Tuesday, 17 Jun 2025

Written Answers Nos. 257-276

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Traffic Management

Questions (257)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

257. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that former speed limits are still showing in popular navigation services after these were reduced on national secondary roads earlier this year; if his Department is aware of a process to ensure changes in speed limits are reflected in navigation services; if this matter will compound when urban speed limits are reduced later this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32814/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Irish Government’s road safety strategy 2021 to 2030 ‘Our Journey Towards Vision Zero’, as published by the Road Safety Authority, includes the primary aim of reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads in half by 2030 and to achieve ‘Vision Zero’, zero deaths or serious injuries, by 2050. To help achieve this aim the strategy included an action for a working group to be established to review the framework for the setting of speed limits and to give specific consideration to the introduction of a 30kph default speed limit in urban areas.

Accordingly, this working group was established, and it comprised representatives from the City & County Managers Association, the Road Safety Authority, an Garda Síochána, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the Department of Transport. Their work led to the publication of the ‘Speed Limit Review’ in 2023, which included a number of principal recommendations concerning speed limit reductions in the interest of improving road safety:

1. A reduction in the default speed limit on rural local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h.

2. The introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in built-up and urban areas.

3. A reduction in the default speed limit on national secondary roads from 100km/h to 80km/h.

The first phase, the change in the default speed limit on rural local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h took effect nationally on the 7th February 2025. This impacted approximately 83,000km of Ireland's road network.

The proposed change in the default speed limit on national secondary roads from 100km/h to 80km/h requires a further legislative change. This is to be included in 'National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025' and it is anticipated that the Bill will be enacted later this year.

Please note that the provision of satellite navigation data in relation to speed limits and speed limit signage is provided by private entities, and as such responsibility to update their systems to reflect speed limit changes on the road network rests with them. I therefore have no role in this matter.

Question No. 258 answered with Question No. 188.

Judicial Reviews

Questions (259)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

259. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the number of judicial review cases his Department has defended in each of the past ten years; the number in relation to which proceedings are pending or continuing; the number of cases which were lost and won, respectively, in the same period; the number of cases that settled in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32851/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy by my private office within ten working days.

Transport Policy

Questions (260)

Erin McGreehan

Question:

260. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Finance whether his Department has assessed the VAT liabilities arising from the use of the reverse-charge mechanism by ride-hailing platforms such as a company (details supplied); and to consider requiring such platforms to register and invoice from within Ireland to ensure compliance and protect taxi drivers.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31851/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that VAT is subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive with which Irish VAT law is obliged to comply.

Irish VAT legislation, in compliance with EU VAT law provides that taxable persons who are receiving services from outside the State, in the course of their business, are accountable and liable to pay VAT on?the reverse charge basis. This provision applies to businesses across all sectors, including taxi drivers, who receive services from abroad, regardless of their value.

Where a ride-hailing platform is located outside Ireland and is providing services to taxi drivers in the State, the reverse charge rules apply. This means that Irish taxi drivers who are customers of that platform are obliged to self-account for the VAT in the State on the supply of the services they have received. VAT exempt businesses, including taxi drivers, must register and account for Irish VAT on such received services. Revenue published a Tax and Duty Manual of the VAT Treatment relevant to Taxi drivers in February 2025 and this can be accessed on the Revenue website. Revenue operates a self-assessment system for VAT and monitors tax compliance through a range of risk identification, assessment and evaluation programmes, together with processes that are supported by real-time data analytics and the interrogation of both taxpayer and third-party information. This approach enables Revenue to identify and quantify risk, however, as the ongoing compliance programmes focus on multiple risk areas and a wide range of business sectors, Revenue cannot provide estimates relating specifically to the amount of VAT which relates to taxi drivers and their VAT liability arising from the use of the reverse-charge mechanism.

There is no discretion under the EU VAT Directive for Ireland to require ride-hailing platforms who are not established in the State to register for VAT in the State.

