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Tuesday, 21 May 2024

Written Answers Nos. 202-222

Traffic Management

Questions (202)

John McGuinness

Question:

202. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to deal with the road traffic issues on the N25, Waterford to Glenmore Road, relating to the volume and speed of traffic and the dangers of accessing the N25 from the local roads network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22664/24]

View answer

Written answers

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.

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 (203)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

203. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann plans to increase the number of carriages on the 8.35 a.m. DART between Bray and Dublin Connolly. [22891/24]

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Written answers

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 issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail 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.

Legislative Process

Questions (204)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

204. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when each remaining section of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 will be signed into law. [22892/24]

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Written answers

The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 23 June 2023. This is a large piece of legislation which covers a multitude of topics.

In the Programme for Government, we committed to addressing a number of concerns, such as the use of e-scooters, rollout out of zero to low emissions vehicles associated infrastructure, progressing BusConnects, and tackling the anti-social use of scramblers and quads. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 will aid in the implementation of these commitments.

Work on the relevant commencement orders is ongoing. To date there have been three commencement orders signed into law.  These covers topics such as the anti-social use of scramblers, provisions relating to the Irish Motor Insurance Database, BusConnects, and traffic management on National Roads. The most recent commencement order came into effect this week on 20 May.  This commences Part 12 of the Act, which deals with e-scooters and e-bikes.

My Department is liaising with relevant stakeholders on the remaining provisions. Work incudes updating IT systems and conducting the necessary foundational work for the provisions to be commenced. It is anticipated that most these will come into effect in the coming months.

Bus Services

Questions (205)

Gino Kenny

Question:

205. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the deterioration in the frequency of the 41C bus route over the past three years and of the persistent failure of buses to arrive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22913/24]

View answer

Written answers

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 query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Bus Services

Questions (206)

Pauline Tully

Question:

206. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who have used each Local Link bus service within Cavan and Monaghan in both directions in the years 2023 and to date in 2024. [22945/24]

View answer

Written answers

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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link and the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland, including in Counties Cavan and Monaghan, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (207)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

207. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an increase for CIÉ retired pensioners who have had no pension increase since 2008; if he will engage to seek an increase for these workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22960/24]

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Written answers

As the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.

Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes. Accordingly, I have forwarded the aspect of Deputy's question related to an increase in pension payments for members to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Departmental Meetings

Questions (208)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

208. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance when he last spoke formally to the CEO of the European Investment Bank. [22374/24]

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Written answers

For the purpose of answering the question from the Deputy, I would note that the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group does not have a CEO, rather it has a President, who is Nadia Calvino and who took up the role on 1 January 2024. In this regard, I last met formally with Ms. Calvino during her inaugural visit to Dublin as EIB Group President earlier this month on 2 May. This involved a bilateral meeting with her and we both chaired the important EIB-Ireland Financing Group meeting, which was attended by a number of Government Ministers and senior officials from key Departments. We also held a joint press conference afterwards.

On that occasion, we were pleased to announce that Ireland has benefitted from EIB Group financing to the value of approximately €1 billion per annum in recent years with a record €1.6 billion in financing for 2023, which demonstrates the EIB Group's ongoing strong engagement here. The 2023 investments are helping companies to expand and create skilled jobs, homeowners to cut energy bills, increasing renewable energy generation and supporting the development of the new Cork University Business School (CUBS). This represents the largest backing for new investment in Ireland by the European Investment Bank Group since the first operation in 1973.

The Deputy should note that I also engage regularly with the EIB Group President at monthly meetings of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin). In addition, as the Governor for Ireland at the EIB, I also attend the Annual Meeting of the EIB Board of Governors. This will take place next month in Luxembourg.

Finally, it is worth noting that I also have regular engagements with Ireland's representative on the EIB's Management Committee, who is a Vice-President in the Bank. In this regard, I am looking forward to meeting the recently appointed EIB Vice-President, Ioannis Tsakiris shortly. My officials also have regular and ongoing contact with the EIB to further widen and deepen the Irish/EIB relationship. This includes engagements in Luxembourg and Ireland with EIB officials, including the head of the Bank's Irish Office who is based here.

