Written Answers Nos. 160-179
160. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport in view of the recent commitment by the assistant Garda commissioner to provide an online portal for the submission of dashcam evidence by 2024, if any additional legislation is necessary for such a portal; and if so, when he intends to bring forward such legislation. [53955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials are currently examining the Assistant Commissioner's statements and will then consider whether any additional legislation falls under the remit of the Department of Transport.
161. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if there is a timeline for the expansion of the public bike scheme (details supplied) in County Cork. [53982/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. The management of the public bike schemes is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), which works closely with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
162. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of electric vehicle charging points that are currently in operation in Ireland; the targets that have been set by Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54018/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. As you are aware, a draft national EV charging infrastructure strategy, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy for publication later this year.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB, with the infrastructure to be in place by the end of 2022.
In terms of progress ESB eCars have:
One hub of 4 High-Powered Chargers with 8 charging bays constructed, with 2 in progress. There is an overall target of 6 sites
One hub consisting of 2 High-Powered Chargers with 4 charging bays completed with a further 10 currently in design/construction.
16 hubs of 1 High-Powered Charger and 1 Fast Charger with 3 charging bays completed with a further 9 currently in design/construction.
Completed the upgrade of 40 Standard 22kW chargers to DC Fast 50kW chargers
Completed the replacement of 250 Standard 22kW AC chargers.
Further details on the progression of this project can be found at esb.ie/ecars/our-network/network-upgrades.
On 21st July I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. Further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, provides local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. It should be noted that this scheme facilitates the installation of standard charge points.
My Department has committed to reviewing the Scheme to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.
ZEVI is currently accepting pilot project proposals from interested Local Authorities to trial EV charging infrastructure installations and to assist local authorities to evaluate future charging strategy
My Department is also developing a new scheme which will support the installation of destination charge points in locations such as visitor centres and parks. This new initiative will help provide another critical link in the overall network for public charging.
Public charge points in Ireland and provided by a number of charge point operators on a commercial basis. ESB eCars is one of these operators and has a significant presence nationwide. In light of ESB eCars role in providing publicly accessible charge points, I have forwarded your question for direct response. Please contact my office if no reply is received within 10 working days.
163. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the public consultation on the EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy; if he still intends on publishing a final strategy before the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54020/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years. A draft national strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025 was published for consultation in March. The draft strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 194,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade. Responses and submissions received as part of the consultation are currently being considered in the development of the final Strategy which is due for publication at the end of this year. It is anticipated that a report detailing the findings of the public consultation will be published in the coming months.
167. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which he will publish the all-island rail review; and the amount expended on the review to date.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54035/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.
The amount expended on the Review to date is €1.24 million. I expect to receive a draft report from the Review before the end of the year and look forward to publishing it as soon as possible thereafter, in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure and Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
168. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the review his Department have undertaken on restoring Irish Government funding for the City of Derry Airport and the Derry to Dublin airlink to reflect the fact that 40% of the passengers using the airport are from County Donegal; and if he will confirm the dialogue that has taken place between his Department officials and officials in An Taoiseach's Department to examine financial investment in the airport under the shared island unit. [54048/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware as part of its commitments under New Decade New Approach and in the context of supporting greater connectivity on the island of Ireland, the Government agreed ‘to take forward a review of the potential for Government support to renewed viable air routes from Cork to Belfast and Dublin to Derry, working with the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to deliver improved connections as a priority’.
My Department has progressed a desk-based review, which Minister Ryan and I are considering in consultation with Government colleagues. My Department engages with the Department of the Taoiseach including the Shared Island unit on an ongoing basis on progressing the Government’s commitments and objectives as set out in the Shared Island elements of the Programme for Government and the revised National Development Plan, including our commitments under the New Decade New Approach agreement.
There is no commitment to include, within the scope of the conducted review or otherwise, consideration of Irish Government funding for City of Derry Airport and consequently that has not been a focus of Departmental work or engagement.
In consideration of potential supports for renewing air services, as part of the review undertaken, my Department has engaged extensively with stakeholders including City of Derry Airport. I have a meeting scheduled with management of the airport next month to discuss the matter further.
169. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the Irish Government is still committed to co-funding the upgrade of the A5 road in the North of Ireland, as stipulated in the St. Andrew's Agreement, and pending the go-ahead for the project. [54049/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 have been governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. Under this Agreement the Government is committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded. The Government is committed to deliver on its funding commitment to the A5 project, which is also included in the "New Decade, New Approach" document of 2020.
As is the case for all such capital projects, the A5 upgrade scheme is subject to the planning assessment and approval process in Northern Ireland and since 2012 there have been a number of legal challenges. This has led to unavoidable delays to the implementation of the proposed scheme.
In 2017 the Department for Infrastructure decided to proceed with the A5 scheme. However, this was challenged, and the decision to proceed was quashed by the High Court in November 2018 when the Department announced it would no longer defend the case.