Tax Code

Questions (261)

Erin McGreehan

Question:

261. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has considered reducing the VAT rate on home energy upgrades to support households in decarbonising and retrofitting their homes. [31868/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

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 fall within Annex III of the Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply either one or two reduced rates of VAT and can also apply a zero rate to certain goods and services. Ireland currently operates two reduced rates of VAT, 13.5% and 9%, as permitted by the Directive.

As the Deputy is aware following amendments to Annex III of the VAT Directive, agreed in April 2022, the Government introduced a zero rate for the supply and installation of solar panels on private dwellings.

The only other area where Annex III applies some latitude in relation to reduced rates for home energy upgrades is in relation to heat pumps. Whilst a zero rate of VAT cannot be applied there is scope to reduce the VAT rate in highly efficient low emissions heating systems to a reduced VAT rate. In Ireland that would mean a rate of 9% or 13.5%. This reduced VAT rate of 9% was introduced with effect from 1 January 2025.

Tax Credits

Questions (262)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

262. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will engage with the Revenue Commissioners to review the current administrative and legislative requirements governing access to the incapacitated child tax credit, particularly the requirement that a general practitioner must certify a child’s incapacity, even in cases where a clinical psychologist has diagnosed the child with a qualifying condition such as autism; if he will consider amending the scheme to better reflect the clinical expertise required for such assessments and to ensure equitable access for families with children with neurodevelopmental differences and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31880/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Incapacitated Child Tax Credit (ICTC) which is provided for by section 465 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (“TCA”) 1997, is available to an individual who has a child living, at any time in a year of assessment, who:

• if under 18 years of age is permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity and the infirmity is such that there would be a reasonable expectation that if the child were over the age of 18, the child would be incapacitated from maintaining himself or herself, or

• if over the age of 18 years at the beginning of the year, is permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity from maintaining himself or herself and had become so permanently incapacitated either before attaining the age of 21 or whilst in receipt of full-time instruction at a university, college, school or other educational establishment.

The credit may also be available to an individual who has custody of, and maintains at his or her own expense, a child who fulfils the above criteria.

As with all tax credits the onus is on the taxpayer to prove entitlement to the credit. In the case of the ICTC, I am advised by Revenue that the mechanism adopted by Revenue to attain such proof is the provision of a completed Form ICC1 and a Form ICC2. In order to claim the ICTC, the Form ICC2 must be certified by the child's medical practitioner - this can be a GP or a Consultant who is registered with the Medical Council.

With reference to a clinical psychologist completing the Form ICC2, in cases where the clinical psychologist is a medical practitioner then Revenue will accept same. Alternatively, the clinical psychologist may provide their professional opinion to the medical practitioner so that the medical practitioner is sufficiently informed to complete the Form ICC2.

Revenue’s role is to administer the tax system in accordance with the relevant legislation. Accordingly, Revenue does not adjudicate on the medical grounds for eligibility to the credit but does provide guidance on Revenue’s interpretation of section 465 TCA 1997 and what those medical grounds might be. The child’s medical practitioner provides the assessment of the child’s medical condition and prognosis for the claimant on the Form ICC2. The medical practitioner, in providing this confirmation on the Form ICC2, is directed to the relevant Revenue guidance to ensure the prognosis, for the purposes of the tax credit, and any resulting certification of the Form ICC2 is made in full understanding of the conditions of the credit.

Further details in relation to the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit can be found at the links below:

• Revenue website: www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/children/incapacitated-child-credit/index.aspx

• Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-05: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-05.pdf

I have no current plans to amend the scheme. However, as with all tax expenditures, the ICTC is kept under regular review by my Department as part of its ongoing programme of work. My Department carried out a review of the ICTC in 2024. The review was conducted in line with the Department’s Tax Expenditure Guidelines and involved consultation with Revenue. The report is available at the following link:

https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/review-of-incapacitated-child-tax-credit.pdf

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (263)

Emer Currie

Question:

263. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance the supports available to employers and employees to promote remote and flexible working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31901/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Support is available to remote workers within the tax system. The Remote Working Relief (RWR), provided for under section 114A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA), allows taxpayers to claim 30% of electricity, heat and broadband expenses incurred in respect of days spent working from home as an Income Tax deduction. There is a legislative requirement in section 114A TCA that receipts must be submitted with the RWR claim (i.e. the utility bills must be electronically uploaded). RWR is not available to self-employed individuals, however any remote worker employed by them is entitled to this relief.

