Written Answers Nos. 130-149
130. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a tax incentive to support the unscripted television production sector; his views on the merit of introducing such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26756/24]
View answer131. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding any draft proposals within his Department for a tax incentive for the unscripted television production sector; the measures he has taken to engage with the European Commission on this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26757/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.
The Deputy will be aware that, as part of my Budget 2024 speech, I announced plans for the development of an incentive for the unscripted production sector.
It is intended that this new incentive will complement the long-standing film tax credit, and the tax credit for digital games introduced in 2022, in supporting Ireland’s growing and internationally-recognised audio-visual sector. These are also important cultural reliefs, intended to increase the representation of Irish and European culture in global media content.
Work is being undertaken on the design the measure at this time with a view to introduction in this year's Finance Act. My officials have been engaging with stakeholders, including both public bodies and private sector stakeholders, in order to understand how the industry operates in Ireland and identify the needs of the sector.
In order to introduce the credit, approval will be required from the European Commission as an incentive of this nature is a State aid. Significant work has been undertaken to prepare the information and data required for a notification and the formal process is due to commence shortly. Subject to the approval of the European Commission, it is planned that a cultural test, to be administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, will be a qualifying criteria for the relief, to ensure that public funds are being channelled to projects of cultural merit. This is similar to the qualification process for the existing section 481 tax credit and the tax credit for digital games.
132. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the number of dwellings purchased to date in 2024 where the 10% stamp duty was paid, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26838/24]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that, based on returns filed to the end of May, the available information for the year 2024 is provided in the table below. A further breakdown of the information is not currently available due to the low level of purchasers (less than 10) subject to the 10% rate in 2024 to date. The data in the table are provisional and may change as additional returns are filed or amended.
|
Year |
Number of Properties |
|
To end May 2024 |
169 |
133. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance when the terms and conditions of the primary medical certificate scheme will be amended to include single arm amputees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26888/24]
View answer134. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance if the criteria for the primary medical certificate scheme can be amended to include people with MS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26889/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.
However, this is very much a matter for Government as whilst my Department has oversight of the DDS, I do not have responsibility for disability policy.
It is also important to be aware that any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to the National Disability & Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.This is in line with the general view that we need to move away from a medical criteria-based approach to a needs-based approach.
Under the aegis of the Department of Taoiseach officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward. One of these issues which is being examined is how the DDS can be replaced. Four meetings of the group have been held, in July, November, December 2023; and March 2024.
The Department of Finance submitted a note to the group with my approval in mid-January 2024. This note outlines a proposal for a replacement scheme for the DDS which would be a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. This proposal is in line with what the NDIS Transport Working Group Report endorsed. Further consideration is being given to the principles and parameters for a new scheme in line with best international practice.
Finally, it is also important to note that I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.
135. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the number of meetings that have taken place between his officials and officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to discuss restoring the homeowner's ability to borrow/switch or sell for a mortgage-backed price under the defective concrete blocks scheme; and if he agrees with the Central Bank assertion that there has been a lack of joined-up thinking on this scheme to make this happen. [26947/24]
View answerThe overall Government response to the problems associated with defective concrete blocks is led by my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and his Department is engaging with impacted householders and other relevant stakeholders.
In particular, the Department of Housing has established an Implementation Steering Group for the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme which comprises officials from that Department, relevant local authorities, the Housing Agency, and the Homeowner's Liaison Officer.
In addition, a sub-group of the Implementation Group has also been established. This is chaired by the Department of Housing, and includes representation from other public bodies, including the Department of Finance, and relevant non-Governmental bodies including Engineers Ireland, Insurance Ireland, Banking and Payments Federation Ireland and homeowner action group representatives. The sub-group objective is to consider financial issues and the issue of the 'mortgageabilty' of homes remediated under the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme.
This sub-group has met on two occasions this year and as necessary my Department will continue to liaise with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as that Department leads on the implementation of all aspects of the redress scheme and as it progresses the overall Government response to dealing with the significant problem of homes affected by defective concrete blocks.
136. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the requirements that are in place for financial institutions in respect of lodgements made by customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27011/24]
View answerThe Directive 2015/2366/EU on payment services was transposed into Irish law by the European Union (Payment Services) Regulations, 2018 (S.I. No.6 of 2018).
