Written Answers Nos. 225-246
225. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers who used Broombridge, Castleknock, Clonsilla and Hansfield train stations each month in 2021 and to-date in 2022, in tabular form. [24389/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The recording of the number of passengers who have used the train stations mentioned by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
226. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses in the Dublin Bus fleet as of 1 May 2020, 1 May 2021 and 10 May 2022, in tabular form. [24390/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised in relation to the number of buses in the Dublin Bus fleet as of 1 May 2020, 1 May 2021 and 10 May 2022 is a matter for the company. Therefore, I have referred this question to Dublin Bus for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
227. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport when the construction of the new national train control centre will be completed; and the estimated cost of this project. [24391/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including the National Train Control Centre.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply to the specific questions asked. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
228. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland uses herbicides to control verges on the motorways it manages; if so, the herbicides that it uses; the approximate annual quantities of same; if herbicides have been used on a section of the motorway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24410/22]
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 operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise the deputy on the matter raised.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
229. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants waiting for a radio licence; the waiting times by month; the average waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24412/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Marine Survey Office of my Department is collating the information requested and I will issue a comprehensive reply upon receipt of that information.
230. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the decision by the NTA to ban saloon taxi cars that are not wheelchair accessible from picking up passengers at Dublin Airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his question. The daa has advised that in 2019, there were 1,400 active taxi permits operating at Dublin Airport. The impact of Covid-19 resulted in many drivers leaving the industry and a result, there has been a drop in active driver permits (to c.1000 – 1050) at the airport and an increase in taxi queue times. However, permit levels are expected to return to pre-COVID levels (c.1450) in late-May which will reduce the current taxi queue time at the airport.
Criteria introduced in 2016 required that in order to receive a permit at Dublin Airport, vehicles must be wheelchair accessible, accommodate five people and be able to facilitate credit card payments. Fewer than 20% of taxis that were permitted to operate at Dublin Airport were wheelchair accessible.
These criteria for permits are seen by the daa as the optimal solution to meet Dublin Airport passenger needs and to limit the queues at the taxi ranks.
231. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will identify all capital, safety supports and any other grant or support funding given over the past ten years under each funding head to each individual airport, in tabular form; if the report issuing captures all Government or departmental subventions over the period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24429/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the course of the past ten years grant aid totalling almost €76 million has been provided to support essential safety and security related projects and activities at Ireland’s smaller regional airports. While the vast majority of funding was provided under the Regional Airports Programme, capital funding was provided to City of Derry Airport for essential safety works in 2012 as part of the North/South Co-operation, and in line with the Good Friday Agreement.
Funding to each airport, under each funding scheme over the ten year period 2012-2021 is outlined as follows (as is a description of each scheme):
|
AIRPORT |
SCHEME |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
Donegal |
CAPEX |
- |
€339,474 |
€431,759 |
- |
€231,290 |
- |
€238,982 |
€460,941 |
- |
€149,374 |
€1,851,820 |
|
PPR-C |
- |
- |
- |
€398,995 |
€220,022 |
- |
- |