Tax Exemptions

Questions (209, 210)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

209. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance whether he would consider implementing plans to remove VAT on factor 50 sun cream in order to encourage people to use it, in the context of the growth in skin cancer in the country and the important preventative role it can play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22441/24]

View answer

Catherine Connolly

Question:

210. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance his plans to remove sun cream factor 50 from VAT, in order to encourage people to use it in the context of the growth in skin cancer in the country and the important preventative role sun cream can play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22445/24]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.

The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate unless they are exempt from VAT or fall within Annex III of the Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply reduced rates of VAT.

Under EU VAT law, there is no scope for a reduction in the rate of VAT on sunscreen products. The supply of sunscreen products is liable to the standard rate of VAT, currently 23%.

Question No. 210 answered with Question No. 209.

Tax Exemptions

Questions (211)

Niall Collins

Question:

211. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider a reduction in VAT on safety clothing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22481/24]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate, unless they fall within the categories of goods and services specified in Annex III of the VAT Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate of VAT.

Adult clothing, which would include motorcycle protective clothing, is not included in the categories of goods and services on which the EU Directive allows a lower rate of VAT to be applied, and as such they are liable to VAT at the standard rate. There is no discretion under the Directive for Ireland to apply a lower rate of VAT to the supply of adult clothing.

Tax Credits

Questions (212, 213, 214)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

212. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications for the mortgage interest tax credit that were rejected on the grounds that an applicant does not have a sufficient income tax liability. [22485/24]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

213. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications for the mortgage interest tax credit that were rejected on the grounds that an applicant does not have a sufficient income tax liability despite their mortgage interest costs being higher in 2023 compared with 2022. [22486/24]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

214. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications for the mortgage interest tax credit that were unable to receive the full 20% relief under the credit on the grounds that an applicant does not have a sufficient income tax liability despite their mortgage interest costs being higher in 2023 compared with 2022. [22487/24]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 to 214, inclusive, together.

Mortgage Interest Tax Relief, which is a one-year temporary relief, is available to home owners with an outstanding mortgage balance on their principal private residence of between €80,000 and €500,000 on 31 December 2022.

It is available at the standard rate of income tax and is based on the increase in the interest paid in 2023 over interest paid in 2022. The value of the relief is equal to the lesser of 20 per cent of this excess interest amount or a maximum of €1,250. In order to avail of the relief, the taxpayer must file a 2023 Income Tax Return and upload their certificate of mortgage interest for 2022 and 2023, and confirmation of their mortgage balance at 31 December 2022. Furthermore, the taxpayer must be compliant with Local Property Tax requirements and must have paid income tax in 2023.The relief operates by way of a credit offset against a taxpayer’s income tax liability for 2023.

I am advised by Revenue that as of 15 May 2024, 21,181 taxpayer units made a claim for this relief on their 2023 PAYE income tax return and 18,803 claimants received a refund of tax, totalling over €17.8 million. Of these, 243 claimants paid tax which was less than the full credit which they claimed. Revenue notes that other credits and reliefs claimed, such as health expenses and tuition fees, may also have contributed to the overall amount of refunds issued. A further 2,119 claimants are either in a balanced position or had an underpayment reduced by the Mortgage Interest Tax Relief being applied to their record.

An additional 259 claimants are not in a position to benefit as they did not pay any Income Tax in 2023.

Information is not yet available for self-assessed taxpayers as these taxpayers have until 31 October 2024 to submit their 2023 Income Tax Return.

Data is not available in respect of the number of people who may be entitled to claim the tax credit but who have not yet filed a return and made a claim. It should be noted that taxpayers have four years to submit claims for tax credits and tax reliefs.

Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 212.
Question No. 214 answered with Question No. 212.

Tax Credits

Questions (215, 216)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

215. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of successful claims to date under the mortgage interest tax credit relief. [22488/24]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

216. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the value of money disbursed to date under the mortgage interest tax credit. [22489/24]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.