In addition, Revenue operates an administrative practice which allows an employer to make payments of up to €3.20 per day to employees without deducting Income Tax, PRSI or USC. There is no legal obligation on the employer to make such a payment and the payment is at the discretion of the employer. Amounts in excess of €3.20 per day paid by the employer are subject to Income Tax, PRSI and USC in the normal manner.

Guidance on how to claim the RWR and further information on the treatment of employer reimbursed remote working expenses can be found in Revenue’s Tax and Duty Manual Part 05-02-13, available at: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-05/05-02-13.pdf.

Mortgage Interest Rates

Questions (264, 265, 266, 267)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

264. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of the number of mortgage holders paying an interest rate over 6%; the number paying an interest rate over 7%; the number paying an interest rate over 8% divided into traditional bank lenders and non-bank lenders, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31937/25]

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

265. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the major banks to bring down interest rates in line with European Central Bank rate cuts without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31938/25]

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

266. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will take steps to allow banks to accept transfers of performing mortgages that were previously considered non-performing loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31939/25]

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

267. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will set a maximum interest rate for credit servicing funds that corresponds with the European Central Bank interest rate. [31940/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264, 265, 266 and 267 together.

The Central Bank publishes full Primary Dwelling Home (PDH) mortgage interest rate distributions in its “Frontier Statistics: Mortgage Interest Rate Distributions”. The latest information which is for Q4 2024 in relation to the percentage of accounts with interest rates above 6%, 7%, and 8% split by banks, lending non-banks, and non-lending non-banks is shown in the table below which has been provided by the Central Bank. Also set out is the equivalent data for Q4 2023.

According to the Mortgage Interest Rate Distributions Frontier Statistics Publication for Q4 2024, the percentage of accounts with interest rates above 6%, 7%, and 8% split by banks, lending non-banks, and non-lending non-banks is as follows for December 2023 and December 2024:

Bank	December 2023 (%)	December 2024 (%)	Y-o-Y Change (percentage points)
Percent > 6%	1.96	0.20	-1.76
Percent >7%	0.20	0.04	-0.16
Percent >8%	0.04	0.03	-0.01
Lending non-bank
Percent > 6%	5.13	1.71	-3.42
Percent >7%	0.70	0.05	-0.65
Percent >8%	0.01	0.00	-0.01
Non-lending non-bank
Percent > 6%	29.34	27.06	-2.28
Percent >7%	18.19	16.08	-2.11
Percent >8%	10.23	6.02	-4.21

Bank	December 2023 (%)	December 2024 (%)	Y-o-Y Change (percentage points)
Percent > 6%	1.96	0.20	-1.76
Percent >7%	0.20	0.04	-0.16
Percent >8%	0.04	0.03	-0.01
Lending non-bank
Percent > 6%	5.13	1.71	-3.42
Percent >7%	0.70	0.05	-0.65
Percent >8%	0.01	0.00	-0.01
Non-lending non-bank
Percent > 6%	29.34	27.06	-2.28
Percent >7%	18.19	16.08	-2.11
Percent >8%	10.23	6.02	-4.21

The Central Bank does not publish the precise number of accounts corresponding to these figures. More information and full data tables are available in the full Frontier Statistics release.

The formulation and implementation of monetary policy is an independent matter for the European Central Bank (ECB).

