Written Answers Nos. 215-237
215. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with Polish authorities regarding Ireland sending buses and airplanes to transport Ukrainian refugees to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra216. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the bus and airline sectors to provide transport for Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14944/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.
While my Department has not had engagement with the Polish authorities on providing transport for Ukrainian refugees to Ireland, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has taken the decision to allow free travel for newly arriving Ukrainian refugees on any Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport service from port of entry to their end destination. This initiative is being applied across all PSO contracted services (including commercial bus services included in emergency PSO contracts), and those services that are part of the emergency commercial bus operator grant scheme. It will take effect immediately until the end of April 2022, at which point it will be reviewed.
To date, approximately 10,000 refugees from Ukraine have arrived to Ireland on buses and airplanes and there is substantial capacity on air routes from Poland to Ireland at present.A webpage on the whole-of-Government response to the situation is now available at www.gov.ie/ukraine which includes information on supports and services available to people arriving from Ukraine. This webpage will be supplemented and updated on an ongoing basis with the support of the relevant departments, including the Department of Transport. The webpage is available in English, Ukrainian and Russian.
A cross departmental team is looking at all of the issues arising in relation to Ireland's response to the humanitarian crisis as residents of Ukraine seek refuge away from the war zone, including the consideration of any further measures that may be needed to assist people fleeing the conflict. However, our immediate priority is to support the hundreds of people already spontaneously arriving in Ireland every day to seek temporary protection.
217. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority can provide a gender breakdown of its Cork office. [14949/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe query raised by the Deputy in relation to the gender breakdown of the NTA's Cork office is a matter for the NTA. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
218. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if a specific funding allocation has been drawn down by a local authority (details supplied); if so, the details of the funding that was spent; if the works applied for have been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14964/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra219. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been allocated to a local authority (details supplied) for greenways in each of the past three years; if this funding has been drawn down; if the work has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14965/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. As of 20 September 2021 and in line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway projects is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and necessary statutory approvals.
Funding drawn down by Mayo County Council on this project, prior to the transfer of responsibility for planning and delivery of greenways to TII in September 2021, was as follows:
2019 - €0
2020 - €348,864
2021 (Prior to 20th September) - €0.00
TII is best placed to advise on the current status of the project and any funding drawn down since 20 September 2021. Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
220. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on the route selection for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14978/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
The N20 road corridor options are currently being progressed by TII with rail-based alternatives as comparators. These options include a new motorway, the M20, or the upgrading of various sections along the existing N20. The two rail scenarios being considered include the existing Cork to Limerick rail line and a new rail line from Charleville to Limerick. The road options largely follow the existing N20 corridor.
An online public consultation on the possible route options, carried out by the N/M20 Project Team, had unprecedented public engagement with the closing date for submissions extended by four weeks from the 18 December 2020 to the 15 January 2021. In order to take into account possible changes to appraisal requirements, the assessment work on options continues, with a preferred route to be selected by Quarter 2 of this year and public consultation to follow.
Subsequent to this, work on scheme design and environmental evaluation will be undertaken, in addition to the scheme Business Case, which is required under the Public Spending Code. The scheme Business Case is expected to be submitted to my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in early 2023. Subject to its approval, the submission of statutory documents for the project to An Bord Pleanála will follow thereafter. TII has allocated €6 million to the scheme for 2022.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
221. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to expand the electric small public service vehicles grant to driving instructors and schools in order to give learner drivers early experience of electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15004/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme is to increase the uptake of fully electric SPSVs and zero-emission capable wheelchair accessible SPSVs.
It is aimed at improving air quality in urban areas, reducing the CO2 emissions of a sector which typically has very high mileage, and also can positively influence the uptake of zero emission passenger cars by improving general perception and awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles. The SPSV industry is regarded as a champion in the normalisation of electric vehicle use. The Scheme is funded by the Department and administered by NTA acting as agents of the Department with delegated authority and as the licensing authority for SPSVs. €15m was allocated in 2022 to support SPSVs to switch to electric. The scheme is kept under continuous review but at present the eSPSV scheme does not include vehicles used in driving instruction. .
There are a range of incentives available to driving instructors with their own business including;
- Tolling reductions of 25% up to a threshold of €500 per annum per household for private vehicles and a maximum annual threshold of €1,000 for commercial vehicles;
- Low rate of annual motor tax;
- Home charger grant of €600 per household;
- VRT relief of up to €5,000 for BEVs;
- 0% Benefit in Kind and;
- Accelerated Capital Allowances.
222. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure the resumption of walk-in appointments for renewing driving licences. [15070/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen applying in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office for a driving licence or learner permit, attendance is by appointment only. Appointments may be made online at www.ndls.ie or by telephone on 0818 919 090.
An appointment-only service gives certainty to customers and prevents overcrowding, queueing and long delays for those attending in person to apply for or renew their licenses. The previous non-appointment service generated complaints from members of the public because of waiting times and delays.
Licence applications may also be made online. In addition, applicants aged over 70 may, if they wish, make licence applications by post.
224. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance the steps that are being taken to ensure that motorists are not paying unnecessarily high prices for petrol and diesel, and to ensure that cuts in excise imposed by the Government are passed on to consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14987/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the impacts of the current fuel price increases. These trends are driven primarily by global factors and it is not possible for the Government to fully insulate consumers against these price impacts.
However, I took the decision to alleviate some of these impacts through the domestic taxation of fuel with a temporary reduction in the excise rate for auto fuels. Effective from 10 March 2022 there is a reduction of 20 cent in the excise rates for petrol and 15 cent on auto diesel. These measures are VAT inclusive and will last until 31 August 2022.
The excise reductions come in addition to the extensive cost of living supports already announced this year, including a €200 energy credit, public transport fare reductions, fuel allowance increases, an enhanced Drug Payment Scheme, and bringing forward the working family payment.
The price of petrol and diesel is determined by a number of factors including taxation, the price of the raw material, the prevailing exchange rates as well as the fact the different wholesalers can enter into forward contracts at different rates for the purchase of oil. The price of fuel on the forecourt is set by the individual retailer and would likely take into account the costs associated with the retail of the product such as those mentioned above together with the cost of having oil delivered.
Garages are not committing an offence simply by charging a higher price than competitors. However, all garages must operate within the bounds of consumer protection and competition law in relation to their pricing policies and practices. I have no function in this area.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory independent body responsible for the promotion of consumer rights and the enforcement of consumer law. The CCPC provides information on consumer rights and enforces consumer protection laws, including rules on pricing and deceptive trading practices.
If an individual believes that a breach of their consumer rights has occurred, they may make a complaint directly to the business concerned, but also to the CCPC. The CPCC provides advice and guidelines on the process of making a complaint. Full information is available at: www.ccpc.ie.
225. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the cost incurred by his Department for the supply of Covid-19 related face masks and face coverings since March 2019 to date; the name of the supplier involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13891/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I am answering this PQ on behalf of my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This is due to the sharing of facilities management between both Departments.
The cost incurred by both Departments for the supply of Covid-19 related face masks and face coverings since March 2019 to date are tabulated below:
|
Year |
Supplier |
Amount |
|
2019 |
N/A |
Nil |
|
|
|
|
|
2020 |
Codex |
€ 210.54 |
|
|
Office Essentials |
€ 10,332.00 |
|
|
Slingby |
€ 668.00 |
|
|
Total |
€ 11,210.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
Codex |
€ 2,049.55 |
|
|
Jones |
€ 19.43 |
|
|
Musgrave |
€ 559.41 |
|
|
Total |
€ 2,628.39 |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
Amazon.de |
€ 177.08 |
|
|
Codex |
€ 290.28 |
|
|
Dowling's Pharmacy |
€ 50.00 |
|
|
Total |
€ 517.36 |
226. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the cost incurred by his Department for the supply of Covid-19 related hand sanitiser since March 2019 to date; the name of the supplier involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13909/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I am answering this PQ on behalf of my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This is due to the sharing of facilities management between both Departments.
The shared costs incurred by both Departments for the supply of Covid-19 related hand sanitiser since March 2019 to date are tabulated below:
|
Year |
Supplier |
Amount |
|
2019 |
N/A |
Nil |
|
|
|
|
|
2020 |
Connaght/Patera |
€ 4,704.75 |
|
|
Dingle Distillery |
€ 2,479.68 |
|
|
Hunt |
€ 1,845.00 |
|
|
Listoke Distillery |
€ 3,972.50 |
|
|
Martin Services |
€ 260.68 |
|
|
Slingby |
€ 140.00 |
|
|
Tailored Image |
€ 1,786.00 |
|
|
Total |
€ 15,188.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
Boots |
€ 139.80 |
|
|
Tailored Image |
€ 425.00 |
|
|
Total |
€ 564.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
Bunzl |
€ 163.15 |
|
|
Total |
€ 163.15 |
227. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will include petrol and diesel fuel in the 13.5% VAT rate; and the rationale for not already reducing VAT on transport fuels. [13949/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU VAT Directive provides that auto fuels must be charged at the standard rate and there is no provision to apply a reduced rate for such fuels. Accordingly, VAT on auto fuels (petrol and diesel) is standard rated at 23%.
228. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if additional supports will be available to small businesses to assist with the cost of fuel, particularly for those that operate trucks and additional vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the diesel rebate scheme to assist hauliers who have been impacted greatly as a result of the recent rise in fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14299/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 242 together.
On 11 March Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton announced the implementation of an emergency support measure for licensed hauliers to address cost pressures arising from current high fuel prices.
A targeted and temporary grant scheme will provide a payment of €100 per week for every heavy goods vehicle (over 3.5 tonnes) as listed on a road haulage operator’s licence. The scheme will operate for a period of 8 weeks and will be reviewed thereafter.
This measure comes in addition to the VAT inclusive reduction of 15 cent per litre of diesel and 20 cent per litre of petrol which came into effect on 10 March and will apply until 31 August 2022.
Qualifying road haulage operators may also apply for relief under the Diesel Rebate Scheme (DRS) which was introduced in 2013 with the aim of providing support to road haulage and bus transport operators when the retail price of auto diesel is relatively high. The DRS is provided for in section 99A of Finance Act 1999 and operates on a sliding scale basis, whereby a partial rebate of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) is available when the retail price of a litre of diesel exceeds €1.00 excluding VAT. The repayment rate increases gradually as the retail price increases up to a maximum repayment rate of 7.5 cents per litre. In Budget 2020, the marginal rate of repayment was increased from 30% to 60% at prices over €1.07 excluding VAT. The rate of repayment is currently capped at 7.5 cents per litre which is reached when the average price of diesel, excluding VAT, is €1.16 or more per litre.
The Energy Tax Directive sets minimum rates for the taxation of auto fuels. The combination of the temporary excise reduction and the Diesel Rebate Scheme mean it is not possible to reduce the rate of MOT on diesel any further.
As the Deputy will be aware, VAT registered businesses are also eligible to claim a refund on the VAT paid for diesel used in the course of business activities.
The Government is very aware of the impact of increased fuel prices on business and society alike and for this reason, we have taken the decision to provide additional financial support by reducing the excise rate temporarily and providing a grant scheme to licenced hauliers. The combined cost of these measures is over €300 million euro.
The temporary excise reduction, grant scheme, DRS and VAT refund scheme all provide support to road haulage operators as well as businesses dependent on transport services and will help to lessen the impact of the current inflationary trend in fuel prices.
229. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance the steps that are being taken to ensure that the rapid increase of the cost of fuel does not impact on the service delivery of emergency services and community-based care providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13964/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland applies excise duty, in the form of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) to specified mineral oils, such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene. MOT is comprised of a carbon component and a non-carbon component. The carbon component is commonly referred to as carbon tax. The non-carbon component is often referred to as “excise” or “fuel duty” but it is important to note that both components of MOT are excise.
In response to the current fuel crisis I introduced cuts, effective from March 10, to MOT applying to petrol, diesel and Marked Gas Oil (green diesel). These cuts of 20c, 15c and 2c per litre inclusive of VAT will remain in place until the end of August this year.
230. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance the engagement his Department has had with banks to ensure that older persons who have difficulties with technology are supported as these institutions remove bank counters and rely more on machines and Internet banking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13965/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Finance, I do not have a direct function in the operations of any bank. Although the State is a shareholder in some of the banks operating in the State, they must be run on a commercial and independent basis. Actions taken by the banks, including the services they choose to provide, are matters for the board and management of each institution.
While decisions regarding the number of bank counters in branches is a commercial decision for each regulated entity, the Central Bank and I expect that all regulated firms will take a consumer-focused approach and act in their customers’ best interests, particularly in dealings with vulnerable consumers. People who may be experiencing particular vulnerabilities must be provided with whatever reasonable arrangements and/or assistance they need in their dealings with regulated entities.
On 25 June 2021, the Central Bank issued an industry letter regarding its consumer protection expectations in the changing retail banking landscape. In respect of vulnerable customers, this industry letter sets out that all customers are potentially vulnerable to the risk of making uninformed decisions, or decisions that are not in their best interests, particularly during times of uncertainty and change. The Central Bank sets out the following expectation of regulated entities in respect of vulnerable customers:
Consider specifically the impact of their decisions on vulnerable customers and provide the assistance necessary to reasonably mitigate those impacts and retain access to basic financial services.