Mortgage Interest Tax Relief, which is a one-year temporary relief, is available to home owners with an outstanding mortgage balance on their principal private residence of between €80,000 and €500,000 on 31 December 2022. It is available at the standard rate of income tax and is based on the increase in the interest paid in 2023 over interest paid in 2022. The value of the relief is equal to the lesser of 20 per cent of this excess interest amount or a maximum of €1,250. Where the interest payments in respect of either the 2022 or 2023 tax years are not for a full year, pro-rating will apply, to ensure interest is applied on a period of equivalence basis and that the cap is adjusted accordingly. In order to avail of the relief, the taxpayer must file a 2023 Income Tax Return and upload their certificate of mortgage interest for 2022 and 2023, and confirmation of their mortgage balance at 31 December 2022. Furthermore, the taxpayer must be compliant with Local Property Tax requirements and must have paid income tax in 2023. The relief operates by way of a credit offset against a taxpayer’s income tax liability for 2023.

I am advised by Revenue that, as of 15 May 2024, 21,181 taxpayer units made a claim for the Mortgage Interest Tax Credit on their 2023 PAYE income tax return and 18,803 claimants received a refund of tax, totalling over €17.8 million. Of these, 243 claimants paid tax which was less than the full credit which they claimed. Revenue notes that other credits and reliefs claimed, such as health expenses and tuition fees, may also have contributed to the overall amount of refunds issued. A further 2,119 claimants are either in a balanced position or had an underpayment reduced by the Mortgage Interest Tax Relief being applied to their record.

An additional 259 claimants are not in a position to benefit as they did not pay any Income Tax in 2023.

Information is not yet available for self-assessed taxpayers as these taxpayers have until 31 October 2024 to submit their 2023 Income Tax Return.

Data is not available in respect of the number of people who may be entitled to claim the tax credit but who have not yet filed a return and made a claim. It should be noted that taxpayers have four years to submit claims for tax credits and tax reliefs.

Question No. 216 answered with Question No. 215.

Tax Exemptions

Questions (217)

Niall Collins

Question:

217. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if stamp duty exemptions can be granted to those who start farming at 35 years of age, if working full time; if conditions (details supplied) will suffice for an exemption and other reliefs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22663/24]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by Revenue that there are a number of reliefs available to Farmers under Stamp Duty, Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) if certain qualifying conditions are met.

In relation to Stamp Duty specifically, I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Young Trained Farmer Relief, provided for in Section 81AA of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 and which sets out the qualification criteria in relation to age, agricultural qualifications, and the use of land.

In that regard, a transferee must:

- be under 35 years of age on the date of execution of the deed of transfer of the land

- hold a trained farmer qualification, as defined in section 654A TCA 1997 and;

- intend to spend at least 50% of his or her normal working time farming the transferred land and retain ownership of that land, for a period of at least five years from the date of execution of the deed of transfer.

Further information in relation to Stamp Duty and other reliefs available to farmers, including the Young Trained Farmer Relief, is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/property/stamp-duty/exemptions-and-reliefs/reliefs-for-farmers.aspx.

There are also a number of other reliefs available to farmers in relation to Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

Agricultural Relief reduces the taxable value of the property including land on which CAT is calculated by 90%, and is available where the agricultural property consists of at least 80% of the property value on the valuation date except where the property consists only of trees and underwood. For gifts and inheritances taken after 1 January 2015 and where the valuation date is also after 1 January 2015, the property must be farmed on a commercial basis for at least six years or leased to someone who farms the property on a commercial basis once the lessee has a qualifying agricultural qualification or is farming the agricultural property for at least 50% of their normal working hours.

Further information in relation to agriculture relief can be found on the Revenue website at:

www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/cat-reliefs/agricultural-relief/index.aspx

Separately, if a person inherits or receives a gift of business property, they may qualify for Business Relief on the transfer of a business, a share in a business or the shares or securities of a company carrying on a business. Business Relief also reduces the taxable value of the business property on which CAT is calculated by 90%.

Agricultural property which does not qualify for Agricultural Relief may qualify for Business Relief. Further information in relation to Business relief can be found on the Revenue website at:

www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/cat-reliefs/business-relief/index.aspx

In the context of CGT, Retirement and/or Farm Restructuring Reliefs are available subject to certain criteria. Retirement Relief provides for the exemption to CGT where the person disposing of the asset(s) is aged 55 or over and both owned and used the asset(s) for the ten years prior to the disposal. The operation of the relief, as well as the various thresholds available, differ between the disposal of a farm to a child and disposals to anyone other than to a child.

