Written Answers Nos. 244-263
244. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether it is appropriate that the capital gains tax allowance and capital gains tax in Ireland is vastly lower than that in Northern Ireland; if he will take steps to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57938/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the capital gain tax allowance the Deputy is referring to is the annual exemption for individuals in respect of the first €1,270 of chargeable gains in a calendar year that is provided for by Section 601 of TCA 1997.
In Northern Ireland, the UK capital gains tax free allowance applies, which for the tax year 2022-2023 is £12,300, which is deducted from the gain before the CGT due is calculated. It is clear that there is a difference between these two sums. However, in any comparison, there is a need to understand and take into account the specific details of various CGT systems in different jurisdictions in order to carry out a fair comparison. This includes examining special rates, and reliefs and exemptions, rather than focusing solely on the applicable headline CGT rate or in this instance a particular exemption or an allowance.
The current approach to CGT in Ireland is a flat rate of 33% for all gains, together with a range of targeted reliefs. The reliefs include the individual exemption of the first €1,270 of gains in a calendar year, as well as a range of other reliefs including principal private residence relief, retirement relief and revised entrepreneurs relief. More information on the reliefs for CGT are available at www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/transfering-an-asset/what-is-exempt-from-cgt.aspx and www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/cgt-reliefs/index.aspx.
As the current exemption is available to each individual annually, this is a broad based relief that applies every year regardless of previous use, so any increase in the threshold could potentially result in significant costs to the Exchequer and would require offsetting measures. I do not currently propose to make any changes to the individual exemption of €1270.
However, as with all taxes, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is subject to ongoing review, which involves the consideration and assessment of the rate of CGT and the relevant reliefs and exemptions.
245. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the exit charges on investments are still necessary on investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57939/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Finance Act 2000 introduced the gross roll-up taxation regime for investments in domestic funds (in section 58) and for investments in life policies (in section 53). While Finance Act 1990 had introduced anti-avoidance rules that are known as the “offshore funds” regime, Finance Act 2001 (in section 72) amended the offshore funds regime to provide for gross roll-up in certain offshore funds that were similar to the Irish funds within the gross roll-up regime.
The general thrust of the gross roll-up regime is that there is no annual tax on income or gains arising within the investment. However, exit tax must be deducted on the occurrence of a “chargeable event”.
With respect to an investment in domestic funds, exit tax applies to the profit element of each chargeable event, and such chargeable events include –
- the making of relevant payments (which includes any dividend),
- the redemption of the investment,
- the transfer by an investor of their investment,
- the appropriation or cancellation of units by a fund to discharge tax payable on a gain arising from a transfer of units by a unit holder; and
- on the ending of an 8-year period beginning with the acquisition of a unit in a fund, and each subsequent 8-year period beginning when the previous one ends. This is commonly referred to as a deemed disposal. The purpose of the deemed disposal is to prevent indefinite roll-up within the fund.
With respect to life policies, Life Assurance Exit Tax (“LAET”) applies to the profit element of each chargeable event and chargeable events in relation to an investment in a domestic life policy written on or after 1 January 2001 include –
- the maturity of the life policy,
- the surrender in whole or in part of the rights conferred by the life policy,
- the assignment in whole or in part of the life policy, and
- the ending of an 8-year period beginning with the inception of the life policy and each subsequent 8-year period beginning when the previous one ends. The purpose of the deemed disposal is to prevent indefinite roll-up within the policy.
Rate of exit tax and collection mechanism
The rate of exit tax applied is generally 41% in the case of an individual (or 60% in certain instances where the investment is under the personal control of the taxpayer). USC and PRSI do not generally apply where exit tax applies. The general rate of exit tax applied in the case of a corporate investor is 25%.
The fund or life company is responsible for operating exit tax and paying it over to Revenue. This means that most individuals who invest in these products do not have to file a tax return with Revenue and pay the tax due. The removal of the exit tax regime would result in many more individuals having to file income tax returns to pay and file the tax due on their investments.
Exit tax is a collection mechanism that, as set out above, is coupled with the gross roll-up regime.
246. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will examine the matter of decreasing insurance premiums for retired individuals no longer commuting to and from work by car; if this is a matter which the subgroup on insurance reform is considering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, it is important to note that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can dictate the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter assessed on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU legislative framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive). Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies as to the pricing level that they should apply to particular categories of individuals.
