Thursday, 16 May 2024

Traffic Management

Questions (141)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent, if any, to which heavy vehicles use the main arterial routes to and from the city at peak travel times; the action being taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22317/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding traffic volumes on the national roads and motorways approaching Dublin.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

National Transport Authority

Questions (142)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which alternative energy can be or is being used by the National Transport Authority, with particular reference to both rail and bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22319/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Rail Network

Questions (143, 146)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when any rail carriages in storage will be brought into service; the manner in which this could benefit commuters in north County Kildare and throughout the greater Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22320/24]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it might be possible to ensure the availability of extra carriages to meet commuter demands affecting the towns of Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey and Celbridge, Hazelhatch, Sallins and Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22323/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 146 together.

As 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 decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators, in this case Irish Rail.

This Government is committed to improving public transport and is backing up that commitment with significant investments across the network, including the introduction of 41 new Intercity Rail Carriages (ICRs) into the fleet this year.

Decisions on the deployment of the 41 intercity carriages will be based on current and projected demand and infrastructure capacity, and subject to approval of the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Traffic Management

Questions (144)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which his Department monitors the various traffic routes nationally with a view to ensuring advancement of upgrading proposals before reaching gridlock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22321/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the monitoring of traffic on national roads and on how projects are identified for progression.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Rail Network

Questions (145)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which north Kildare rail commuters can expect enhanced and improved services in the future, given the demographic trends and the need for the public to have confidence in the transport system in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22322/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ programme and commuter rail in County Kildare.

The DART+ programme will modernise and improve existing rail services in the Greater Dublin Area, by electrifying the lines and purchasing new rolling stock among other work. The expansion will create a connected and electrified rail network for the Greater Dublin Area, increasing the network from circa 50km to 150km and doubling city centre capacity from 26,000 passengers per hour per direction to 52,000 during peak hours.

The DART+ programme comprises five different projects in and around the Greater Dublin Area and eastern region, including:

• DART+ Fleet: a ten-year procurement framework for electric and battery-electric fleet;

• DART+ West: extension of DART services from the City Centre to M3 Parkway and Maynooth;

• DART+ South West: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge;

• DART+ Coastal North: extension of DART services from Dublin city centre to Drogheda;

• DART+ Coastal South: improvement of current DART services from Dublin city centre to Greystones.

In December 2021 the Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for the DART+ Programme, as well as providing Decision Gate 1 approval for DART+ West and Decision Gate 3 approval for a fleet framework agreement between Irish Rail and Alstom. This Decision Gate 1 approval enabled the submission of a Railway Order application for the DART+ West project in July 2022, and an Oral Hearing for the project was held in September/October 2023.

DART+ West will enable an extension of electrified rail lines to Maynooth and will include a new DART depot facility west of Maynooth for the maintenance and parking of trains. These interventions will enable higher capacity and higher frequency services from Dublin City centre to Maynooth.

Government approval in 2021 also permitted the purchase of 95 DART carriages under the fleet framework agreement, which are expected to enter service by 2026. In November 2022, the Government approved a second purchase of fleet under the framework, which will see 90 new battery-electric multiple units arrive in 2026 or early 2027.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Question No. 146 answered with Question No. 143.

Rail Network

Questions (147)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the preparation of the extension of the DART to Maynooth and further afield to such locations as Kilcock and Enfield, with a view to catering for the commuter belt across north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects.

As part of the DART+ Programme, the DART+ West project will provide an electrified and more frequent rail service to passengers between Maynooth and M3 Parkway and Dublin city centre. A Railway Order application for the project was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July 2022 and an oral hearing held in the second half of last year. A planning decision from An Bord Pleanála is awaited.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Gambling Sector

Questions (148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157)

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Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 157, inclusive, together.

An operator of gaming machines must apply annually to the District Court for a certificate in respect of a gaming licence. This is required for each premises where it is intended to make gaming machines available for play. Where the District Court grants this certificate, the operator must then apply to Revenue for a Gaming Licence for each premises concerned. An operator of gaming machines must also apply to Revenue for a ‘Gaming Machine Licence’ in respect of each gaming machine made available for play. Gaming Machine Licences may only be issued by Revenue to an operator who already holds a Gaming Licence (for the premises) and who has paid the relevant excise duty. Revenue can only advise on the numbers of issued licences and does not hold information in respect of numbers of unlicensed operations.

Gaming operators are not entitled to operate without a licence in Ireland. Compliance of gaming operators is divided between An Garda Síochána and Revenue under current legislation. Compliance in respect of failure to hold a Gaming Licence for any place where gaming machines are available for play is a matter for An Garda Síochána. Revenue has powers to seize any gaming machine (exclusive of its contents) that is available for play without a current Gaming Machine Licence displayed on it.

There are no exemptions in place for businesses that wish to operate a gaming premises without a Gaming Licence. Under the 1956 Act, operators of unlicensed gaming premises are subject to enforcement by the Gardaí. Where a licensed premises operates unlicensed gaming machines, Revenue has the power to seize those machines and on summary conviction impose excise penalties.

There are 372 gaming machines currently licensed for 2024 in Waterford.

I am advised by Revenue that the number of gaming machine licences issued for Waterford in each year since 2019 is set out in the table below.

Licence Category	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Gaming Machine 3 Month Licence	715	400	0	0	0	0
Gaming Machine Annual Licence	49	398	0	375	428	372
Total	764	798	0	375	428	372

The revenue generated through gaming machines licence fees in Waterford gaming premises since 2019, per year, is set out in the table below.

