Written Answers Nos. 111-135
111. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the new rules that allow doctors who have been working in the State for more than two years to immediately be able to access a stamp 4 permission and spousal work rights; the number of doctors who applied under the new rules; the number that were approved; the number who were rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6229/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State's employment permit system is designed to supplement Ireland's skills and labour supply over the short to medium term by allowing the recruitment of nationals from outside the EEA, where such skills or expertise cannot be sourced from within the EEA at that time.
The system is, by design, vacancy led and managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupation lists. Doctors, including non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs), are on the critical skills list.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is targeted at highly skilled people in eligible occupations deemed to be critically important to growing Ireland’s economy, and who are in significant shortage of supply in our labour market.
This permit provides for immediate family reunification, broad access to the labour market for dependants, spouses and partners as well as fast tracking to long term residency after two years. The criteria attached to this permit type includes the requirement for the non-EEA national to have secured a job offer and employment contract of at least two years.
NCHD contracts are typically 6 to12 months in duration. Until recently, doctors had to renew their General Employment Permit after each contract. To reduce this administrative burden, a 2 year multi-side general employment permit for NCHDs was introduced November 2021. This permit is only available to public hospitals who hold trusted partner status with the Department.
Under the terms of this permit, the doctor is required to provide a new contract and location to the Department at the end of each rotation, rather than applying for a new permit each time. At the end of the two-year period the doctor will be eligible to apply to the Department for a Stamp 4 Support Letter which will put them on a pathway to permanent residency. Previously, this was only issued after a five-year period.
To coincide with the introduction of this permit, the Department of Justice created a new Stamp 1H which is issued to all doctors who hold a Multi-Site General Employment Permit. This new permission requires doctors to register yearly with the Department of Justice as well as providing a Stamp 1G permission to spouses of these doctors, allowing them to access the Labour Market without the need for an employment permit.
In addition to this permit, in March 2022, the opening of the temporary “Fast Track to Stamp 4 Permission” scheme was announced. All Non-EEA Doctors working in the state for more than 2 years while holding a General Employment Permit between 2018 – 2022, can apply to my department for a Stamp 4 Support Letter.
This scheme removed a large number of doctors from the employment permit system. It allowed the holder the right to work without the requirement to hold a valid employment permit. The scheme reopened in September 2022 to allow any doctors working in the State for 21 months or more to apply for a support letter and it remained open to 31 October 2022.
The table below shows the number of applications approved, the number of applications rejected and the total number of applications received from Doctors for a Stamp 4 support letter. This includes applications received from doctors who had previously held a critical skills employment permit.
|
Doctors’ applications for Stamp 4 |
|
|
Total approved |
1168 |
|
Total rejected |
78 |
|
Total applications received |
1246 |
112. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if progress has been made to provide a mechanism that will allow full-time residents of mobile homes to access some form of energy credit to deal with the crippling energy prices through the €10 million fund announced in the energy poverty action plan, given that they have not benefitted from the energy credits to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6389/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households and throughout 2022 introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports and as part of Budget 2023 has introduced a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion. This includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) is being credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - November/December 2022, January/February 2023, and March/April 2023. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.
The payment is applied to domestic electricity accounts which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2). This includes accounts with pre-pay meters. The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure that payment can be made to those accounts automatically and without application or means testing.
Despite this advantage, the scheme does have limitations. While one credit is applied per domestic MPRN there are cohorts such as households on commercial connections that did not receive the payment.
Along with the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme Budget 2023 also introduced measures including:
- €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients
- €200 lump sum payment for pensioners and people with a disability getting the Living Alone Increase
- €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all families getting Working Family Payment
- double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children
- €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant will be paid in November
- €500 lump sum cost of living disability support grant will be paid to all people receiving a long term disability payment
Budget 2023 also announced the introduction of a new Rent Tax Credit: Rent Tax Credit (revenue.ie)
Any customer that is in need of additional support may apply for an Additional Needs Payment provided by the Department of Social Protection, who have a need for financial assistance to facilitate their continued energy supply. Every effort will be made to ensure that these vulnerable individuals in financial distress, and who qualify, receive an Additional Needs Payment on the same day or as soon as possible where it relates to electricity and heating expenses.