The Payment Services Regulations set out that where a payment service user that is a consumer places cash on a payment account with a payment service provider (in the currency of that payment account), the payment service provider shall ensure that the amount is made available and value dated immediately after receipt of the funds.
The Payment Services Regulations further provide that where a payment service user that is not a consumer places cash on a payment account with a payment service provider (in the currency of that payment account), the amount shall be made available and value dated not later than the following business day after receipt of the funds.
The Central Bank of Ireland's Consumer Protection Code 2012 also requires regulated entities to retain details of individual transactions for six years after the date on which the particular transaction is discontinued or completed.
137. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the acknowledgment in respect of lodgements that must be given to the customer by financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27012/24]
View answerDirective 2015/2366/EU on payment services was transposed into Irish law, with effect from 13 January 2018, by the European Union (Payment Services) Regulations, 2018 (S.I. No.6 of 2018).
The Payment Services Regulations set out that immediately after receipt of a payment order, a payer’s payment service provider shall provide the payer with or make available to the payer, in the same manner as information is to be provided, all of the following information with regard to the payment service provider’s services:
(a) a reference enabling the payer to identify the payment transaction and, where appropriate, information relating to the payee;
(b) the amount of the payment transaction in the currency used in the payment order;
(c) the amount of any charges for the payment transaction payable by the payer and, where applicable, a breakdown of the amounts of such charges;
(d) where applicable, the exchange rate used in the payment transaction by the payer’s payment service provider or a reference thereto, when different from the rate provided in accordance with Regulation 69(1) (d), and the amount of the payment transaction after that currency conversion;
(e) the date of receipt of the payment order.
138. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance whether a change to the capital gains tax, group B threshold will be reviewed and increased in Budget 2025, as it has not changed since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27135/24]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to Capital Acquisitions Tax.
Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) is a tax which applies to both gifts and inheritances. For CAT purposes, the relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who receives it (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the maximum amount, known as the “Group threshold”, below which CAT does not arise.
The Group A threshold is currently set at €335,000 and applies where the beneficiary is a child, including adopted children, stepchildren and certain foster children, of the disponer.
The Group B threshold is currently set at €32,500 and applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, nephew, niece or lineal ancestor or lineal descendant such as a grandchild of the disponer.
The Group C threshold is currently set at €16,250 and applies in all other cases.
While the thresholds were reduced during the economic downturn, the Government has made changes to the CAT thresholds in recent years. The thresholds have been increased to the extent allowable by the available resources. In Budget 2019, the Group A threshold which applies primarily to gifts and inheritances from parents to their children was increased from €310,000 to €320,000 and again to €335,000 in Budget 2020.
You should be aware that there would be a significant cost in making further substantial changes to the CAT thresholds. Recent Revenue estimates indicate that the full cost of increasing the CAT Group B threshold from its current €32,500 to €50,000, €100,000 and €335,000 would be €53 million, €137 million and €248 million respectively.
The options available for setting CAT thresholds must be balanced against competing demands, and as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.
139. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 28 May 2024, what legal advice he has received concluding that he cannot exercise the prerogatives outlined in Section 42 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27190/24]
View answer140. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 28 May 2024, the conditions under which he can exercise the prerogatives outlined in Section 42 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27191/24]
View answer141. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 28 May 2024, if he will outline, noting that the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 covers activity other than direct physical violence; and noting that the Act covers financing of terrorist and terrorist-linked activity, the engagements he has had with his EU counterparts regarding the imposition of restrictive measures against those engaging in activity in the West Bank that could be deemed to constitute terrorism under the Act on the grounds that it is “seriously destabilising or destroying the fundamental political, constitutional, economic or social structures of a state or an international organisation”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27192/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 140 and 141 together.
The Deputy may wish to note that Section 42 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 enables the Minister of Finance to make Regulations for enabling provisions of Acts to which Section 42 applies to have full effect. This Section of the 2005 Act applies to Acts that are adopted by the EU, and which, in the opinion of the Minister for Finance, are “for the purpose of, or will contribute to, combating terrorism through the adoption of specific restrictive measures, directed at persons, groups or entities, for the identification, detection, freezing or seizure of their assets of any kind”.