Have specific and effective processes and communication plans to support vulnerable customers during a time of increased uncertainty.
More generally my Department engages regularly with the banking sector on a wide variety of relevant issues including consumer related matters.
My Department is also currently undertaking a review of the retail banking sector. This Retail Banking Review has commenced its work and is currently in its research phase. As part of the Review, a survey of consumers is currently underway to ascertain their experience and perceptions of the retail banking sector in Ireland.
In addition, there will also be a public consultation process this year where members of the public can make a submission to the Department of Finance on issues that fall within the Terms of Reference.
231. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance if serious consideration is being given by his Department to reducing excise duty on fuels considering the fuel crisis and the additional hardships being experienced by families as a result of increased prices. [13973/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s taxation of fuel is based on European Union law as set out in the Energy Tax Directive which sets the legal framework for taxation of fuels and electricity in the EU. Ireland applies Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) to fuels used for motor or heating purposes.
MOT is comprised of a non-carbon and a carbon component; the carbon component is also referred to as carbon tax. The Deputy will be aware that the 2020 Programme for Government committed to increasing the amount that is charged per tonne of CO2 emissions from fuels to €100 by 2030. I followed through on this commitment by introducing legislation in Finance Act 2020 to provide for a 10-year trajectory for carbon tax increases to reach €100 per tonne of CO2 by 2030. This measure is a key pillar underpinning the Government’s Climate Action Plan to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero no later than 2050.
It is important to note that a significant portion of carbon tax revenue is allocated for expenditure on targeted welfare measures and energy efficiency measures, which not only support the most vulnerable households in society but also in the long term, provide support against fuel price impacts by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
The Government recognises the impacts of the current fuel price increases. These trends are driven primarily by global factors and it is not possible for the Government to fully insulate consumers against these price impacts.
However, I took the decision to alleviate some of these impacts through the domestic taxation of fuel with a temporary reduction in the excise rate for auto fuels and Marked Gas Oil. Effective from 10 March 2022 there is a reduction of 20 cent in the excise rates for petrol, 15 cent on auto diesel, and a 2 cent reduction for the excise on Marked Gas Oil (green diesel). These measures are VAT inclusive and will last until 31 August 2022.
This excise reduction comes in addition to the package of measures announced by Government in February 2022 which includes:
- an increase in the energy credit to €200 including VAT, estimated to impact just over 2 million households
- a lump sum payment of €125 on the fuel allowance will be paid to 390,000 recipients
- there will be a temporary reduction in public transport fares of 20% from the end of April to the end of the year. This will impact approximately 800,000 daily users of Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go Ahead, Luas, DART and Local Link services.
- a reduction of the Drug Payment Scheme from €144 to €80. This will benefit just over 70,000 families
- the working family payment budget increase will be brought forward from 1 June to 1 April and
- reduced caps for multiple children on school transport fees to €500 per family post primary and €150 for primary school children.
In designing a support package, the Government was conscious of the increase in energy costs but the need to target these supports. This suite of measures strikes the appropriate balance and provides support to every domestic electricity account via the electricity credit, but also provides specific supports for more vulnerable households through targeted welfare measures.
232. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Finance the actions that his Department has taken to implement the relevant recommendations by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community in its report that was issued in November 2021. [14004/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the issues included in the recommendations in the report of the Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community are not directly relevant to my Department. My Department does not have policy responsibility for health, education, employment and accommodation, and accordingly it is not involved in the implementation of these recommendations.
233. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the revenue raised through excise duty, carbon and non-carbon components, on home heating oil disaggregated by fuel type in each of the years 2017 to 2020. [14027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra234. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue foregone through a reduction in excise duty to zero cent per litre for home heating oil for a period of one month, three months and until the end of 2022, respectively. [14028/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra266. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the existing rate of excise duty, as defined by tax law, applied to kerosene used for home heating oil; if the duty rate can be reduced to €0 per 1,000 litres in accordance with the EU Energy Directive; and the cost of such a measure over a 3, 6 and 12 month period through revenue foregone. [14630/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 233, 234 and 266 together.
Ireland's taxation of fuel is subject to European Union law as set out in Directive 2003/96/EC, commonly known as the Energy Tax Directive (ETD). The ETD prescribes minimum tax rates for fuel with which all Member States must comply. ETD provisions on mineral oils are transposed into national law in Finance Act 1999 (as amended). Finance Act 1999 provides for the application of excise duty, in the form of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT), to specified mineral oils, such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene, that are used as motor or heating fuels.