€362,995 |
€245,488 |
€583,017 |
€1,810,517 |
|
|
PPR-O |
- |
- |
- |
€226,059 |
€356,597 |
€667,874 |
€657,061 |
€688,922 |
€580,617 |
€460,871 |
€3,638,001 |
|
|
OPEX |
€111,417 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€111,417 |
|
|
Donegal Total |
€111,417 |
€339,474 |
€431,759 |
€625,054 |
€807,909 |
€667,874 |
€896,043 |
€1,512,858 |
€826,105 |
€1,193,262 |
€7,411,755 |
|
|
Kerry |
CAPEX |
€1,633,946 |
€740,958 |
€133,156 |
- |
€181,440 |
€345,333 |
€814,448 |
€630,365 |
€97,490 |
€719,522 |
€5,296,658 |
|
PPR-C |
- |
- |
- |
€402,783 |
€129,262 |
€237,184 |
€372,399 |
€1,288,376 |
€1,058,452 |
€2,066,822 |
€5,555,278 |
|
|
PPR-O |
- |
- |
- |
€311,260 |
€626,855 |
€1,075,474 |
€1,198,847 |
€1,277,546 |
€1,499,564 |
€1,298,034 |
€7,287,580 |
|
|
OPEX |
€550,000 |
€436,918 |
€507,224 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€1,494,142 |
||
|
Kerry Total |
€2,183,946 |
€1,177,876 |
€640,380 |
€714,043 |
€937,557 |
€1,657,991 |
€2,385,694 |
€3,196,287 |
€2,655,506 |
€4,084,377 |
€19,633,658 |
|
|
Ireland West - Knock |
CAPEX |
€699,007 |
€2,013,023 |
€1,925,413 |
- |
€1,201,045 |
€502,361 |
€1,476,839 |
€6,702,288 |
€553,295 |
€1,725,054 |
€16,798,325 |
|
PPR-C |
- |
- |
- |
€564,622 |
€764,609 |
€828,555 |
€782,704 |
€1,044,099 |
€329,740 |
€448,510 |
€4,762,839 |
|
|
PPR-O |
- |
- |
- |
€598,349 |
€967,765 |
€1,868,439 |
€1,916,563 |
€1,736,516 |
€1,353,859 |
€1,017,826 |
€9,459,317 |
|
|
OPEX |
€589,644 |
€654,576 |
€548,600 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€1,792,820 |
|
|
Ireland West Total |
€1,288,651 |
€2,667,599 |
€2,474,013 |
€1,162,971 |
€2,933,419 |
€3,199,355 |
€4,176,106 |
€9,482,903 |
€2,236,894 |
€3,191,389 |
€32,813,300 |
|
|
Waterford |
CAPEX |
€1,333,830 |
€361,686 |
€533,210 |
€43,839 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€2,272,565 |
|
PPR-C |
- |
- |
- |
€732,286 |
€18,381 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€750,667 |
|
|
PPR-O |
- |
- |
- |
€382,205 |
€425,722 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€807,927 |
|
|
OPEX |
€1,232,964 |
€1,121,399 |
€1,038,784 |
€756,825 |
€594,493 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€4,744,465 |
|
|
Emergency Subvention |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€750,000 |
€375,000 |
€375,000 |
- |
€1,500,000 |
|
|
Waterford |
€2,566,794 |
€1,483,085 |
€1,571,994 |
€1,915,155 |
€1,038,596 |
- |
€750,000 |
€375,000 |
€375,000 |
€0 |
€10,075,624 |
|
|
City of Derry |
North/South Co-operation |
€345,590 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€345,590 |
|
City of Derry |
€345,590 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€345,590 |
|
|
Shannon |
Emergency Capital Supports |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
€303,513 |
€5,349,560 |
€5,653,073 |
|
Shannon |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€303,513 |
€5,349,560 |
€5,653,073 |
|
|
TOTAL |
€6,496,398 |
€5,668,034 |
€5,118,146 |
€4,417,223 |
€5,717,481 |
€5,525,220 |
€8,207,843 |
€14,567,048 |
€6,397,018 |
€13,818,589 |
€75,933,000 |
|
Funding |
Scheme |
Detail |
|
Regional Airports Programme |
CAPEX |
Funding safety and security related capital expenditure of an economic nature |
|
PPR-C |
Scheme in place since 2015 - Funding capital expenditure for services that normally fall within a 'Public Policy Remit' and generate no economic return for an airport, for example Fire Service, Air Traffic Control and Security |
|
|
PPR-O |
Scheme in place since 2015 - Funding operational expenditure that normally fall within a 'Public Policy Remit' (as above) |
|
|
OPEX |
Scheme in place up until 2020 - Funding safety and security related operational expenditure of an economic nature - no airports eligible since 2016 Scheme |
|
|
Exceptional Supports |
North/South Cooperation |
Support for North/South Co-operation in line with the Good Friday Agreement. This funding represented the final drawdown from a capital funding allocation of €11m made in 2005 which was provided to the airport on a joint funding basis with the British Government. |
|
Emergency Subvention |
Operational supports provided on an exceptional basis to Waterford Airport |
|
|
Emergency Capital Supports |
Funding of an Embankments project and a Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) security project at Shannon Airport (approved by Government in 2020). |
In addition to the above and in recognition of the very difficult circumstances faced by our airports during Covid and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, the Government also allocated over €144 million in Covid specific supports to airports, which provided connectivity in 2021.
