Joe Carey
Ceist:147. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26215/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Services
Ceisteanna (147)
Freagraí scríofa
As 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, for decisions in relation to the routes of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the possible introduction of a bus stop at Dunnes Stores, Ennis as part of the Miltown Malbay to Ennis Bus Éireann Bus service and a more direct route for this service, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (148)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:148. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the public transport spend per capita per county for each of the years 2016 to 2021 inclusive (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26217/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in day-to-day operations of public transport services. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy’s questions, in relation to the public transport spend, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (149)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:149. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the public transport spend per capita for each of the electoral divisions in County Clare for each of the years 2016 to 2021 inclusive in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26219/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for TFI Local Link services, including public transport spend for County Clare, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (150)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:150. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if his Department if a transport police project will be piloted in County Cork. [26275/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.
The safety and security of public transport passengers and staff are matters for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. Decisions regarding a dedicated transport police unit and the allocation of Garda resources are matters for the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
I am also given to understand that the views of An Garda Síochána are that effective local community policing can meet the policing needs of the public transport network and that the Garda authorities do not propose to establish a specialist or dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
Departmental Investigations
Ceisteanna (151)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:151. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of investigations, internal or external, commissioned by his Department into instances in which Departmental documents or information was leaked to the media, which were commissioned or conducted in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; the nature of such leaks and investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26348/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Transport has not initiated any internal or external investigations of this nature in the past ten years.
Driver Test
Ceisteanna (152)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:152. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the efforts that are being made to simplify the language used within the driver theory test to accommodate applicants that have learning and language difficulties; if he will review the driver theory test in terms of its accessibility for those with learning difficulties and disabilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26389/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test and my Department has no involvement in creating the test material or the operation of the test. I have therefore referred the 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (153)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:153. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if the Road Safety Authority has commissioned research on the impact that the presence of a footpath has on the likelihood of a vehicle or pedestrian crash. [26391/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), I am referring the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 131.
Tax Exemptions
Ceisteanna (155)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:155. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Finance if he will remove all tax levied on automated external defibrillators, AED, under European Union Council Directive EU 2022/542 of 5 April 2022 recognising the fundamental need for wider provision of such systems throughout the State. [25677/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 as a result of the recently updated EU VAT rules 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. In this context, various options for tax policy changes will be considered by the Tax Strategy Group prior to Budget 2023.
Revenue Commissioners
Ceisteanna (156)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:156. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the offices of the Revenue Commissioners are reopened to the public for in-person consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25709/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that all Revenue public offices, excluding ports, airports and trade facilitations stations remain closed to the public until further notice.
Revenue continues to provide a full range of online services for taxpayers to manage their tax affairs, which for the most part removes any requirement to access public offices. These services, which include an online communications channel through the MyEnquiries system, are available 24/7, are easy to use and are fully secure.
For customers that are not comfortable with its online service, Revenue provides an extensive telephone service, in addition to a full service for queries being received through the postal system. The full list of telephone services and their opening hours are available on the Revenue website.
Regarding situations where complex tax issues exist that require direct engagement, Revenue provides a one-to-one virtual appointment service with the relevant official. These engagements are carried out remotely by video conferencing. Such an appointment can be arranged by contacting 01 738 3660. The appointment phoneline opening hours are 09.30 to 13.30 (Monday to Friday).
As advised in my recent response to a previous question on this matter, Revenue has confirmed that it will expand the virtual appointments service to include face-to-face appointments as part of its post-pandemic blended working arrangements. I am advised that planning is at an advanced stage and it is anticipated that this service will be available in the coming weeks as the blended working arrangements are bedded in.
Tax Yield
Ceisteanna (157)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:157. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue raised through VAT on solar panels. [25818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am informed by Revenue that traders are not required to separately identify the VAT generated from the sale or supply of specific products or services in their VAT returns. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is not available from Revenue records.
Government Communications
Ceisteanna (158)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:158. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Finance the Ministerial contact details for persons (details supplied). [26108/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Ministerial email address is minister@finance.gov.ie
Minister of State Fleming’s Ministerial email address is mos@finance.gov.ie
The following is the postal address for both myself and the Minister of State:
Department of Finance
Government Buildings
Upper Merrion Street
Dublin 2
D02 R583
Revenue Commissioners
Ceisteanna (159)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:159. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of full-time forensic accountants employed by the Revenue Commissioners as of 1 January 2021 and 17 May 2022, in tabular form. [26144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that while membership of a professional accountancy body is among the eligibility requirements in its recruitment to senior management tax specialist posts, there has been no recruitment of forensic accountants to Revenue from 1 January 2021 to 17 May 2022.
Of the c.250 Revenue staff who are qualified accountants, four have undertaken the Diploma in Forensic Accounting with the Chartered Accountants of Ireland.
Tax Yield
Ceisteanna (160)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:160. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Finance the amount of betting duty that was collected between 1 January and 31 December 2021; the amount in betting intermediary duty that was collected between 1 January and 31 December 2021; and the amount that has been collected to date in 2022. [26172/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am informed by Revenue that the amount of betting duty collected between 1st January to the 31st December 2021 and to date in 2022 is as set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Total Betting Duty €m |
Betting Intermediary Duty €m |
|
2021 |
89.1 |
4.1 |
|
2022 (to 30 April) |
51.2 |
2 |
Please note that the figures provided for 2022 are provisional and may be subject to revision.
Tax Clearance Certificates
Ceisteanna (161)
Michael Creed
Ceist:161. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) is on emergency income tax; if so, when this arrangement will cease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26183/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that the person concerned is not being taxed on the emergency basis. The person concerned, and their spouse are jointly assessed for tax purposes and the majority of their combined tax credits are allocated to the person concerned.
