ‘normalisation’ of oil prices following their collapse last spring and the imbalance between supply and demand that emerged following re-opening. This has been compounded by global supply chain disruptions, including transport bottlenecks, input shortages (e.g. semi-conductors) and labour supply shortages in some sectors. More recently, increases in wholesale energy prices have put additional upward pressure on prices, with energy inflation of 24 per cent recorded in October.
Looking ahead, the most likely scenario is that inflation will moderate over time as temporary factors fade, demand stabilises and supply pressures ease. The Department is forecasting inflation of 2¼ per cent this year and next. Notwithstanding the strong pick-up in the rate of inflation in recent months, the rate for 2021 as a whole is likely to be close to the Department’s projection. However, the recent spike in wholesale energy prices means that there could already be some upside to the projection for next year. Indeed, the upside scenario published alongside the Budget, which incorporated these price rises and other factors, would suggest that an inflation rate between 2½ to 3 per cent for 2022 is now increasingly likely.
The Government is very conscious of inflationary pressures and introduced a range of measures in Budget 2022 to protect households against increases in the cost of living, including a personal income tax package worth €520m and a social welfare package of over €550m. The fuel allowance was increased by €5 per week to compensate lower income households for the additional energy costs they are likely to incur due to an increase in the carbon tax. There were also increases in the allocation of Early Learning Care and School-Age Childcare to ensure childcare prices do not rise.
Additionally, the Government is pursuing a broadly neutral budgetary policy in order to contain domestic inflationary pressures. It is crucial that we do not have an inflation ‘chain reaction’ which would damage our international cost competitiveness.
Tax Exemptions
Ceisteanna (168)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:168. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he will remove VAT from the cost of making a will if a charitable bequest is included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56641/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In accordance with the Directive legal services, including legal services supplied in the course of making a will, are liable to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23%. There is no discretion under the Directive for Ireland to remove VAT on these supplies.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (169)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:169. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the category A, B and C thresholds for capital acquisitions tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56691/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT), including gifts and inheritances, is a tax on unearned wealth. It is recognised that effective taxation of capital is an important tool for addressing income and wealth inequality. Therefore, gift and inheritance taxes, including the efficient use of relief thresholds, are fundamental elements of using our tax code to help create a fairer society.
There have been many increases to the CAT thresholds in recent years. The Group A threshold was raised from €225,000 to €280,000 in Budget 2016, to €310,000 in 2017, to €320,000 in Budget 2019 with a further rise to €335,000 in Budget 2020.
The Group B threshold rose from €30,150 to €32,500 in Budget 2017 and the Group C threshold rose from €15,075 to €16,250 in Budget 2017.
You will appreciate that there would be a significant cost in making further substantial changes to the Group A, Group B and Group C thresholds. For example, recent Revenue estimates indicate that the cost of increasing the CAT A threshold from its current €335,000 to €400,000 would be €35 million, the estimated cost of increasing the CAT B threshold from its current €32,500 to €35,000 would be €6 million, and the estimated cost of increasing the CAT C threshold from its current €16,250 to €19,000 would be €3 million.
The options available for providing increases to CAT thresholds need to be considered in the context of available resources and must be balanced against competing demands.
At the moment, I do not believe that a compelling case can be made for increases to the CAT thresholds. Therefore, I have no plans to increase the category A, B or C Group CAT thresholds.
Tax Exemptions
Ceisteanna (170)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:170. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending tax exemptions for community sports clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56696/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am informed by Revenue that the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA) provides the following reliefs for sporting bodies, including community sports clubs:
- Section 235 TCA provides for an exemption from Income Tax or Corporation Tax, as appropriate, for bodies established for the sole purpose of the promotion of athletic or amateur games or sports (“approved sporting bodies”) for so much of their income that is applied for the purpose of promoting the game or sport in question. This exemption shall be granted where it can be shown to the satisfaction of Revenue that such income is applied solely for those purposes.
- Section 847A TCA provides for a scheme of tax relief for donations to certain sports bodies for the funding of capital projects to be approved by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media. Bodies which apply for approval must submit both a valid tax clearance certificate and sports exemption certificate in support of this application.
