Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:59. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the SEAI National Energy Research Development and Demonstration Funding Programme will be awarded. [59486/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy Policy
Ceisteanna (59)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Energy Research Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Outline call timelines are indicated on the SEAI website, with grant awards expected from Q4 2021, full details at: www.seai.ie/grants/research-funding/research-development-and-demonstration-fund/The 2021 Call received a significant increase in applications, demonstrating the strong demand for energy research funding in Ireland. Award announcements are expected imminently. I have been advised by SEAI that funding recommendations have been finalised, within the eligible programme budget, and are at the final stages of the approval process.The National Energy RD&D Funding Programme has grown from attracting between €1-2 million in annual applications pre-2018, to almost €30 million in the most recent previous call and increasing again significantly in 2021 to more than €60 million. This is a significant step change for the programme. Concurrent enhancements to processes, IT systems, and resourcing, have been a key focus in 2021 to ensure the programme can continue to grow and scale going forward, to support national energy research and innovation, ensuring maximum impact for the Irish energy sector
Energy Policy
Ceisteanna (60)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:60. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if it is planned to develop a strategy in consultation with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that will detail the port facilities that will be required to service the targeted offshore energy production outlined in the climate action plan; if State grants or grants under Ten-T will be used to part finance these developments; if State aid issues are likely to arise; and the dates by which this infrastructure will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59371/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Given Ireland’s increased ambition in the area of Offshore Renewable Wind Energy and pending a review of overall National Ports Policy, my Department in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), has been conducting an assessment of the options for Irish State ports to facilitate the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) sector and assist in Ireland achieving its emission reduction targets.
That Assessment is now completed and an internal report is being prepared which Minister Ryan will shortly be considering. It is envisaged that a Policy Statement will be finalised which will give clarity on the Government's strategy in this area.
In Ireland, the contribution from the Irish Government to the ORE industry is embedded in the Offshore Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (ORESS 1), where guaranteed income for the electricity produced will enable the wind farms to be financed and cover the cost of required port infrastructure and services.
Under National Ports Policy, no exchequer funding is provided to ports, so the Department has been exploring possible funding options to assist further with the provision of ORE facilities at ports. The Department engaged extensively with other Member States and the Commission advocating for the inclusion of funding for ORE required port infrastructure under the Connecting Europe Funding facility (CEF).
As a result, the CEF criteria was extended to allow EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE. This is significant and means that EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE will now be allowed under the CEF 2021-2027. This is a clear recognition of the vital role that ports will play in the achievement of carbon reduction through wind energy and that the EU is committed to supporting the development of ORE port infrastructure.
On its own, CEF funding does not have any State Aid implications and successful applicants can obtain significant grant funding of up to 50% of eligible costs for studies and up 30% of infrastructure works costs. The Department held an open information day on CEF on 21st October 2021 and is assisting, as appropriate, eligible applicants that are on the Ten-T network. It is a competitive process and a number of ports are applying in the current call for funding for studies which will effectively prepare them for lodgment of planning applications for ORE port developments from 2022 onwards.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (61)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:61. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the status of the provision of sheltered bus stops for Belgooly and Riverstick, County Cork. [59398/21]
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) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
Noting their responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Enterprise Support Services
Ceisteanna (62)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the measures that will be implemented to assist businesses that are severely impacted due to supply chain issues, shipping delays resulting in the late arrival of freight, causing disruption to manufacturing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59139/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
International supply chains are currently under considerable strain as global economies emerge from Covid. Ireland’s international supply chains are similarly challenged. Shipping costs across the globe have risen considerably. This is largely attributed to the disruption caused to the global supply chains by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the aviation sector, cargo-only flights continued to operate during COVID but the grounding of the majority of scheduled passenger services, with the consequential loss of bellyhold capacity, had a significant impact on the price of air cargo.
The demand for use of the UK landbridge for accessing EU markets has fallen considerably as a result of Brexit. This has driven the simultaneous decline in Ireland-GB traffic and an increase in direct Ireland-EU traffic. However, land borders across the EU remain fully open and no delays, outside of the norm, have been seen over recent months.
