Written Answers Nos. 259-282
261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he is satisfied that Ireland remains an attractive location for foreign direct investment; if any further incentives to attract this type of investment are contemplated in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11570/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains a very attractive location for foreign direct investment (FDI), reflecting our international reputation as a stable and pro-enterprise economy. I am conscious of the need to maintain our competitive position globally, given the important contribution that this FDI makes to the domestic economy.
The stock of FDI in Ireland stood at over €1.3 trillion at the end of 2022. Indeed, the IDA reported the highest ever increase in FDI-related employment last year, with a 9 per cent increase in employment on 2021. The IDA estimates that the multinational sector supports more than 300,000 jobs, approximately one-eighth of our labour force, with further spillovers for jobs in the domestic sector. Furthermore, multinational enterprises contribute to the domestic economy via income and corporation tax receipts.
It is important that we continue to invest in key infrastructure and skills, in order to retain Ireland’s competitive advantage in attracting FDI. Our strong legal and regulatory landscape, talented and flexible workforce, and our reputation as a stable economy will help us to remain competitive in this regard. Measures introduced in Budget 2023 aimed at incentivising employment, for example through income tax cuts and increased childcare subsidies, enhance Ireland’s attractiveness for highly skilled workers further.
As a small, open economy, Ireland is particularly exposed to risks in the global economy, including further shocks to energy supplies and heightened geopolitical tensions. This Government will continue to monitor and plan for risks to our competitiveness in order to support FDI in the year ahead.
262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent of the different types of tax relief available to both PAYE employees and self-employed persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11571/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that income tax on both PAYE employees and self-employment income is calculated by reference to the same rate bands, which will vary depending on the personal circumstances of the individual. A range of tax credits may also apply, again depending on the personal circumstances of the individual.
Income up to a certain limit is taxed at the ‘standard rate’ of income tax, which is currently 20%. This is known as the standard rate band. Any income above this band, is taxed at the higher rate of income tax, which is currently 40%. The standard rate band for a single person for the 2023 year of assessment is €40,000. Depending on the personal circumstances of the individual this may be further increased.
The amount of income tax due is then reduced by certain tax credits. An overview of some of the main tax credits or reliefs is set out below.
Personal Tax Credit
A Personal Tax Credit of €1,775 applies to each individual for the 2023 year of assessment. For a jointly assessed couple or civil partners the amount is €3,550.
Employee Tax Credit (PAYE employees)
The Employee Tax Credit is available to individuals in receipt of income taxable under the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) system. This includes wages, benefit-in-kind, occupational pensions and Department of Social Protection (DSP) income.
Certain foreign wages and pensions may also qualify for this credit.
The Employee Tax Credit is equal to the lesser of 20% of the individual’s yearly income or the specified amount. The specified amount for the 2023 year of assessment is €1,775. This credit can only be claimed once, regardless of how many employments are held. Civil partners or a married couple are both entitled to claim this credit.
The Employee Tax Credit is not available to a range of individuals such as proprietary directors and spouses/civil partners on directorship income; a spouse, civil partner or child of the person paying the income or a partner in a partnership.
Earned Income Tax Credit (self-employed individuals)
The Earned Income Tax Credit is available to an individual whose income in a tax year includes, or is made up of, qualifying earned income.
Qualifying earned income means earned income which does not qualify for relief under the Employee Tax Credit. This includes, for example, self-employment income from a trade or profession and employment income earned by a proprietary director and his or her spouse or civil partner.
The Earned Income Tax Credit is equal to the lesser of 20% of the individual’s qualifying earned income or the specified amount. The specified amount for the 2023 year of assessment is €1,775.
In some cases, where an individual has earned income from various sources, he or she may be entitled to both the Employee Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit in a tax year. In such cases the combined value of both tax credits cannot exceed €1,775.