Licence Category	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Gaming Machine 3 Month Licence	103,675	58,000	0	0	0	0
Gaming Machine Annual Licence	24,745	200,990	0	189,375	216,140	187,860
Total	128,420	258,990	0	189,375	216,140	187,860

I am advised by Revenue the number of gaming machines seized by Revenue, under section 43 of the Finance Act 1975 in each of the years 2019 to 2024 is outlined in the table below.

Year	No. Seized	Per County
2019	259	239 Dublin20 Louth
2020	60	Dublin
2021	0	-
2022	0	-
2023	0	-
2024 (1 January to 14 May)	0	-

I am further advised by Revenue that one conviction was recorded in 2020 for an unlicensed gaming machine in Co. Kerry.

Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 148.

Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 148.

Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 148.

Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 148.

Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 148.

Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 148.

Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 148.

Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 148.

Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 148.

Universal Social Charge

Questions (158, 159)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

158. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated first- and full-year costs of reducing the first rate of USC from 0.5% to 0%, reducing the second rate of USC from 2% to 0% and increasing the threshold to the third rate of USC from €25,760 to €30,000. [22275/24]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

159. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated first- and full-year costs of reducing the first rate of USC from 0.5% to 0%, reducing the second rate of USC from 2% to 1% percent and increasing the threshold to the third rate of USC from €25,760 to €27,880; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22276/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.

I am advised by Revenue of the estimated costs for the proposals outlined by the Deputy on a first and full year basis. They are shown in the below table.

As a reduced rate of USC of 2% currently applies for those aged over 70 years with income of €60,000 or less and for those who hold a full medical card with income of €60,000 or less, the estimated costings also include a decrease in the reduced rate of USC from 2% to 1% and 0% respectively, for consistency.

Proposed Measure	First Year Cost €m	Full Year Cost €m
First and second USC rates reduced to 0%, and the threshold to the third rate of USC increased from €25,760 to €30,000	985	1,135
First rate of USC reduced to 0%, second rate of USC to 1% and the threshold to the third rate of USC increased from €25,760 to €27,880	530	610

Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 158.

Tax Exemptions

Questions (160)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

160. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Finance if he will give consideration to increasing the annual exemption limits for tax purposes for people over the age of 65 years from €18,000 for a single person and €36,000 for a married couple, in view of the fact these exemptions have now been in place for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22295/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Finance

As the Deputy will be aware, the age exemption applies for any year of assessment where an individual is aged 65 years or over and his or her total income does not exceed €18,000 per annum. Where an individual is a married person or civil partner and is jointly assessed to tax, the age exemption will apply where either individual is aged 65 or over and where the couple’s total income does not exceed €36,000 per annum. The relevant income thresholds may be increased further if the individual has a qualifying child. The thresholds are increased by €575 in respect of both the first and second child, and €830 in respect of each subsequent child.

It is important to note that marginal relief may be available where the individual’s or couple’s income exceeds the relevant exemption limit but is less than twice that amount. Where marginal relief applies the individual or couple is taxed at 40 per cent on all income above the exemption limit to a ceiling of twice the exemption limit. The system of marginal relief ensures that in cases where an individual's or couple’s income rises above the exemption threshold that their net income will not decline, as the 40 per cent income tax rate only applies to the proportion of income above the threshold. Once the income exceeds twice the exemption limit marginal relief is no longer available and the individual pays tax under the normal tax system.

It should be noted, however, that where the individual’s income is greater than the exemption limit but below twice that limit, the taxpayer is entitled to the benefit of the more favourable treatment as between the use of marginal relief or the normal tax system of credits and bands.

I have no plans to increase the age exemption limits. However, it should be noted that in circumstances where the individual or couple no longer benefits from the age exemption or marginal relief, they will benefit from the increases to the main personal tax credits in recent Budgets.

For example, the increases to the main personal tax credits in Budget 2024 (€100 increase to the single, employee and earned income credits and a €200 increase to the credit for married couples / civil partnerships) means that the effective entry point to income tax has increased for all taxpayers, including those aged over 65. From 2024, the effective entry point to income tax for an individual in receipt of the single person credit, employee / earned income credit and the age credit has increased by €1,000 per annum from €18,975 to €19,975 per annum.

In addition, it is important to take into account that the current tax arrangements for persons aged 65 or older compare favourably with the tax treatment of the generality of taxpayers. For example, persons aged 65 or over may also avail of the age tax credit, which currently amounts to €245 per year for single persons or €490 per year for married couples or civil partners. Reduced rates of USC also apply for persons aged 70 or older where their total income is €60,000 or less per annum. In addition, it is important to point out that social welfare income such as the State Contributory Pension and State Non-Contributory Pension are excluded from the calculation when determining if an individual’s income has exceeded the €60,000 income threshold. Furthermore, the State Contributory Pension and the State Non-Contributory Pension are not chargeable to USC or Pay Related Social Insurance.

In addition, it should be noted that the Commission on Taxation and Welfare recommended that age should be removed as a factor for determining the charge to income tax and USC. The report stated that the determination of an individual’s tax treatment based on age narrows the base and breaches the concept of horizontal equity, whereby those with similar income should pay the same proportion of that income in taxes. It also breaches the concept of intergenerational equity. Further details are set out in the Report of the Commission, located at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/7fbeb-report-of-the-commission/

Finally, as part of the Personal Tax Review published on Budget Day, my Department set out further analysis of the recommendations of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare, including in respect of the age exemption limits. The Report is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/273335/96f70eb1-64e1-4f02-9096-e36f306a048b.pdf#page=null