Overall, like many countries across the EU and globally, Ireland’s supply chain remains under considerable strain. My Department continues to meet with stakeholders in relation to the range of issues they are experiencing, and rapidly responding to, due to Covid and Brexit. In relation to shipping supply lines, the Irish Maritime Development Office continues to monitor maritime traffic, trade and the global shipping market data.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has a range of support schemes available to businesses, including supports for businesses impacted by Brexit and Covid 19. Details of these details can be found on that Department’s website at the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/Which-support-is-for-you/
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (63)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:63. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the reason Greystones, Skerries, Balbriggan, Kilcock, Sallins, and Kilcoole Dart stations are not included in the reduced rail fare recently announced by Transport for Ireland; if he will advocate for the inclusion of these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59147/21]
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) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question 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
Departmental Communications
Ceisteanna (64)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:64. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if a memorandum for observations has yet been circulated to other Departments; if not, when it will be circulated; the Departments to which it will be circulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59261/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is currently intended that a memorandum on the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) will be brought to Cabinet in the near future and, subject to government approval, published shortly after and before the end of 2021.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (65)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:65. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the public transport projects aside from the purchase of new buses, firmly committed to in the NDP, either partially or wholly located in, the province of Connacht; the estimated total cost of these projects; the total population of Connacht; the estimated spend per capita; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59262/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I realise the importance of expanding public transport options in cities, towns, and villages within Connacht and across the country. The National Development Plan (NDP) provides €35 billion for transport over the next decade, the largest investment in transport in the history of the state. This provides the necessary support to translate our ambitions for public transport into reality.
Projects like BusConnects in Galway City and Connecting Ireland in rural areas across the province will provide viable alternatives to the private car. BusConnects, which is a strategic investment priority of the NDP, will be rolled out across all five cities in the country, including Galway, and will massively expand access to public transport as well as radically improving cycling infrastructure. It will overhaul the current bus system in Galway by implementing a network of ‘next generation’ bus corridors, which includes segregated cycling facilities, on the busiest routes to make journeys faster, predictable, and reliable.
I recognise that we also need to increase access to public transport in rural and regional areas too. The NDP commits to supporting the delivery of Connecting Ireland in the coming years which will seek to significantly improve bus services in rural Ireland. It will improve the existing bus networks, add new bus services, and enhance the current Demand Responsive Transport network. At this stage interested parties are being asked to participate in the Connecting Ireland public consultation process which was launched by the National Transport Authority last month.
In rail, the NDP will support major transport-led developments in Galway, with funding allocated to support the redevelopment of Ceannt Station, as well as increased investment to expand commuter rail infrastructure and services on the Athenry to Galway Corridor, which will commence with improvements to Oranmore station and track infrastructure.
The rail network generally in Connacht will benefit from the increased investment the NDP provides to support enhanced protection and renewal of the network leading to improvements in service reliability and journey times over the period. The potential of the Western Rail Corridor is being considered as part of the all-island Strategic Rail Review which has now commenced following the appointment of Arup consultants.
Light rail is another of the strategic investment priorities of the NDP and the feasibility of light rail in Galway will be considered again as part of next year’s review of the Galway Transport Strategy.
In relation to the cost per capita, project costs can only be finalised following the completion of appropriate project development and planning processes. Accordingly it is not possible to provide an investment amount per capita at this stage of the project life cycle of the various proposals listed above.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (66)
Peter Burke
Ceist:66. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to improve the rail connectivity of Longford town with Dublin city by the provision of a dual rail line; if feasibility studies have been carried out on this project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59273/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken to provide a strategy for the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the period to 2040 and beyond. Work on the Review has commenced.
The Strategic Rail Review will review the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for high-/higher speed(s)), enhancing regional accessibility and supporting balanced regional development and improving rail connectivity on the island of Ireland. This Review will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network.
It will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead. I expect the Review will be completed within 12 months.
For the information of the Deputy, a consultation exercise forms part of the review and the Public Consultation is now open. I would encourage all interested to engage with the process.
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (67)
John Brady
Ceist:67. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport when the next round of funding will be announced for Greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59281/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and in line with Section 32(2) of the Road Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. It is important that any proposed Greenway has the support of the relevant Local Authority as funding is provided by TII to Local Authorities. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the next round of funding.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (68)
John Brady
Ceist:68. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if a decision has been reached in relation to the funding application submitted for an environmental impact study for the East Coast Greenway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59282/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and in line with Section 32(2) of the Road Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. It is important that any proposed Greenway has the support of the relevant Local Authority as funding is provided by TII to Local Authorities. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status, and funding of this proposed project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (69)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:69. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive an appointment at the National Driver Licencing Service centre in Ennis to renew their driving licence given its expiry date is early December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59310/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issuing of driving licences is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and, as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (70)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:70. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the process by which persons who do not use the internet and who are isolating due to high risk to Covid-19 can apply for a driving licence through the use of phone and post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59311/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The options available to apply for or renew a driving licence are booking an appointment at an NDLS centre, applying online if you have a public services card and a verified MyGovID account or by post if you are 70 years of age and over.