Remote Working Relief (PAYE employees)
Remote workers may incur certain expenditure in the performance of their duties from home, such as additional heating, electricity and broadband expenditure. Revenue operates an administrative practice which allows an employer to make payments up to €3.20 per day to employees, subject to certain conditions, without deducting PAYE, PRSI or USC. There is no legal obligation on the employer to make such payment and the payment is at the discretion of the employer.
Section 114A TCA 1997 allows remote working individuals, in respect of 2022 and subsequent years of assessment, to claim 30% of electricity, heat and broadband costs, apportioned on the basis of the number of days worked from his or her home during the year. A legislative requirement for this tax relief is that receipts must be submitted with the claim. This can be done by uploading the relevant receipts and images of the utility bills using the ‘receipts tracker’ in myAccount.
This relief is granted by deducting the specified amount from the taxable emoluments arising from the individual’s office or employment. The relief is therefore given at the individual’s marginal rate of tax (i.e. the highest rate at which he or she pays tax).
The remote working relief is not available to self-employed individuals, however any remote worker employed by them is entitled to this relief.
The Rent Tax Credit
The Rent Tax Credit was introduced by Finance Act 2022 and will be available in respect of qualifying payments made during the 2022 to 2025 years of assessment inclusive. The maximum value of this credit is €1,000 in the case of a jointly assessed couple or civil partners and €500 in all other cases.
The Rent Tax Credit will, subject to a number of conditions, be broadly available in the following three circumstances:
- where the claimant makes a qualifying payment in respect of a residential property which he or she uses as his or her principal private residence,
- where the claimant makes a qualifying payment in respect of a residential property which he or she uses to facilitate his or her attendance at or participation in his or her employment, office holding, trade, profession or an approved course, and
- where the claimant makes a qualifying payment in respect of a residential property which his or her child uses to facilitate his or her child’s attendance at or participation in an approved course.
Further details in respect of the rent tax credit, including comprehensive guidance on the eligibility criteria, can be found in Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-11A at the link: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-11A.pdf
I am advised by Revenue that if the Deputy requires additional information in relation to a specific case to contact Revenue directly.
A comprehensive list of the different rate bands and personal tax credits is available from the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/tax-relief-charts/index.aspx
264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the necessary economic fundamentals continue to be met and will do so in the coming year in the aftermath of Budget 2023 or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11573/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the course of the last year, the Irish economy has faced numerous economic headwinds, the most pressing of which relates to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which drove a sharp rise in energy prices across the global economy with Europe at the epicentre of the energy price shock. Ireland has experienced broad-based and decades-high inflationary pressures as a result.
Inflation peaked at around 9½ per cent in Ireland last summer and averaged 8.1 per cent over the course of 2022. A positive recent development has been the recent easing in wholesale energy markets which suggests that inflation has now peaked and is on a downward trajectory. Nevertheless, price levels remain high and the annual rate of inflation is still substantially above the 2 per cent target that is consistent with price stability.
Government recognises the substantial difficulties facing Irish households and businesses as a result of these inflationary pressures, and has implemented a wide range of measures to support those most affected by increased prices. Budget 2023 was primarily focused on mitigating inflationary pressures in a targeted and temporary manner in order to support businesses and households without inadvertently exacerbating inflation. In total, the Government has provided around €12 billion in cost of living supports to date.
Despite the significant inflationary pressures facing the economy, Ireland’s economic fundamentals remain strong and this has been most clearly evident in the labour market. A record 2.6 million people were in employment in the fourth quarter of last year, while the unemployment rate stood at just 4.3 per cent in February.
Reflecting the continued strength of the labour market, personal consumption growth was robust in the final quarter of last year, increasing by just over 1 per cent compared with the previous quarter. Over the course of 2022 as a whole, the domestic economy grew steadily in spite of inflationary pressures, with modified domestic demand up by 8.2 per cent.
Since the start of the year, incoming data both internationally and domestically suggest that the expected economic slowdown this year may not be as severe as expected at Budget time. My department continues to monitor the relevant economic indicators and trends on an ongoing basis and will publish updated macroeconomic projections with the Stability Programme Update in April.
265. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the funding he intends to make available to address serious flooding concerns in Ballina, County Tipperary following on from a number of flooding incidents that have taken place in the town over the last couple of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10808/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme is the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and culminated with the launch in 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which propose 118 new outline flood relief projects on top of the major projects already completed and the schemes that were ongoing at the time within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW). All projects, including the Ballina project are being funded under the Government's flood risk investment programme of almost €1.3 billion under the National Development Plan to 2030.
The proposed flood relief scheme in Ballina/Killaloe is included in the 31 small projects under €1 million, and is being progressed directly by Tipperary County Council. Following the provision of funding, consultants have been appointed by Tipperary County Council to design a viable, cost effective and sustainable scheme for the town(s), and it is expected Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) of the scheme will reach completion later in 2023. The funding requirement for a viable scheme for Ballina will be known later in 2023.
266. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when his Department signed off on licences to permit local schools access to the swimming pool in the Garda College in Templemore, County Tipperary; if he will list each school that has been granted a licence; if the schools have been contacted regarding these licences yet; if not, the reason for this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10811/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the swimming pool in the Garda Training College is primarily for use by the trainees at the College, but they can be made available to local schools and community/voluntary groups, where appropriate.
Where a group is interested in using the facilities, they must apply to the Garda College, in the first instance as the application process is managed by the Garda College. If deemed appropriate, the College will then request the OPW to grant a licence to the group for the use of the pool facilities.
Three schools have recently applied to the Garda College for use of the pool and OPW has granted these schools licences.
As part of the application process the Garda College inform the applicants if their application was successful. I understand that the college has been in touch with the three schools.
267. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide this Deputy with the guidance his Department has circulated to the civil and public service in respect of parental leave entitlements. [10926/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraParental leave legislation allows parents to take unpaid leave from work to spend time looking after their children, of up to 26 weeks’ for each eligible child before their 12th birthday (or 16th birthday if their child has a disability or long-term illness). Currently Civil Servants can take parental leave until the day their child turns 13, or 16 for a child with a disability or long-term illness.
All guidance which has issued to all Civil Servants is available on the National Shared Services Office, HR shared services centre website and can be accessed here;
www.nsso.gov.ie/en/services/parental-leave/
268. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his plans to subject Bus Éireann to the Freedom of Information Act 2014 when introducing amending legislation to this Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10927/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2014 Freedom of Information Act expanded the scope of FOI to cover nearly 500 state entities directly. Generally FOI, applies by default to public bodies, that is those which were created by the state or have significant state involvement in their governance structures.
In respect of bodies that operate in competitive marketplaces, the approach adopted since FOI first came into effect in 1998 is that such entities should not be subject to FOI in their own right. The rationale for this approach is the risk of the uneven competitive market environment that would be created in circumstances that commercial state bodies operating in a competitive market were subject to FOI but their privately-owned market competitors were not.
This would be expected to have an adverse impact on the commercial position of the state body in question, which would not be in the public interest or consistent with the need to safeguard the State's economic and financial interests. Moreover, very significant information is available on the activities of these commercial companies reflecting their obligations under company law, the information they provide to Government Departments and relevant sectoral regulators which is available for release under FOI or otherwise.
However, it may also be noted a comprehensive review of the Freedom of Information regime is currently nearing completion. One of the issues currently under consideration, and around which submissions were sought in a public consultation, relates to designating which bodies are subject to FOI.
269. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the additional expenditure incurred by the State for 2020, 2021, 2022, and to date in 2023 due to the occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic, including that on employment and business supports and reliefs, testing and vaccine provision, PPE, and any other substantial expenditure during this period, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11211/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubstantial resources have been allocated since the beginning of the pandemic to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic on our citizens and our economy with an estimated €34.7 billion spent by Departments on direct expenditure supports over the period 2020 to 2022. An overview of approximate allocations to Departments is outlined in the table below. For 2023 €1.5 billion has been allocated to Departments, as part of Revised Estimates 2023, for this continued response. This expenditure will be monitored over the course of the year.
