Tuesday, 13 Jan 2026

Written Answers Nos. 834-855

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Tax Code

Questions (834)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

834. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the Karshan Disclosure Opportunity Guidance, and if he will provide information on the authorisation for this disclosure scheme, if Cabinet approval was sought; the reason the scheme limits disclosures to 2024–2025, when Karshan dealt with misclassification from 2010; the legal basis for the Revenue Commissioners to disregard workers’ backdated entitlements while collecting tax arrears; the reason workers’ representatives and unions were not consulted before launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74840/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The principle of the independence of the Revenue Commissioners in their dealings with the tax affairs of any individuals, business or other entity under tax and customs legislation is critical to maintaining the integrity of the taxation system. Legal effect in this matter is provided under Section 101 of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 2011. This provision ensures that neither article 9 of the Revenue Commissioners Order 1923 nor section 9(3) of the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924, which relate to Ministerial responsibilities and controls, can apply to the Revenue Commissioners when performing their functions under tax and customs legislation. As such, Cabinet approval is not necessary, nor would be legally appropriate, in relation to the administration of the taxes and duties under the care and management of Revenue, including the Karshan disclosure opportunity.

It is important to note that Revenue has responsibility for employment status for taxation purposes only, but has no role in relation to workers’ entitlements. There are a number of statutory bodies whose remit includes determining the employment status of a person. The Department of Social Protection (DSP) determines employment status with a view to deciding the appropriate class of PRSI for an individual. Responsibility for a range of employment rights, such as employment equality, minimum wage rates, holiday pay, sick pay, maternal and paternal leave, sectoral pay agreements, etc., falls to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The WRC’s Adjudication Service determine employment status as a preliminary issue when adjudicating on employment rights complaints.

Each of these bodies make their determinations independently of each other in respect of the particular functions for which they are responsible, based on the separate legislative frameworks that apply. As such, it should be noted that a decision by one body is non-binding on the other two bodies. The responsibilities of each body in relation to employment status are outlined in the updated Code of Practice on Determining Employment Status (“the Joint Code”), which was jointly published in November 2024 by DSP, the WRC and Revenue. The Joint Code is available at: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/code-of-practice-on-determining-employment-status-cb301d37-93cb-4fbf-b45c-6997ed370f04.pdf

For tax purposes, the treatment of individuals who are engaged as employees differs to those who are engaged as self-employed, although there is generally no difference in the tax rate which applies. Where an individual is engaged as an employee taxable under Schedule E, income tax, USC and PRSI should be deducted from his or her employment income through their employer’s payroll system on or before when a payment is made. He or she can claim a deduction through MyAccount for expenses incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in carrying out the duties of the employment. Where an individual is engaged as a self-employed individual taxable under Schedule D, he or she will generally be obliged to register for self-assessment, to pay preliminary tax and file their own income tax returns using the Revenue Online Service (ROS). He or she can claim a deduction for expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of his or her trade or profession.

The Deputy refers to the Karshan case. I am advised by Revenue that this case, Revenue Commissioners v Karshan (Midlands) Ltd T/A Domino's Pizza, related to the tax years 2010 and 2011 for which assessments were made by Revenue on the company for PAYE/PRSI liabilities on the basis that Revenue had formed the view that the delivery drivers were employees for tax purposes. The company initially appealed the assessments to the Tax Appeals Commission (TAC). In October 2018, the TAC made a determination that the drivers were employees of the company. The TAC determination was appealed to the High Court by the company. In December 2019, the High Court upheld the TAC determination. This High Court decision was then appealed by the company to the Court of Appeal, who in May 2022 issued a judgment that the delivery drivers were not employees for tax purposes, but were engaged as self-employed contractors.

The Revenue Commissioners appealed the decision of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court. In October 2023, the Supreme Court set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal and held that the TAC determination that the delivery drivers were employees of the company was correct. The Supreme Court judgement provides an extensive review of relevant caselaw, and succinctly summarises its application through the provision of a five-step decision-making framework. The decision-making framework consists of five questions that should be used to determine whether an individual has a contract of service (employee) or a contract for service (self-employed). While the decision related to delivery drivers, it has application to all sectors in terms of the five-step framework.

The Deputy has suggested that Revenue has “disregard[ed] workers’ backdated entitlements while collecting tax arrears”. I am advised by Revenue that the Karshan judgment, which came about as a direct result of Revenue’s compliance work and many years of litigation on the case confirmed that for tax purposes, the company’s delivery drivers were considered employees and subject to tax under Schedule E. Policy responsibility for workers’ rights is a matter for the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. As outlined above, adjudication in relation to such matters is under the statutory remit of the WRC. The disclosure opportunity has no implications for workers’ entitlements.

Following the 2023 Supreme Court judgement, Revenue encouraged all businesses that were engaging contractors, sub-contractors or other workers on a self-employment basis to familiarise themselves with the detail of the judgment and review their workforce model in light of same. In May 2024, Revenue published a detailed Tax and Duty Manual (TDM) 05-01-30 ‘Revenue Guidelines for Determining Employment Status for Taxation Purposes’ which assists employers to understand their tax obligations by outlining the implications of the five-step framework, including detailed explanations of each step and examples. Prior to the publication of this Tax and Duty Manual, Revenue sought input from Government agencies and from other relevant external stakeholders, including trade union bodies, on the development of the guidelines.

Revenue recognised that prior to the judgment some employers, acting in good faith, may have misclassified employees for tax purposes as persons engaged in contracts for services.

In this context, in September 2025, Revenue announced a disclosure initiative aimed at employers who are potentially impacted by the Supreme Court judgment. This initiative incentivises such employers to make a disclosure in respect of 2024 and 2025 arising from bona-fide classification errors. Employers who acted in good faith relying on the case law and guidance available prior to the Karshan judgment, may have misclassified employees as contractors. Such employers were encouraged to review their workforce model in light of the 5-step model outlined in the Supreme Court judgement and if necessary, to regularise their tax position.

As part of the disclosure opportunity, it is necessary that an employer manually creates a PRSI record for 2024 and 2025 for each individual who was previously misclassified as a contractor. This record will protect the social welfare entitlements of the individuals concerned.

Detailed guidance on this disclosure opportunity is set out in Tax and Duty Manual ‘Settlement arrangement arising from Revenue v Karshan (Midlands) Ltd. trading as Domino’s Pizza’ which is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/compliance/audit-and-other-compliance-interventions/karshan-settlement-guidance/karshan-disclosure-opportunity-guidance.pdf

In the course of the design and development of this disclosure initiative, Revenue consulted via the Tax Administration Liaison Committee (TALC) Audit with the professional tax advisor, accounting and legal bodies who are members of TALC.

