Written Answers Nos. 263-287
263. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if supports are currently being considered in respect of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict and finding safe refuge in Ireland who wish to set up an Irish bank account considering the pressure and lack of access to Ukrainian banks at present (details supplied); and the way that this issue will be addressed. [14616/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Payment Accounts Directive, which is transposed in Ireland by the Payment Accounts Regulation 2016, introduced the right for any consumer who is legally resident in the European Union and who does not already have a payment account with a credit institution in the State to open and use a payment account with basic features.
The Directive explicitly states that a consumer who is legally resident in the European Union has this right regardless of his or her place of residence and regardless of whether he or she has a fixed address, is an asylum seeker, or is a consumer who has not been granted a residence permit but whose expulsion is not possible for legal or practical reasons.
Credit and financial institutions (firms) are obliged to identify and verify their customer’s identity on the basis of documents or information that they have reasonable grounds to believe can be relied upon to confirm the identify of their customer. Institutions often use official documents, like passports or driving licences in order to verify a customer’s identity. However neither the relevant legislation (Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, as amended, nor the Central Bank of Ireland are prescriptive as to what documents and information can be relied upon.
Accordingly firms have some flexibility in this regard, including in situations where an asylum seeker or refugee may be unable to provide traditional forms of identity documentation.
While providing asylum seekers or refugees with access to financial products and services can create challenges for institutions where the identity of such persons cannot be verified on the basis of ‘traditional’ forms of identification like passports or driving licences, the European Banking Authority (EBA) has previously issued Guidance on this point which provides that official identity documents issued by an EU Member State to asylum seekers/refugees which confirms their status and right to reside in that EU Member State are likely to satisfy the verification requirement.
In addition, the Payment Accounts Directive provides that credit institutions cannot refuse the opening of payment account unless the opening of the account or its subsequent use would result in a breach of national law transposing the applicable Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Directive, for example, because the credit institution cannot manage the Money Laundering (ML)/ Terrorism-Financing (TF) risk associated with the business relationship.
The EBA’s Guidance provides that a situation where an asylum seeker can only provide less robust evidence of identity, is unlikely to be sufficient AML/CFT grounds to refuse the opening of an account, given that it is likely that the firm could manage the ML/TF risks presented by such a prospective customer by ensuring that only a basic payment account is offered, for example with no overdraft facility and with monthly turnover/transfer limits.
In 2021 the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), in conjunction with a number of retail Banks, issued guidance to assist asylum seekers and refugees on opening a bank account in Ireland, which included information on the type of non-standard documentation, including state issued documents, that will be accepted as forms of identification when opening an account. This information can be found here - bpfi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Final-BPFI-Guide-to-Opening-Bank-Accounts-in-Ireland-for-Protection-Applicants-Final.pdf.
Ukrainian citizens coming to Ireland can use either their passport or their Ukrainian Identity Card as proof of identity. A proof of residence document letter will be provided by the Centre Manager of the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) Accommodation Centres on request. Those not residing in IPAS accommodation, should inquire with their bank of choice on what would be acceptable as proof of residence.
264. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the status of the proposal on the reform of VAT rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14620/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra265. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the way that his officials will be reviewing the options now available to Ireland in setting VAT rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14621/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 265 together.
I understand that the proposal for reform of VAT rates is currently being finalised, this process involves, inter alia, ensuring consistent translations of the text in every working language of the European Union. Once finalised I expect the proposal will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union in the coming weeks.
Officials in my Department are currently reviewing the options now available to Ireland in setting VAT rates. This will include consideration of the new options available to Member States when setting VAT rates as well as the new limitations introduced on how reduced rates may be applied.
Decisions about tax changes are generally taken in the context of the Budget and, as part of our normal annual Budget preparations, various options for tax policy changes will be considered by the Tax Strategy Group prior to Budget 2023. The papers presented to the Tax Strategy Group, including a paper on VAT, are published in advance of the Budget.
267. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has decided on the BIK rules which will be applied to electric vehicles after the current exemption expires; if he will ensure that the lower environmental impact continues to be reflected in the BIK burden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14638/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Finance Act 2021 I extended the BIK exemption to end 2025 with a tapering mechanism that represents a value for money consideration and serves to indicate the removal of the relief altogether in 2025. This extension is in support of Government policy to incentivise the transition to electric vehicles, while the lead in time allows for fleet planning.
In Finance Act 2019 I legislated for a CO2-based BIK regime for company cars from 1/1/2023. From that date the amount taxable as BIK remains determined by the car’s original market value (OMV) and the annual business kilometres driven, while new CO2 emissions-based bands will determine whether a standard, discounted, or surcharged rate is taxable. The number of mileage bands is reduced from five to four.
I believe that better value for money for the taxpayer is achieved by curtailing the amount of subsidies available and building an environmental rationale directly into the BIK regime. It was determined in this context that reforming the BIK system to include emissions bands provides for a more sustainable environmental rationale than the continuation of the current system with exemptions for electric vehicles. The BIK exemption was intended as a temporary measure and forms part of a broader series of very generous measures to support the uptake of electric vehicles, including a reduced rate of 7% VRT, a VRT relief of up to €5,000, low motor tax of €120 per annum, SEAI grants, discounted tolls fees, and 0% BIK on electric charging.
The onset of the new BIK regime on 1/1/2023 will see electric vehicles benefit from a preferential rate of BIK, ranging from 9 – 22% depending on mileage (as well as the tapered exemption until end 2025). Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will be subject to higher BIK rates, up to 37.5%. This new structure with CO2-based discounts and surcharges will incentivise employers to provide employees with low-emission cars.
269. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the situation in relation to the home carers tax credit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14917/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the home carer tax credit may be claimed by jointly assessed married persons or civil partners where one spouse or civil partner (the ‘home carer’) cares for one or more dependent persons.
A dependent person includes an individual who, at any time in the year of assessment, is:
- a child in respect of whom the home carer, or his or her spouse or civil partner, is in receipt of child benefit;
- aged 65 years or over; or
- permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity.
The dependent person must normally reside with or in close proximity to the married couple or civil partners for the relevant year of assessment.
To obtain the full tax credit (€1,600 for the 2022 year of assessment), the home carer’s income for the year must not exceed €7,200. Carer’s Benefit and Carer’s Allowance received by the home carer is disregarded for this purpose.
Where the home carer’s income is over €7,200, the tax credit available is reduced by one half of the excess amount earned over this limit. The home carer tax credit will therefore not be available for the 2022 year of assessment where the home carer’s income exceeds €10,400.
In addition, a couple or civil partners cannot claim both the increased standard rate band for dual income couples and the home carer tax credit in the same year of assessment. In practice, Revenue will grant whichever relief will provide the most beneficial treatment to the couple.
The home carer tax credit can be claimed through myAccount or by completing an annual Income Tax Return. Taxpayers who do not have access to Revenue’s online services can submit a paper claim form. I am advised that where a person makes a claim for any tax credit, such claims are made on a self-assessment basis and Revenue’s ‘presumption of honesty’ principle, as set out in its Customer Service Charter, applies. This principle, however, is underpinned by periodic compliance checks to ensure the veracity of tax credit claims based on Revenue’s risk prioritisation framework.
Regarding the automatic application of the home carer tax credit, where this credit is claimed for a year of assessment, Revenue will automatically apply the credit in the following year in certain circumstances. This treatment applies in the scenarios outlined below:
1. Where the dependent person is a child in respect of whom either the home carer or his or her spouse or civil partner is in receipt of child benefit. This is subject to the following additional criteria being met:
1. the couple are married or in a civil partnership and are jointly assessed to tax;
2. Revenue records indicate that only one spouse or civil partner is in employment;
3. Revenue records indicate that the income of the unemployed spouse or civil partner is less than €7,200; and
4. Revenue receives confirmation from the Department of Social Protection that either the home carer or his or her spouse or civil partner is in receipt of child benefit.