On 13 December, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan, which provides for the establishment of a €10 million fund to further support people in, or at risk of, energy poverty this winter and into 2023, including people on PAYG meters. The fund will provide a further safeguard in addition to the supports from suppliers and the Additional Needs Payment operated by the Department of Social Protection.
Currently my Department is considering a range of options to target this fund to vulnerable groups including those in mobile homes.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also available to provide budgeting advice and advocacy support.
113. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason homes in Mulcaire Manor, Newport, County Tipperary are unable to obtain fibre to the home, FTTH, broadband despite the fact that commercial operators are already delivering high speed broadband services in this area of County Tipperary; if he will ensure that any works required for the provision of FTTH broadband are completed and available so that each home in Mulcaire Manor can access FTTH; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estate referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High-Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high-speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. Under State aid rules, my Department is not permitted to displace commercial investment by intervening in areas where commercial investment exists or is planned, as to do so would be an infringement of these State aid rules. The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
The entire estate referred to in this question is located in the blue coverage area because all of the houses are served by a commercial operator and are capable of obtaining 30Mbps or greater.
In December 2022 my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets namely:
- all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028;
- all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
- digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023.
The majority of digital connectivity across the State will be delivered through commercial investment by the telecommunications industry and this will be complemented by the National Broadband Plan.
Eir has committed to rolling out fibre to a further 1.6 million premises, bringing their fibre deployment to some 1.9 million premises. SIRO is currently completing the first phase of its fibre deployment and to date has passed more than 430,000 premises with gigabit services and it has recently announced plans to extend its network to an additional 320,000 premises. Virgin Media is offering 250Mbps as a standard offering with 500Mbps and 1Gbps available to many of their customers across the more than 1 million premises that they cover. Many other network operators and telecom service providers across the State also continue to invest in their networks.
114. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if those living in the same complex but in different homes which have separate addresses and Eircodes and are connected by the same meter but have individual separate electric prepay meters will both be entitled to the €200 electricity credit or if this meter will be deemed to be a sub meter of one of the households and both households will receive €100 credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6278/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households and throughout 2022 introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports and as part of Budget 2023 has introduced a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion. This includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) is being credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - November/December 2022, January/February 2023, and March/April 2023. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.
The payment is applied to domestic electricity accounts which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2). This includes accounts with pre-pay meters. The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure that payment can be made to those accounts automatically and without application or means testing.
Despite this advantage, the scheme does have limitations. In the case of submetering, the payment would be made to the MPRN and shared proportionately with the sub-meters as the overall cost to that site would be reduced by the amount of the payment.
As there is not a data set identifying this cohort, increasing awareness of entitlements of existing social protection measures, which include provision for help with household bills, is an important way of supporting people in this situation.
Along with the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme Budget 2023 also introduced measures including:
- €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients
- €200 lump sum payment for pensioners and people with a disability getting the Living Alone Increase
- €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all families getting Working Family Payment
- double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children
- €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant will be paid in November
- €500 lump sum cost of living disability support grant will be paid to all people receiving a long term disability payment
Budget 2023 also announced the introduction of a new Rent Tax Credit, details of which can be found here Rent Tax Credit (revenue.ie)
Any customer that is in need of additional support may apply for an Additional Needs Payment provided by the Department of Social Protection, including customers on a Pay As You Go meter who have a need for financial assistance to facilitate their continued energy supply. Every effort will be made to ensure that these vulnerable individuals in financial distress, and who qualify, receive an Additional Needs Payment on the same day or as soon as possible where it relates to electricity and heating expenses.
On 13 December, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan, which provides for the establishment of a €10 million fund to further support people in, or at risk of, energy poverty this winter and into 2023, including people on PAYG meters. The fund will provide a further safeguard in addition to the supports from suppliers and the Additional Needs Payment operated by the Department of Social Protection. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also available to provide budgeting advice and advocacy support.
115. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any allowance for utility bills can be made for those who are hosting refugees in their homes given the rising costs of energy bills and the pressure this is creating for many families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6378/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households and throughout 2022 introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports and as part of Budget 2023 has introduced a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion. This includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) is credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - November/December 2022, January/February 2023, and March/April 2023. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.