This Covid specific funding in 2021 is outlined as follows:
|
AIRPORT |
SCHEME |
€000s |
|
Donegal |
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
€258 |
|
Donegal Total |
€258 |
|
|
Kerry |
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
€1,798 |
|
Kerry Total |
€1,798 |
|
|
IWAK |
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
€2,806 |
|
IWAK Total |
€2,806 |
|
|
Dublin |
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
€97,240 |
|
Dublin Total |
€97,240 |
|
|
Shannon |
CAPEX |
€2,907 |
|
PPR-C |
€3,161 |
|
|
PPR-O |
€5,527 |
|
|
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
€5,494 |
|
|
Shannon Total |
€17,089 |
|
|
Cork |
CAPEX |
€10,000 |
|
PPR-C |
€0 |
|
|
PPR-O |
€6,690 |
|
|
Covid Supplementary Support Scheme |
€8,379 |
|
|
Cork Total |
€25,069 |
|
|
TOTAL |
€144,260 |
By virtue of their size and passenger numbers, Shannon and Cork Airports had never been eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme. However, Government provided over €28 million in capital and operational supports in 2021 under a Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021 to these airports.
A further unprecedented €116 million was allocated to Irish airports under an EU State Aid approved Covid Supplementary Support Scheme. This funding has compensated our small regional airports at Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry for the damage caused to them by Covid as well as having provided our State airports at Dublin, Shannon and Cork with the flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, supporting recovery and growth of connectivity.
I can confirm to the Deputy that the above tables capture all Departmental subventions to airports over the period 2012-2021.
232. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the process by which the taxi regulator introduces new regulations; if stakeholder engagement is carried out before new regulations are introduced; if proposed new regulations have to be signed off by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24451/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 3 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 sets out the statutory process for the making of regulations under the Act. Where regulations are being proposed to be made by the National Transport Authority (NTA), there is a requirement that stakeholder engagement in the form of a public consultation should take place as part of the process. Regulations being made by the NTA under section 20 of the Act, which includes the proposed regulations to make cashless payment facilities mandatory in all taxis, are covered by these requirements.
The provisions of section 3 also cover any order made by the NTA under section 24 of the Act in regard to Maximum Fares. However, in addition to the required stakeholder engagement in the form of public consultation, section 24 also requires the NTA to consult on the draft order with the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles and the Legal Metrology Service.
Once the current consultation processes have concluded, separate reports on the results of each will be brought before the NTA Board for consideration. As soon as the Board has fully considered and approved the proposals, the Maximum Fares Order and the Small Public Service Vehicle (Cashless Payment Facility) Regulations will be signed by the Chairman before being laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas for a period of 21 days, in accordance with section 3 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
The Minister for Transport has no role in the making of these regulations.
233. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will review public transport bus services (details supplied); the reason that services are curtailed; the reason that a renovated and restored bus station with reduced services is now operating; if the services will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24453/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.Further, it appears that the services referred to by the Deputy are commercial bus services and responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.