There are a number of exclusions from the disclosure initiative, including where Revenue is of the opinion that the misclassification has arisen from either careless or deliberate behaviour (in the context of Revenue’s Code of Practice for Revenue Compliance Interventions). In such cases the benefit of the initiative is not afforded and the full liability to Income Tax, USC and PRSI and interest and penalties will be pursued.

In addition, should an employer fail to take this opportunity to review its workforce practices and to make a disclosure to Revenue if required to do so by the deadline of 30 January 2026, Revenue may initiate an inquiry or investigation. If misclassification is subsequently identified in the course of that inquiry or investigation, Revenue will form the view that the default has arisen from a complete failure to operate fiduciary taxes and will apply the relevant legislation in relation to the failure to deduct PAYE, PRSI and USC. Interest and penalties will be applied in full in line with the relevant legislation and Revenue’s Code of Practice for Revenue Compliance Interventions which is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/documents/code-of-practice-revenue-compliance-interventions.pdf

Primary Medical Certificates

Questions (835, 855)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

835. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme. [74846/25]

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

855. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the changes being made to the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1571/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 835 and 855 together.

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.

Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress the National Disability Inclusion Strategy proposals for a 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.

As the Deputy will be aware, when this government took office, we committed to a step change in the delivery of supports and services for people with disability and their families.

Budget 2026 is the first step in delivering on this ambition, providing some €3.83 billion to specialist disability services next year, an unprecedented increase of €618 million, or almost 20%.

This funding will be vital in delivering the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. The commitment to develop a new scheme by the Department of Transport, and in this context review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, are strong commitments in this strategy.

Tax Rebates

Questions (836)

Brian Brennan

Question:

836. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a refund on some VAT items; if the Revenue Commission will reconsider a VAT refund for the items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74862/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The VAT treatment of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In accordance with the EU VAT Directive, farmers can elect whether or not to register for VAT in respect of their farming business, and each farmer’s decision on this matter affects how VAT incurred on their inputs (such as the purchase of farm equipment) is treated.

Under VAT law, farmers can avail of the Flat-rate Farmers Scheme and remain unregistered for VAT. This arrangement, which is unique to the farming sector, allows farmers to remain unregistered for VAT and yet be compensated on an overall basis for the VAT they incur in the course of their business, while still remaining outside the VAT system and avoiding the burden of registration and filing.

Generally, businesses that are not registered for VAT are not permitted to reclaim any VAT they incur. However, in addition to the compensation for flat-rate farmers provided by the Flat-rate Scheme, Irish VAT law also permits flat-rate farmers to reclaim VAT they incur on some particular business expenditure, as set out in the 2012 Refund Order. The Refund Order is permitted under EU law, subject to certain conditions, including that its scope is not extended. This means that the order may not be altered to permit refunds of VAT incurred on farming business costs that are not currently provided for in the order.

The Order allows flat-rate farmers to claim refunds for VAT incurred on the following farming business expenditure:

a) the construction, extension, alteration or reconstruction of farm buildings or structures;

b) the fencing, draining or reclamation of farmland; and

c) the construction, erection or installation of qualifying equipment for the micro-generation of electricity for use in the farm business.

Expenditure incurred by flat-rate farmers on any other farming business inputs, such as farm equipment or machinery, such as cluster removers, does not come within the scope of the Refund Order.

However, where the installation of farming equipment requires the alteration or reconstruction of a farm building or structure, the corresponding expenditure on the alteration or reconstruction of the building or structure including equipment or elements of equipment permanently installed in the farm building or structure may be allowed in certain circumstances. The equipment must be permanently installed in the farm building or structure and once installed, cannot be removed without causing significant damage, or destruction to the farm building or structure or to the equipment itself. Cluster removers are items of farm equipment that are not installed/do not require installation in farm buildings or structures to the extent that their removal would cause significant damage to the item or the building or structure itself. Accordingly, it is Revenue’s position that expenditure on these items does not qualify for a refund under the Refund order.

The claim in question (details supplied) has been returned to the claimant as Revenue is seeking further information/clarification in respect of the claim.

I am advised that the requested information has not yet been received by Revenue. Once all requested information is received in relation to the claim, it will be further considered in accordance with the terms of the Order as set out above, and a final decision will issue to the claimant. In the event the claimant is dissatisfied with the decision, they may appeal that decision to the Tax Appeals Commission, which is an independent statutory body that determines appeals against assessments and decisions of the Revenue Commissioners, including decisions to refuse claims under this Refund Order.

Data Protection

Questions (837)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

837. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of data breaches recorded by his Department in 2025; and the number that were reported to the Data Protection Commissioner. [74895/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

My Department documents any personal data breaches that have occurred in the Department in accordance with its obligations and has a data breach management policy in place to ensure that any data breaches are dealt with as required under Articles 33 and 34 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

According to records in my Department, there were four data breaches recorded in 2025. These were investigated and assessed, and none warranted notification to the Data Protection Commissioner.

Budget 2026

Questions (838)

Paul Lawless

Question:

838. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has calculated the impact of Budget 2026 on the disposable income of disabled households; if so, to provide those calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75010/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Government recognises the additional economic burden faced by households affected by disability, particularly in the context of elevated cost of living pressures over recent years. It is for this reason that the Government has introduced targeted budget measures to support vulnerable households.

As with previous budgets, the Department of Finance conducted a distributional analysis of Budget 2026 to examine the impact of proposed tax and welfare measures on a range of households. This analysis was conducted throughout the decision-making process, and an ex-post distributional analysis of the final budget package was then published in ‘Beyond GDP – Quality of Life Assessment’ on budget day.

When comparing new tax and welfare measures in Budget 2026 with permanent Budget 2025 measures, the analysis finds that households with disabilities see higher disposable income gains (1½ per cent on average) than non-disability households (0.6 per cent on average). Furthermore, lower income households affected by disability see a larger increase in their disposable income than high income households. The lowest income households with disability see gains of 3.9 per cent, compared with gains of 0.1 per cent for the highest income cohort.

Furthermore, the department’s analysis finds the tax and welfare measures introduced in Budget 2026 reduce the At Risk of Poverty rate for households with disability by 3.8 per cent.

I am confident that the measures introduced in successive budgets by this and the previous Government have been progressive, supporting the most vulnerable households and helping to drive reductions in poverty.