The payment is applied to domestic electricity accounts which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2). This includes?accounts with pre-pay meters. The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN)?to ensure that payment can be made to those accounts automatically and without application or means testing.
The following may also be of assistance to the Deputy.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment is available where a person is providing accommodation to persons fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and who arrived in Ireland since March 2022 under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. The monthly rate of payment is €800. It is available to persons who are hosting in their own home or providing accommodation in a vacant property.
It is paid in recognition of the contribution of those providing accommodation for someone who has arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. The rate is not intended to cover additional costs incurred by hosts.
Further information on the scheme is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/cfd95-accommodation-recognition-payment/
116. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 18 January 2023 the final costs associated with an event (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6385/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOP27, the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, took place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from 6 to 18 November 2022. Costs associated with my Department's participation at the conference currently amount to just over €81,000, which includes travel and delegation office expenses. Final costs are still being finalised and are not yet available. Questions with respect to the costs incurred by other Departments or Agencies in relation to COP27 should be directed to the appropriate Department or Agency concerned.
117. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the reason for the poor quality service and lack of service provided by a company (details supplied) on its 75 and 175 bus routes; if he will consider reassigning the routes to Dublin Bus as a result; if he will make available increased resources for the operation of routes 75 and 175; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6206/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Further, since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers. In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to Go-Ahead Ireland Bus Routes 75/175 to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
118. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing proposed measures (details supplied) to alleviate the waiting lists for an NCT, in view of long delays for the national car test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6218/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query 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.
119. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if more frequent bus transport between Tralee and Listowel will be provided (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6314/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of 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 question in relation to the timetabling of bus services to and from Listowel, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days
120. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on Castlefreke Coast Guard station project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6381/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Castlefreke Unit has been a priority on the Irish Coast Guard Building Programme for a number of years. The Unit currently operate from a Rocket House which is no longer fit for purpose.
There has been good progress made on this project with a new site secured and planning recently granted for a new fully functioning station.
The transfer of the site has now been finalised and the Irish Coast Guard has recently approved advancement of this project to the Detailed Design Phase. It is envisaged that construction of the new station will commence Q2 of 2024.
121. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the Old Head Coast Guard station project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6382/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Old Head of Kinsale Coast Guard Unit is a large unit amalgamated with Seven Head Coast Guard Unit. It is currently based in a temporarily leased facility at Kilcoleman and provision of a new facility is a priority for the IRCG. IRCG has formally requested OPW to provide a new Coast Guard facility for the unit in the area. OPW is presently carrying out investigative works via its internal Property Advisory Services team, to identify any potential viable options for a new Coast Guard Station in the area. On conclusion of these investigations, OPW will submit a report to the IRCG for review and decision on how to proceed.
122. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he will maintain the current reduced VAT rate on hairdressing and barbering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6243/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, at present, the 9% rate applies on a temporary basis to a number of sectors, including hairdressing and barbering. From 1 March 2023, these sectors are due to return to the 13.5% rate.
As I have said on a number of occasions, the Government will in the coming weeks examine the full suite of taxation and other measures that are due to expire at the end of February.
In making any decision in relation to these rates the Government will balance the costs of the measures in question against their impact and the overall budgetary framework.
123. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance the reason a centre (details supplied) does not qualify for the TBESS; if other supports are available to a premises like this to assist with rising energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6282/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was introduced to support qualifying businesses with increases in their electricity or natural gas costs over the winter months.Sections 100 to 102 of the Finance Act 2022 make provision for the TBESS. The scheme provides support to qualifying businesses - including companies, sole-traders, self-employed individuals and partnerships - in respect of energy costs relating to the period from 1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023 and is 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.
Not for profit organisations such as charities and sporting bodies, that carry on certain activities which would be chargeable to tax under Case I or II of Schedule D but for the section 235 exemption are included in the scheme.
Where a company or not for profit organisation carries on activities on a non-commercial basis, it is unlikely that that they would be regarded as carrying on a trade that is chargeable to tax, or would be chargeable to tax, but for the section 235 exemption. Such companies and not for profit organisations would not therefore be within the scope of TBESS and would not be eligible to apply for support under the scheme.