Given the NTA's responsibility for the licensing of public bus passenger services, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
234. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the long-term plans that are in place to accommodate wheelchair users on bus and public transport throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24460/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport. While accessibility features, such as wheelchair accessibility, are built into all new public transport infrastructure and vehicles from the design stage, there is ongoing work to retrofit existing public transport fleets and infrastructure.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport services, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
235. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the number of unlicensed charter boats that have been fined and or prosecuted that were bringing paying passengers to Irish waters, by county, in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24486/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Merchant Shipping Act of 1992 provides for the licensing of passenger boats, that is boats carrying not more than twelve passengers for reward. Passenger boat operators who wish to engage in such operations, including charter boats where the crew is provided by the owner of the vessel, must hold a passenger boat licence. The Act also provides for the appointment of authorised officers including persons holding commissioned rank in the Permanent Defence Forces, members of An Garda Síochána, harbour masters, local authorities and Iarnród Éireann and persons authorised by the Minister.
There have not been any prosecutions of unlicensed passenger boats by my Department relating to incidents that took place in the last five years.
236. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of the 20% reduction in public transport fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24539/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of the youth travel card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24540/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated percentage increase in demand on public transport due to the 20% decrease in fares and the youth travel card in advance of introducing these policies; if so, the estimated percentage increase in demand; if he will make this modelling available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24541/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact that the fare cuts announced by the Government to public transport do not apply to the majority of persons from County Wexford who use buses to Dublin or Waterford operated by Wexford Bus or Bus Éireann Expressway; the plans he has to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24700/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 238, inclusive, and 240 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In view of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services.
The YAC was launched on PSO services on the 9th of May, with over 1000 applications received by the NTA on launch day alone. The initiative will be broadened to include commercial operators later this year, with the aim to have it in place before the recommencement of third level colleges. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.
The time lag is due to the fact that it is technically more challenging to roll-out fare initiatives, such as the YAC, on the commercial bus network than it is on the LEAP enabled PSO network. An array of various ticketing equipment is in use on fleet used by the commercial operators and needs to be catered for. To expedite the process, the NTA has established a joint working group with commercial bus operators to consider options and develop a plan to implement the Young Adult Card in as timely a manner as possible.
As the Deputies will be aware a 20% average reduction is being introduced on PSO services as part of a suite of Government measures to help combat the rising cost of living. This fare reduction was applied to all services outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) from the 11th of April and nationwide from the 9th of May. The fare reduction will be in place until the end of the year and €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares, this is in addition to the REV22 allocations.
The Government decision did not include broadening this initiative to include commercial bus operators. Unlike with PSO services, the NTA does not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators; the operators themselves set fares on their services based on their own commercial judgement.
Licensed bus and coach operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system, particularly in areas around the country which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of the important role these operators play, the Government has continued to provide temporary financial supports throughout the Covid-19 pandemic for certain licensed commercial services, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. In acknowledgment of the continuing difficulties facing this sector, these supports for the commercial sector were recently extended up to the 30th of June 2022. To date over €60m has been provided to support the Commercial Bus Operators during this challenging time.
In relation to the estimated percentage increase in demand on public transport services due to the 20% decrease in fares and the youth travel card in advance of introducing these policies along with the modelling used, this would also be a matter for the NTA.
In view of the above, I have forwarded the Deputies specific questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
241. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if the case of a person (details supplied) will be urgently reviewed; if the test will be rescheduled as soon as possible given the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24901/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority is responsible for the Driver Testing Service. I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
242. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of funding included in respect of expenditure associated with Vote 34, housing, for general government balance calculations as determined by the Central Statistics Office for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24784/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the compilation of the general government revenue, expenditure, deficit and debt outturn statistics. My department has responsibility for the medium-term forecasts of these statistics, which are published twice a year as part of the Stability Programme Update and Budget. Both the outturn and the forecasts, are compiled in accordance with the European System of Accounts 2010 (ESA2010).
As part of the overall process, the CSO and my department make use of a variety of administrative and survey data sources, including an extract of the Estimates, which incorporates Vote 34 - Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
ESA2010 outlines the categories in which general government expenditure and revenue must be compiled and it requires all transactions to be compiled on an accruals basis, so there is not a one for one link between the cash based government accounts and the general government balance.