On a general level, insurance companies consider a number of risks when determining the premium for a proposed insurance policy. For example, in the case of motor insurance, I understand that insurers use a combination of actuarial factors in making decisions on whether to offer cover and what terms to apply, such as: the age of the driver; vehicle type; claims record; driving experience; number of drivers; how the car is used (including for commuting); etc. Insurers also price in accordance with their specific claims experience and risk exposure and do not use the same combination of rating factors. Accordingly, premium prices vary across the market.
This Government has prioritised insurance reform via the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. The third Action Plan for Insurance Reform Implementation Report was published earlier this month, showing 90 per cent of the actions already being delivered and key legislation fast-racked to completion. It is my belief that the overall implementation of the Action Plan should help to improve both the cost and availability of insurance for motorists, which should be passed onto consumers.
It may be useful for the Deputy to know that Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance cover, which can be accessed at feedback@insuranceireland.eu. In addition, where somebody feels they have been treated unfairly by a particular insurance provider, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO acts as an independent arbiter of disputes that consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider. The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01-567-7000.
247. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue that would be generated if the local property tax rate increased to 0.50% for properties valued at over €1.05 million and 1% for properties valued in excess of €1.4 million. [58028/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the estimated additional full-year revenue that would be generated if the local property tax rate increased to 0.50% for properties valued at over €1.05m and 1% for properties valued in excess of €1.4m would be in the region of €45 million.
248. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the national coastal change management strategy steering group on coastal erosion at Pilmore Beach, County Cork; and the details of the plans for long-term measures to address this continuing problem which has only had stop-gap measures applied to date which have not provided lasting protection for the local coastline. [57528/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra255. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will urgently request senior Office of Public Works engineers to assess the works that were recently undertaken to arrest coastal erosion at Pilmore Beach, County Cork and to determine if further remedial works are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57527/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 255 together.
Local Authorities are responsible for coastal erosion in their own areas. Local Authorities may carry out coastal protection works using their own resources. If necessary, they may also put forward proposals to the relevant Government Departments for funding of appropriate measures. Intervention or hard defences have the potential to cause problems further along the coast, any proposed intervention measures are best developed in conjunction with a formal coastal risk management study that has carefully investigated the problem and explored the full range of management options.
In 2021, the OPW approved funding of €34,392 to Cork County Council under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for a Minor Works project involving the repair and replacement of a tidal sluice and associated works at Pilmore, Youghal Co. Cork. Any queries regarding the works being carried out are a matter for Cork County Council.
I am advised that the OPW has no application in respect of Coastal Erosion Protection in this area.
To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the OPW has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website floodinfo.ie. This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties. The OPW is currently carrying out a Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme which is a five year pilot project to implement a regular survey programme in selected coastal locations to increase our understanding of coastal change in these areas. The coastline at Youghal, including Pilmore beach, is one of the areas included in this pilot programme with surveying activities commencing in 2022. Aerial photography and LiDAR surveys are due to be carried out annually with a bathymetry survey undertaken once every five years. The aerial photography data for 2022 was captured in May with the bathymetry survey data captured in September. LiDAR data is due to be captured by the end of 2022 with further aerial photography and LiDAR surveys planned for 2023 and 2024. Additional details of the pilot programme are available at floodinfo.ie.
The Government has established an Inter-Departmental Group on Managing Coastal Change to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities. The Inter-Departmental Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the OPW and will bring forward options and recommendations for the Government to consider.
249. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will detail the considerations given by her Department with regard to individuals who have retired on a supplementary pension, prior to proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57638/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, I have overall policy responsibility in relation to public service occupational pension schemes payable to retired public servants.
Since 6 April 1995, all newly-appointed public servants became fully insured under the Social Insurance System. They pay Class A PRSI which would entitle them to Social Insurance Benefits such as, maternity benefit, illness benefit, State Pension Contributory (SPC) and other social insurance entitlements not available to many other public servants paying modified PRSI (Class B, C or D). However, it is worth noting that prior to 6 April 1995 as many as 39,000 public servants were always fully insured. A significant number of occupational pension schemes (both private and public sector) take account of a member’s entitlement to the SPC when calculating occupational pension benefits. This is known as ‘integration’, and is also sometimes referred to as 'coordination'.