Where the dependent person is a person aged 65 years or over, or a person who is permanently incapacitated due to mental or physical incapacity. This is subject to the following additional criteria being met:
1. the couple are married or in a civil partnership and are jointly assessed to tax;
2. Revenue records indicate that only one spouse or civil partner is in employment;
3. Revenue records indicate that the income of the unemployed spouse or civil partner is less than €7,200; and
4. there are no details of the home carer or his or her spouse or civil partner being in receipt of child benefit.
Preliminary End of Year Statements are made available to all employees and pension recipients and may indicate that there has been an underpayment of tax and USC in the year of assessment. In such cases the taxpayer should file an Income Tax Return to ensure that he or she has claimed all tax credits and deductions due, as this may impact the final income tax or USC position. Once a return has been submitted a Statement of Liability will issue, explaining how the underpayment will be collected.
The Preliminary End of Year Statements in respect of the 2021 year of assessment were made available in January of this year. As there are a number of reasons why an underpayment of income tax may arise, it is not possible to readily identify the number of cases where an underpayment related directly and exclusively to receipt of the home carer tax credit.
Detailed guidance in relation to the home carer tax credit can be found on Revenue’s website and Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-29, which are available using the links detailed below:
- www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/health-and-age/home-carer-credit/index.aspx, and
- www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-29.pdf.
Alternatively, taxpayers may contact the Revenue office which deals with their tax affairs for assistance in determining the full range of credits and reliefs which he or she may be entitled to claim, based on their personal circumstances. Contact details for various Revenue offices can be found at www.revenue.ie/en/contact-us/index.aspx.
270. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if, he will examine the current reimbursement rates (details supplied) for travel connected with business and work for employees given rising fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14931/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that arising from an employee’s entitlement to a tax deduction under section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, in respect of certain expenses, there exists a long-standing Revenue practice under which employers may reimburse tax-free to employees the expenses of travel and subsistence relating to that travel, subject to certain conditions being fulfilled.
The conditions under which the reimbursement to employees of the expenses of travel and subsistence may generally be made without deduction of tax are as follows:
(a) the employee must be temporarily away from his/her normal place of work in the performance of the duties of his/her employment;
(b) the travel expenses must be necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the office or employment, and
(c) arising from a long-accepted position, supported by tax case law, the expenses of subsistence must attach to travelling necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the office or employment.
The reimbursement to an office holder or employee of expenses of travel and subsistence is a matter for the relevant employer. Where an employer reimburses his/her employee for travel and subsistence, it may be on the basis of either actual vouched expenses or applying a flat rate allowance.
Vouched Expenses
Where travel expenses are reimbursed to an employee based on actual vouched expenses, then, provided the relevant conditions are satisfied and the employer retains receipts, Revenue will disregard for income tax purposes the reimbursement of such vouched expenses by her/his employer.
Flat Rate Allowance
Alternatively, provided the employee bears the cost of all expenses of travel necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of his/her employment (and bears the cost of subsistence relating to such travel), Revenue will disregard for income tax purposes the reimbursement of expenses of travel and subsistence, where such reimbursement is made by way of:
(a) a flat rate up to, but not exceeding, the prevailing Civil Service rates for travel and subsistence, or
(b) a flat rate based on any other schedule of rates and related conditions of travel and subsistence, which do no more than reimburse the employee for actual expenditure necessarily incurred.
Furthermore, notwithstanding that expenses of travel are reimbursed by an employer, an office holder or employee retains her/his statutory right to claim tax relief, in accordance with section 114, against her/his emoluments of the office or employment in respect of actual allowable expenses incurred. However, where the employee decides to make such claims, any reimbursement of expenses by the employer, including any flat rate allowances, is regarded as pay and taxed accordingly.
The Civil Service rates for travel and subsistence allowances are available on Revenue’s website. The setting of these rates is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
In addition, comprehensive guidance on the tax treatment of the re-imbursement of expenses of travel and subsistence to office holders and employees can be found in Tax and Duty Manual Part 05-01-06 available on Revenue’s website.
271. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance if he will amend the help-to-buy scheme in order that potential homeowners can avail of it to purchase second-hand homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14972/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The incentive gives a refund on Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the State over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation. Section 477C Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997 outlines the definitions and conditions that apply to the HTB scheme.