This funding has been critical in supporting citizens and businesses impacted by the pandemic and providing the necessary funding to allow our key public services respond effectively to the crisis. Supports provided include:
- income and employment support schemes through the Department of Social Protection, such as the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), that supported business and workers;
- additional funding to the Department of Health to enable the health service respond to the pandemic, including our vaccination programme, test and trace, and the purchase of necessary personal protective equipment;
- funding for the Education sector, including to allow for the safe reopening of schools, colleges and universities and for additional training places;
- transport measures including supporting the operation of our public transport system given reduced usage and Covid-19 related aviation measures;
- supports for businesses including liquidity supports and restart grants and the commercial rates waivers to businesses;
- a range of supports for sectors such as arts, tourism and sports.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Total |
|
€Bn |
€Bn |
€Bn |
€Bn |
|
|
Social Protection |
10.1 |
8.9 |
1.2 |
20.2 |
|
Health |
2.6 |
1.9 |
2.1 |
6.6 |
|
Education |
0.3 |
0.6 |
0.3 |
1.2 |
|
Further and Higher Education |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.7 |
|
Business, Enterprise & Innovation |
0.9 |
0.3 |
0 |
1.2 |
|
Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
1.1 |
0.6 |
0.1 |
1.8 |
|
Transport |
0.6 |
0.6 |
0.3 |
1.5 |
|
Other |
0.6 |
0.5 |
0.4 |
1.5 |
|
Total |
16.6 |
13.5 |
4.6 |
34.7 |
*Rounding may affect totals
270. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11276/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe drafting of legislation is undertaken by Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) to the Government, within the Office of the Attorney General, on the instructions of Government Departments. The final text of legislation as enacted is, of course, ultimately a matter for the Oireachtas. In terms of policy more generally, the Civil Service Renewal Strategy 2030 commits to nurturing a workforce for the future by bringing equality and inclusivity to the fore of our organisational design. By placing a focus on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), the Department is committed to recognising and supporting all employees’ gender identity and gender expression in our approach to policy development to further develop a positive, accepting and supportive work environment where every employee is treated with dignity and respect.
271. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the allocation of funding to address coastal erosion in County Mayo; if further funding is available for coastal erosion which is gradually getting worse in west and north Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11284/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Authorities are responsible for coastal erosion in their own areas. To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the Office of Public Works (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 www.floodinfo.ie. This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
Intervention or hard defences have the potential to cause problems further along the coast and 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.
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 or apply for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009 and its purpose is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available from the OPW for approved projects. The commencement and progression of any works for which funding is approved is a matter for each Local Authority concerned.
Since the inception of this scheme, the OPW has allocated funding of €2,276,056 to Mayo County Council, which includes funding of €484,787 for the construction of embankments in the Carrowholly area to protect individual properties from coastal flooding.
The Government has established an Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy 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 shortly bring forward options and recommendations for the Government to consider.
272. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the long-awaited transfer of ownership of the historic Westgate House, Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11375/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWestgate House, Narrow West Street, Drogheda, County Louth is in the ownership of the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland.
Officials from the Office of Public Works have reached agreement to transfer the property to Louth County Council in line with the State’s property disposal policy. Contracts for the transfer are currently with solicitors for Louth County Council and the matter will be finalised as soon as possible.
273. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will set out the different projects, schemes and Departments the carbon tax revenue in 2021 and 2022 was allocated to, in tabular form. [11411/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year, alongside the Budget, my Department issues a publication on the use of carbon tax funds for the forthcoming year. This paper details the specific allocation of carbon tax funds in line with the Programme for Government commitments and provides details of the areas that will receive funding.