A sporting body which has been granted an exemption from Income Tax and Corporation Tax under section 235 TCA, may also be exempt from other duties and taxes:
- Section 172C TCA provides that sporting bodies with an Income Tax or Corporation Tax exemption are exempt from Dividend Withholding Tax.
- Section 610A(1) TCA provides that a capital gain accruing to an approved sporting body will be exempt from Capital Gains Tax to the extent that the disposal proceeds are used for the sole purpose of promoting athletic or amateur games or sports. In the case of disposals on or after 1 January 2005, if the proceeds (or a portion thereof) are donated to a sporting body and the donation is approved by the Minister for Finance then the gain will be exempt from Capital Gains Tax in proportion to the amount that has been so donated (section 610A(2) TCA). In general, the proceeds of the disposal must be spent within five years of their receipt.
- Transfers (purchases and gifts) and leases of land to approved sporting bodies are also exempt from Stamp Duty under section 82(b) of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999, provided the land is used solely for sports purposes.
There is no general exemption from VAT for a sporting body. For VAT purposes, member-owned sports clubs are not regarded as operating in the course of business in respect of their core sporting activities. However, they are liable to VAT on bar and restaurant sales if their turnover from those activities is over the registration threshold for the supply of services (currently €37,500 per annum where the body supplies services only).
The deposit income of a sporting body is also not exempt from Deposit Interest Retention Tax.
A full list of bodies granted tax exemption under section 235 TCA is available on the Revenue website.
Whilst the various exemptions and reliefs are kept under review by my department, I have no plans at present to expand them.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (171)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:171. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if expenditure on Covid-19 tests for health appointments can be claimed as a health expense under Med 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56755/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief in respect of qualifying health expenses. Only “health expenses” incurred in the provision of “health care”, which has been carried out or advised by a “practitioner”, will qualify for tax relief.
Health care is defined as the “prevention, diagnosis, alleviation or treatment of an ailment, injury, infirmity, defect or disability, and includes care received by a woman in respect of a pregnancy”.
Health expenses are defined as “expenses in respect of the provision of health care” and includes:
(a) the services of a practitioner,
(b) diagnostic procedures carried out on the advice of a practitioner,
(c) maintenance or treatment necessarily incurred in connection with the services or procedures
referred to in paragraph (a) or (b),
(d) drugs or medicines supplied on the prescription of a practitioner,
(e) the supply, maintenance or repair of any medical, surgical, dental or nursing appliance used on
the advice of a practitioner,
(f) physiotherapy or similar treatment prescribed by a practitioner,
(g) orthoptic or similar treatment prescribed by a practitioner,
(h) transport by ambulance,
(i) educational psychological assessments carried out by an educational psychologist in certain
circumstances, or
(j) speech and language therapy carried out by a speech and language therapist in certain
circumstances.
A practitioner is defined as a person who is “(a) registered in the register established under section 43 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, (b) registered in the register established under section 26 of the Dentists Act, 1985, or, (c) in relation to health care provided outside the State, entitled under the laws of the country in which the care is provided to practice medicine or dentistry there".
Where an individual incurs expenditure in obtaining a COVID-19 test, he or she will be entitled to make a claim for tax relief on that expense if the above criteria are met.
Further details in relation to income tax relief for health expenses are set out on the Revenue website and in Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-12, both of which may be found at the links below:
- Revenue website: www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/health-and-age/health-expenses/index.aspx
- Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-12: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-12.pdf.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that, in the context of the Finance Bill 2021, I am bringing forward a proposal to exempt from benefit-in-kind, subject to a number of conditions, expenses incurred by an employer in providing certain health and wellbeing related benefits to its employees, including expense incurred in providing a COVID-19 test. If approved by the Oireachtas, the measure will have effect from 1 January 2021.
Tax Yield
Ceisteanna (172)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:172. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 10 November 2021, the assumptions on which the estimates are based particularly with regard to household and general carbon consumption in each of the years to 2030; if they are based on projections; and if so, the projections and the details of same in tabular form. [56823/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The most recent projection provided by my Department for the period 2021 to 2030 is €9.2 billion in additional carbon tax revenues. The annual breakdown of these receipts was provided in the PQ reply of 10 November 2021. As stated in the same PQ reply, projections are point in time exercises, and are revised periodically to take account of factors such as changes in the macroeconomic environment, policy decisions by Government and other factors.