As Minister for Finance, I frequently utilise the powers under Section 42 to give effect to penalties for breaches of EU restrictive measures in relation to two specific EU restrictive measures regimes. These are: the ISIL / Al-Qaida regime under Council Regulation (EC) 881/2002; and the Combating Terrorism regime under Council Regulation (EC) 2580/2001. To date in 2024, I have implemented four Statutory Instruments utilising the powers provided under Section 42 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act to activate the penalties for new EU restrictive measures introduced under the regimes listed above.
More broadly speaking, restrictive measures, or sanctions as they are generally referred, are a tool of the EU's Common Foreign Policy. Ireland does not impose sanctions regimes unilaterally. Ireland implements EU sanctions and it also implements UN sanctions via EU sanctions.
EU sanctions have direct effect in all Member States of the EU, and they are legally binding on all natural and legal persons in Ireland. As such, a natural or legal person who contravenes a provision of an EU sanctions regulation would be guilty of an offence and liable to prosecution.
In view of the levels of violence being perpetrated by certain Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, in particular since 7 October 2023, Ireland continues to work to agree further sanctions against violent settlers, as well as Hamas members who were part of the horrific attacks in Israel on 7 October.
In accordance with international law, Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. It ensures that any bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to the occupied territories. A whole-of-Government approach is applied to this policy of differentiation.
The Government has made clear that all Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, are illegal under international law. Continuing, and indeed increasing, Israeli settlement activities dangerously imperils the viability of the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines. I therefore take this opportunity to reiterate Ireland’s consistent call to Israel to immediately cease all settlement activity across the occupied Palestinian territory.
142. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the number of contracted staff, full-time and part-time, employed by his Department, and by any body or entity under the aegis of the Department, who are specifically assigned to processing freedom of information requests (details supplied), in each of the past three years; the Civil Service grade of each; the number of freedom of information requests dealt with by his Department, or any body or entity under its aegis, in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27232/24]
View answerMy Department operates a Freedom of Information/Parliamentary Affairs unit which, amongst other duties, assists the Department in managing the FOI process. The unit comprises two full-time staff with primary responsibility for managing the FOI process, one at Clerical Officer (CO) level and one at Executive Officer (EO) level, reporting to a Higher Executive Officer (HEO) and Assistant Principal (AP) who oversee this unit. The role of this unit in relation to FOI requests is administrative; responsibility for answering FOI requests resides with individual decision makers. My Department dealt with 284 FOI requests in 2021, 274 in 2022, 270 in 2023 and 190 requests to date in 2024.
Bodies under the aegis of my Department that are within the scope of the FOI legislation have advised as follows:
The Central Bank has 2 fulltime staff (Grade: Banking Professional 3) and 1-part time staff member (Grade: Banking Professional 2) specifically dedicated to working on FOI requests in each of the years specified. In 2021, the Bank dealt with 77 FOI requests, 57 in 2022, 76 in 2023 and 33 to date in 2024.
As the Credit Review Office (CRO) has a low volume of FOI requests, none of its staff are specifically dedicated to managing FOI requests; a staffing complement of 2.6 deals with requests as they arise. The CRO dealt with 1 FOI request in each of the years 2021 and 2022, 2 requests in 2023 and has not received any requests to date in 2024.
There are no staff specifically assigned to dealing with FOI requests in the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FOI functions are shared amongst a Principal Officer, Assistant Principal and Higher Executive Officer within the Corporate and Communications Services Department. The FSPO dealt with 9 requests in 2021, 12 in 2022, 18 in 2023 and 15 to date in 2024.
The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal does not assign staff to specifically process FOI requests. It dealt with 1 request in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, and has not received any FOI requests to date this year.
While no staff member of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council is assigned specifically to process FOI requests, the role of an administrative member of the Secretariat includes FOI duties. The Fiscal Council received 7 FOI requests in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, and has received 2 FOI requests to date in 2024.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) assigns staff to Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). It does not operate a grade system for employees, each contract is individually negotiated and therefore a breakdown by grade is not available. Processing of FOI requests is undertaken by staff alongside other responsibilities. In 2021, 60 FOI requests received by these four bodies were processed by 6 staff members, 4 staff members dealt with 48 requests in 2022, and in 2023 and 2024 to date, 3 staff dealt with 59 and 25 requests respectively.