MOT is comprised of a non-carbon component and a carbon component. The carbon component is commonly referred to as carbon tax and the non-carbon component is often referred to as “excise”, “fuel excise” or “fuel duty”. In complying with ETD minimum rates, total MOT rates are taken into account. To clarify the position in relation to PQs 13696/22 and 13697/22 answered on 10th March, there was an incorrect reference to MOT in relation to kerosene. This should have read as the non-carbon component of MOT. While the non-carbon component is zero, there is a carbon component of MOT on kerosene, currently set at €84.84 per 1000 litres.
Under the ETD, the minimum rate of taxation on kerosene used for heating purposes is set at zero. While kerosene is the predominant oil used for heating, gas oil (diesel) is also used. Where gas oil is used for heating the ETD minimum tax rate is €21.00 per 1,000 litres. Kerosene used for heating purposes is marked red, and gas oil is marked green and is usually referred to as Marked Gas Oil (MGO) or green diesel.
The non-carbon component of MOT on heating kerosene is zero so the total applicable MOT comprises the carbon component (carbon tax) only. MGO attracts both components of MOT. On 1 May 2022, the basis of carbon tax applied to non-propellant fuels will increase from €33.50 to €41.00 per tonne of carbon dioxide emissions. Current MOT rates, and those applying from 1 May 2022, are given in the table below in euros per 1,000 litres. The breakdown rates for carbon and non-carbon components are also given, along with ETD minima.
MOT rate from 10 March 2022 MOT rate from 1 May 2022
|
Heating Fuel |
ETD Minima |
Carbon |
Non-Carbon |
Total MOT |
Heating Fuel |
Carbon |
Non-Carbon |
Total MOT |
|
Kerosene |
0.00 |
84.84 |
0.00 |
84.84 |
Kerosene |
103.83 |
0.00 |
103.83 |
|
MGO |
21.00 |
90.81 |
29.74 |
120.55 |
MGO |
111.14 |
27.03 |
138.17 |
When introducing MOT rate cuts earlier this month I ensured that the overall rate on MGO will, from 1 May 2022, be set at the 2021 level of €138.17 per 1,000 litres instead of the rate of €158.50 per 1,000 litres legislated for in Finance Act 2020.
I am advised by Revenue that the cost of reducing MOT on heating kerosene to zero cents per litre for periods of one month, three months, six months, until the end of 2022 and for one year are estimated at the amounts set out in the table below.
|
Period |
Cost €m |
|
1 month |
9 |
|
3 months |
19 |
|
6 months |
31 |
|
To end 2022 |
74 |
|
1 year |
114 |
I am further advised by Revenue that these estimates are based on levels of consumption in 2021, projected forward based on growth rates as anticipated by my Department in Budget 2022. Therefore, they may not fully reflect the current levels of uncertainty in the market for fuels.
MOT receipts, including both carbon and non-carbon components, for home heating oil (kerosene) for the years 2017 to 2020 are published on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/excise/net-receipts-by-commodity.pdf.
Current MOT rates for all mineral oils and vehicle gas are published on the Excise Duty rates page on Revenue’s website. Further details, including rates prior to 10 March 2022, are available in the Tax and Duty Manual on Excise Duty Rates on Energy Products and Electricity which is also published on Revenue’s website.
235. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will consider a tax credit for owner occupiers of defective homes in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14037/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to introduce tax credits for owner occupiers and social landlords who have paid or are paying levies to fund the remediation of defects against their tax liabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14131/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 239 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has established an Independent Working Group to examine the issue of defective housing. Officials from my Department participate in this Working Group. The objectives of the group are to identify the scope of relevant significant defects in housing, to evaluate the scale of housing affected, to propose a means of prioritising defects, to evaluate the cost of remediation, to recommend appropriate mechanisms for resolving defects and, to consider financing options in line with the Programme for Government commitment to identifying options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance. A final paper is due to be completed by Q2 2022.
Separately, my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines are clear that a tax-based intervention should only be considered where it would be more efficient than a direct expenditure measure.
In the circumstances, any intervention by me would seem to be premature at this point.
236. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if any virtual asset service provider has been successfully registered with the Central Bank to date; if the Central Bank has published guidelines on the assessment timelines for completed applications and the average length of the processing time to date of each pending registration; if his attention has been drawn to the delay by Ireland in implementing the procedures to process these registrations; if this is hindering Ireland's objectives under the Ireland for Finance strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland transposed the fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive into Irish law by way of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2021 and the provisions of the 2021 Act, that relate to Virtual Asset Service Providers, commenced on 23 April 2021.