In 2022, the carbon tax revenue available for investment was €412m. This is comprised of the revenue made available in 2021 (€148m) and 2020 (€90m) and an additional €174m in 2022.
€202 million of this carbon tax revenue was allocated to residential and community energy efficiency in 2022. This funding permitted the launch of a range of new and expanded supports for energy efficiency, including 80% grants for attic and cavity wall insulation and grant support of up to 50% for deep efficiency measures. More than half of these funds were allocated to provide free of charge energy efficiency upgrades to households in, or at risk of, energy poverty.
A further €174m of carbon tax revenues in 2022 were allocated to targeted social protection measures, such as increases in the fuel allowance, the living alone allowance, and the qualified child payment. In fact, the analysis conducted in support of Budget 2023 has found that households in the bottom five income deciles are better off as a result of the increased spending on social protection made possible by the increases to the carbon tax. So, the lowest income half of all households in Ireland are net beneficiaries from this increase in the carbon tax.
The remaining revenues (€36m) were allocated to fund the continuation of the 2020 and 2021 Carbon Tax Investment Programme. The specific programme allocations are detailed on the Department's website and include support for the Just Transition Fund, peatlands rehabilitation, the Greenway and Urban Cycling programmes, grants for Electric Vehicle purchase and infrastructure, green agricultural pilot schemes and a contribution to the Green Climate Fund, which provides financial support to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries and to help vulnerable societies adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change.
A table with the breakdown of the allocation of all carbon tax revenues to date is included below. This includes detail on the 2023 allocations for the Carbon Tax, which totals €623m, comprising continuation of the 2020 and 2021 Carbon Tax Investment Programme as mentioned above, as well as major increases in incentives for farming in a greener and more sustainable way, residential and community energy efficiency, and targeted social protection measures, such as increases in the fuel allowance, the living alone allowance, and the qualified child payment.
Table 1 - Carbon Tax Allocation 2020-2023
|
Programme/Scheme |
Department |
2020 €m |
2021 €m |
2022 €m |
2023 €m |
|
Investment in Residential Energy Efficiency & Community Energy Efficiency |
DECC |
13 |
113 |
202 |
291 |
|
Targeted Social Protection Interventions |
DSP |
21 |
69 |
174 |
218 |
|
Incentivising farming in a greener and more sustainable way |
DAFM |
- |
- |
3 |
81 |
|
Continuation of 2020 Carbon Tax Investment Programmes in Other Departments |
Various |
56 |
56 |
33 |
33 |
|
Total |
90 |
238 |
412 |
623 |
Full details on the allocation of carbon tax revenues are available in the Departmental paper "The Use of Carbon Tax Funds 2023", which is available from assets.gov.ie/235732/93f95f31-bc1e-4823-993f-af16492fe628.pdf
274. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made on the development of a new Garda station in Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, County Tipperary; the additional engagement that has occurred for this development between his Department, the Minister of State in the Office of Public Works, the Minister for Justice, and the National Development Finance Agency (details supplied); if the development of Clonmel Garda station is considered a priority for the Government, given that a new Garda station in Clonmel is urgently needed for the all members of the public who are served by the members of An Garda Síochána stationed in Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11459/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 - 2030 the new Garda Station in Clonmel and the new Cork County Garda Divisional Headquarters in Macroom, Co. Cork are to be built as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) along with the Family Law Court in Hammond Lane, Dublin 7. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the OPW working in close cooperation with the An Garda Siochána. The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána.
The Department of Justice who are the Approving Authority under the Public Spending Code, provided approval in principle to the An Garda Síochána (and Courts Service) in June 2022 to proceed with the project under the PPP mechanism. Formal project structures have been established including a Project Board and Project Team comprising of representatives from OPW, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, the Courts Service and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in order to progress the project as quickly as possible.
275. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if there are plans to review the National Development Plan to increase the funding envelope to 2030, in light of increasing costs and new climate obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11463/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. Management and delivery of individual investment projects within the allocations agreed under the NDP is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister.