The ECB increased official interest rates over the course of 2022 and 2023 as it moved to combat excess inflation. However, since last summer it has reduced official interest rates on eight occasions, the most recent of which was announced last week and which comes into effect from 11 June 2025. These monetary policy changes, taken together with a change to its operational framework for implementing monetary policy last September, have resulted in a reduction of 2.35% in its main official lending rate to 2.15%.

While changes in the level of official interest rates will feed through to the wider economy, it does not have a uniform impact. In a market economy the determination of retail and business lending rates are commercial decisions for individual creditors and other factors, such as the cost of wholesale and retail funds, risk appetite, contractual terms, creditor status, operational costs, expected return, competition and desired market segment, will also be relevant. I have no role in the setting of interest rates by regulated commercial credit providers and I do not propose to set a maximum interest rate for credit servicing funds or for any other regulated entities operating in the mortgage market that corresponds with the European Central Bank interest rate.

As the Deputy will be aware, due to their particular contractual arrangements, most tracker mortgage borrowers will, as the ECB reductions work through the system, see their mortgage interest rate decline in line with the reduction in the main ECB lending rate. However, in the case of other variable rate mortgages the pass through of monetary policy rate changes, either upwards or downwards, is less rigid than is the case with tracker mortgages. In this regard the transmission of monetary policy rate changes happens with long and variable lags and the Central Bank has indicated that this was true as rates were rising and it also notes that this is also the case as ECB policy rates move lower. This will also be the case for fixed interest rate mortgages but, of course, the interest rate on such mortgages does not adjust until the end of the fixed rate period.

However, in general, recent Central Bank data indicates that the average interest rate on outstanding mortgages held by bank and ‘non-bank’ regulated entities has declined over the past year. This is welcome and, from a general perspective, now that the ECB is reducing official interest rates the Government expects all mortgage creditors to keep their lending rates under review and where mortgage rates had in the past increased in line with ECB increases they should now, in this new interest rate environment, also appropriately adjust downwards. The Central Bank will continue to liaise with regulated entities on this matter.

The Central Bank has put in place a range of measures to protect consumers who have or who are taking out a mortgage.

Specifically in relation to non-tracker variable rate mortgages, the existing Central Bank Consumer Protection Code requires all regulated mortgage creditors to explain to borrowers how their non-tracker variable interest rates have been set, and to clearly identify the factors which may result in changes to variable interest rates.

Also mortgage providers are required to issue an annual notification to variable rate mortgage holders and at fixed rate maturity for fixed rate holders, which among other items shows a summary of alternative mortgage products available from that provider. Furthermore, under the revised Consumer Protection Code, which will come into force in March 2026, mortgage lenders will be required to include within these notifications a personalised euro savings estimate alongside each alternative mortgage refinancing option presented.

Also, the mortgage industry has introduced several measures to support borrowers who wish and are in a position to switch their mortgage. This includes the provision of an aligned industry wide set of initial eligibility criteria to facilitate people switching their mortgage from a non-bank to a bank.

More recently the BPFI has launched a website, entitled 'it's in your interest', to further encourage and assist the mortgage switching process. However, the decision on whether or not to provide new credit in any particular case, or the amount of credit to provide, remains a commercial matter for an individual lender.

Question No. 265 answered with Question No. 264.

Question No. 265 answered with Question No. 264.

Question No. 266 answered with Question No. 264.

Question No. 267 answered with Question No. 264.

Seized Property

Questions (268)

Séamus McGrath

Question:

268. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the cost of storing and maintaining the MV Matthew ship since it was first seized by the State; the weekly amount it is costing to store and maintain the ship; the reason the sales process is taking so long; and if he will engage with the Revenue Commissioners as a matter of urgency. [31941/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that on 2 December 2024, the Special Criminal Court authorised the release of the MV Matthew, thereby facilitating its disposal. It was not possible to commence the disposal process prior to this date.

I have been further advised by Revenue that it was necessary to retain a globally recognised provider of integrated shipping services with an international breadth of expertise, not just in ship broking but also in finance, research, compliance and all aspects of international shipping. A broker was engaged in December 2024.