The person’s tax credits have been reduced to take account of the tax due in respect of a DSP payment currently being received by the person’s spouse and so is being correctly taxed on a “Week 1” basis. The person concerned will be able to see this adjustment on the amended Tax Credit Certificate which issued to them on 28 February 2022.
Once Revenue is notified that the DSP payments have ceased the person’s tax credits/rate band will be readjusted.
Tax Yield
Ceisteanna (162)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:162. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue raised through the mineral oil tax on marked gas oil in each of the years 2017 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26253/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am informed by Revenue that the revenue raised through Mineral Oil Tax on Marked Gas Oil (MGO) in each of the years 2003 to 2020 is published on the Revenue web site at the following link:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/excise/receipts-volume-and-price/excise-receipts-commodity.aspx
The revenue raised through Mineral Oil Tax on MGO for 2021 was €48.6m for the non-carbon component and €86.8m for the carbon component.
Tax Reliefs
Ceisteanna (163)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:163. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance when he expects a review into the status of farm contractors regarding the carbon tax to conclude; the timeframe which he may bring forward proposals arising from said review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26254/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The present position is that agricultural contractors are not entitled to avail of relief from increases in the carbon tax on farm diesel under section 664A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. This is because farming, which is defined in section 654 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, requires the occupation of farmland. Agricultural contracting does not involve the occupation of farmland. The measure is specifically targeted at the farming sector to address the particular problems faced by family farms.
However, it should be noted that, currently, those who incur expenses in relation to farm diesel in the course of their trade of agricultural contracting may claim an income tax or corporation tax deduction for these expenses, including any carbon tax charged in respect of the diesel.
My officials met with contractors' representatives in December 2019 and advised that my Department was intending to schedule a review of the scheme (and related aspects) in the context of a wider report on agri-tax reliefs and the Government's Climate policy.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in the intervening period caused the review to be deferred and the formal elements of same have yet to take place. In the meantime, the status quo has remained in relation to the application and scope of section 664A. I have since received further correspondence from contractors' representatives, most recently on 15 February 2022.
I indicated to the Deputy during the Committee Stage of the Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 on 6 April this year, that I expected that the review would be completed in advance of Budget 2023. As indicated to Deputy Conway-Walsh in response to a Parliamentary Question on 28 April last, the exercise is likely to be completed by the early part of Q3 this year.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process at the appropriate time and having regard to the sound management of the public finances and my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines. Furthermore, I must also have regard to ensuring that any tax measures are broadly aligned with the need to meet our Climate Action Plan targets.
Public Sector Staff
Ceisteanna (164)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:164. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance the number of voluntary salary and pension surrenders that occurred in each of the years 2019 to 2021; the value of such; the average duration of such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26255/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that Section 483 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, provides for a gift on an annual basis to be made to the Minister for Finance to be applied for any purpose or towards the cost of which public moneys are provided.
Gifting of salary is a personal matter for individual taxpayers. If an official wishes to gift part of his or her salary, the relevant Department is required to put in place administrative arrangements to facilitate this.
The tax affairs of individual taxpayers cannot be disclosed due to the obligation to protect taxpayer confidentiality as provided for by section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. Furthermore, I understand that there are considerations under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in relation to the disclosure of personal data.
However, aggregate information in relation to money received from Government Departments is reported in the Finance Accounts - Audited Financial Statements of the Exchequer, Statement 1.2 Non-Tax Revenue – Current and Capital, which are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and published each year.
Insurance Industry
Ceisteanna (165)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:165. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to address the continuing high cost of insurance cover in the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26256/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, it is important to point out that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products. This is a commercial matter for individual companies to assess on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with their own calculation of various factors, including risk. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive) which expressly prohibits Member States from any such intervention.
However, this Government acknowledges the strong concerns felt by many groups, including the childcare sector, regarding the cost and availability of insurance. While recognising that there is no single legislative or policy fix to the issues faced by some businesses, this Government has nonetheless moved to address them through the implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. This sets out 66 actions to bring down costs for consumers and business; introduce more competition into the market; prevent fraud and reduces the burden that insurance costs can have on business, community and voluntary organisations. As the Deputy may be aware, the Government published the Second Action Plan Implementation Report in March 2022, which showed that 80 per cent of the actions were being delivered. Our focus has now shifted towards delivering the remaining aspects of the Action Plan, most notably rebalancing the duty of care. Proposals for this important reform were approved by Cabinet in recent days.
My officials have also been working with the IDA to leverage the achievements of the reform agenda with overseas insurers, in order to help persuade them to enter the insurance market. The IDA has commenced a targeted and multi-phased engagement process with several underwriters with work actively underway on this initiative.
I believe this Government has taken the right approach in addressing the issue of insurance in Ireland, and I am pleased to report that a leading international insurer has expanded its risk portfolio into the childcare/activity sector in recent weeks. This is a welcome development, and may prompt other firms to do the same. It is also proof that the insurance industry is responding positively to the Action Plan and the practical progress it is making.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that securing a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland remains a key policy priority for this Government. In this regard, it is my intention to work with my colleagues to ensure that implementation of the Action Plan can have a positive impact on the affordability and availability of insurance across all sectors in the economy, including the childcare sector.
Departmental Investigations
Ceisteanna (166)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:166. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the number of investigations, internal or external, commissioned by his Department into instances in which Departmental documents or information was leaked to the media, which were commissioned or conducted in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; the nature of such leaks and investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26337/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has not commissioned any investigations into instances in which Departmental documents or information was leaked to the media during the timeframe specified.