Further information in relation to Retirement Relief can be found on the Revenue website at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/cgt-reliefs/disposal-of-a-business-or-farm.aspx

Farm Restructuring Relief provides for the exemption to CGT where the person disposes of or exchanges farmland in order to consolidate an existing holding. To qualify for this relief, the first sale or purchase must occur between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2025. The next sale or purchase must occur within 24 months of the first sale or purchase.

Further information in relation to Farm Restructuring Relief can be found on the Revenue website at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/cgt-reliefs/farm-restructuring-relief.aspx

Should the person concerned require any further clarification they can contact Revenue online via MyAccount or by phoning the Stamp Duty Helpline 01 738 3646, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (10am to 1pm).

EU Directives

Questions (218)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

218. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the details of his engagement at EU level with regard to revising the EU energy tax directive to require the aviation industry to pay excise duty and carbon tax on jet fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22674/24]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland’s excise duty treatment of fuel used for air navigation is governed by European Union (EU) law as set out in Directive 2003/96/EC on the taxation of energy products and electricity, commonly known as the Energy Tax Directive (ETD). The provisions of the current ETD relating to aviation fuels are transposed into national law in Finance Act 1999 (as amended), which provides for the application of excise duty in the form of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) to liquid fuels used for motor and heating purposes.

Under the current ETD, Member States must tax all fuels used for non-commercial aviation purposes. In line with EU law, MOT is applied to light oil (aviation gasoline) and heavy oil (jet fuel/Jet A1/jet kerosene) used for private pleasure flying. Private pleasure flying is defined as the use of an aircraft by its owner or the natural or legal person who enjoys the use either through hire or through any other means, for other than commercial purposes and, in particular, other than for the carriage of passengers or goods or for the supply of services for consideration or for the purposes of public authorities. The current rate of MOT for light oil used for private pleasure flying is €638.91 per 1,000 litres and for heavy oil is €551.22 per 1,000 litres.

With regard to light oil used for commercial air navigation, the current ETD gives Member States the option to fully or partially relieve the relevant excise duty. MOT law currently provides for a partial exemption for aviation gasoline used for all commercial air navigation and an effective rate of €406.64 per 1,000 litres applies.

Heavy oil is the most commonly used fuel type in commercial air navigation and the ETD currently obliges all Member States to exempt heavy oil used for intra-Community and international air transport purposes. A Member State may waive this exemption for intra-community flights but only where it has entered into a bilateral agreement with another Member State to tax fuel. No such agreements are currently in place across the EU. Regarding heavy oil used for commercial domestic air navigation, the ETD allows Member States to exempt such fuel use fully or partially. Currently, Ireland’s MOT law provides for a full MOT relief for heavy oil used for all commercial air navigation, including domestic, intra-community, and international.

In July 2021, as part of the Fit for 55 Package, the Commission published a proposal to revise the Energy Tax Directive. The taxation of intra-community flights forms part of this proposal. While Ireland is supportive of the underlying intention of the ETD proposal, we like many other Member States do not have a final position on how we should transition to a taxation regime for aviation fuel. This is because this matter is proving to be very contentious as there are a number of countries who oppose the taxation of aviation fuel in any circumstances, whilst there are others who wish a minimum transition period. As the ETD file requires unanimity, this has made it very difficult to make any progress on the taxation of aviation fuel issue.

Primary Medical Certificates

Questions (219)

Pauline Tully

Question:

219. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who appealed to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal since it was re-established and were successful in overturning the rejection of their initial application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22722/24]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy should note that as of 13 May 2024 there are 708 appellants on the waiting list. 321 appellants have been assessed since the appeals process recommenced and, of these, 203 were successful. The Board has prioritised the waiting list using clinically-based criteria. They are working to address the backlog as quickly as possible.

Tax Data

Questions (220, 225)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

220. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 237 of 14 April 2024, how many companies had failed to engage with the Revenue Commissioners as of 15 May 2024 under the debt warehousing scheme; the total tax debt owed by this cohort; the breakdown of this information, by division and by NACE economic sector, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22723/24]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance to indicate the breakdown of phased payment arrangements entered into by the Revenue Commissioners as part of its debt warehousing scheme, by number of years for each industry, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22807/24]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 225 together.