The bidding process concluded in Q1 2025 and a preferred bidder was identified. There are a significant number of regulatory obligations which must be fulfilled in order to finalise the disposal of the MV Matthew and to facilitate the removal of the vessel from Cork Harbour. Since March 2025, Revenue has been actively engaging with the vessel’s Flag State (Panama) and the Marine Survey Office to ensure that these regulatory requirements are satisfied, including the requirement that the following vessel certificates be issued by the Flag State:

Cargo Ship Safety Construction

Cargo Ship Safety Radio

International Oil Pollution Prevention

Load Line

International Air Pollution Prevention

Cargo Ship Safety Equipment

International Energy Efficiency

International Anti-Fouling System

International Sewage Pollution Prevention

International Tonnage

Document of Compliance Dangerous Goods

International Ballast Water Management

Maritime Labour

Bunker Oil Pollution Damage Insurance

Minimum Safe Manning Document

Safety Management

International Ship Security

Continuous Synopsis Record

Copy of Operating Company’s Document of Compliance (International Safety Management Code)

Statement of Compliance and associated Inventory of Hazardous Materials - Ship Recycling Regulation

Insurance of Ship Owners (Directive 2009/20/EC)

Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wreck.

The regulatory requirements as they apply to the MV Matthew are complex and ensuring compliance with these regulatory requirements is time consuming. Due to the complexities of the regulatory framework, it may be a further number of months before the disposal of the vessel will be completed.

In relation to the costs, taking account of all payments made and charges pending, Revenue estimates that the average weekly cost of managing and maintaining the vessel is in the order of €120,000 per week.

The table below outlines the total payments made in respect of the MV Matthew from September 2023 to end May 2025:

Payments made by the Revenue Commissioners in respect of maintenance and management of MV Matthew from September 2023 to end May 2025	€
Berthing (includes all costs associated with berthing, unberthing and movement of the vessel)	2,073,611
Maintenance (includes all costs, other than berthing or crewing, of maintaining the ship alongside in Port such as ship’s stores and provisions, bunkering fuel, waste removal, miscellaneous repairs and maintenance, agent and professional fees, insurance, etc.)	3,604,560
Crewing	3,433,336
TOTAL	9,111,507

I am assured by Revenue that the disposal of this vessel is a key priority and all necessary steps to complete its disposal as expeditiously as possible are being undertaken.

Banking Sector

Questions (269)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

269. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance to estimate the impact on, or cost to, the Central Bank of Ireland resulting from the Governing Council of the European Central Bank's decision to change the rate that central banks are paid for intra-eurosystem balances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31997/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Central Bank of Ireland has provided me with the following information on the matter.

In March 2024, the Governing Council of the ECB decided to introduce changes in the operational framework for implementing monetary policy. The outcome of the operational framework review confirmed that the Eurosystem’s monetary policy stance will continue to be steered via the Deposit Facility Rate (DFR). Therefore, the formalisation of the role of the DFR as the policy rate used to steer the stance warranted that this also be reflected in the reference rate for monetary income sharing. As part of this change, it was decided that intra-Eurosystem balances should be remunerated by the DFR. Previously the main refinancing operations rate (MROR) had been used to remunerate intra-Eurosystem balances.

The change from MROR to DFR applying to intra-Eurosystem balances began only on 1 January 2025 and is expected to reduce NCBs’ income. At this point the 2025 figures are unaudited. Following year-end the Central Bank will publish audited accounts incorporating the effects of this change.

Grant Payments

Questions (270)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

270. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Finance if there are any grant funding schemes in place to support car adaptations for people with a disability or medical issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31999/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

My Department does not operate a grant funding scheme for car adaptations. In relation to disability supports, its role is confined to the oversight of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) only.

The DDS provides relief from VRT and VAT on an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.

The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons who also meet the below medical criteria, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate (PMC) issued by the relevant Principal Medical Officer (PMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.