As the ESA2010 framework requires the compilation of government expenditure by type (compensation of employees, intermediate consumption, social benefits, etc.), a detailed profile of general government expenditure by vote is not maintained. Furthermore, some of the expenditure within the Estimates data are transfers to other general government entities, e.g. Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) administered by Local Authorities; in these cases it is the final expenditure by Local Authorities that must be recorded, not the transfer from the Vote. Therefore, there is not a direct one-to-one relationship between Vote 34 and general government expenditure.
However to give some insight, officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have advised that the expenditure on Vote 34 for 2020 and 2021, and the allocation on 2022, are as outlined in the table below:
|
- |
€ billion* |
|
2020 Outturn (Gross) |
5.143 |
|
2021 Outturn (Gross) |
5.273 |
|
REV 2022 Gross Allocation |
6.209 |
Note: Values are inclusive of capital carryover expenditure.
243. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the protocol that is in place for the re-use of computer hardware when it is replaced or upgraded within his Department and the bodies under the aegis of his Department; his plans to ensure that this complies with the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24146/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to my Department, I wish to advise that ICT services are provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. On behalf of my Department, the OGCIO has noted that:
The Department has a policy of utilising its computer hardware until it is at the end of its lifespan. The Department goes to the market regularly to award a device destruction contract to a recognised device destruction company with security and commitment to green re-cycling the predominant award criteria. In addition we get certification of destruction for each device which attests to the green and secure destruction of each device. Our current recycling partner is ISO 14001 certified - an international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS).
I am advised by the bodies under the aegis of my Department as follows:
The Central Bank has a circular economy with regard to computer hardware. All hardware is used until the end of its useful life and then passed onto an approved partner for reconditioning/reuse or destruction. The Bank’s current Fixed Asset Disposal Policy is in line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, Finance Circular 02/2004, PER Circular 07/2014 and PER Circular 17/2016. A review of this policy is planned presently and the Bank will amend it if necessary in order to comply with the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Credit Review Office (CRO) and Enterprise Ireland (EI) and their parent Departments in 2019. the CRO is co-located in EI’s offices and EI provides, and has responsibility for, all office and IT facilities for that Office.
The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) is committed to achieving compliance with the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022 (“the Act”). In this regard, the FSPO has an approved protocol in place for the re-use of computer hardware when it is being replaced or upgraded. Where computer hardware has reached end of life and has a nil value, these assets are disposed of through approved IT recycling companies, once all data has been securely removed from the equipment. Where assets are being disposed of but have not reached end of life, the FSPO operates a system whereby a decision can be taken to resell IT assets, in order to ensure equipment is kept in use for as long as possible, thereby reducing the consumption of raw materials and impacts harmful to the environment, in accordance with the forthcoming Act.
The Investor Compensation Company DAC utilises its computer hardware until it reaches the end of its useful life. All computer hardware that has passed the end of its useful life is transferred to an approved asset disposal partner for secure reconditioning/reuse or destruction.
The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal’s protocol in respect of the re-use of computer hardware when it is replaced or upgraded is (i) computer hardware and other technical equipment are kept in use for as long as possible, thereby reducing the consumption of raw materials and impacts harmful to the environment, (ii) the maximum economic value is extracted from computer hardware and technical equipment, and (iii) computer hardware and technical equipment are, where possible, regenerated at the end of their useful life, subject to any steps which must be taken to ensure the deletion and protection of data on that equipment
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has a Fixed Asset Policy and Procedures in place which includes provision for the re-use of any obsolete computer hardware when it is replaced or upgraded. All policies are reviewed at least annually and any changes identified in the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Bill 2022, when enacted, will be considered and incorporated as appropriate.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) has a Purchase and Disposal of Assets Policy and Procedure in place which is in line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. The NTMA seeks to maximise the useful lifetime of computer hardware. When upgraded or replaced, computer hardware is either disposed of in accordance with policy or recycled. All disposal of computer hardware incorporates a secure erase of any data, and where computer hardware is recycled, all such recycling is performed by an accredited service provider. The NTMA is aware of, and is currently reviewing and monitoring progression of the Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022. Where applicable, the NTMA will comply with same. The NTMA provides ICT infrastructure to Home Building Finance Ireland, the National Asset Management Agency and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland.