Following the conclusion of that legal action, the Department for Infrastructure updated environmental assessments for the project and undertook further public consultations. Despite the delays which have taken place, the public inquiry will be re-opened in January 2023.
Allowing for the time required for the conclusion of the public inquiry and for all new decisions to be implemented, together with the possibility of a further legal challenge, the timeframe for delivery of the A5 project is still uncertain. However, provision of £25 million sterling is being made by my Department in 2023 for funding the scheme, should this be required.
170. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will use whatever powers that are available to him to urgently compel CIÉ Dublin Bus to refurbish and bring Nos. 10-13 Conyngham Road, Dublin 8 back into residential use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54075/22]
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 refurbishing Nos. 10-13 Conyngham Road, Dublin 8 back into residential use is a matter for CIÉ in conjunction with Dublin Bus. Therefore, I have referred this question to CIÉ for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
171. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to reduce the waiting times at NCT test centres throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54079/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 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.
However, I am very aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. Minister of State Naughton has met with the RSA to convey the seriousness of this matter and my officials are meeting weekly with the RSA to monitor progress in reducing test delays. My department will continue this monitoring, as well as supporting any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992, or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
172. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider the BIK changes introduced in Budget 2023 which will have a huge impact on workers during the cost-of-living crisis. [53902/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecent Government policy has focused on strengthening the environmental rationale behind company car taxation. Until the changes I brought in as part of the Finance Act 2019, Ireland’s vehicle benefit-in-kind regime was unusual in that there was no overall CO2 rationale in the regime. This is despite a CO2 based vehicle BIK regime being legislated for as far back as 2008 (but never having been commenced).
In Finance Act 2019, I legislated for a CO2-based BIK regime for company cars from 1 January 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.
EVs will benefit from a preferential rate of BIK, ranging from 9 – 22.5% depending on mileage. Fossil-fuel vehicles will be subject to higher BIK rates, up to 37.5%. This new structure with CO2-based discounts and surcharges is designed to incentivise employers to provide employees with low-emission cars.
I am aware there have been arguments surrounding the mileage bands in the new BIK structure as they can be perceived as incentivising higher mileage to avail of lower rates, leading to higher levels of emissions. The rationale behind the mileage bands is that the greater the business mileage, the more the car is a benefit to the company rather than its employee (on average); and the more the car depreciates in value, the less of a benefit it is to the employee (in years 2 and 3) as the asset from which the benefit is derived is depreciating faster. Mileage bands also ensure that cars more integral to the conduct of business receive preferential tax treatment.
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 (EVs). This will bring the taxation system around company cars into step with other CO2-based motor taxes as well as the long-established CO2-based vehicle BIK regimes in other member states.
In addition to the above and in light of government commitments on climate change, Budget 2022 extended the preferential BIK treatment for EVs to end 2025 with a tapering mechanism on the vehicle value threshold. This BIK exemption forms part of a broader series of very generous measures to support the uptake of EVs, 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.
Finally, it should be noted that this new BIK charging mechanism was legislated for in 2019 and was announced as part of Budget 2020. I am satisfied that this has provided a sufficient lead in time to adapt to this new system before its implementation in 2023.
173. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he will make provision for small group water schemes (details supplied) in the temporary business energy support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53912/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra175. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will remove data centres from eligibility for the temporary business energy support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53847/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra176. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if Approved Housing Bodies are eligible to apply for support under the temporary business energy support scheme. [54047/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 173, 175 and 176 together.
Details of the new Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) are set out in Finance Bill 2022. The scheme will provide support to qualifying businesses in respect of energy costs relating to the period from 1 September 2022 to 31 December 2022 or, where it is possible to grant State aid beyond that date under the European Commission’s Temporary Crisis Framework (TCF), to 28 February 2023. The TBESS will be available to tax compliant businesses carrying on a trade or profession the profits of which are chargeable to tax under Case I or Case II of Schedule D where they meet the eligibility criteria. The scheme will be operated on a self-assessment basis.
Payments will be made on the basis of 40% of the amount of the increase in eligible electricity or natural gas costs between the bill amount which is the subject of the claim and the bill amount in the corresponding reference period in the previous year. Payments are generally subject to a monthly cap of €10,000 per trade, increasing to a maximum of €30,000 in certain circumstances.
The scheme will operate by comparing the average unit price for the relevant bill period in 2022 with the average unit price in the corresponding reference period in 2021. If the increase in average unit price is more than 50% then the threshold has passed and the business is eligible for support under the scheme. A business who has not seen an increase of 50% over the period will not be eligible for the scheme. This means, for instance, larger corporates who have the purchasing power to enter into favourable forward pricing arrangements and have not seen an increase of 50% of 2021 prices, will not be eligible for support under the scheme.
Sporting bodies that carry on certain activities which would be chargeable to tax under Case I or II of Schedule D but for an available exemption are included in the scheme. Charities that carry on activities that would be chargeable to tax as trading income, but for an available tax exemption, are also included in the scope of the scheme
It is not my intention to exclude any businesses or particular sectors which otherwise meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme.