To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled, and satisfy at least one of the following medical criteria, in order to obtain a Primary Medical Certificate:

• be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;

• be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;

• be without both hands or without both arms;

• be without one or both legs;

• be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;

• have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.

These criteria are set out in the Finance Act, 2020.

Only those who have met the criteria to qualify for a Primary or Board Medical Certificate can then apply to the Revenue Commissioners for reliefs for a qualifying vehicle. The level of allowable reliefs varies for a disabled driver and PMC holder/a disabled passenger and PMC holder; and according to the nature of adaptations made to the DDS qualifying vehicle. Application for motor tax exemption is made separately and a fuel grant payment is retrospectively payable 12 months after the first claim for DDS reliefs is made.

The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or 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.

The Deputy should note that under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress NDIS proposals for needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, generated a report that was submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach. In considering this report, it has been proposed that a new grant-based scheme be developed and led by the Department of Transport.

The Department of Transport is beginning the development of this new scheme. The existing DDS remains with the Department of Finance and will continue to be reviewed in the context of new scheme developments by the Department of Transport.

Departmental Reports

Questions (271)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

271. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Finance the status of recommendations 22 and 23 of the Fund Sector 2030 report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32055/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As you are aware, in October 2024 my predecessor published “Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets.” That report set out 42 recommendations to cement Ireland’s position as a leading global hub for funds and asset management. Under the 2025 Programme for Government we have committed to progress and publish an implementation plan for consideration in Budget 2026 taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector in Ireland. Certain recommendations have already been delivered and many others are in progress or and under active consideration. Recommendations 22 and 23 of the Funds Review Report include consideration of the removal of the eight-year deemed disposal requirement for Irish domiciled funds and life products and alignment of tax rates across different investment choices. Officials in my Department are actively considering the recommendations, and given the magnitude of the proposed change, it is likely that the associated tax measures will roll out over multiple Finance Bill cycles, ensuring each step is properly considered. Any measures undertaken will be informed by evolving EU priorities, notably the proposed Savings and Investments Union.

Veterinary Services

Questions (272)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

272. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance the reason vets charge VAT when medical services provided by a recognised medical professional qualify for VAT exemptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32064/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive with which Irish VAT law is obliged to 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 certain listed categories to which Member States may apply a lower rate.

In accordance with the Directive the provision of medical care services by recognised medical professionals are exempt from VAT. Under Irish legislation, this includes health professionals registered under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011, and those engaged in a regulated profession designated under Section 4 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. Veterinary surgeons are not included in this legislation.

The Directive also allows for a Member State’s historic VAT treatment to be maintained under certain strict conditions. On this basis, Ireland has retained its long-standing application of its reduced rate, currently 13.5%, to the supply of services by a veterinary surgeon in the course of their profession.

There is no discretion under the EU VAT Directive for Ireland to exempt veterinary services.

Tax Code

Questions (273)

Peter 'Chap' Cleere

Question:

273. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Finance if there are plans to widen the VAT for small family home bed and breakfast suppliers as is the norm in other countries that have a threshold of €150,000 unlike €37,500 in Ireland at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32093/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that the VAT registration thresholds are subject to the requirements of EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the EU VAT Directive there is an upper limit of €85,000 on registration thresholds that Member States may apply. The EU VAT Directive does not allow Member States to set a national annual threshold higher than that. Ireland’s VAT registration thresholds are set at €85,000 for supplies of goods and €42,500 for supplies of services. These VAT goods and services thresholds were increased from €80,000 and €40,000 in Finance Act 2024.

A supplier that solely supplies bed and breakfast services and has an annual turnover below the VAT registration threshold of €42,500 is exempt for registering and accounting for VAT. Once this VAT registration has been exceeded the supplier is obliged to register and account for VAT on its bed and breakfast service.

We are aware that a small number of Member States have historic derogations allowing them apply higher VAT thresholds. However, many other Member States have lower VAT registration thresholds than Ireland. I am satisfied that the threshold we apply is appropriate and have no plans to amend it at this time.