Banking Sector

Questions (839)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

839. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 377 of 16 of December 2025, to detail each obligation that no longer applies to covered institutions as a direct result of the revocation of the eligible liabilities guarantee scheme and the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75014/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The terms of the Credit Institutions Financial Support (“CIFS”) Scheme (Statutory Instrument No. 411 of 2008) imposed ongoing obligations on covered institutions. The obligations are set out in paragraphs 24 to 52 of the Schedule to the CIFS Scheme. The Schedule contains provisions on restructuring, board representation, commercial conduct, remuneration and transparency, and impose reporting requirements on covered institutions.

Please see Annex I below for a full list of obligations under the CIFS Scheme.

The obligations imposed on participating institutions under the terms of the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee (“ELG”) Scheme (Statutory Instrument No. 490 of 2009) itself are chiefly concerned with the establishment and operation of the Scheme. However, paragraph 22 of the ELG Scheme empowers the Minister for Finance to direct that participating institutions comply with some or all of the provisions on conduct, transparency and reporting requirements set out paragraphs 24 and 52 of the CIFS Scheme.

Please see Annex II below for a full list of obligations under the ELG Scheme.

It should be noted that, in 2022, the Minister and each of Bank of Ireland, AIB and PTSB entered in to Deeds of Partial Release, to release the banks from contractual obligations entered into in CIFS Guarantee Acceptance Deeds in 2008 and ELG Scheme Agreements in 2009. These contractual provisions were obsolete given there were no longer any guaranteed obligations under the Schemes. For example, obligations released under the Deed of Release include an obligation for the banks to provide information to the Minister where required to perform his obligations under the CIFS Scheme and an obligation on the banks to pay interest on all amounts demanded by the Minister under the ELG Scheme.

Therefore, the banks were already released from some of the obligations under CIFS and ELG schemes prior to the revocation of the Schemes late last year.

Please see Annex III below for a full list of the obligations released under the Deeds of release.

The obligations and rights assigned to the Minister under the CIFS and ELG legislation such as data reporting or ensuring compliance with codes of practices have largely been codified into either domestic primary legislation or the Capital Requirements Regulation, as amended. The comprehensive reporting requirements in the Capital Requirements Regulations remain in place following the revocation of the Credit Institutions Financial Support Scheme and the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme.

Annex I - Paragraphs 24 to 52 of the Credit Institutions Financial Support Scheme (S.I. 411 of 2008)

Transparency and Enforcement

Information and Monitoring

24. A covered institution shall submit such reports as are requested by the Regulatory Authority on which the Regulatory Authority considers are necessary to monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of this Scheme.

25. The Regulatory Authority shall submit reports on the compliance by covered institutions with the terms and conditions of this Scheme to the Minister in such form, containing such information and at such frequency as the Minister shall determine.

26. Each covered institution shall, at such frequency as the Minister shall determine, confirm in writing to the Minister its compliance with the Irish Banking Federation Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears and the Consumer Protection Code issued by the Regulatory Authority.

27. Every quarter each covered institution shall provide the Regulatory Authority with compliance certificates, from: (i) its auditors; and (ii) its chairman and chief executive jointly, confirming compliance with all of the terms and conditions of this Scheme.

28. The Minister, may direct a covered institution to draw up a restructuring plan to ensure compliance with the objectives of this Scheme.

29. The Minister may direct the Regulatory Authority to require such other reports from a covered institution as he or she may consider necessary.

30. The Minister, the Governor and the Regulatory Authority may disclose to each other any information which they receive concerning a covered institution or its subsidiaries and may use such information in respect of the performance of this Scheme or in the case of the Central Bank, the performance of its statutory functions.

31. Each covered institution shall consult with the Regulatory Authority with a view to preparing a code of practice for effective risk management.

Board representation and executive management

32. A covered institution shall, take all reasonable steps to appoint at least one but no more than two non-executive directors to its board from a panel approved by the Minister during the period of the guarantee. The covered institution shall remunerate those non-executive directors. The Minister will also have the right to appoint persons to observe all meetings of the remuneration, audit, credit and risk committees of a covered institution.

33. The board of a covered institution shall represent an appropriate balance between executive and non-executive directors. The Regulatory Authority may require changes in the composition where such a balance is not in place.

34. A covered institution shall comply with any direction from the Minister or the Regulatory Authority or both to take specified steps to restructure its executive management responsibilities, strengthen its management capacity and improve its corporate governance.

Enforcement

35. If a covered institution is in breach of its obligations under this Scheme in a material manner, the Minister may by notice in writing:

35.1 increase the charge payable by the covered institution; or

35.2 impose additional conditions on the covered institution; or

35.3 revoke the guarantee for the covered institution.

Commercial Conduct

36. The Regulatory Authority may regulate the commercial conduct of covered institutions strictly in order to achieve the objectives of this Scheme. The Regulatory Authority shall impose conditions regulating the commercial conduct of a covered institution’s business, in order to minimise any potential competitive distortion that may otherwise arise and to avoid any abuse of the guarantee. The Regulatory Authority shall monitor and review the expansion of the activities of covered institutions in order to ensure that their aggregate growth in balance sheet volume is not excessive and does not in any event exceed:

36.1 the annual rate of growth of Irish nominal GDP in the preceding year; or

36.2 the average annual historical growth in their balance sheets of Irish credit institutions during the period 1987-2007; or

36.3 the average growth rate of the balance sheet volumes in the credit institution sector in the EU in the preceding six months, whichever is the higher.

In case of any breach of this obligation, the Regulatory Authority shall adopt, within four weeks, appropriate measures to restore the situation and inform the European Commission thereof.

37. A covered institution shall conduct its affairs in a manner that progressively reduces the risk to the Exchequer under its guarantee. A covered institution shall be required to do one or more of the following:

37.1 appropriately manage its balance sheet and the need to avoid significant distortion of financial flows;

37.2 put in place improved structures to ensure long-term stability of funding;

37.3 take steps to restructure its executive management responsibilities and strengthen its management capacity and corporate governance;

37.4 improve liquidity, solvency and capital ratios in circumstances where this is required;

37.5 take measures to minimise any risk of recourse to the guarantee.

38. No covered institution shall without the prior approval of the Minister acquire shares in any other credit institution or financial institution, establish any subsidiaries or enter into or acquire any new business or businesses, where such action would increase the liability of the Exchequer under the guarantee.

39. A covered institution shall comply with any targets on assets and liabilities to be set by the Regulatory Authority. A covered institution shall be required to limit its exposures to any sector, customer or connected customers where it is in the public interest, and in the interests of financial stability and confidence in the banking system.

40. A covered institution shall take steps to establish such funding structures as the Regulatory Authority thinks appropriate.

41. A covered institution shall take steps to comply with such liquidity, solvency and capital ratios as the Regulatory Authority may direct.