An increase in the supply of new housing is fundamental to resolving the current housing crisis. The HTB scheme is specifically designed to encourage an increase in demand for new build homes in order to encourage the construction of an additional supply of such properties. A move to amend the scheme to include second-hand properties would not achieve this aim; on the contrary, it could serve to dilute the incentive effect required in terms of encouraging additional supply of new properties.
In passing, I might note that the number of housing commencements for 2021 at over 30,700, and up from 21,686 in 2020, is encouraging. As the Deputies may be aware, the Housing for All Strategy has as a target the construction of an average of at least 33,000 new homes per year out to 2030.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are usually made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process. Such decisions must have regard to the sound management of the public finances and my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines. The guidelines make clear that any policy proposal which involves tax expenditures should only occur in limited circumstances where there are demonstrable market failures, where a tax-based incentive is more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention.
Finally, I announced in my Budget 2022 address that a formal review of the scheme will take place in 2022. The review will be fundamental in nature and will inform decisions for Budget 2023 and Finance Bill 2022. My Department has recently put the review exercise out to tender.
272. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance if he will waive capital gains tax on second-hand homes which could be brought to the market or willed to family members to help the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14990/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, the Deputy should note that I am assuming he is referring to a second property as opposed to a second-hand property, and I am responding to his question accordingly. I would firstly like to note that, for property owners selling their own home there is an exemption from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for the transfer or sale of an individual’s principal private residence (PPR), including land of up to one acre around the residence. More information is available at www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/cgt-reliefs/index.aspx.
Taxes on capital including CGT ensure that taxation is not focused solely on income and that those who benefit from gains in the value of their assets are included within the tax net on an equitable basis. Where an individual disposes of a second property, whether through a sale or a gift to a family member, CGT is currently levied at 33% on the chargeable gain usually the difference between the price paid for the asset and the price it is disposed for.
I would note that in general where the property is inherited after the death of the owner no CGT is due. If the property is gifted while the owner is still alive, while CGT and CAT may be both due, you can use the CGT paid as a credit against the CAT due. The credit cannot be greater than the amount of CAT which is due on the gift or inheritance.
While I can understand the thinking behind the proposal to exempt property transactions from CGT in order to encourage property owners to sell or gift their property to family members, taxation is only one of the policy levers available to the Government through which to boost overall housing supply. The presumption should be that non-tax measures should be considered before the use of a tax–based measure. I would wish to avoid any tax expenditures that could distort the market, particularly where it is not clear that they would in this instance result in additional supply and could reduce the availability of rental properties. Such an exemption would also be unlikely to reduce prices for purchasers. Previous experience with tax incentives in this area has demonstrated a considerable potential for unexpected consequences to such changes which can end up being unhelpful to the broader market. Therefore, I do not currently propose to exempt second properties from CGT.
The Government is however, very conscious of the need to do everything it can to address the difficulties in the housing market. The comprehensive "Housing for All" plan published last year is intended to deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs. Housing for All includes actions aimed directly at increasing supply in the housing market. These include 33,000 new units per year, on average, until 2030, (including over 10,000 social and 6,000 affordable units) and an average of €2.4 billion per year in direct State funding to 2025, and €3.5 billion in funding through the Land Development Agency. The plan commits to a supply of an unprecedented 4,000 affordable purchase homes, on average, every year for families, couples and single people.
273. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the actions his Department has taken to implement the relevant recommendations from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community report issued in November 2021. [14010/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has recently received a copy of the Final Report of the Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community and is considering in detail the actions that the Committee has proposed to assign to my Department.
The Deputy will appreciate that any requests for additional funding supports for specific measures recommended must be considered and addressed by relevant Line Departments as part of the annual Estimates process.
As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have policy responsibility for recruitment to the civil service. As reflected in the Civil Service Renewal 2024 Strategy, the civil service is strong committed to equality of opportunity for all in terms of its recruitment and employment practices and building a more diverse and inclusive workforce that is reflect of the modern Ireland that it serves.