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (OCAG) does not have any staff dedicated solely to working on FOI requests. Staff assigned to working on FOI requests, including the FOI Officer, do so in addition to other duties. OCAG dealt with 7 FOI requests in 2021, 10 in 2022, 13 in 2023 and 1 to date in 2024.
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners has had 4 full-time and 1-part time staff members dedicated to working on FOI requests for each of the years specified. In 2021, 1 Assistant Principal (AP), 1 Higher Executive Officer (HEOs), 2 Executive officers (EOs) and 1 Clerical Officer (CO) dealt with 205 FOI requests. From 2022, 1 AP, 1 HEO and 3 EOs dealt with 218 FOI requests in 2022, 242 in 2023 and 132 to date in 2024. It should, however, be noted that the AP has other responsibilities, it is estimated that 50% of their time is dedicated to working on FOI requests.
The Tax Appeals Commission (TAC) has one staff member at Assistant Principal level who, as part of their normal duties, is also charged with processing all FOI requests received. The Commission does not employ any staff whose only role is processing FOI requests; it dealt with 6 FOI requests in each of the years 2021 and 2022, 5 in 2023 and 1 in 2024 to date.
143. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Finance if he has received submissions regarding changes to the UK Independent Film Tax Credit incentive of 40% for independent feature films; whether he intends to respond to this change; if he plans to make changes to section 481 funding rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27286/24]
View answerIreland’s long-standing section 481 film tax credit provides relief in the form of a corporation tax credit related to the cost of production of certain audio-visual productions. The scheme is intended to act as a stimulus to the creation of an indigenous film industry in the State, creating quality employment opportunities and supporting the expression of Irish and European culture.
Currently, the credit is granted at a rate of 32% of the lowest of:
• eligible expenditure,
• 80% of the total cost of production of the film, and
• €125 million, increased from €70 million in Budget 2024.
I provided for the increase in the section 481 project cap in Budget 2024 to support the competitiveness of our audio-visual sector in terms of attracting high value productions to Ireland and to further Ireland’s reputation as a centre of excellence for screen production.
I have been made aware, by industry stakeholders and by my officials, that recent changes have also been made to the UK’s supports for film productions. The Deputy will be aware that it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
144. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Finance if he will conduct research or an annual survey on illicit vapes similar to the Revenue Commissioners’ ‘illegal tobacco products research’ surveys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27291/24]
View answerEach year since 2009, Revenue, in conjunction with the HSE’s National Tobacco Control Office, has commissioned Ipsos MRBI to conduct independent market research among smokers about the source of their cigarettes. The survey is an independent research study into illegal tobacco products behaviour patterns, the purpose of which is to estimate the volume of non-Irish duty paid cigarettes being consumed in Ireland. Since 2013, this cigarette research has been complemented by an additional survey on roll your own tobacco.As vaping products do not contain tobacco and, currently, are not subject to excise duty, they are outside the scope of the existing survey. Work is ongoing in my Department in relation to the implementation of a domestic tax on e-liquids. My officials are engaging with Revenue colleagues in the design of this tax and also liaising with colleagues in the Department of Health in order to align our respective positions.In light of an excise duty soon to be applied to e-liquids, consideration may be given in the future to an illicit products survey, in line with that of the Illegal Tobacco Products Research Survey.
145. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of English and Manx heritage card users who accessed OPW sites per year from 2014 to date; and the estimated revenue they would have generated for the OPW based on the average income per person, in tabular form. [26842/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating the country’s most important heritage sites. The mission of OPW Heritage Services is to conserve and protect the nation’s built heritage in our care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with our Nation's heritage. The Office of Public Works strives to manage heritage sites in a manner that balances our remit to protect heritage assets with increased, more interactive, empowering and inclusive access for visitors.
The agreement to accept both English and Manx Heritage Cards and allow free admission at OPW- run heritage sites was made in 2015.
The OPW and Fáilte Ireland work together in a strategic partnership, and both strive to promote heritage and boost tourism within Ireland. The context for the OPW agreement at that time was to make it more attractive for international visitors to come to Ireland; increase tourism revenue and to support the hospitality industry. The OPW recognises the value of relationships with international heritage partners and measures its activities and aims against the best examples available, accessing quality research to ensure excellent outcomes for Irish heritage. The continued investment by the State in our heritage portfolio is very important for the safeguarding and preservation of our built heritage.