42. A covered institution shall comply with rules governing the declaration and payment of dividends made by the Minister. No new dividends shall be declared or paid by a covered institution before such rules are made.

43. A covered institution shall not engage in buy-backs (public or private) or redemptions of its ordinary or other shares without the approval of the Regulatory Authority.

44. A covered institution shall not pass on the costs of the guarantee to its customers in an unwarranted manner.

Corporate Social Responsibility

45. Each covered institution shall procure that the Irish Banking Federation, submits a bi-annual report to the Minister on goals and targets laid down by the Minister in relation to Corporate Social Responsibility.

Controls on Executive Remuneration

46. The Minister will establish an independent committee called the Covered Institution Remuneration Oversight Committee (“CIROC”) comprising three members appointed by him or her to oversee all remuneration plans of senior executives of the covered institutions.

47. Each covered institution shall prepare a plan to structure the remuneration packages of directors and executives so as to take account of the objectives of the Act of 2008. Remuneration shall include total salary, bonuses, pension payments and any other benefits received from a covered institution and its group entities, or otherwise received by a director or executive arising from the performance of his or her functions as a director or executive. Bonuses shall be measurably linked to reductions in guarantee charges, reduction in excessive risk taking and encouraging the long-term sustainability of the covered institution.

48. Each covered institution shall submit a report to CIROC, no later than six weeks after the relevant covered institution joins this Scheme, demonstrating how its remuneration policies for the year ahead will comply with paragraph 47. CIROC shall prepare a report for the Minister, making a recommendation where appropriate on compliance by the covered institution. If the covered institution has not complied with the requirements, the covered institution may be directed to amend the remuneration plan so that compliance is achieved.

49. A covered institution shall not enter into any contractual arrangement that provides for termination compensation or equivalent to be payable to any director or executive for the duration of this Scheme.

Compliance and Furtherance of this Scheme and the Act of 2008

50. A covered institution shall manage the business of its group at all times. The Minister may require certain obligations of this Scheme to apply to the parent of a covered institution or any member of its group as a condition of benefiting from this Scheme.

Oversight, Co-ordination and Review

51. The Minister shall consult with the Governor and the Regulatory Authority before exercising any of his or her functions under this Scheme which relate to any of the statutory responsibilities of the Governor and the Regulatory Authority. However, decisions or actions taken by the Minister pursuant to or in relation to this Scheme are in his or her absolute discretion provided that nothing in this Scheme shall prejudice the independence of the Governor or the Regulatory Authority.

52. For the duration of this Scheme, the Governor and the Chief Executive of the Regulatory Authority shall monitor the operation of this Scheme and shall report regularly to the Minister as to the operation of this Scheme and the compliance by covered institutions with this Scheme.

Annex II - Paragraphs 19 to 29 of the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme (S.I. 490 of 2009)

Fee

19. A fee shall be payable to the Minister or his nominee by each participating institution in respect of each guaranteed liability, in accordance with Annex 7 of the rules and in accordance with EU State aid rules or such other rules as may be applicable. The basis for the calculation of the fee shall be advised by the Minister to the participating institutions from time to time.

20. Notwithstanding paragraph 19 above, for a three-month period from the commencement date, the fee applicable to any guaranteed liabilities of a participating institution with a maturity of one (1) month or less shall be based on an overall flat fee of 25 basis points per annum.

21. The Minister shall report to the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service every six months on the level of fees received from each participating institution and progress in relation to the purposes of the Act and compliance with the terms and conditions of this scheme.

Commercial conduct

22. The Minister, after consultation with the Governor and the Regulatory Authority, shall issue such direction or directions to the participating institutions which he or she is of the view are necessary to ensure that the objectives of the Act and this Scheme are met. Such directions may include directions to comply with some or all of the provisions on conduct, transparency and reporting requirements applicable to those participating institutions as covered institutions pursuant to paragraphs 24 to 52 of the schedule to the CIFS Scheme. Each participating institution shall comply with any such direction including after the CIFS Scheme has expired or if the participating institution is no longer a covered institution under the CIFS Scheme.

23. The Minister, after consultation with the Governor and the Regulatory Authority, may at any time direct a participating institution to draw up a restructuring plan to ensure compliance with the objectives of this Scheme within such timeframe as the Minister specifies. The Minister shall require a restructuring plan to be produced if a participating institution’s solvency ratio falls below the minimum regulatory standards applicable to it on a material basis. A restructuring plan shall also be submitted to the Minister by a participating institution within no later than 6 months of: (a) the Minister notifying the participating institution that he or she has been called upon to make a payment under the eligible liability guarantee with respect to that participating institution; or (b) the commencement of insolvency or similar proceedings or the appointment of an insolvency official in respect of the participating institution. Any restructuring plan drawn up by a participating institution shall be required to comply with EU State aid and competition law and the need for a restructuring plan shall be communicated by the Minister to the EU Commission immediately. The Minister, in consultation with the Governor and the Regulatory Authority, may direct the participating institution to make changes to such restructuring plan and implement the plan (including any changes) within a specified timeframe as determined by him or her. A participating institution shall comply with any such direction.

24. A participating institution shall submit, or assist in the preparation of, such reports or provide such information as requested by the Minister, the scheme operator or the Regulatory Authority, which the Minister, the scheme operator or the Regulatory Authority consider are necessary to monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of this Scheme and the rules and the achievement of the purposes of the Act.

25. If in the opinion of the Minister a participating institution is in material breach of its obligations under this Scheme or the rules, the Minister may by notice in writing:

25.1increase the fee payable under paragraphs 19 and 20 above by the participating institution; or

25.2 impose additional conditions on the participating institution; or

25.3 take such other action as the Minister deems appropriate in the context of the breach,

provided that any action taken by the Minister pursuant to this paragraph 25 shall be without prejudice to the unconditional and irrevocable nature of an eligible liability guarantee in respect of guaranteed liabilities existing at the time such action is taken.

Claims under the Eligible Liability Guarantee

26. In the event of default of a participating institution in discharging a guaranteed liability when due and payable, a demand for payment in respect of that guaranteed liability under the eligible liability guarantee shall be in writing and made in the form prescribed in the rules or such other form from time to time specified by the Minister and delivered to the addressees therein specified. A demand for payment in respect of a guaranteed liability under the eligible liability guarantee which is not made in the form prescribed in the rules or as otherwise determined by the Minister shall not be a valid claim, shall be returned and no payment shall be made under such demand. The foregoing is without prejudice to the right of any person to re-submit a demand for payment in such circumstances.