A public servant paying Class A PRSI will receive both an occupational pension and it is assumed they will be also be entitled to the maximum rate of the SPC. As the SPC element is paid for by way of PRSI contributions, this part of the pension is bound by the rules and criteria as set by Department of Social Protection (DSP). However, in the case of public servants, an occupational supplementary pension may be payable in circumstances where the total pension package (i.e. the combined total of the public service occupational pension plus any social insurance benefits) is less than that of the pension payable to a public servant on an equivalent salary and whose pension is not integrated with the Social Insurance system and who do not have an entitlement to the SPC. In this regard, it should be noted that the occupational supplementary pension does not seek to make up the value of a full SPC but rather it seeks to make up the difference between the integrated occupational pension, combined with the Social Insurance Benefit in payment, and the occupational pension payable to an individual whose pension is not integrated with the SPC.
The payment of an occupational supplementary pension is subject to an individual meeting certain criteria, such as the retired public servant shall not be in paid employment and:
(i) fails to qualify for Social Insurance Benefit or
(ii) qualifies for Social Insurance Benefit at a reduced rate and
(iii) has reached minimum pension age or is in receipt of an ill-health pension
The following Social Insurance payments are considered when assessing an individual for an Occupational Supplementary Pension: The State Pension Contributory (SPC), the State Pension Transition (also known as a Retirement Pension and now abolished since January 2014), Illness Benefit, Invalidity Benefit, Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds and Jobseeker’s Benefit.
Other benefits/allowances not listed above are not taken into account when assessing an individual’s entitlement to an Occupational Supplementary Pension e.g. Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension, Jobseeker’s Allowance and any other means-tested benefit/allowance.
Based on further clarification received by my officials, your question relates to the method used to calculate eligibility for the SPC and the transition from the Yearly Average model to the Total Contributions Approach. The criteria for qualifying for the SPC is a matter for DSP in the first instance and should be raised with the Minister for Social Protection.
However, as advised above, if a retired public civil with an occupational pension integrated with the Social Insurance system fails to qualify for the full rate of the SPC, through no fault of their own, they may qualify for the payment of an occupational supplementary pension to ensure their overall pension entitlements are the same as an occupational pension of a public servant whose pension is non-integrated.
250. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason that the Public Appointments Service continues to advertise posts that include a requirement that the applicant must be a non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or Swiss citizen and have a stamp 4 visa, given that there is a requirement under law not to discriminate on the civil status ground, and that many non-EEA citizens can be resident in Ireland for many years in relationships with EEA citizens and on a stamp 4 and do not intend to marry and that Section 36(1) and (2) of the Employment Equality Act 1998 only permits restrictions from employment in the civil and public service on the grounds of residence, citizenship or proficiency in the Irish language and makes no mention of civil status being an allowable discriminatory ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPosts in the Irish Civil Service are generally open to suitably qualified candidates who are nationals of an EU Member State, including Ireland, or the European Economic Area (EEA). Such individuals have the right under the EU Treaties to reside and take up employment in any EEA Member State. Non-EEA citizens do not benefit from these rights and do not automatically qualify to compete for these roles. Responsibility for determining the extension of these rights, including the relevant legislation, rests with the Department of Justice.
I am informed that a Stamp 4 visa denotes and evidences a category of immigration permission to remain in the State (in accordance with the Immigration Act, 2004) that permits the holder to enter employment without the requirement to hold an employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, Stamp 4 does not confer Irish citizenship on the holder, so does not automatically confer eligibility to compete for posts in the Civil Service.
Until now, a Non-EEA national who has been granted permission to remain in the State (with a Stamp 4 visa) on one of the following grounds may apply for jobs in the civil service:
- Permission to remain as spouse or a dependent of an Irish/EEA national
- Permission to remain as the parent of an Irish citizen;
The above criteria were agreed in 2020 to expand the then existing citizenship eligibility requirements. I have asked officials in my Department to engage with the Public Appointments Service and the Departments of Justice, Enterprise Trade and Employment to review the current eligibility criteria.
251. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the use of a facility (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will liaise with the relevant local authority in order to hand the facility over for community use given that it is currently unused and derelict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57277/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile some parts of the former military barracks at Fermoy, Co Cork were transferred to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, it is not clear from the question that this particular area is under the control of the OPW.
Following clarification received from the Deputy, my officials understand that the property concerned is owned by the Minister for Defence and further enquiries should be made to that Department.
252. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he or any officials from his Department or from bodies under the aegis of his Department travelled to the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference; the number who travelled; the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57320/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that neither I nor any of the officials of my Department or the bodies under its aegis attended the event in question.
253. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to restore FEMPI cuts to the fees of free legal aid service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, counsel fees were reduced in both 2009 and 2010 respectively as part of a broader Government agenda to reduce escalating legal costs. Further cuts were imposed by the Minister for Justice in 2011 via statutory instrument primarily to control spending under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.