An Irish driving licence can be renewed up to 10 years after the expiry of the licence.
Airport Policy
Ceisteanna (71, 72, 73)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:71. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of air traffic control staff that are out of work due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59320/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuncan Smith
Ceist:72. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the lowest number of air traffic control staff required to operate safely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59321/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuncan Smith
Ceist:73. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the contingency plans if the number of air traffic control staff available falls below the threshold of safe operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59322/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 72 and 73 together.
The matters raised are operational matters for the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). I have referred the Deputy's questions to the IAA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to advise my private office if a reply is not received from the IAA within ten working days.
Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 71.
Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 71.
Ports Policy
Ceisteanna (74)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:74. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if Galway Port is eligible for either State grants or Ten-T grants to develop the harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59372/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under National Ports Policy, no Exchequer funding is provided to the ports.
In relation to TEN-T grants, Galway Harbour Company is not eligible to apply for EU TEN-T and CEF funding as it does not satisfy the EU qualifying criteria and therefore is not part of the TEN-T network.
In the context of the European Commission's Review of TEN-T, my Department has engaged bilaterally with the Commission over the past 18 months in relation to a number of matters, including the eligibility of Galway Port.
Minister Naughton also followed up directly with Commissioner Valean on the margins of the Transport Council in September 2021 but the Commissioner was clear that the Commission were not planning to make substantial changes to the network.
The Commissioner’s cabinet got in touch with my Department regarding other possible EU funding avenues which included European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and CEF Energy. This information was forwarded to the Port of Galway for its consideration.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (75)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:75. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide additional funding for the design of a 24-hour north south and east west bus route to be included in the draft BusConnects plan for Cork ahead of the expiry deadline for public consultation. [59414/21]
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) has statutory responsibility for public bus services and investment in bus infrastructure and is leading the development of the BusConnects Cork programme.
The issues raised by the Deputy would seem like a useful input into what is an early stage of consultation on the proposed new bus network for Cork and I would certainly encourage these types of issues to be submitted into the consultation process.
Noting their responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Insurance Industry
Ceisteanna (76)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:76. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the efforts he and his Department have taken to lower insurance premiums or for insurance firms to honour their pledge to reduce premiums. [59173/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As committed to in the 2020 Programme for Government, Government is prioritising reform of the insurance sector with particular emphasis on motor, public, and employer liability insurance. The whole-of-Government approach being taken through the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, which sets out 66 actions that aim to improve both the cost and availability of this key financial service, particularly for businesses.
A number of the actions from the Action Plan fall under the responsibility of my Department. This includes the expansion of the National Claims Information Database (NCID) to include information on employer and public liability insurance claims – the first report of which was published in July this year. The enhanced transparency this provides is key to further developing our understanding of how claims costs are impacting premiums, and in particular, the relationship between the price paid by a customer for a policy and the cost to insurance undertakings.
Other actions that have been taken by my Department include the establishment of the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market, which is chaired by Minister of State Fleming. Since its establishment, the Office has held meetings with wide range of stakeholders including insurance bodies, civil society and other state regulators on the issues of competition and switching, which are key for lowering insurance premiums. Furthermore, the Department is also working closely with IDA Ireland to target firms to enter the Irish market and leverage the ongoing reforms to the insurance environment here, with the aim of increasing competition. In addition, Department is collaborating with the Central Bank to create an insurance databank, which will assist new providers seeking to enter the Irish insurance market.
The adoption of the new Personal Injuries Guidelines by the Judicial Council was another key measure in the reform agenda. As the Deputy will appreciate, consistent implementation of these Guidelines by insurers, the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) and the judiciary will be vital in achieving an improved claims environment. These are early days in relation to assessing the impact of the Guidelines. However as the insurance reform agenda progresses, we will continue to hold the industry to account on its commitment to reflect savings from the Guidelines, and other elements of the reforms, to customers. Minister of State Fleming, in his ongoing engagement with the sector, has emphasised the need for insurance providers to reduce premiums and increase their risk appetite to provide cover in new areas. The Minister recently met with the main insurers to assess their response to the Guidelines, and to emphasise the importance of insurers when settling claims, to not undermine the Guidelines by settling for amounts that are inconsistent with them.
Finally, I would like to assure the Deputy that work remains ongoing across Government to deliver further elements of the Action Plan, including measures to reform the PIAB, reduce fraud, and make changes to the duty of care, which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice. It is my hope that the implementation of these key actions in particular should have a positive impact on the affordability and availability of insurance for individuals, businesses, community and voluntary groups across Ireland.