27. The Minister shall make timely payment in respect of a valid demand for payment in respect of a guaranteed liability under the eligible liability guarantee to the claimant or to a person or persons duly nominated by such claimant, including a depositor, the principal paying agent, the registrar, the trustee, the relevant instrument holder or such other appropriate person in respect of the relevant guaranteed liability.

28. Any payment pursuant to paragraph 27 above shall, notwithstanding any contrary provision in any document under or by reference to which the guaranteed liability is issued, created or constituted, for the purposes of the eligible liability guarantee be deemed to be payment to the ultimate beneficiary of the guaranteed liability, and such payment shall constitute a complete discharge by the Minister in respect of his or her liability under the eligible liability guarantee in respect of the relevant demand.

29. The Minister may, in his or her discretion, waive the requirement for a beneficiary to make a demand as described in paragraph 26 above.

Annex III – Obligations released under the Deeds of Release

CIFS Scheme

1. A right for the Minister to give directions under the CIFS Scheme.

2. An obligation for the banks to pay the Minister for credit to designated accounts under the CIFS Scheme.

3. Authorisation for the Minister to make payments related to the CIFS Scheme.

4. An obligation for the banks to provide information to the Minister where required to perform his obligations under the CIFS Scheme.

5. A right for the Minister to direct the banks to comply with obligations under the CIFS Scheme.

ELG Scheme

1. The obligation on the banks to pay fees for the ELG Scheme.

2. An obligation on the banks to pay interest on all amounts demanded by the Minister under the ELG Scheme.

3. A right for the Minister to apply set off on any amounts owed by a bank under the ELG Scheme.

4. A right for the Minister to give directions under the ELG Scheme.

5. An indemnity in favour of the Minister against liabilities arising out the ELG Scheme.

6. Authorisation for the Minister to make payments related to the ELG Scheme.

7. An obligation for the banks to provide information to the Minister where required to perform his obligations under the ELG Scheme.

Public Spending Code

Questions (840)

James O'Connor

Question:

840. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of projects in his Department that were delayed in 2023 and 2024 due to the change of document from the Public Spending Code to the Infrastructure Guidelines, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75110/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

As a central Government Department, the Department of Finance works with other Departments, agencies, and industry to provide advice, develop, and implement policies aimed at driving economic growth and maintaining fiscal stability. As such the Department does not have a central role in the delivery of projects and I can confirm there were no projects in my Department, which were delayed due to a change of document from the Public Spending Code to the Infrastructure Guidelines.

Tax Code

Questions (841)

Eoin Hayes

Question:

841. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the EU laws his officials were referring to when they advised against targeted VAT changes in their pre-Budget 2026 submission as described in the media (details supplied). [75171/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

In relation to Value Added Tax (VAT), the EU VAT Directive, formally known as Council Directive 2006/112/EC, serves as the primary legislation governing VAT across the EU, with fiscal neutrality being a fundamental principle underpinning EU VAT law and systems.

Public Sector Pay

Questions (842)

Matt Carthy

Question:

842. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the salary scale that applies to the Secretary General in his Department and to the head of each agency for which they are responsible; whether this scale has changed in the past two years or whether there are proposals to change this scale in the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75195/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The information requested is set out below.

Department of Finance Response

The salary scale that applies to the Secretary General for the Department of Finance is Secretary General Level I. This scale has not changed in the past two years other than for salary increases due under the Public Sector Pay Agreement (PSPA) 2024 to 2026.

This pay scale will change again in the coming period (2026) due to salary increases under the Public Sector Pay Agreement (PSPA) 2024 to 2026.

The following information relates to the Bodies under the Aegis of the Department.

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

The salary scale that applies to the Chairman of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners is Secretary General Level II appointed on/after 1/6/11. This scale has not changed in the past two years other than for salary increases due under the Public Sector Pay Agreement (PSPA) 2024 to 2026.

This pay scale will change again in the coming period (2026) due to salary increases under the Public Sector Pay Agreement (PSPA) 2024 to 2026.

Credit Review Office

I can confirm the Head of the Credit Review is on the 5th point of the Principal Officer Higher Scale. The incumbent has been on this scale since 2021 and we have not been informed of any proposals to change the pay scale.

It is important to note that the Credit Review Office recoups operating costs from industry via a levy on participating institutions, so there is no cost to the Exchequer in this case.

Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General

The salary scale Secretary and Director of Audit – PPC applies to the Accounting Officer of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. Except for increases under the 2024-2026 public service pay agreement, this salary scale has not changed in the last two years and there are no proposals to change the scale in the coming period.

Tax Appeals Commission

In response to the Deputy’s question, I can confirm that the Chairperson of the Tax Appeals Commission is on a fixed point and not on a salary scale.

Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

The scale that applies to the position of the Chief Economist/Head of Secretariat at the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council is the 'Principal Officer PPC' scale. This scale has not changed in the past two years nor are there any proposals to change this scale in the coming period.

Grading is in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform circular on public sector pay.

Schedule 6(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2012 provides that "The Fiscal Council may appoint such and so many persons to be members of the staff of the Fiscal Council, and on such terms, as may be determined by the Fiscal Council with the prior consent of the Minister given following consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform."

Financial Services Pensions Ombudsman

The Head of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman is the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is paid a single point salary and therefore a civil service salary scale does not apply, and there has been no change in the last two years.

The salary is reported in the Annual Report and Financial Statements.

National Treasury Management Agency (including NAMA, HBFI and SBCI)

The National Treasury Management Agency's (NTMA) remuneration model is based on confidential, individually negotiated employment contracts. The NTMA does not operate grades with respective salary scales. The NTMA assigns staff to Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI).

Please note the CEO salaries respectively for the NTMA, NAMA, SBCI and HBFI are contained in their respective Annual Reports.

Central Bank

The Central Bank of Ireland’s Governor’s salary is a single point scale and is published annually in the Annual Report: www.centralbank.ie/publication/corporate-reports/annual-reports

Any increases or otherwise are aligned with general public sector pay agreements and are ratified by the Bank’s Remuneration Committee.

Investor Compensation Company DAC (ICCL)

ICCL’s Chief Operations Officer is appointed to the Central Bank of Ireland’s Head of Function salary scale (non-contributory) www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/careers/policies/staff-categories-salary-scales-and-salary-bands.pdf

Any increases or otherwise for this salary scale are aligned with general public sector pay agreements and are ratified by the Governor of the Central Bank.

The following bodies provided nil responses.

Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal (IFSAT)

IFSAT does not have any employees and does not pay annual salaries or have salary scales. The Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, lay members and the registrar all operate on a per diem rate. The number of days worked depends on the cases referred to IFSAT.

Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA)

The DDMBA Board are not paid salaries, the chair receives fees and expenses for attending and organising appeal hearings.

Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo)

ReBo has been operationally wound down since July 2017, and the ReBo Dissolution Act 2020 is awaiting commencement.

Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC)

CUAC are an advisory committee to the Minister set out in the Credit Union Act 1997. While members receive a fee for their time, there is no salary scale.

Irish Banking Resolution Corporation (IBRC)

IBRC is in Special Liquidation and does not have any employees.

Departmental Advertising

Questions (843, 844)

Matt Carthy

Question:

843. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount expended on advertising and promotion in his Department, and within each agency for which he is responsible, for 2022 to 2024, by year and budgeted for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75213/25]

Matt Carthy

Question:

844. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of press, media or communications staff currently employed in his Department and within each agency for which he is responsible; the cost of these staff for 2025 and the expected cost for 2026; whether there are proposals to increase the number of such staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75231/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 843 and 844 together.

Department of Finance

I wish to inform the Deputy that the Department of Finance does not engage in regular advertising and promotion of its policy work but in exceptional circumstances it makes contributions to the campaigns of other agencies or Departments.

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Advertising and Promotion (€s)	37,109	25,000	201,638		TBD*
No. of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff					8
Cost of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff (€s)				**600,000	** 600,000

*Note: A further advertising campaign for 2026 is currently at the planning stage cost unknown.

The Department of Finance has eight staff working in press and communications in 2025 and this is not due to increase in 2026. ** The salary is based on an average using salary scales.

The following information has been provided by the Bodies under the Aegis of the Department.

Tax Appeals Commission

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Advertising and Promotion (€s)	196.80	196.80	0	0	0
No. of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff					0
Cost of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff (€s)				0	0

The Tax Appeals Commission has never employed any staff in press, media or communications and does not intend to employ any press, media or communications staff in the future.

Credit Review Office

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Advertising and Promotion (€s)	38,523	40,398	71,853		*80,000
No. of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff					0
Cost of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff (€s)				0	0

*Estimated figure

Investor Compensation Company (ICCL)

ICCL had advertising and promotion expenditure in 2024 of €4,376. This related to statutorily required or Court mandated advertisements/notifications for Investor Compensation events.

Financial Services Pensions Ombudsman

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Advertising and Promotion (€s)	39,672.55	43,623.05	51,176.98		79,435
No. of Press/Media/Comms Staff					2 plus part of Manager’s role
Cost of Press/Media/Comms Staff (€s)				278,204	293,051

The FSPO also employs the services of a PR Company: €13,768.88 (2025) / Projected for 2026: €15,000.

There are currently no proposals to increase the number of press, media or communications staff.

Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

No reported spend on advertising and promotion and no press/media staff employed.

Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Advertising and Promotion (€s)	0	4,710	1,620		3,500
No. of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff					3
Cost of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff (€s)				87,313	131,867

The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General does not have any proposal to increase the number of press, media and communications staff at this time.

Central Bank

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Advertising and Promotion (€s)	54,415	144,601	260,433		271,500
No. of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff					8
Cost of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff (€s)				809,924	753,632

*2025 Cost of Press/Media/Comms staff are based on Gross Salary values as at 31 December 2025.

** 2026 Costs of Press/Media/Comms staff are based on Gross Salary values as at 01 January 2026.

There are currently no proposals to increase the number of press, media or communications staff.

National Treasury Management Agency

-	2022	2023	2024	2026 Budget
Advertising & Promotion	150,185.82	115,046.45	129,565.88	133,452.86

• These figures include HBFI and the SBCI. As part of a shared services agreement, HBFI and the SBCI reimburse the NTMA in respect of costs attributable to them.

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
No. of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff					5 (note 1)
Cost of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff (€s)				Note 2	Note 2

Note 1: Press, media and communications activity in the NTMA is primarily included, alongside other activities, in the remit of its Public Affairs and Communications function. This function, comprising 5 employees, also provides related support services to the SBCI and HBFI.

Note 2: The NTMA remuneration model is based on confidential, individually negotiated employment contracts. Given the small number of staff involved,in order to preserve the confidentiality of the personal employment information of the relevant staff, the staff salary costs of this function are not disclosed.

The NTMA Public Affairs and Communications function currently has no vacancies.

Additionally, SBCI and HBFI would incur direct advertising spend related to its role so there is no recharge to them by the NTMA involved for that spend. Breakdown provided below.

Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Advertising and Promotion (€s)	566,419	543,948	979,249		849,578
No. of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff					0
Cost of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff (€s)				0	0

Home Building Finance Ireland

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Advertising and Promotion (€s)	22,000	42,000	87,000		120,000

National Asset Management Agency

As NAMA is in the process of winding down, it does not have any staff dedicated to press, media, or communications. There are no proposals to increase the number of press, media or communications staff.

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

-	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Advertising and Promotion (€s)	0.48m	0.26m	0.66m		1.1m
No. of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff					5
Cost of Press/Media/Comm.s Staff (€s)				241k	306k

There are currently no proposals to increase the number of press, media or communications staff.

Question No. 844 answered with Question No. 843.

EU Presidency

Questions (845)

Matt Carthy

Question:

845. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost to his Department and to each agency for which it is responsible arising from Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council; the line items or events for which a cost is expected to arise and the estimated cost for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75249/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Government committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful EU Presidency. Significant planning has taken place to date to ensure that costs are managed across all expenditure headings. Prudent financial planning will continue to ensure value for money.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for the central co-ordination of operational planning for the EU Presidency across Government. A co-ordinated approach, supported by the Office of Government Procurement, is being taken with regard to procurement of key services such as accreditation, transport, interpretation, catering and accommodation, in order to support consistency of standards and cost-control.

The Department of Finance’s EU Presidency allocation for 2026 is €4,083,000, composed of €3,438,000 for pay and €645,000 for non-pay. The majority of departmental pay costs are existing staff resources reassigned to EU Presidency-related roles. The 2026 cost for temporary staff recruited specifically for the EU Presidency is estimated at €540,000. The non-pay allocation will be used to cover the costs of increased frequency of official travel to Brussels for staff involved in meetings of the Council, along with providing supporting costs for organising Presidency-related events in Ireland.

Officials in the Department of Finance are engaging with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the logistics around these events.

In terms of the bodies under the aegis of the Department, the Central Bank of Ireland’s non-pay and contingency budget amounts to €209,950, which will primarily support the significant temporary uplift in increased staff travel to Brussels, as well as providing supporting costs for the delivery of Presidency-related events in Ireland. In terms of staffing, the Bank has reallocated existing resources internally.