However, as the Deputy may be aware, there are other schemes which are aimed at assisting the community and voluntary sector with energy costs, such as the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) which is under the auspices of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
124. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance if, in the case of a car being imported into Northern Ireland from England and then being converted into a hearse in Northern Ireland before import into Ireland, VAT is chargeable on the vehicle upon registration in Ireland; if so, if the VAT is chargeable on the price of the vehicle when it enters Northern Ireland from England or when it enters Ireland from Northern Ireland; if so, when this charge came into place; the number of hearses that have been charged for VAT under these conditions since the UK left the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6299/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUK Withdrawal Agreement
In accordance with the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community , from 1 January 2021 onwards, the importation of a motor vehicle from the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland (NI)) is treated as an import from a third country, i.e. a non - EU Member State.
If a vehicle is imported directly or indirectly from Britain (United Kingdom excluding Northern Ireland) on or after 1 January 2021(including an import carried out indirectly via Northern Ireland), the importer is required to complete a Customs import declaration, pay Customs Duty, if applicable, and Value Added Tax (VAT) on import, prior to presenting the vehicle for registration. Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is payable at registration, with the VRT calculation and collection being completed by the NCT centres.
Vehicles that qualify as ‘New Means Of Transport’
Vehicles that are New Means of Transport brought into the State from another European Union (EU) Member State, including Northern Ireland (NI), are always subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT) in the State. A New Means of Transport is a vehicle which is 6 months old or less, or has travelled 6,000 km or less. The VAT is normally payable at registration in the State. VAT on a New Means of Transport is charged on the price of the vehicle when it enters Ireland from Northern Ireland or another Member State.
Used Vehicles
On 14 January 2021 the UK announced that trade in used cars between Great Britain and Northern Ireland would return, with effect from 1 January 2021, to the terms that had applied prior to the end of the transition period. A used vehicle is any vehicle other than a New Means of Transport.
This announcement created a significant tax avoidance possibility whereby the trade in used cars from Great Britain to this State could avoid customs duty and VAT if they were moved through Northern Ireland. After considering the scale of the tax avoidance threat posed by these circumstances, Revenue published guidance on its website on 8 February 2021 indicating that used cars imported from Great Britain into Northern Ireland after 31 December 2020 could only be subsequently imported into the State and re-registered here after they were declared to Customs and customs duty (if applicable) and VAT at import were paid. This ensures that these vehicles are liable for VAT and Duty on the same basis as used cars brought into the State directly from Great Britain.
The guidance is published on Revenue’s website at the following link:
www.revenue.ie/en/vrt/guide-to-vrt/registration-of-imported-used-vehicles/index.aspx
These changes mean that vehicles first registered in Great Britain, and subsequently registered in Northern Ireland after 31 December 2020, will be subject to additional requirements if imported into the State. These additional requirements must be completed prior to presenting the vehicle for registration at an NCT centre. Used cars imported into Northern Ireland from Great Britain prior to 1 January 2021 and subsequently moved to this State do not require a customs declaration and are not liable to customs duty or VAT at import. Revenue requires satisfactory evidence that cars were in Northern Ireland before 1 January 2021 where such a claim is made which should not present any difficulty in legitimate cases.
Where a second-hand vehicle has been imported from Great Britain after 31 December 2020 and the Customs formalities were completed in Northern Ireland, the person wishing to register the vehicle in Ireland should first contact Revenue as there will be a VAT liability to be discharged prior to registering the vehicle for VRT. If a taxable person does not have proof of a declaration to Customs in Northern Ireland, they must complete a Customs import declaration and pay Customs Duty, if applicable, and VAT on the customs value of the vehicle plus the customs duty payable. This must be done before presenting the vehicle for registration. The VAT is charged on the customs valuation of the vehicle when it enters the State from Northern Ireland.
The current approach outlined above addresses the risk of substantial tax avoidance that has been posed since the 14 January announcement, should parties who are importing used vehicles from Britain into the State decide to route the transaction via Northern Ireland. The aim is to bring equal tax treatment to used car imports from Great Britain into the State, whether they be imported through a direct or an indirect route. The approach is intended to be temporary in nature, pending a resolution to the issue between the UK and the European Commission.
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT)
The number of used imported hearses registered for VRT purposes since 1 January 2020 to the end of February 2023 were 120 vehicles. The majority of these had a previous registration that was assigned to the United Kingdom.
