Written Answers Nos. 151-170
151. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) needs a public service card to renew their driving licence; and the reason they cannot use another form of identification. [36143/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not mandatory to have a Public Services Card (PSC) to apply for a driving licence. Applications can be made in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office. A PSC may be used to establish an applicant's identity, but it is not mandatory for in-person applications and an applicant may use one of several options.
A verified MyGovID account, for which a PSC is required, is needed to apply for a licence online. MyGovID satisfies the requirement for verifying a person’s identity online in place of a face-to-face verification carried out in person.
The recent agreement between the Department of Social Protection and the Data Protection Commission acknowledged that the Department of Social Protection and other specified bodies can continue to use MyGovID as the sole means of authenticating identity for accessing online services, provided that an alternative service channel is available. The NDLS offices provide this alternative channel.
The Road Safety Authority is a specified body for the use of a PSC under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended by the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2009).
152. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport the performance indicators that have been agreed with an airline (details supplied) on the regional development of routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra153. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport the role his Department plays in the issuing of moneys from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund to an airline (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36189/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
The only performance indicators my department has agreed with the airline detailed by the deputy are in relation to the operation of the Public Service Obligation air service between Dublin and Donegal. There are no agreed performance indicators on the broader regional development of routes. The operation of any other scheduled air services would be a commercial decision for that airline in consultation with airports and other market actors, and my department has no role in such decisions.
Furthermore, my department plays no role in relation to the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and its engagement with the airline in question. ISIF is managed and controlled by the National Treasury Management Agency, which in turn reports to the Minister for Finance.
154. 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. [36210/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities for regional and local roads under a number of different grant programmes. Under the Discretionary Grant, Councils have the discretion to use grant funding for safety improvement works, including the provision of safety barriers. Local authorities can also apply for the provision of safety barriers under my Department's annual Safety Improvement grant programme.
Guidance on the provision of safety barriers is given in Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.
155. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to develop further services to address the needs of children and adults with autism who use public transport in Ireland; and if the implementation of such services will be informed by feedback from members of the autism community. [36232/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network. In addition, the NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport services, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
156. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport the details of the N11 upgrade works in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36273/22]
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, management and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question regarding the N/M11 upgrade project to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
157. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport the status of any proposed works on the rail link between Dublin and Rosslare Port, particularly the section between Dublin and Greystones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36274/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the protection and renewal of our railway infrastructure, including the Dublin to Rosslare rail line.
This is the third year of the current five-year IMMAC programme, as approved by Government in 2020, and over the five years of the programme in excess of €1.1billion in Exchequer funding will be made available to support its delivery. This funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services.
As the Deputy may also be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann (IÉ), and as particularly specified by the Deputy, the rail line between Dublin and Greystones.
In view of NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
158. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when the Shannon crossing construction will commence. [36277/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the 23rd May, the Office for Government Procurement has published guidance for parties to public works contracts on establishing and using an 'Inflation/Supply Chain Delay Co-operation Framework Agreement'. Clare County Council, which is the contracting authority for the Shannon Crossing, Killaloe Bypass and R494 Upgrade scheme, are in discussions with the contractor on the basis of the guidance material and consideration of the co-operation agreement as well as how the project will be programmed and progressed.
159. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether Parkinson's disease should be included on the list of conditions that make a person eligible for the primary medical certificate, given that the disease is degenerative and is a lifelong condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35962/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from VRT and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant. The car must be purchased before applying for VRT and VAT relief, as applicable to the category of adaptations made to the vehicle.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons who meet one of six medical criteria, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Senior Area Medical Officer (SAMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
I gave a commitment that a comprehensive review of the scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities, would be undertaken.
In this context I have been working with my Government colleague, Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We both agree that the review should be brought within a wider review under the auspices of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, to examine transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities.
We believe that this is the most appropriate forum to meet our mutual objectives in respect of transport solutions/mobility supports for those with a disability.
The NDIS working group, chaired by Minister Anne Rabbitte, with officials from both my Department and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as well as others, held its first meeting on the 26th January 2022. A stock-taking exercise of existing transport and mobility schemes currently supporting people with disabilities is ongoing ahead of the next meeting of the group. The issue was also discussed at the most recent meeting of the NDIS Steering Group on April 13th, which included input from stakeholders.
My officials will continue to work closely with officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, to progress this review, and on foot of that will bring forward proposals for consideration.
I cannot comment on any potential changes to the scheme in advance of these proposals.
160. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Finance if there is a plan to increase the VAT limit for businesses (details supplied) given the rising costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36048/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance his views on increasing the VAT threshold for small and medium enterprise service providers to €80,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35547/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 171 together.