As part of the 2026 budget allocation process, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners was allocated additional funding of approximately €1.7 million related to Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This funding is comprised of approximately €1.2 million in relation to pay expenditure, which includes additional temporary staffing requirements both in Brussels and in Ireland. This additional staffing will ensure that the Office of the Revenue Commissioners can support the Department of Finance in relation to tax and customs matters throughout Ireland’s Presidency, while continuing to deliver effective administration for businesses and taxpayers at home. It also comprises €0.5 million in relation to non-pay expenditure, which includes travel and subsistence costs relating to the Presidency and the cost of hosting Presidency-related events.

EU Presidency

Questions (846)

Matt Carthy

Question:

846. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the priorities of his Department and each agency for which they are responsible for, in respect of Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75267/25]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

Holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July this year represents an important opportunity for Ireland to shape and lead on European policy priorities, including the Union’s economic and financial agenda.

The high-level thematic priorities of Ireland’s Presidency are under development at present, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade coordinating across Government on the development of the overarching policy programme. This will be prepared in line with the EU Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, considering the current legislative work programme of the European Commission and informed by stakeholder engagement and public outreach activities led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The specific priorities of Ireland’s EU Presidency will depend on the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda over the course of the Cyprus Presidency. We will need to take stock of the progress made before we publish our own thematic priorities in June.

The Deputy will be aware of the broader economic context against which Ireland will assume the EU Presidency next summer. As such, we expect a particular emphasis on strengthening the EU’s competitiveness. Driving progress on the EU simplification agenda and the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework will also be important focuses.

In the Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) track, we expect a significant amount of work on the Savings and Investments Union, which includes a number of legislative proposals aimed at building deeper and more integrated capital markets. Other files include the digital euro, and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. We will also advance work in the area of taxation and customs.

The Department of Finance will drive these initiatives – with support from the Central Bank of Ireland and the Revenue Commissioners – with the goal of delivering tangible benefits for citizens and businesses. Other bodies under the aegis stand ready to support the Department should any relevant matters arise during Ireland’s Presidency.

Finally, on the wider European security context and global backdrop, the EU’s continued financial support to Ukraine and international economic relations will be important priorities.

I expect to provide more detail to the Deputy once we get closer to taking the Presidency chair on 1 July next.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (847)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

847. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in relation to statements made by his predecessor (details supplied) if the former Minister for Finance met with the CEO of non-lending non-banks known as vulture funds; to outline any engagement between his Department and vulture funds since 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1070/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

On 31 August 2023, the then Minister for Finance met with the CEOs (or their representatives) of credit institutions, retail credit firms, credit servicing firms, and the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland to discuss residential mortgage market issues.

Representatives from the Central Bank of Ireland, the Citizens Information Board, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, and the Insolvency Service of Ireland also attended the meeting.

Ministers and the Department have maintained periodic contact with stakeholders in the mortgage and wider financial services sector. This includes different types of regulated financial service providers.

Tax Credits

Questions (848)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

848. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total number of renters who claimed the renters tax credit in 2025; the average value of the tax credit claimed; and the breakdown of the number of claims and average claim by local authority area, in tabular form. [1151/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Rent Tax Credit (RTC) may be claimed by taxpayer units in respect of qualifying rent paid in 2022 and subsequent years to the end of 2028. A taxpayer unit is either an individual with any personal status who is singly assessed or a couple in a marriage or civil partnership who have elected for joint assessment, in which case they are counted as one taxpayer unit.

The value of the credit for 2022 and 2023 was €500 for a singly assessed individual and €1,000 for a jointly assessed couple. For subsequent years, the value of the credit has increased to €1,000 for a singly assessed individual and €2,000 for a jointly assessed couple.

The extent to which a taxpayer unit benefits from a tax credit through a reduced tax liability and/or receipt of a refund for overpayment of a tax liability, is determined by their gross tax liability and the use of other tax credits and reliefs. Taxpayers who claim the RTC may not fully benefit from the credit as a result of other reliefs, deductions and tax credits already reducing their net tax liability to nil.

I am advised by Revenue that the statistics provided in the table below refer only to claims by PAYE taxpayer units. Data on claims by self-assessed taxpayers are not yet available for 2024 and 2025. Data in relation to later years will be made available in the coming years as the filing deadlines fall due.

I am also advised that the taxpayer units that benefited from the RTC for 2022 and 2023, are set out in Revenue’s ‘Cost of Tax Expenditures’ publication, which is available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/cost/index.aspx

I am further advised by Revenue that the data is not reported on the basis of Local Authority areas, and is broken down on a county basis. The table below outlines the number of PAYE taxpayer units, as well as the average value of the credit claimed to date, by county in 2025.

2025	Number of PAYE Taxpayer Units who claimed the RTC *	Average value of tax credit claimed €
CARLOW	740	1,090
CAVAN	850	1,160
CLARE	1,310	1,120
CORK	10,720	1,100
DONEGAL	1,220	1,140
DUBLIN	49,750	1,080
GALWAY	6,270	1,090
KERRY	1,400	1,110
KILDARE	3,510	1,140
KILKENNY	1,060	1,150
LAOIS	760	1,170
LEITRIM	270	1,070
LIMERICK	4,360	1,090
LONGFORD	500	1,150
LOUTH	1,430	1,150
MAYO	1,470	1,130
MEATH	1,870	1,160
MONAGHAN	660	1,110
OFFALY	830	1,140
ROSCOMMON	620	1,210
SLIGO	1,040	1,060
TIPPERARY	1,710	1,150
WATERFORD	1,840	1,130
WESTMEATH	1,460	1,170
WEXFORD	1,470	1,160
WICKLOW	1,330	1,170
Not Currently Available	3,610	n/a
Total	102,060	1,100

* figures are rounded to nearest ten

Finally, in relation to the data for 2025, it should be noted that most claims for credits by PAYE taxpayers take place after the year-end, and it is expected that the bulk of claims for 2025 will not be made until later in 2026.

Revenue Commissioners

Questions (849)

Conor D McGuinness

Question:

849. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of sheriff warrants issued by the Revenue Commissioners in 2025; and the total amount of tax involved in those warrants. [1154/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I am advised that Revenue only refers outstanding tax liabilities to its enforcement agents, including Sheriffs, as a last resort. Before any such action is taken, Revenue makes every effort to engage with the taxpayer to resolve the situation. The important message for taxpayers who receive final demands is to engage with Revenue at the earliest opportunity so that a mutually acceptable solution can be found.

Statistics for the full year 2025 are not yet available. The number of sheriff warrants issued by Revenue in the period 1 January to 30 November 2025 is 84,249. The total amount of tax involved in those warrants is €308,290,414.