Insurance Industry
Ceisteanna (77)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:77. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the level of profit from the insurance sector; the average insurance premium per type of insurance; and the level of payouts for insurance claims from 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [59174/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset, it is important to note that as Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I, nor my Department, collect the type of information being sought by the Deputy. However, the Central Bank publishes data into the insurance sector via the National Claims Information Database (NCID). To date, the NCID has published three reports on private motor insurance and one report on employer liability (EL), public liability (PL) and commercial property insurance. It should be noted that NCID data in relation to motor insurance currently covers the period 2009-2020, while for employer liability, public liability and commercial property, it covers the period 2009-2019. Therefore, data for 2021 to date is not available.
To be of assistance to the Deputy, my officials consulted the Central Bank and collated the below tables from the NCID reports to provide the information that the Deputy is seeking, as far as it is currently possible. Please note that the Deputy can find this and other data in published Annexes to each of the NCID reports. They are published on the Central Bank of Ireland website (www.centralbank.ie/statistics/data-and-analysis/national-claims-information-database).
Profitability
For the purpose of providing data on the level of profit from the insurance sector, my officials have provided the data in respect of private motor insurance and general liability insurance separately, as per the reports. There are two overall profitability indicators shown in the NCID reports - the operating profit as a percentage of total income and the net combined operating ratio (COR). The COR is a key ratio used by insurers to measure the underlying performance of their insurance related activities. The COR describes insurance related outgoings as a proportion of earned premium. A COR greater than 100% represents a higher level of insurance related outgoings than insurance-related income.
In respect of private motor insurance, the profitability per year going back to 2009 was:
|
Year |
Operating profit or loss as a percentage of total income |
Net Combined Operating Ratio (COR) |
|
2020 |
12% |
79% |
|
2019 |
11% |
81% |
|
2018 |
9% |
87% |
|
2017 |
6% |
94% |
|
2016 |
-4% |
112% |
|
2015 |
-9% |
123% |
|
2014 |
-10% |
123% |
|
2013 |
-20% |
132% |
|
2012 |
11% |
100% |
|
2011 |
7% |
95% |
|
2010 |
6% |
102% |
|
2009 |
3% |
109% |
Source: Table 5 and Figure 18, NCID Private Motor Insurance Report 3
Note: This data is based on data from firms that insured 98% of the private motor insurance market in Ireland in 2020.
For general liability (employer liability/public liability) and commercial property insurance, the profitability over the period 2009 to 2019 was:
|
Year |
Operating profit or loss as a percentage of total income |
Net Combined Operating Profit (COR) |
|
2019 |
3% |
100% |
|
2018 |
-3% |
96% |
|
2017 |
-2% |
110% |
|
2016 |
-12% |
137% |
|
2015 |
-4% |
128% |
|
2014 |
2% |
116% |
|
2013 |
2% |
107% |
|
2012 |
6% |
122% |
|
2011 |
10% |
93% |
|
2010 |
23% |
73% |
|
2009 |
23% |
81% |
Source: Table 13 and Figure 10, NCID Employers’ Liability, Public Liability and Commercial Property Insurance Report 1
Note: This data is based on 83% of the EL, PL and Commercial Property insurance market in 2019.
It should be noted that in respect of private motor insurance, recent profitability in the sector followed a number of years of negative net insurance-related results which falling levels of investment income could not offset fully.
I understand from the Bank that the profitability figures will have an element of 'survivor' bias; they will not include the results of those firms that exited the market in 2019 and prior for private motor insurance, and 2018 and prior for general liability and commercial property insurance.
Average earned premium per policy
For private motor insurance, the average earned premium per policy was:
|
Year |
Private motor: average earned premium per policy (€) |
|
2020 |
622 |
|
2019 |
666 |
|
2018 |
699 |
|
2017 |
689 |
|
2016 |
600 |
Source: Figure 4, NCID Private Motor Insurance Report 3
Note: This data is based on data from firms that insured 99% of the private motor insurance market in Ireland in 2020.
The Bank notes that it is important to stress that calculating an average premium metric that accurately reflects market price movements in liability and commercial insurance markets is very challenging due to changes in the mix of policies, lines of business and sectors as well as changes in the size of policies, policy excesses, limits, risk and covers. These can all significantly impact the average premium so that this may not accurately reflect the change in rate charged per unit of risk by insurers nor may it reflect the average premium experience of insured customers in particular sectors. Therefore while an average premium metric is a crude measure, this metric represents the best currently available indicator of overall average premiums from the data captured.