The National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 (NDP) published in October 2021 provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland over the next 10 years, and delivers total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030. The NDP also set out the range of actions that are being taken to strengthen delivery, maximise value for money, and ensure to the greatest extent possible that projects are delivered on time, on budget and with the benefits targeted at the outset. In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. It is important to recognise that the country has already seen a step change in capital investment in a short period of time. In 2017, the total level of Exchequer capital stood at €4.6 billion, which has jumped significantly to the c.€12 billion this year.
The review of the NDP in 2021 was not tasked with setting out a specific blueprint for the achievement of the Climate Action Plan actions. Rather, the Departments in receipt of the capital investment allocations are directly responsible for developing a detailed suite of policies and measures to maximise the impact of this planned investment in delivering actions and achieving targets detailed in the Climate Action Plan. It is the effective implementation of these policies, which will need to blend regulation, behavioural change and taxation measures with direct Government investment that will lead to the achievement of Ireland’s climate ambitions.
In addition, as part of my increased mandate on NDP delivery, as reflected in the renaming of my Department, I will be working throughout 2023 to identify capacity and capability gaps across the public sector and construction sector in delivering the NDP, with meeting climate objectives as an area of focus.
276. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he or his Department officials have met with representatives of medical scientists here in the wake of publication of an assessment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11464/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter referred to by the Deputy is in the first instance one for my colleague the Minister for Health. However, I can confirm that, in relation to the draft report the deputy refers to, the Department of Health and the HSE recently met with the organisation and that my officials were in attendance at that meeting also. I understand that this matter is part of an ongoing process and accordingly it would not be appropriate for me to comment further pending the outcome of the process.
277. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the date on which it became compulsory for civil servants to join the superannuation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11509/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that there are a number of superannuation schemes applicable to serving civil and public servants. The terms of these schemes, including membership conditions, are provided for under various acts, secondary legislation and administrative measures.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide a definitive answer to the Deputy’s question as it does not specify which specific superannuation scheme it makes reference to.
Should the Deputy wish to submit additional details to the Pension Policy Unit of my Department (pensions@per.gov.ie), a more comprehensive response can be provided. However, should the query relate to an individual’s specific position, the Deputy should in the first instance refer the individual to their local HR unit.
278. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will detail the expenditure on flood prevention measures in each of the past four years; the expenditure and location of the five most expensive schemes for each of those years; the expected completion date and final cost for each of those works, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11583/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW delivers a programme of capital investment to address existing flood risk to properties and infrastructure through major flood relief projects, which are delivered largely in partnership with Local Authorities.
Since 1995, the OPW, together with the relevant Local Authorities, has constructed 53 major flood defence schemes throughout the country, protecting approximately 12,200 properties at a cost of some €540m, and avoiding estimated damages of €1.9bn.
The Government has committed €1.3bn to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan (NDP) to 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities at significant risk from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW to treble its work on flood relief schemes – to some 90 schemes at design and construction.
Today, work by the OPW is complete or underway to deliver flood protection to 80% of properties to be protected under the NDP investment programme.
The table below sets out the expenditure on the Flood Risk Management capital programme of investment from 2019-2022.
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€58.2m |
€63.2m |
€55.6m |
€54.6m |
The flood relief schemes with the highest expenditure in each of those years is set out in the table below, along with the substantial completion date or expected date of substantial completion and the project budget for the scheme. Annual expenditure is only indicated in the table where the relevant flood relief scheme featured among the five schemes with the highest spend in that year. By far the greatest proportion of costs are incurred when flood relief schemes are at construction stage.