The volume of English Heritage or Manx card holders to OPW-run sites, and the comparable average admission cost, is set out in tabular form below.
|
Year |
English |
Manx |
Total |
|
Average Adult price |
Average Comparable Admission Cost |
|
2015 |
5150 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€20,600.00 |
||
|
2016 |
5861 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€23,444.00 |
||
|
2017 |
7305 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€29,220.00 |
||
|
2018 |
8909 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€35,636.00 |
||
|
2019 |
7448 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€29,792.00 |
||
|
2020 |
464 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€1,856.00 |
||
|
2021 |
204 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€816.00 |
||
|
2022 |
4248 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€16,992.00 |
||
|
2023 |
6664 |
328 |
6992 |
Separate data for English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€27,968.00 |
|
2024 |
2709 |
72 |
2781 |
Separate data for English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€11,124.00 |
146. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the details of the arrangement whereby English and Manx heritage cards get free access to OPW sites; the amount received by the OPW; and the reason no reciprocal deal exists for OPW heritage card holders in the UK. [26843/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating the country’s most important heritage sites. The mission of OPW Heritage Services is to conserve and protect the nation’s built heritage in our care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with our Nation's heritage. The Office of Public Works strives to manage heritage sites in a manner that balances our remit to protect heritage assets with increased, more interactive, empowering and inclusive access for visitors.
The agreement to accept both English and Manx Heritage Cards and allow free admission at OPW- run heritage sites was made in 2015 through OPW officials.
The OPW and Fáilte Ireland work together in a strategic partnership, and both strive to promote heritage and boost tourism within Ireland. The context for the OPW agreement at that time was to make it more attractive for international visitors to come to Ireland; increase tourism revenue and to support the hospitality industry. OPW officials did not prioritise reciprocal access in this agreement, as it was not within organisational objectives to encourage people to visit other countries. The OPW recognises the value of relationships with international heritage partners and measures its activities and aims against the best examples available, accessing quality research to ensure excellent outcomes for Irish heritage. The continued investment by the State in our heritage portfolio is very important for the safeguarding and preservation of our built heritage.
The volume of English Heritage or Manx card holders to OPW-run sites, and the comparable average admission cost, is set out in tabular form below.
My officials review this data on an annual basis and any future decision- making on the matter will be set against the above considerations.
|
Year |
English |
Manx |
Total |
|
Average Adult price |
Average Comparable Admission Cost |
|
2015 |
|
|
5150 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€20,600.00 |
|
2016 |
|
|
5861 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€23,444.00 |
|
2017 |
|
|
7305 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€29,220.00 |
|
2018 |
|
|
8909 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€35,636.00 |
|
2019 |
|
|
7448 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€29,792.00 |
|
2020 |
|
|
464 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€1,856.00 |
|
2021 |
|
|
204 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€816.00 |
|
2022 |
|
|
4248 |
Combination of English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€16,992.00 |
|
2023 |
6664 |
328 |
6992 |
Separate data for English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€27,968.00 |
|
2024 |
2709 |
72 |
2781 |
Separate data for English and Manx Cards |
€4.00 |
€11,124.00 |
147. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the amount of land the OPW has purchased between 2020 to 1 June 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26916/24]
View answer148. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what price was paid for land that was purchased by the OPW from 2020 to 1 June 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26921/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 148 together.
I am informed by the Office of Public Works that additional time is required to collate the information requested by the Deputy. The information will be issued directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
149. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the refurbishment works scheduled to be carried out on Carlow Courthouse railings during 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26982/24]
View answerDue to Covid-19, along with other unforeseen delays during the procurement and construction stages, the pilot phase, focusing on 10 sections of the railings surrounding the Courthouse, was successfully completed in early March 2023. The defects liability period came to a close on the 6th March 2024.
This pilot scheme has set out the way forward to complete the rest of the conservation and restoration works to the historic Carlow Courthouse railings. Repairs and restoration works remain to be carried out on 50 sections of railings.
The extent of the next phase of repair works needs will be agreed with the Courts Service and a cost estimate for the works will be provided for approval by the Courts Service before preparation of tender documents. This process is subject to Carlow County Council approving a Declaration to proceed and the necessary approval from the Courts Service.