For general liability (Employer and Public Liability) and commercial property package insurance policies, the average premium per package policy was:
|
Year |
General liability package policies (EL/PL/commercial property): average earned premium per policy (€) |
|
2019 |
2,269 |
|
2018 |
2,173 |
|
2017 |
2,065 |
|
2016 |
2,000 |
Source: Figure 2 (and Annex), NCID Employers’ Liability, Public Liability and Commercial Property Insurance Report 1
Note: This data is based on 86% of the EL, PL and Commercial Property insurance market in 2019.
With regard to employer and public liability data, the Central Bank notes in its Report that package policies represent 86% of EL/PL/commercial property policies, and there is a large spread in the size of policies earned in the EL, PL and commercial property market based on the premium per policy which reflects the large range of policyholders and diverse set of risks which fall under this insurance cover. The Report also notes that from 2009 to 2019, 59% of Package policies and 78% of Standalone policies had a premium of €1,000 or less; 93% of both Package and Standalone policies had a premium of €5,000 or less.
Claims settlement costs
For private motor insurance, the total cost of settled claims by year was:
|
Settled Year |
Private motor: total claims settlement costs (€m) |
|
2020 |
621 |
|
2019 |
639 |
|
2018 |
608 |
|
2017 |
621 |
|
2016 |
588 |
|
2015 |
601 |
Source: Table 8, NCID Private Motor Insurance Report 3
Note: This data based on firms that insured 88% of the private motor insurance market in 2020.
The above includes damage and personal injury claims costs. 90% of claimants made damage claims between 2015 and 2020. Damage claims would seldom require PIAB or court assessment and 99% of them settled directly with the insurer. Injury claims accounted for 10% of claimants and 72% of total settlement costs between 2015 and 2020.
For general liability (Employer and Public Liability) insurance, the total cost of settled claims by year was:
|
Settled Year |
General liability package policies (EL/PL): total claims settlement costs (€m) |
|
2019 |
390 |
|
2018 |
362 |
|
2017 |
375 |
|
2016 |
372 |
|
2015 |
334 |
Source: Table 19, NCID Employers’ Liability, Public Liability and Commercial Property Insurance Report 1
Note: This data is based on 82% of the EL, PL and Commercial Property insurance market in 2019.
The above includes damage and personal injury claims costs. 33% of claimants made damage claims between 2015 and 2019. Injury claims accounted for 67% of claimants and 92% of total settlement costs between 2015 and 2019. EL claims are predominantly injury claims; however, PL claims are a mix of bodily injury and damage.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (78)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:78. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance if capital gains tax applies on the sale of a family home in Ireland in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59408/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in general, capital gains tax (CGT) is chargeable on a gain arising on the disposal of an asset at the rate of 33%. The first €1,270 of chargeable gains of an individual in any year are exempt from CGT.
Section 604 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides relief from CGT on the disposal of one’s principal private residence, being a dwelling house together with land occupied as its gardens or grounds up to an area (exclusive of the site of the residence) of one acre. If a property was occupied by an individual as his or her principal private residence for all or part of his or her period of ownership, then full or partial relief from CGT will be available where a chargeable gain arises on the disposal of that property. The last 12 months of ownership of the property by the individual is treated as a period of occupation for the purpose of this relief. For the purpose of the relief, an individual cannot have more than one principal private residence at any one time.
If an individual occupied the property as his or her principal private residence throughout their period of ownership, then full relief is available in respect of any gain which arises on the disposal of the property.
Where, as would be the case in the circumstances outlined, the property has been occupied by the individual as his or her principal private residence for part of the period of ownership, only a proportion of the gain on the disposal is exempt. This proportion is the same proportion that the length of the period of owner-occupation (inclusive of the last 12 months of ownership) bears to the length of the period of ownership. The balance of the gain is chargeable to CGT in the normal manner.
The following example illustrates the application of partial principal private residence relief. An individual purchases a house in 2021. The house remains unoccupied until 2022 when the individual moves into the house and it becomes their principal private residence and remains so until the house is sold in 2026. For approximately 4 out of the 5 years of ownership, the house was the individual’s principal private residence. As such, approximately 4/5ths of the gain arising on the disposal of the house may be exempt from CGT, should all other conditions of the relief be met. The balance of the gain will be subject to CGT in the normal manner.
Where the property was never occupied by the individual as his or her only or main residence at any time throughout the period of ownership, the relief will not be available and the entire gain arising on the disposal will be subject to CGT in the normal manner.