|
Flood Relief Scheme Name & Location |
Project Budget |
Current Status |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Ashbourne Flood Alleviation Scheme, Co. Meath |
€10.5m |
Substantially complete in 2022 |
€2.4m |
|||
|
Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme, Co. Westmeath |
€16.2m |
Anticipated to reach substantial completion in 2024 |
€2.8m |
€3.7m |
€3.9m |
€3.2m |
|
Bandon Flood Relief Scheme, Co. Cork |
€34.5m |
Substantially complete in 2020 |
€4.8m |
|||
|
Clonakilty Flood Relief Scheme, Co. Cork |
€33.8m |
Substantially complete in 2021 |
€12.4m |
€5.9m |
€2.8m |
|
|
Douglas (incl. Togher Culvert) Flood Relief Scheme, Co. Cork |
€22.7m |
Substantially complete in 2022 |
€2.8m |
€7.1m |
€4.4m |
€6.5m |
|
Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme, Co. Clare |
€22.9m |
Substantially complete in 2021 |
€4.6m |
€9.9m |
€2.7m |
|
|
Morell River Flood Management Scheme, Co. Kildare |
€12.1m |
Anticipated to reach substantial completion in 2025 |
€2.7m |
€2.7m |
||
|
Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme, Co. Cork |
€37.9m |
Substantially complete in 2019 |
€7.3m |
|||
|
Templemore (River Mall) Flood Relief Scheme, Co. Tipperary |
€14.5m |
Anticipated to reach substantial completion in 2023 |
€3.8m |
€2.6m |
279. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made to date in providing improved bus, car, cycle and horse carriage parking facilities at a location (details supplied); whether it is intended to organise a round table of people with the local authority and the local State-funded development organisation due to safety concerns at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11599/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has progressed to detailed design phase for plans to refurbish the existing visitor centre at Dún Aonghasa. The design scheme includes provision of new and enhanced visitor interpretation for the Monument and the upgrading of ancillary facilities and landscaping work connected to the visitor centre. The wider project also provides for investment in new signage and interpretation at a number of historic sites on Inis Mór and the possibility of using digital technology to enhance the visitor experience on the island.
With regard to the possible expansion of other facilities at the site, discussions remain ongoing with relevant stakeholders with a view to improving various forms of traffic management in and around the visitor centre, which can be particularly challenging during the busy summer season.
I can assure the Deputy that the Office of Public Works will continue such engagement with local stakeholders including the local authority and to this end, a meeting will be convened in the coming months as previously agreed.
280. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the capital funding that Sport Ireland has spent on capital works projects in a stadium (details supplied) in 2020, 2021,2022 and to-date in 2023; and the list of works that were carried out in each of the years in question, in tabular form. [11203/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a matter for Sport Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
281. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11280/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department remains committed to meeting its public sector duty obligations under Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.
As the Deputy will be aware the drafting of legislation is undertaken with the support and advice of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and followed accordingly by my Department.
282. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of heat pumps that have been installed on an annual basis from 2015 to 2022 in new homes. [10885/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll new dwellings constructed under Housing for All are Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). While my Department do not collate the data requested in the Question, Central Statistics Office (CSO) data provides an analysis of the main heating fuel for new dwellings in its Domestic Building Energy Ratings dataset, details of which can be accessed at www.cso.ie/en/statistics/energy/domesticbuildingenergyratings/. Most heating systems powered by electricity in new dwellings are renewable energy heat pumps.
Based on the CSO analysis, 86% of all new dwellings since 2020 installed heating systems which use electricity with the percentage growing each quarter. This equates to 36,195 dwellings.
In the period 2015 to 2019, 49% of all new dwellings installed heating systems which use electricity. This equated to 24,500 dwellings.
Part L of the Building Regulations is performance based and technology neutral. Fossil fuel boilers are phased out through the Building Regulations by advancing regulatory performance requirements so that it is no longer practical to install fossil fuel boilers as the primary heating system in new dwellings.
As a result of an ongoing programme of improvement of the performance requirements of Building Regulations, solid fossil fuel and oil boilers are effectively banned from being installed as the primary heating source in new dwellings and heat pumps are now the main heating system in most new dwellings.