My Department’s carbon tax receipts projection for the period 2020-2030 factor in a declining carbon tax base reflecting changing behaviour in response to the tax, amongst other factors. This estimates use a base of 21.5 metric tonnes, or Mt, of CO2, which reflects the estimated carbon tax base in 2019, informed by carbon tax receipts for that year.
The carbon tax base projections for the period 2020 to 2030 reflect the trajectory of official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions projections. Specifically, this adjustment reflects the EPA’s non-ETS ‘WAM’ projections for percentage growth in annual equivalent Mt of CO2. This particular scenario is used to inform my Department’s projections as it identifies non-ETS (EU Emissions Trading System) emissions. These emissions are reflective of emissions subject to the carbon tax, while in general EU ETS emissions are not subject to the carbon tax. It also reflects a ‘with additional measures’, or WAM scenario, which includes the Government’s commitment to a €100 per tonne carbon tax by 2030.
The annual projections for the period 2021 to 2030 are available at the following link: www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/air-emissions/EPA-Irelands-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Projections-report-2020-2040v2.pdf.
Flexible Work Practices
Ceisteanna (173)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:173. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will be legislating for blended and flexible working arrangements for public service workers in possible circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56627/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
You will be aware that the Government has committed in the Programme for Government to mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working.
In July, 2021, the Government approved a Policy Statement on Blended Working in the Civil Service, which was developed by the Civil Service Management Board. The Policy Statement commits the Civil Service to implementing a policy of blended working for the future that can provide flexibility to both employees and their employers in a manner that supports the continued delivery of high quality services to Government, the public and business while providing employees, where appropriate, with choice and opportunity.
Remote working in the Civil Service, post pandemic, will be facilitated on a blended basis. In this context, Officials in my Department have also been working with, and continue to work with employers across the Civil and Public Service to develop a Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service with the aim of achieving the 20% target.
This Framework focuses on the longer-term approach to blended working in the sector and will assist in providing a consistent approach across the wider public sector. It is intended that the Framework will be finalised over the coming weeks, following engagement with employee representatives. When this engagement has concluded and the Framework is agreed with the Civil Service Management Board, it will be rolled out to all civil service organisations. The Framework will inform the development of organisational blended working policies, which will be tailored to meet the specific requirements of each Department/Office.
The Tánaiste and Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will be bringing forward legislation to provide employees with the right to request remote working which will apply to both public and private sectors.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (174)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:174. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the discussions she has had with Sport Ireland in relation to the reason that adult non-vaccinated players cannot take part in basketball matches given younger unvaccinated players are allowed play in such competitions; if Sport Ireland has provided her with medical evidence supporting its policies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56723/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Return to Sport Expert Group, which is chaired by an official of my Department, was set up last year to provide guidance to the National Governing Bodies of sport and other sporting bodies with a view to facilitating consistency of their return to train/play/spectating protocols with the prevailing public health advice. The Expert Group includes medical personnel from a range of sporting organisations, and it is in this context that Sport Ireland receives expert medical opinion to ensure a safe return to Sport.
At its meeting on 19 October 2021, and following consideration of the public health advice, Government agreed that additional aspects of society could reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place. As such, current restrictions under the Government’s plan state that organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place. For indoor sports, this means:
- The use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities and events.
- Where individuals have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult coaches/instructors).
- Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.
- The overall number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and there should be substantial social distance between individual pods.
- For Vaccinated individuals no fixed capacity limits apply to these activities.
- Vaccinated spectators attending indoor sporting events should be fully seated.
The Government's decision on 5th November to widen the range of sporting opportunities for young people, so as to enable under 18 indoor sports games and competitions in sports such as basketball to go ahead, responds to the widely expressed viewpoint from parents in particular about the important physical and mental wellbeing benefits of such sport to young people. The decision also recognises that children under the age of 12 are not currently eligible for vaccination, in contrast to other age cohorts in the population.
Updated guidance has been provided by Sport Ireland to sporting organisations to allow children under 18 years of age to participate in indoor games and competition activities according to the ordinary rules and limits of the sport concerned and subject to the implementation of various mitigation measures. The full guidance can be accessed on the Sport Ireland website at:
www.sportireland.ie/covid19/return-to-sport-and-physical-activity