Revenue is unable to provide data on the amount of VAT collected on these vehicles.
125. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the fuel grant element of the disabled drivers and passengers scheme recipients if a disabled driver purchases an electric car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6409/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) provides relief from VRT and VAT on an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant. Subject to meeting vehicle and adaptation conditions, electric vehicles can avail of DDS provisions.
Under DDS provisions, the reliefs from VRT and VAT are generous in nature amounting to up to €10,000, €16,000 or €22,000, depending on the level of adaption required for the vehicle. There is no differentiation between electric and other vehicles in terms of available VRT/VAT relief.
Section 135C(3)(b) of the Finance Act 1992 separately provides that a Category A series production electric vehicle can avail of relief of up to €5,000 on the VRT due. Thus the amount of VRT due or paid on an electric vehicle may be lower than the maximum DDS relief permitted. In such cases the VRT relief provided through the DDS will equate to the actual VRT due or paid. VAT refunds are provided regardless of the type of vehicle.
DDS Scheme recipients with a petrol or diesel vehicle may claim payment of a fuel grant. The fuel grant covers the excise tax elements of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is based on a per litre rate of €0.636 for petrol, €0.535 for diesel and €0.130 LPG in respect of the mineral oil taxes applying to these products. An annual maximum of 2,730 litres applies in respect of a driver or passenger, and 4,100 litres in respect of an organisation.
As electricity supplied for household use is not subject to excise tax, there is no provision under the DDS to cover electricity used to recharge electric vehicles.
126. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the fund for extra security measures for politicians will be paid out every year or once per Oireachtas term for Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas; the annual cost of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6320/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the new funding scheme that will be provided to Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas for safety measures at their homes will be extended to the elected members of local authorities across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6321/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, payments to Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas are managed and administered by the Houses of the Oireachtas Service.
There is ongoing engagement between my officials and the Houses of the Oireachtas Service on the matter of a security funding scheme.
128. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 38 and 39 of 1 February 2023, when he will sanction the changes to the amended Ukraine enterprise crisis scheme. [6228/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraQueries in relation to the parameters of the Ukraine Enterprise Crisis scheme are in the first instance a matter for the Minister of Enterprise Trade and Employment. There continues to be ongoing engagement between officials in my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to this scheme given the scale and complexities associated with it.
129. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on an application (details supplied); if the property evaluation has been completed; if he will provide an update on progress for this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6398/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard, a Division of the Department of Transport, has 44 Units based in 58 coast guard stations. The Coast Guard building programme, which includes the provision of new or upgraded facilities at a number of locations across the country, is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the Department of Transport. These projects are funded by the Department of Transport.
My office provides advice and assistance on the design of such projects, site feasibility studies, acquisition of sites, planning and detail design, contractor procurement and manages the delivery in line with the requirements of the Department of Transport and Coast Guard Service.
New accommodation for the Ballyglass & Belmullet Coast Guard Unit is included as one of the key priorities on the Coast Guard programme and the identification of suitable sites is ongoing. The identification of options, and subsequent acquisition of a site, will be completed in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and all options, including those identified by the Irish Coast Guard, will be assessed. Once a suitable site is procured, the project will progress to planning and construction stage.
130. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the programmes and activities that were implemented by Sports Ireland in 2022 to encourage, support and empower primary and secondary school children to actively participate in sport and physical activity; the levels of funding allocated to each programme and activity listed; the number of schools by county that participated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6222/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply regarding programmes in 2022 to support children and young people to actively participate in sport and physical activity. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
131. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government has set a date for a referendum on establishing full public ownership of Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6205/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to holding a referendum on water. It is important to note that the establishment of Uisce Éireann in public ownership is already firmly secured under the Water Services Acts 2007 to 2022 whereby all shares of Uisce Éireann are vested in the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with both Ministers being prevented by law from alienating their shares.
I am currently awaiting the wording on a housing referendum from the Housing Commission. My planned approach here is to bring forward a referendum proposal on water ownership for consideration by Government in conjunction with the anticipated recommendation of a proposed referendum on housing. In this way, it is intended that definitive proposals, including timelines, for referenda on water and housing will be considered by Government in the near future.
132. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a rule preventing house swaps amongst social housing tenants where one tenant is a resident of a local authority and another a resident of an AHB; and the rationale behind same. [6235/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters in relation to the allocation of social dwellings, including the transfer of sitting tenants to other dwellings, are the responsibility of the respective local authorities. My department has no role in this regard.
There is no legislative or policy provision preventing a tenant in an AHB social dwelling, who was drawn from the local authority's social housing waiting list, from applying to be placed on a local authority transfer list. Such transfers are facilitated by local authorities in accordance with their respective allocation schemes.
Some local authorities provide for mutual transfers between sitting tenants in their allocation schemes and accommodate such transfers where prescribed criteria are met. These arrangements are entirely a matter for the local authorities concerned.
133. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons housed by way of homes built on that person's own site by each county council in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6245/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All, is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes by 2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
As housing authorities, local authorities are responsible for the identification of the social housing need in their area and for the development of appropriate responses to the need identified. The provision of a single rural dwelling on local authority owned land or sites provided by an individual can be part of a local authority's social housing construction pipeline, where identified and prioritised by the authority.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity in each local authority. Data to the end of Quarter 3 2022 is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
However, my Department does not hold the details requested in the Question. Further information may be available directly from the relevant local authorities.
134. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if additional funding will be provided to county councillors to provide increased personal security measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6246/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Local Government (Expenses of Local Authority Members) Regulations 2021 a range of allowances are payable to councillors to support them in carrying out their role, including the Local Representation Allowance (LRA).
The LRA is a flexible allowance with 14 eligible expenditure categories under which a councillor may claim expenses which are wholly and exclusively incurred by them in the performance of their duties up to a maximum of €5,160 per annum. As a vouched allowance, a councillor must be able to provide relevant documentation in the form of bills, receipts, invoices, etc., for expenses he or she has incurred.
The eligible expenditure categories include improvements to office accommodation and utilities of an office, including home offices. Most councillors work from home some of the time, so may use a space in their home as an office. Installation costs of CCTV/security systems may be covered in full under the improvements to office accommodation category. Monthly/annual costs associated with home alarm monitoring may also be apportioned and claimed under utilities up to a maximum of 20% of the total cost.
My Department will shortly issue revised expenses directions to local authorities further clarifying that councillors may claim expenses under the LRA to improve their home security.
My Department is separately engaging with councillor representatives in relation to practical solutions aimed at further improving councillor security. These include the provision of training, with the assistance of senior Gardaí, giving advice to councillors in relation to their home security and safety at, for example, public meetings.
Improved home security measures can help somewhat to reassure councillors and provide peace of mind for them and their families. However, there are wider questions of civility in public life and respect for elected office which must be tackled at a societal level.
135. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding made available by his Department in monetary value, in tabular form, to each local authority to support the community response forum in each area in co-ordinating local measures welcoming Ukrainians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6247/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has made funding available to support the local authorities in the creation of a temporary support team to:
- work as part of the Community Response Forum, reporting to the Chief Executive;
- lead the co-ordination of the provision of supports and services to Ukrainians at a local level by the range of public and not-profit bodies involved;
- identify gaps or any inefficiencies in service delivery and seek to address them locally with the bodies involved and, where necessary, escalate issues that cannot be resolved locally to national level for resolution;
- provide support on related issues that may arise including any matters specific to supporting the State’s response to the Ukraine crisis.
Some local authorities decided, from an operational perspective, to assign this function to existing staff. To date my Department has recouped local authorities €953,397.00, broken down between local authorities as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Amount |
|
Meath |
€34,520.00 |
|
Sligo |
€1,933.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
€126,747.00 |
|
Carlow |
€96,760.00 |
|
Fingal |
€61,026.00 |
|
Louth |
€62,685.00 |
|
Donegal |
€19,477.00 |
|
Laois |
€59,979.00 |
|
Clare |
€81,483.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€89,080.00 |
|
Leitrim |
€61,953.00 |
|
Westmeath |
€46,784.00 |
|
Wicklow |
€54,013.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€25,513.00 |
|
Mayo |
€11,183.00 |
|
DLR |
€20,319.00 |
|
Galway City |
€53,468.00 |
|
Longford |
€19,534.00 |
|
Laois |
€26,940.00 |
|
Total |
€953,397.00 |