Approved Housing Bodies are independent, not for profit organisations that provide affordable rented housing. These bodies do not carry on a trade that is chargeable to tax, or that would be chargeable to tax but for the tax exemptions referred to above. Approved Housing Bodies are not therefore within the scope of TBESS and would not be eligible to apply for support under the scheme.
On similar grounds, I understand that group water schemes are not within the scope of the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme as they are not businesses that are chargeable to tax under Case I or II of Schedule D.
Revenue will soon publish comprehensive guidelines on the operation of the scheme on the Revenue website, which will include information on eligibility for the scheme.
174. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to appoint the new members of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals to be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53934/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the resignation of all members of the previous Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, effective from 30th November 2021, two Expression of Interest campaigns have been held, seeking suitable candidates for the Board. The Department of Health leads on all actions and tasks with respect to the Expression of Interest Campaigns. Department of Finance officials provide support to the Department of Health in this matter.
The first campaign closed on 29th April however this did not result in sufficient suitable candidates coming forward. Therefore, a second round was issued with a closing date of 5th July 2022. From these two campaigns, three suitable candidates have been identified and are completing Garda vetting. Five members are legislatively required for a functional Board. It is planned to interview two further candidates shortly.
Once these processes have been completed for all candidates the Minister for Finance will then be in a position to appoint any suitable Department of Health nominee to the Board. When the new Board is up and running, it will consider the best way of ensuring outstanding appeals are addressed as quickly as possible.
Requests for appeal hearings can be sent to the DDMBA secretary based in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. New appeal hearing dates will be issued once the new Board is in place. Assessments for the primary medical certificate, by the HSE, are continuing to take place.
Applicants deemed not to have met one of the six eligibility criteria required for a PMC can request another PMC assessment six months after an unsuccessful PMC assessment.
177. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the reason that a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not eligible to claim the incapacitated childcare credit given that they have two children in their care though fostering services who are both incapacitated. [54061/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Incapacitated Child Tax Credit is available to the parent or guardian of a child who is permanently incapacitated, either physically or mentally. The qualifying criteria includes the requirement that medical evidence is provided setting out the extent of the incapacity and whether it is expected to permanently prevent the child from being able to maintain themselves independently when over the age of 18 years. Further information on the qualifying criteria and how to claim the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit is available on Revenue’s website at: www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/children/incapacitated-child-credit/index.aspx.
I am advised that following a review of the person’s record, Revenue has determined that the credit is allowable in the circumstances outlined. The person’s record has been updated accordingly and Revenue will engage directly with the person concerned to clarify their current position and address any other matters that the person may wish to raise.
178. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Finance if homeowners awaiting the 'taking-in-charge' of estates, the process of which is taking an inordinately long period of time, can be exempt from paying local property tax until it is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54065/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the introduction of the Local Property Tax (LPT), the Government decided that a liability to the tax should apply to all owners of residential properties with a limited number of exemptions. Limiting the exemptions available allows the rate to be kept low for those liable persons who do not qualify for an exemption.
The proceeds of the LPT are largely used in the general provision and maintenance of infrastructure, services and amenities in a local authority area. Accordingly, residential property owners in estates not yet taken in charge benefit from the expenditure of these proceeds in the same way as the owners of other residential properties in the general locality in terms of the provision of public roads, footpaths, lighting, open spaces, surface water drainage and other public amenities. LPT is accordingly payable, regardless of whether or not an estate has been taken in charge.
The relevant planning and development matters fall under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. However, I am informed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that under section 180 (1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), a planning authority is obliged to initiate taking in charge procedures where requested by either the developer or by the majority of owners of the dwellings within 6 months of being requested. However, this is subject to the development being completed to the satisfaction of the authority and in accordance with the permission and any conditions.
Section 180 provides that in relation to estates which have not have been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority and enforcement proceedings have not been commenced within the relevant period, the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the majority of the owners of the houses, initiate the procedures set out in section 11 of the Roads Act for the taking in charge of an estate.
I further understand that section 180 was amended in the Planning and Development Act (Amendment) 2010 to provide that a planning authority at its absolute discretion may take in charge an unfinished estate at any time after the expiration of the planning permission in situations where enforcement actions have failed or the planning authority has not taken enforcement action (for example, where it considered such action would be futile). Planning authorities are now specifically empowered to take in charge part of an estate, or some but not all of the facilities in an estate.
Ultimately, the Department of Housing advise that progression of individual developments through the taking-in-charge process is a matter for the relevant housing developer, the residents in such developments and the relevant local authorities, following the procedures set out in section 180 of the Act.
179. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline in full the qualifying criteria for a primary medical certificate. [54082/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from VRT and VAT on an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable 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.
To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled, and satisfy at least one of the following medical criteria, in order to obtain a Primary Medical Certificate:
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
- be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
- be without both hands or without both arms;
- be without one or both legs;
- be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
- have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