The Tax Debt Warehousing Scheme was introduced in May 2020 to provide a vital liquidity support to businesses impacted by Covid-19 trading restrictions. The scheme allowed businesses to temporarily ‘park’ eligible taxes, on an interest-free basis, until 1 May 2024. At its peak in January 2022, there was €3.2 billion debt in the warehouse, the vast majority of which related to VAT and payroll taxes deducted by employers from their employees.

The scheme has now ended. Over 11,000 customers, with debt balances greater than €500, had not engaged with Revenue to address their warehoused debt by 1 May. Customers who had not engaged with Revenue to address their warehoused debt received a demand notice on 8 May 2024 giving one final opportunity to address their debt and avail of the 0 per cent interest rate on that debt. With effect from 15 May, Revenue’s systems were updated to automatically apply the standard interest rates of 8 per cent and 10 per cent on any outstanding warehoused debt. The next step for those who haven’t engaged on foot of the demand notice is that Revenue will start its collection process. Final demands are now issuing, giving seven days’ notice of enforcement action, unless there is immediate engagement by the taxpayer.

Revenue has confirmed to me it is currently working through several hundred applications for Phased Payment Arrangements (PPAs) that have been received over the last two weeks. When this process is complete, Revenue will conduct a full analysis of the PPAs agreed and the outstanding debt cases, including Divisional and Sectoral analysis. This will be published by 31 May 2024.

However, in relation to Deputy Durkan's request for the breakdown of PPAs by numbers of years for each industry sector, Revenue have indicated that it will not be possible to provide details of the PPAs agreed by number of years for each industry sector. However, the analysis is expected to provide the number of PPAs agreed by industry sector and will include the number of PPAs agreed by number of years.

It is important to note that to retain the 0 per cent interest rate in an agreed PPA, it remains a key condition that current taxes are filed and paid as they fall due, and that all monthly PPA instalments are honoured as agreed. Any taxpayer experiencing temporary cashflow difficulties that impact on their ability to meet their tax obligations on a timely basis, including scheduled monthly payments, should engage with Revenue at the earliest opportunity. Revenue will always work with viable businesses to agree mutually acceptable payment solutions, such as a payment deferral or a payment break, rather than deploying debt collection and enforcement options.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the significant levels of engagement by taxpayers and their agents in addressing their warehoused debt in the run-up to 1 May 2024. I also wish to acknowledge the work of the Collector General’s Division in Revenue and the success of the scheme in supporting viable businesses and employments during an unprecedented and exceptionally difficult trading environment for businesses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tax Yield

Questions (221)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

221. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the total tax revenue as a share of GNI* since 2016; total projected tax revenue as a share of GNI* out to 2027, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22734/24]

View answer

Written answers

As requested by the Deputy, Exchequer tax revenue as a share of GNI* is set out in the table below. These figures are consistent with the projections published in the Stability Programme Update.

-

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Total tax/GNI*

27.9%

27.6%

28.5%

28.2%

28.2%

29.3%

30.4%

30.3%

30.1%

30.4%

29.9%

29.9%

Fiscal Data

Questions (222)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

222. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Finance the total net debt and general Government debt each year since 2006, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22735/24]

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Written answers

The General Government Gross Debt is a gross measure of government liabilities. It measures the gross level of borrowings for the general government sector. The General Government sector comprises the sub-sectors of central government, local government, and social security funds.

The Net Debt is gross government liabilities excluding Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) financial assets of government. These EDP financial assets include liquid assets held by the Exchequer, Ireland Strategic Investment Fund cash and non-equity investments and other cash and liquid assets held by the general government sector.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the compilation of the general government deficit and debt outturn statistics, whereas the Department of Finance is responsible for the forecasts. These statistics are compiled in accordance with the European System of Accounts 2010 (ESA2010).

The table below provides the total Net Debt and General Government Debt each year since 2006, in tabular form. These outturns are CSO figures and are published on the CSO website.

Year

General government debt (€ million)

Net debt position (€ million)

2006

43,724

26,972

2007

47,183

28,730

2008

79,621

43,082

2009

104,685

63,008

2010

144,230

111,449

2011

189,727

135,685

2012

210,026

152,294

2013

215,242

161,553

2014

203,382

167,343

2015

201,578

172,648

2016

200,635

176,604

2017

201,262

175,085

2018

205,848

177,127

2019

203,383

174,296

2020

217,885

186,119

2021

236,127

193,084

2022

224,748

188,171

2023

220,672

180,691

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