Tax Exemptions

Questions (850)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

850. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to increase income tax exemption limits for persons over 65 years of age. [1192/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

As the Deputy is aware the current thresholds for the income tax age exemption are €18,000 per annum where an individual is aged 65 years or over, and €36,000 per annum for married couples and civil partners, jointly assessed to tax, where either individual is aged 65 or over. The relevant income thresholds may be increased further if the individual has a qualifying child. Additionally, marginal relief may be available where the individual’s or couple’s income exceeds the relevant exemption limit but is less than twice that amount.

The current tax arrangements for persons aged 65 or older compare favourably with the tax treatment of the generality of taxpayers. For example, the age tax credit or the age exemption limits and marginal relief are available to persons aged 65 or over. In addition, reduced rates of USC also apply for persons aged 70 or older where their total income is €60,000 or less per annum. Furthermore, the State Contributory Pension and the State Non-Contributory Pension are not chargeable to USC or Pay Related Social Insurance.

The Commission on Taxation and Welfare recommended that age should be removed as a factor for determining the charge to income tax and USC as it narrows the base and breaches the concept of horizontal equity. Further details are set out in the Report of the Commission, at the following link - www.gov.ie/en/publication/7fbeb-report-of-the-commission/

Accordingly, I have no plans to review or increase the age exemption limits at this time.

However, persons aged over 65 can avail of the age exemption or the normal tax system of credits and bands.

With the substantial increases to tax credits introduced by the previous Government, the effective entry point to income tax has increased for all taxpayers, including those aged 65 or older. For 2026, the effective entry point to income tax for an individual in receipt of the single person credit, employee/earned income credit and the age credit is €21,225 per annum.

Therefore, depending on their personal circumstances, it may be more beneficial for persons aged over 65 to be taxed under the normal tax system of credits and bands.

I would encourage all taxpayers to ensure that they are availing of the most beneficial tax treatment.

Tax Code

Questions (851)

Séamus McGrath

Question:

851. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners insist on the 1% stamp duty rate on new residential properties being applied to the selling price of the new property as opposed to the selling price minus the 13.5% VAT rate (details supplied); and the procedure that is in place to ensure reimbursement of the overpayment of stamp duty. [1350/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that Stamp Duty is charged on a sale of new residential property on the VAT exclusive consideration. The legislative basis for this is sections 48 and 56 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act (SDCA) 1999.

Stamp Duty is a self-assessed tax and, as such, the onus is on the accountable person to ensure that an accurate Stamp Duty return is filed and that the correct amount of Stamp Duty is paid. In circumstances where, in error, the purchaser of a new residential property (or a person acting on their behalf) files a Stamp Duty return containing the VAT-inclusive selling price instead of the VAT-exclusive selling price and Stamp Duty is then paid on the VAT-inclusive selling price, the purchaser may apply to Revenue for a repayment of the Stamp Duty overpaid. The legislative basis for this is section 152 SDCA 1999. In accordance with section 159A SDCA 1999, the repayment must be claimed no later than four years after the date on which the Stamp Duty was originally due to be paid.

In order to claim a repayment of Stamp Duty, the purchaser (or a person acting on their behalf) should amend the Stamp Duty return to show the VAT-exclusive selling price and, separately, send details of the repayment claim to Revenue via MyEnquiries. These details should include the Document ID number. Should the purchaser require any assistance they may wish to contact Revenue’s National Stamp Duty Office (NSDO). Contact details for the NSDO are available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/contact-us/customer-service-contact/stamp-duty.aspx

National Treasury Management Agency

Questions (852, 854, 856)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

852. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will address concerns and consider a proposal (details supplied), regarding State-backed saving products to preserve their real purchasing power over time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1466/26]

Donna McGettigan

Question:

854. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if State savings will introduce a new savings product that will at least match if not beat inflation as per the UK's equivalent NS&I Index-Linked Savings Certificates, noting that the return from the current Stave savings products do not match inflation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1519/26]

Cathal Crowe

Question:

856. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, noting annual inflation for the 12 months to December 2025, State Savings will introduce a new savings product that will at least match, if not surpass, inflation in a similar manner to the UK's equivalent NS&I Index Linked Savings Certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1617/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 852, 854 and 856 together.

The NTMA, through Ireland State Savings products, already offers a wide range of tax-free savings products to the general public, including Prize Bonds and fixed rate savings bonds/certificates. Both short term and long-term fixed rate products are offered, with maturities from 3 to 10 years. Savings invested in this way are available to the Exchequer to fund Government expenditure and remain an important and dependable component of Government borrowing.

The NTMA keeps the suite of State Savings products, and the interest rates paid on them, under constant review to ensure that the products remain competitive and attractive to savers, while also remaining conscious of the cost to the taxpayer of paying interest on these products.

I note the reference to the UK NS&I Index-Linked Savings Certificates as an example of a particular savings product which tracks inflation. However, I understand that there is now new issuance of this product, and while it is possible to retain or roll over the certificates certain changes have been made to it which reduces its overall attractiveness.

It was never intended that State Savings products would match inflation – they remain a government guaranteed and simple way of saving, and State Savings products remain attractive when compared to similar savings products in the market. I would also say that in setting rates there needs to be a balance between the benefit to the investor and the cost to the State. A proposal to increase state savings rates along the lines suggested would have a significant cost for the borrowing costs of the State and I am informed that the NTMA do not intend to issue an Inflation linked product at this time.

Fiscal Data

Questions (853)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

853. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the tax expenditures evaluations that will take place in 2026; if they will be made publicly available; and if so, when will they be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1494/26]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The evaluation of tax expenditures is important work carried out by my Department on an annual basis.

The Deputy may be aware of the Tax Expenditures Evaluation Guidelines which were most recently updated in October 2024. The guidelines outline best practice for both ex-ante and ex-post evaluations and these will be followed carefully for the forthcoming reviews in 2026.

The Guidelines detail which tax expenditures should be prioritised for review; priority will be given to tax expenditures with an approaching sunset clause. Following that, and in general, the forthcoming evaluations will continue to prioritise the costliest tax expenditures.

On completion, the 2026 tax expenditure evaluations carried out by my Department will be published either as part of the annual Tax Strategy Group papers, or, alongside Budget documentation on Budget Day.

Further publications and detail regarding tax expenditure evaluation can be found on the Department of Finance website, at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/publications/tax-expenditures-publications-and-guidelines/

Question No. 854 answered with Question No. 852.

Question No. 855 answered with Question No. 835.

• Written Answers Nos. 812-833
• Written Answers Nos. 856-875