In order to provide a comprehensive response to the Deputy’s question, my officials consulted with the Central Bank and understand that the Central Bank web page relating to Virtual Asset Service Providers and details of their registration requirements, went live on 23 April 2021.
Furthermore, the Central Bank is currently engaging with a significant number of firms in relation to their registration applications, which are at varying stages of the application process. To date, no firms have been registered as Virtual Asset Service Providers (‘VASPs’) in Ireland. However once a firm has completed the process and has been approved, the VASP Register on the Central Bank’s web page will be updated.
Section 106D of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Acts 2010 to 2021 (‘CJA 2010 to 2021’) outlines the scope of the Central Bank's supervision obligations in relation to VASPs.
I have been informed that the Central Bank adopts a robust, structured and risk-based process that seeks to ensure that only those applicants that demonstrate they are in a position to effectively comply with their AML/CFT obligations are registered. In order for the Central Bank to approve a VASP's application for AML/CFT registration, the Central Bank must be satisfied that the firm's AML/CFT policies and procedures are effective in combatting the money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks associated with its business model. In addition, it must be satisfied that the firm's management and beneficial owners are fit and proper.
The Central Bank may refuse an application on any of the grounds set out in Section 106H(1) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Acts 2010 to 2021.
The Ireland for Finance strategy was launched in 2019 and implementing its objectives is a commitment in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. The purpose of the Ireland for Finance strategy is the further development of Ireland's international financial services sector to 2025. The process of the registration of Virtual Asset Service Providers is a robust process that must be completed and as the providers complete the registration process, it will progressively aid in meeting the objectives of the strategy.
Direct employment is the primary metric used to assess the benefit to Ireland of the international financial services sector and of the Ireland for Finance strategy. The target set for the strategy is an increase of 5,000 jobs over the target set in the previous strategy, Ireland for Finance 2020 (IFS2020). At the end of 2021, employment in the sector is a record 52,800 people.
237. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the net economic or social benefit that Russian business entities provide to Ireland outside of a small group of specialised accountancy and legal service providers in view of the role section 110 companies have played facilitating these entities and their use by investors to reduce tax on Irish assets, namely, Irish property backed loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would first note that there is nothing specific in the Section 110 securitisation regime that is of particular relevance to Russian investors or originators, and such vehicles are fully in scope of the sanctions regime.
Furthermore, Central Bank data shows that the direct exposures of the Irish Financial System as a whole to Russia are very small. A statistical release on the direct financial links to Russia by economic sector, issued on 4th March and incorporating the latest available data on financial services sectors, stated that, at end-2021, Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) had holdings of €37.1 billion of Russian-issued assets. There were 33 Russian sponsored SPEs identified with total assets of €35.5 billion, accounting for 8% of the non-securitisation SPE sector. Russian-issued assets held by regulated investment funds represented 0.3% of total assets held by regulated investment funds (or €11.5 billion in total). The exposure of on and off balance sheet financial assets and liabilities to Russian counterparties held by Irish authorised banks represented 0.1% of total (or €1.7 billion in total). Russian-issued securities held by Insurance companies represented 0.1% of the sector's total assets (or €97 million in total).
Section 110 is intended to create a tax neutral regime for bona-fide securitisation and structured finance purposes. Securitisation involves the creation of tradeable securities out of an income stream or projected future income stream generated by financial assets. Securitisation allows banks to raise capital and to share risk, thereby supporting their lending to individual and business borrowers. In addition, by providing a repackaging and resale market for corporate debt, it lowers the cost of debt financing for businesses. Such financing is useful for the productive economy as it can underpin the supply of finance to industries and companies in Ireland, Europe and further afield.
Ireland is not unique in having a specific regime for securitisations. The importance of securitisation has been recognised by the European Commission through their work on the Capital Markets Union. A main objective of the Capital Markets Union is to build a sustainable securitisation regime across the European Union.
In terms of property, Section 22 of the Finance Act 2016 made an amendment to address concerns that some section 110 companies were being used to minimise the Irish tax exposure on Irish property transactions. The core effect of the amendment was to remove the possibility for section 110 companies to use what are known as 'profit participating notes' to sweep Irish property or distressed debt profits out of the company in a way that ensures little or no Irish tax liability arises.
As illustrated by these amendments, my officials monitor the regime on an ongoing basis and, where issues of concern have been identified, I have taken steps to address them and will continue to do so in future where necessary.