It is worth noting that expenditure on legal aid incurred by the Department of Justice (Vote 24) has increased by 42% between 2016 and 2021, while the annual outturn relevant to the Legal Aid Board has risen by 23% over the same timeframe.
My Department continues to give careful consideration to this matter and will continue engagement with the Department of Justice and other stakeholders in the sector.
254. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the full list of public-private partnerships that are currently agreed as part of the national development plan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57466/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy might be interested to know that I already publish two sets of financial data on PPPs. The data can be accessed on the PPP website at www.ppp.gov.ie/ppp-projects. The first set of data provides an update on the existing Financial Commitments for PPPs. This table contains detailed information in relation to all PPP projects for which contracts have been signed and which are operational. Information is broken out by individual project on the type of PPP model being used, the operational date of the project, the capital contractual value of the project, the total unitary payments made to the end of 2021, the projected total future unitary payments for each project, other PPP related costs, the total cost of each project, the year of final payment and the name of the PPP company delivering the project. The table details 30 PPP projects in operation in the following sectors: transport, education, housing, justice, health and OPW.
In addition to the information contained in the Financial Commitment table, I have also published on www.ppp.gov.ie the projected annualised breakdown of the expected future unitary payments for each year, by project, extending out to when each project will be handed back by the PPP Company to the Sponsoring Authority.
The published data is intended to provide indicative information in relation to PPP projects, based on information provided to my Department by the relevant responsible Departments or Agencies. The National Investment Office in my Department endeavours to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible but any queries in relation to the details of specific projects should be confirmed directly with the State authorities responsible for those projects.
256. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of full-time vacancies by job title currently in Kilkenny Castle; when these vacancies will be filled in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 2 full time vacancies in Kilkenny Castle. Details are below:
|
Position |
Number of vacancies |
|
Store Keeper Clerk (temporary) |
1 |
|
Permanent Guide |
1 |
In relation to these positions, the OPW recently ran recruitment campaigns for both and interviews are scheduled for Storekeeper Clerk for Thursday 24th November. The OPW are also in the process of scheduling interviews for the permanent guide post. The permanent guide interviews are expected to take place in early December.
257. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Garda stations within the Kilkenny and Carlow Division that were refurbished by the OPW where the costs are in excess of €10,000 in the years of 2021 and to date in 2022; the nature of such works that were carried out at each station; if each capital works project is completed or still ongoing in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57697/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has carried out works on a number of the Stations in the Kilkenny and Carlow Garda Division in 2021 and 2022.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to compile all the details requested in the timeframe for this response. The information requested will be furnished directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
258. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when his Department will conduct and updated version of the spending review of apprenticeships published in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57717/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the annual 2019 Spending Review process, DPER conducted a review of participation and costs associated with Apprenticeships. As the Deputy will be aware from my previous response, the Spending Review process aims to subject key policies and expenditure programmes across the whole of Government to critical assessment in support of the service-wide agenda of evidence-informed policy making, ensuring value for money and effective policy. Similar to previous cycles, as part of the 2020-2022 cycle of the Spending Review process, programmes and areas to be assessed, either individually or collaboratively, are selected by each Department on an annual basis. As part of this year’s Spending Review, officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, working with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, collaborated on a paper on demographic projections in Higher Education which is planned to be published shortly. Topics for analysis as part of the 2023 Spending Review are still under consideration and are a matter of ongoing discussion between DPER officials and colleagues in other departments.
259. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when it is intended to advertise and appoint a person to the recently announced role of night-time advisor for County Longford. [57292/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced the locations of the 9 towns and cities which will take part in the new Night-Time Advisor pilot initiative. The selected pilots are Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana and Longford Town. The selection process was led by the City and County Management Association (CCMA) with support from my Department and an independent panel reviewed and selected the successful applications. This is in direct response to Action 19 in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce which I launched last year.
My Department is working with the CCMA to finalise details in relation to the role and to ensure that the recruitment process to appoint all of the officers gets underway as soon as possible.
It is expected that the new Night-Time Economy Advisors will help to drive and support a more sustainable Night-Time Economy in their specific areas. They will work with businesses, communities, venues, residents and artists to create a more vibrant night-life for all and bring vitality back to our city and town centres in a safe and sustainable way. The new Advisor will be tasked with establishing a new Night-Time Economy Committee which will be diverse, inclusive and dynamic. The Advisor will have to ensure that all existing local structures are assessed to ensure synergies are developed where possible.