When ICT assets reach their end of life, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s policy is that any elements that contain, or have the capacity to hold, data are removed on site for separate certified secure disposal by an appropriately qualified third party service provider. Any remaining equipment is either offered free of charge to a charitable organisation or is conveyed for recycling to a contractor on the Office of Government Procurement recycling framework.
When the Office of the Revenue Commissioners needs to dispose of retired computer hardware, it contracts for the services of a recycling company certified to ISO 14001. The contracted recycling company collects, sorts and recycles the computer equipment and delivers the recovered materials to approved and fully licensed facilities for re-integration into the supply chain. Revenue is satisfied that this is in compliance with the Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Bill 2022, specifically the definition in Section 6(c): “the goods, products and materials concerned are recovered and regenerated at the end of their useful life”.
The Tax Appeals Commission forwards all obsolete computer hardware to the Office of Revenue Commissioners, in accordance with an agreed service level agreement, for destruction or re-use.
244. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of credit unions his attention has been drawn to the fact that a branch (details supplied) intends to put in place a monthly charge for everyday banking services; and if this charge is found across all credit unions offering current accounts. [24102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, I have no role in the commercial decisions made by any credit union.
Decisions in this regard are the sole responsibility of the board and management of individual credit unions.
Further to this, I continue to engage regularly with credit union representative bodies and stakeholders on matters concerning the wider credit union sector.
245. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the way the process to examine the introduction of a levy on the construction industry in the Finance Bill 2022 that was announced on 30 November 2021 as part of his statement on the revised defective concrete block scheme is progressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24176/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, it is the Government’s firm intention to find appropriate solutions for those ordinary home-owners who have been affected by the defective concrete blocks issue.
The Programme for Government reflects this commitment.
That commitment is further reflected in a Government decision taken on 30 November 2021 regarding the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme, which agreed a number of actions to help address the defective blocks issue. One of those proposed actions was that a levy on the construction sector was to be put in place to raise in the region of €80m a year, and it is that levy to which this question refers.
My officials, with the assistance of colleagues in other Departments and agencies, as well as from Revenue, have been working on identifying and evaluating a range of options in regards to such a levy. Once this work is further advanced it may be necessary to seek the views of relevant stakeholders, who's input would be required before I would be in a position to make any final decision on the proposed levy.
246. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he will address concerns raised (details supplied) in relation to the process for payment of the Covid-19 recognition bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24188/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, on 19 January 2022 the Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for eligible frontline healthcare workers to recognise their unique role during the pandemic.
The resulting “Pandemic Special Recognition Payment” of up to a maximum of €1,000 per individual is to be made to specified categories of frontline healthcare workers. The Government has committed that this payment will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI.
It is expected that the legislation providing for the tax exemption, which is contained in section 3 of the Finance (COVID-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 will be enacted shortly. In the meantime, Revenue has advised me that it is providing for the tax exemption to be applied under its care and management provisions in section 849 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. This permits any Pandemic Special Recognition Payment to be made to a qualifying frontline healthcare worker without deduction of income tax, USC and PRSI.
Specifically in respect of the concerns raised in the details supplied, Revenue advises me that any Pandemic Special Recognition Payment already made to a qualifying frontline healthcare worker in Beaumont Hospital is covered under Revenue’s care and management provisions, therefore permitting the payment to be made without deduction of income tax, USC and PRSI.
The legislation contained in section 3 of the Finance (COVID-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022, when enacted, is worded to the effect that all Pandemic Special Recognition payments made under the Government’s scheme will be exempt from tax and so will also cover any payments already made.