OneLearning, the Civil Service Learning and Development Shared Service Centre based within my Department, shall shortly be rolling out a second generation of training courses for civil servants following extensive stakeholder engagement, including by representatives from IHREC. New equality, diversity and inclusion training courses are being introduced to support our goal to develop more diverse and inclusive workplaces, with a particular emphasis on the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.
As the Deputy may recall, my Department and the Public Appointments Service (PAS) made submissions to the Joint Committee in the context of the 80% unemployment rate amongst members of the Traveller community. PAS, which is a body under the aegis of my Department, is the primary recruiter for the civil service and other parts of the public service. PAS plays a central role in attracting a diverse range of talented people from all backgrounds, including members of the Traveller and Roma community, to take up employment opportunities in the civil service.
PAS launched its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2023 following extensive and ongoing engagements with NGOs, including with representatives from organisations representing members of the Traveller and Roma communities such as PaveePoint, the Travellers In Prison Initiative, Involve, St Stephen’s Green Trust and the Irish Traveller Movement.
As part of its outreach activities, PAS has held workshops with Traveller and Roma organisations to provide guidance and information on recruitment opportunities and to provide an overview of the recruitment process. PAS has advertised employment opportunities in key publications such as the ‘Traveller Voice’ Magazine as well as sponsoring the Traveller Education awards.
As reflected under the Civil Service 2024 Renewal Strategy and the PAS EDI Strategy 2021-2023, my Department and PAS are committed to exploring alternative pathways as a more inclusive approach to attracting underrepresented groups to apply for roles in the civil service. Leveraging the very positive experiencing of developing disability internships across the civil service, and in line with a core recommendation from the Joint Committee and Pathways to Work 2021-2025, a Pilot Civil Service Internship Programme for members of the Traveller and Roma communities will be launched during Q2 2022, with paid placements of 12 months duration being made available.
This Pilot Internship Programme will be hosted by the Department of Justice, who have led out on its development in consultation with an Advocacy Group made up of representatives of the Traveller and Roma communities, and its launch had intentionally been deferred previously owing to pandemic workplace restrictions. The leanings from this pilot will inform the future development and expansion of the Internship Programme.
274. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the actions taken in relation to the amendment put forward by Government in November 2020 to the River Shannon Management Agency Bill 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14025/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has been engaged, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in the drafting of the Heads of a River Shannon Management Body Bill. The purpose of the Bill is to create a statutory management body with responsibilities and functions to identify, coordinate, monitor and communicate flood risk management actions and activities for the river Shannon catchment and to provide for related matters. A number of legal considerations have been identified during the drafting of the Bill and The Office of the Attorney General has recently appointed Counsel to provide additional support for the progression of the work necessary to address these matters with a view to finalising the drafting of the Heads of the Bill as a priority.
275. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the completion of works at a premises (details supplied) in County Cork; the works that have taken place between 2015 since the structure was closed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14060/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorks have taken place at Conna Castle on an ongoing basis since 2015. However, due to the pandemic and the resourcing of other projects, works were temporarily suspended in the last two years. It is hoped to resume works there by the end of 2022.
Since 2015 a number of works have taken place at the castle, including localised repointing of the interior, upgrading of security grills to windows and openings on the interior to make it safe.
In 2019, a significant project was undertaken which involved the installation of a temporary timber lintel and corbels to the upper battlements of the castle. This temporary measure was required to secure a particular section of the battlements that had become vulnerable to stone loss and OPW anticipates replacing the temporary works with stone as part of ongoing works on the site in the future.
Scaffolding will need to be installed to the exterior of the building for further works to be undertaken which will include localised repointing of the exterior and the removal of organic growth. I am pleased to advise that the grounds surrounding the Castle remain open to the public for the enjoyment of visitors and normal landscaping maintenance continues at the site.
276. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he or officials from his Department have engaged in any form of communication with the World Economic Forum or representatives of the World Economic Forum including by phone call, webinar, email or any event organised by the World Economic Forum from 1 January 2019 to date; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14165/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I have not had any engagement with the World Economic Forum since my appointment as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. This is also the position with regard to officials of my Department.