A consultation process will also be undertaken leading to the development of an action plan setting out a range of interventions to support the co-ordinated development of the area’s Night-Time Economy.
I would like to thank the CCMA for their role in leading this process and I look forward to getting the Advisors in place as soon as possible.
260. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she or any officials from her Department or from bodies under the aegis of her Department travelled to the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference; the number who travelled; the costs incurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57324/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither I nor Minister of State Chambers travelled to the COP27 conference in Sharm el-Sheikh. I am advised also that no officials from my Department or the bodies under its aegis travelled to the COP 27.
261. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén dáta roimh dheireadh na bliana faoina bhfuil sí ag súil leis an tuarascáil ó Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann maidir le seirbhís náisiúnta raidió a sholáthar do dhaoine óga, mar a bhí geallta aici ag cruinniú de chuid an Roghchoiste um Thurasóireacht, Cultúr, Ealaíona, Spórt agus Meáin ar an 25 Deireadh Fómhair 2022, agus faoi shonraí maidir le haon chruinnithe nó comhfhreagras idir a Roinn agus ÚCÉ ina leith. [57404/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá tuarascáil á hullmhú ag Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann ar thionscadal taighde trí chéim a rinneadh maidir le seirbhís raidió náisiúnta trí mheán na Gaeilge do dhaoine óga a chur ar fáil. Baineann Céim 1 den taighde seo leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn i measc lucht éisteachta óg in Éirinn i gcoitinne, agus rinne sé fiosrú chomh maith ar réimse ábhar maidir leis an éileamh ar sheirbhís hibrideach raidió, an cineál ábhair a bheadh feiliúnach don tseirbhís sin, agus an rochtain a bheadh uirthi. Baineann an taighde i gCéim 2 le tuairimí an sprioc-lucht éisteachta a bhfuiltear ag díriú air (daoine idir 15-34 bliain d’aois a úsáideann na meáin Ghaeilge ar bhonn rialta), maidir leis an réimse céanna ábhar. Baineann an taighde i gCéim 3 leis na gnéithe teicniúla a bheadh i gceist le seirbhís raidió do chainteoirí óga Gaeilge a chraoladh go féideartha ar an gcóras FM.
Tá an buntaighde sin curtha i gcrích anois agus tá Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann i mbun oibre chun an tuarascáil ar an taighde a chur i dtoll a chéile. Tá rún ag Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann an tuarascáil a fhoilsiú go hoifigiúil i mí Eanáir 2023 anois.
262. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will advocate for the expansion of the visa eligibility criteria to non-EU nationals to fill hospitality and tourism vacancies, given the shortage in staff for the sector. [57532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment that Ireland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is vacancy-led and designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill labour gaps for the benefit of our economy, in the short to medium term, and is managed through the operation by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine roles that are either in critical short supply or are ineligible for an employment permit.
The lists are subject to regular, evidenced-based review incorporating available research and a public consultation, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to submit information and perspectives on the extent of skills or labour shortages. Account is taken of educational outputs, sectoral upskilling and known contextual factors, such as the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis, and their impact on the labour market. Submissions to the review are considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy with membership drawn from key Government Departments including my own Department which, as lead policy department for the tourism sector, may provide observations on the occupations under review.
In response to requests from my Department and the hospitality sector over the last number of years, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has introduced a number of changes to widen access to the General Employment Permit for certain occupations in the sector. All grades of Chef have been eligible for the General Employment Permit since 2019, with restrictions such as quotas or limits per establishment also removed. Experienced Executive Chefs, Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, Chefs de Partie and Commis Chefs can apply for a General Employment Permit to work in a restaurant establishment, at a remuneration level of at least €30,000.
In October 2021, further changes were announced introducing a new quota of 350 General Employment Permits for the sector for catering and bar managers, hotel and accommodation managers, restaurant and catering establishment managers as well as publicans and managers of licensed premises. Of this quota, I understand that 293 permits remain available.
I am advised that the timing of the next Review of the Occupations List is currently under consideration by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. When open, submissions will be invited from sectoral representative bodies and interested parties via the Public Consultation Form which will be accessible on that Department’s website. Officials in my Department, along with Fáilte Ireland, have already assured industry stakeholders of their support and assistance in the process when it opens.
263. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the dates in 2022 when she had bilateral meetings with the CEO of an organisation (details supplied). [57571/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that I had an introductory meeting with the then newly appointed CEO of the organisation mentioned by the Deputy on 1 February 2022.
Neither Minister Catherine Martin nor I have held any other bilateral meetings with the CEO to date this year.