The Deputy should note that the VAT registration thresholds are subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. Our VAT thresholds were increased to their current values, €37,500 for services and €75,000 for goods, on 1 May 2008. Under VAT law, traders/businesses such as B&B’s are required to register and account for VAT where their supply of guest or holiday accommodation exceeds the services threshold.
It is important to note that Ireland’s current registration thresholds are some of the most generous thresholds in the EU. Some Member States do not operate any VAT registration threshold, requiring all businesses to register. As an administrative practice, Revenue allow businesses that are approaching the threshold to take account of the VAT element of their Purchases-for-Resale in calculating turnover. This avoids a ‘cliff-face’ effect when approaching the threshold. There is no data available to suggest a bunching effect below the threshold.
In setting registration thresholds levels, the objective is to strike an appropriate balance between the desirability of reducing the administrative burden on small businesses and the Revenue authorities and the need to avoid undermining tax compliance or causing competitive distortions relative to registered firms. However every business keeps records and the vast majority of businesses keep these records electronically. Therefore, there is not that much additional administration involved in being registered for VAT beyond submitting VAT returns and, for some small businesses, this might only entail an annual VAT return.
161. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to introducing a vacant property tax to reduce the number of vacant properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36132/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s strategy ‘Housing For All’ includes an action for my Department to collect data on vacancy with a view to introducing a Vacant Property Tax. The timeframe for delivery on this commitment is the second quarter of 2022. The Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021 enabled Revenue to collect certain information in relation to the occupancy status of residential properties including, where unoccupied, the duration and reason for this, in the Local Property Tax (LPT) return forms submitted by residential property owners in respect of the new LPT valuation period 2022-2025. This information, together with information from other available sources, will be used to assess the merits and impact of introducing a Vacant Property Tax.
In considering the case for such a tax, it is important to have a sound understanding of the quantity, locations and characteristics of long-term vacant properties. It is also essential to identify the reasons for vacancy, and whether this is long or short-term in nature. There may be genuine and acceptable reasons for vacancy such as refurbishment work, the temporary absence of the owner for medical reasons or pending the grant of probate for a deceased person’s estate.
The LPT returns included questions such as whether a property is vacant, the reasons for the vacancy and if the period of vacancy exceeds 12 months. It should be noted that LPT applies only to habitable residential properties, and derelict or uninhabitable properties are not captured under the LPT system. Revenue have completed a preliminary analysis of the LPT returns received to date which has been shared with my Department. The results of the preliminary analysis suggest that levels of vacancy are low across all counties.
According to the preliminary Census figures release two weeks ago, 166,752 vacant dwellings were recorded in Census 2022. This is a decrease of 9% compared to 2016 (-16,560, down from 183,312). It is an even further reduction (12%) compared to 2011, when 230,056 vacant dwellings were recorded – giving a rate of 7.8%. it should be noted that this is a point in time measure of vacancy relating to the weeks either side of Census Night and is not intended to be a measure of long term vacancy or that these properties are available for re-use. These homes may well have been occupied again a few weeks after Census Night.
I note the total number of vacant properties notified by property owners to Revenue is not directly equivalent to the total number of vacant dwellings counted by Census enumerators on Census Night. This is primarily due to the difference in data collection methodology. However, both sets of data are important in considering the case for a tax on vacant residential property.
I will be considering this issue in consultation with colleagues before reverting to Government with proposals on the appropriate response. I understand Revenue intends to publish a profile of the occupancy data from the LPT returns shortly.
Addressing vacancy and dereliction, and maximising the use of the existing housing stock, is a priority objective of the Government, as evidenced in the Housing for All strategy where one of the four pathways in the plan is specifically dedicated to this area.
162. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Finance the measures put in place by his Department to guarantee that the monies lent by the Irish Strategic Investment Fund will be used only for aviation development within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36184/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Finance the details of the measures in place to monitor the way in which, and the location, of the moneys lent by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund are spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Finance if the directors of an airline (details supplied) have given his Department an undertaking to use Ireland Strategic Investment Fund moneys only in the development of routes within and from the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Finance if the loan given to an airline (details supplied) from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund is to be rescinded if the airline fails on commitments made when receiving the loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36188/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 to 165, inclusive, together.
The Ireland Strategic Investment Funds mandate is to invest on a commercial basis in a manner designed to support economic activity and employment in Ireland. As the Minister for Finance, I have no role in individual ISIF transactions or ISIF’s commercial decision making, more generally. Therefore, it is not possible for me to comment on the specific issue raised by the Deputy.
166. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will consider a review of the 9% VAT rate for those hotels charging exorbitant rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36270/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply.
Under the EU VAT Directive it is not possible to differentiate between the supply of different accommodation services for the purpose of applying VAT rates. This means that any change to the VAT rate for hotels must apply to all hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation services.
167. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number of former civil servants who are currently serving on State boards under his remit; the number of former county managers and chief executive officers of local authorities who are currently on each of the State boards under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33852/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAppointments to State Boards under the aegis of my Department are made in accordance with the requirements of the governing legislation and the Government Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
The majority of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department have advised that they do not have former civil servants, former county managers and chief executive officers of local authorities serving on their boards.
Home Building Finance Ireland has advised that two former civil servants are currently serving on its board.
The members of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) Council are appointed by the Minister for Finance through the Public Appointments Service State Boards process in line with the Government Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards. The FSPO does not collect specific information on the previous employment of its Council members, and as such is not in a position to provide the information requested by the Deputy. It has confirmed that the FSPO ensures its compliance with the One Person One Salary (OPOS) principle in relation to any current employment of its Council members and this is reported in the FSPO Annual Report, as appropriate.
Having concluded its restructuring work in 2017, the Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo) was operationally wound down and is awaiting formal dissolution. While awaiting final dissolution, I appointed two Department officials to the Board of ReBo on an interim basis to manage matters during the period up to dissolution of ReBo. The Central Bank non-voting member also remains on the Board. This caretaker Board will remain in place until such time that ReBo is dissolved.
Finally, information on State Board membership, by Department, is available on the State Boards website www.StateBoards.ie.
168. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance when the Central Revenue Information Office at Cathedral Street, North City, Dublin 1 will be open to members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35284/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the Central Revenue Information Office on Cathedral Street is open to members of the public who wish to avail of Revenue’s “in-person” appointment service. This service allows people to schedule an appointment at a time that suits them, eliminating queue waiting times that are a feature of any “walk in” service. Appointments must be booked in advance by calling the Appointment Helpline on 01 738 3660 which is open from 09.30 to 13.30 (Monday to Friday).
The “in-person” appointment service is in addition to the existing “virtual” appointment service being provided which largely reduces the need to visit in-person. Virtual appointments can also be booked through the Appointment Helpline.
Following the introduction of blended working arrangements it is anticipated that the in-person appointment service will be expanded to other public office locations in September.
Revenue continues to provide a full range of online services for taxpayers to manage their tax affairs, which for the most part remove 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 taxpayers who, for a variety of reasons, may not have access to the online services, Revenue provides extensive support across its various telephone helplines and continues to operate a full service for queries being received through the postal system.
169. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a matter involving the National Asset Management Agency (details supplied); if he will raise the issue with the agency seeking an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35402/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that NAMA does not own properties, rather NAMA owns loans for which the properties act as security. The properties are owned and controlled by their registered owners, or appointed receivers in the event of enforcement. The Receiver is an agent of the debtor, not NAMA.
The property at Carrickmines Green is a private residential development consisting of a number of apartment blocks and houses. Each apartment owner owns their own individual unit and the various residential units are owner occupied or rented. NAMA owns certain loans which are secured by 15 individual residential units in the development. These units are under the control of a NAMA appointed receiver, John McStay of McStay Luby.
NAMA understands from the appointed receiver, Mr McStay, that it is not the case that the apartments cannot be insured until fire works are completed. The receiver has advised NAMA of his understanding of the current position regarding block insurance. The current insurer (QBE) is exiting this aspect of the Irish market, thereby necessitating a change of insurer. Subject to a fully completed proposal, which must include the claims history and a plan to remedy any known defects to the common areas, it is understood that cover can be made available. The insurance broker for the receiver has offered to assist the OMC (Owners Management Company) with the matter but to date has not received a response from the managing agent for the OMC of Carrickmines Green.
NAMA has been advised by the receiver that he has been engaging extensively with the OMC, and its appointed legal and insurance advisors, in relation to the insurance and any queries raised. In addition, the receiver, in his capacity as agent of the developer and without any legal obligation or requirement to do so (as recently determined by the Court of Appeal in separate proceedings, entitled Grehan & Ors v Maynooth Business Campus Owners’ Management CLG [High Court record number 2018/5042P] has carried out very substantial remediation works to the development which were funded by NAMA. It is therefore simply incorrect to suggest that NAMA or the appointed receiver has, in some way, dealt improperly or unfairly with the private owners or residents of this development. In fact, the contrary is true.
In addition, I am advised that there is extant litigation between the receiver and the OMC in relation to the development at Carrickmines Green. The OMC sought (and was granted) an adjournment in these legal proceedings, pending judgment in a comparable case (referenced above) which NAMA understands has now clarified the legal position in the receiver’s favour. Given the on-going litigation (which is hopefully reaching a final conclusion) you will appreciate that NAMA is not in a position to substantively engage in certain issues, which it is understood are the subject of disputed claims in the ongoing pending litigation.
170. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the number of PhD positions funded by his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department; the average stipend or salary paid to full-time PhD candidates through these funding streams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35432/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department and the bodies under the aegis of my Department do not fund any full-time PhD positions.