I have been advised that my predecessor as Minister attended the 2019 meeting of the World Economic Forum which took place in Davos and participated in a panel entitled “Rethinking Taxes: Creating a Fair and Balanced System”. He also attended an IDA dinner and held a number of bilateral meetings with key international partners in the financial and political sphere.
277. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Civil Service travel rates will be reviewed given rising inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14552/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor travel rates were last reviewed in 2017 and the current rates are set out in Circular 05/2017: Motor Travel Rates. These rates are currently being reviewed by my officials and work is ongoing on devising new rates reflecting current input costs. Proposals for revised rates will be discussed, as per existing agreements, with staff representative associations.
It is anticipated that the review will be completed shortly with a view to seeking agreement with staff representative associations by the end of the second quarter of this year.
278. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a plan has been made for the sale or repurpose of the Dalkey and Kill o' the Grange Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14608/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate - comprising approximately 2,500 properties -– valued at €3.3bn.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres and sites.
In any major portfolio, there will always be a certain level of vacant properties. It is normal to have an amount of space vacant, or vacant properties, at any given time as the portfolio could not function without the flexibility that it provides. Not all vacant properties will be deemed surplus to the State’s requirements or deemed suitable for disposal. The OPW has actively pursued its disposal policy over the past number of years. From 2014 to 2021, the OPW has disposed of 128 surplus properties, generating an income in excess of €22m. The disposal programme will continue throughout 2022-2023 for 101 currently surplus properties, with 3 auctions already planned.
The OPW, by default, consults with Local Authorities, the Health Service Executive, Government Departments, the Land Development Agency and other State bodies in relation to any vacant building or site that is surplus to its requirements. The purpose of consultation with other State bodies is to ascertain a State use or a public interest, in advance of a decision to sell on the open market. Over the past number of years, the OPW has facilitated a number of property disposals to other public bodies to help meet challenges in the housing area in particular.
If no State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions. Alternatively, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
In line with the above policy, the OPW has sought alternative State use for both the former Garda station properties in Dalkey and Kill o' the Grange.
As no alternative State requirement has been identified for the former Garda station in Dalkey, it is currently being prepared for disposal by public auction.
The former Garda station in Kill O The Grange is transferring to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 11/15: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets. The Chief State Solicitor’s Office has prepared contracts for sale and the OPW and DLRCC are working to complete the transfer over the coming months.
279. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the administrative arrangements in place for the roll-out of the PEACEPLUS programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14727/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, along with Department of Finance in Northern Ireland, has Member State responsibility for the 2021-2027 PEACE PLUS programme.
As with the current INTERREG VA and PEACE IV EU programmes, the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) will be the Managing Authority for PEACE PLUS. The SEUPB is a North South Implementation Body under the joint sponsorship of my Department and the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland. As Managing Authority, the SEUPB will be responsible for organising the application process; assessing applications; managing payments and claims; and monitoring and reporting, as well as supporting the Programme Monitoring Committee.
The delivery of the new programme will be overseen by a Programme Monitoring Committee, a governance structure which is required by EU Regulations. The Programme Monitoring Committee will include northern and southern representatives from both central and local government, business, trade unions, the community and voluntary sector as well as environmental, rural, equality, youth and health sector organisations. Officials from my Department, as well as from the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland, will serve as Member State representatives on the Programme Monitoring Committee.
PEACE PLUS will be implemented via individual projects, which will be awarded funding on foot of thematic Calls for Application issued by the SEUPB. The selection of projects will be the responsibility of a Steering Committee, appointed by the Programme Monitoring Committee. The Steering Committee will include representatives of the programme Member States as well as of relevant sectoral Departments in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
280. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the decision by the Mayor of London to introduce menopause leave for staff at London’s City Hall; if a similar provision will be introduced in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14736/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently there are no plans to introduce menopause leave in the Civil Service. Whilst there is no leave for menopause, we support women through the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (CSEAS). The CSEAS recently held a civil service-wide webinar on menopause at work and is in the process of establishing a Menopause in the Workplace working group. With almost 60% of the Civil Service workforce made up of women, this working group will be established to proactively understand and better support women through the menopause in the Civil Service. This is in line with Programme for Government commitments in the area of women’s health.
281. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a review of public service milage expenses will take place; the current mileage expenses allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14747/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor travel rates were last reviewed in 2017 and the current rates are set out in Circular 05/2017: Motor Travel Rates. See attached. These rates are currently being reviewed by my officials and work is ongoing on devising new rates reflecting current input costs. Proposals for revised rates will be discussed, as per existing agreements, with staff representative associations.
It is anticipated that the review will be completed shortly with a view to seeking agreement with staff representative associations by the end of the second quarter of this year.
282. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he has taken to improve ventilation for staff who work in the basement area of a building (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the basement area has no mechanical ventilation; if a HEPA air cleaning and-or purification system will be installed in the building before it fully opens to the general public on health and safety grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14896/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is aware of the concerns raised by staff in relation to air quality at the reception area of the Swiss Cottage.
The OPW is committed to providing safe workplaces for all of its staff at all times. I am pleased to advise that arrangements are currently in hand to install new, temporary welfare facilities for staff at Swiss Cottage in order to address the issues raised and it is expected this work will be completed in the coming weeks.
283. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are any options for persons who have survived serious illness including cancer to continue working for a limited number of hours per week and to continue to avail of their public service pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15091/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is currently not enough information in the parliamentary question to enable this department to respond. The Deputy may wish contact this department to discuss or alternatively resubmit the question with further clarification to enable an appropriate response to be made.
284. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of all statues of persons in parks managed by the OPW in Dublin by the name of the statue and park in which it is located. [15096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find below the list of all statues of persons in parks and gardens managed by the Office of Public Works in Dublin which includes the name of the statue and the park in which it is located.
285. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will introduce measures to make social media platforms more responsive and accountable for hate speech and crime online targeted at persons on the basis of their asylum or refugee status, race, colour, nationality and ethnicity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14975/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 will establish Coimisiún na Meán as a multi-person Media Commission, including an Online Safety Commissioner. It will dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, establish regulatory frameworks for online safety and the regulation of audiovisual media services, and transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
It will be the role of the Online Safety Commissioner to oversee the regulatory framework for online safety. As part of the framework, the Commissioner will devise binding online safety codes that will set out how designated online services, including social media services, are expected to deal with certain defined categories of harmful online content on their platforms.
In particular, online safety codes will ensure that designated online services take appropriate measures to reduce the availability of harmful online content linked to existing criminal offences, as set out in Irish legislation, on their services. Policy and legislation relating to the definition of the criminal offences referenced is a matter for the Minister for Justice.
Section 45 of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 sets out these offence-specific categories of harmful online content. Such content includes content which is in contravention of relevant sections of the Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989. It is intended that this will have the effect of tackling the availability, on designated online services, of hate speech.
Under the Bill, in the event of a failure to comply with a relevant online safety code, and subject to Court approval, Coimisiún na Meán will have the power to sanction non-compliant online services, including through financial sanctions of up to €20 million or 10% of turnover.
The Minister for Justice published the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill in 2021, which will update existing offences relating to hate speech and introduce will create new, aggravated forms of certain existing criminal offences (hate crimes).
286. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports available to newly established seasonal musical theatre and pantomime groups that are not eligible for the live performance support scheme strand II for musical theatre and pantomime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13855/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the expected timeframe for a decision on an application (details supplied); if officials of her Department will meet with this business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13856/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra294. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the case of funding for a theatre production (details supplied) will be urgently reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14228/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 286, 287 and 294 together.
As part of a suite of supports for the live entertainment sector, €5 million was allocated to the Live Performance Support Scheme – Strand II to support pantomime and seasonal musical theatre impacted by the Covid restrictions in place in December and January.
In order to be eligible for this scheme a business must have VAT-exclusive turnover of €100,000 or above as a result of seasonal musical theatre /pantomime for each of at least two of the past 3 years (2018-2020) in order to be considered.
Officials in my Department have engaged with the applicant the Deputy refers and their application is now being considered under the appeals process for this scheme, further details of which can be found on my Department's website here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c2f62-live-performance-support-scheme-2021-strand-ii-seasonal-musical-theatre-panto-support-scheme-appeals/.