Credit Register

Questions (274)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

274. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance how someone who believes their name is unfairly on the Credit Register can have their name removed as they are unable to access any credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32099/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Credit Reporting Act 2013 (the Act) provided for the establishment of a Central Credit Register (CCR) by the Central Bank. Under the Act, lenders are obliged to submit information to the CCR on outstanding and new loans of €500 or more. On 30th June 2017, lenders began submitting information on active consumer loans such as credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts and mortgages. This was followed in March 2018 by business loans, moneylender loans and local authorities. Hire purchase, Personal Contract Plans (PCPs) and similar type products were included in June 2019. Lenders are obliged to submit information to the CCR that is accurate, complete and up to date.

When a loan has been closed by a lender, the lender must report this information at the next CCR reporting date and then information is retained on the CCR for a period of five years, after which it will be deleted in line with the Central Bank's retention policy.

The Act provides four important rights to borrowers:

• The right to a free report at any time, free of charge (subject to fair usage);

• The right to place an explanatory statement of up to 200 words on their credit report;

• The right to request an amendment to information if the borrower believes that information is incorrect, incomplete or not up to date;

• The right to place a Notice of Suspected Impersonation on their credit report.

If a borrower wishes to exercise any of these rights, including that to request an amendment if the borrower considers information on the CCR to be incorrect, incomplete or not up to date, he/she may do so online at CCR website (www.centralcreditregister.ie).

Regarding the issue of access to credit, it should also be is important to note that the CCR does not provide a credit rating or credit score. Also the CCR does not approve or sanction loan applications; subject to the consumer protection requirements associated with the provision of credit, decisions on applications for credit are a business matter for individual lenders.

Departmental Reports

Questions (275)

Tom Brabazon

Question:

275. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Finance the status of the Fund Sector 2030 report; and when its recommendations, with particular consideration to recommendations 22 and 23, will be implemented. [32112/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As you are aware, in October 2024 my predecessor published “Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets.” That report set out 42 recommendations to cement Ireland’s position as a leading global hub for funds and asset management.

Under the 2025 Programme for Government we have committed to progress and publish an implementation plan for consideration in Budget 2026 taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector in Ireland. Certain recommendations have already been delivered and many others are in progress or and under active consideration.

Recommendations 22 and 23 of the Funds Review Report include consideration of the removal of the eight-year deemed disposal requirement for Irish domiciled funds and life products and alignment of tax rates across different investment choices. Officials in my Department are actively considering the recommendations, and given the magnitude of the proposed change, it is likely that the associated tax measures will roll out over multiple Finance Bill cycles, ensuring each step is properly considered. Any measures undertaken will be informed by evolving EU priorities, notably the proposed Savings and Investments Union.

Tax Code

Questions (276)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

276. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance if he will review correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32122/25]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive with which Irish VAT law is obliged to 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 certain listed categories to which Member States may apply a lower rate. The supply of foodstuffs and of live animals, seeds, plants and ingredients normally intended for use in the preparation of foodstuffs are among the categories listed in Annex III of the Directive to which a Member State may choose to apply a reduced or zero VAT rate, subject to certain conditions.

Ireland applies the standard rate, currently 23%, to the supply of snails generally. However, Ireland applies the zero rate to a wide range of food for human consumption and, on this basis, the zero rate of VAT is applied to dead snails when supplied as food. Certain live molluscs such as oysters, limpets, cuttlefish, and mussels are also zero rated when supplied as food.

Revenue publishes information on the VAT rate applicable to a wide range of goods and services on its VAT Rates Database www.revenue.ie/en/vat/vat-rates/search-vat-rates/index.aspx

If the taxpayer has any specific queries relevant to their particular product they may contact their local Revenue Branch or the Revenue Technical Service at www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/rts/index.aspx

• Written Answers Nos. 237-256
• Written Answers Nos. 277-296