Written Answers Nos. 470-489
471. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding any direct lobbying he has received from any NGO in relation to his annual funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11856/26]
View answerI can confirm that my Department does not provide funding to NGOs. Under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, Ministers are Designated Public Officials and proactively advise possible lobbyists of this and include a line in their email signature stating: *Designated Public Official under Regulation of Lobbying Act, 2015. See www.lobbying.ie. Any lobbyist who contacts a Designated Public Official must register on the register of lobbying and submit returns three times a year. These returns are available to the public on lobbying.ie.
472. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the extent each recommendation of the National Payments Strategy under each of the sixteen 'future outcomes' has been completed or has not been completed as at the current date; if each recommendation is on track or not on track for delivery as at the current date; the current status of each recommendations, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11890/26]
View answerThe National Payments Strategy (NPS) was published in October 2024, the strategy ensures that the Irish payment ecosystem evolves in tandem with the wider EU payments sector and continues to provide a strong user experience for Irish consumers, as a result of proactive participation by market players.
The strategy makes a wide array of recommendations which aim to direct the evolution of the Irish payments market going forward. Recommendations include emphasising choice in payments methods, the establishment of an account-to-account payment working group and requiring government departments and bodies accept or facilitate cash payments.
There is no central monitoring role for the Department of Finance in relation to the NPS. It is the responsibility of each Department to ensure recommendations made in the strategy are implemented. The attached table is the result of a limited scoping exercise that was undertaken over several days by my officials. Further questions regarding implementation should be addressed to the Department in question or the parent Department of the Body under the Aegis in question.
473. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the progress to date designating psychotherapy and counselling services as VAT exempt; the costings if this was to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11894/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the terms of the EU VAT Directive which Irish VAT law must comply. Under Irish legislation the provision of medical care services by recognised medical professionals are exempt from VAT. 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.
Statutory Instrument No. 170 of 2018 (Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (Regulations 2018)) of 2 July 2018 designates psychotherapists and counsellors as a regulated profession and establishes the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board. Professional counselling and psychotherapy services provided by persons registered by this Board are exempt from VAT from the date of their registration. Where such services are supplied by a person who is not so registered (including where the services are provided by a person in advance of their being so registered) then the supply of the service is liable to the reduced rate of VAT, currently 13.5%.
As the necessary legislation has already been passed the VAT exemption in question will apply from the date of registration by the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board.
On 27 February 2019, the establishment of and appointment of members to the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board was confirmed under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (amended) to regulate the professions of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. The thirteen members of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board were appointed with effect from 25 February 2019.
Questions on the establishment of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board and their progress in opening their register are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health.
I am advised by Revenue that traders are not required to identify the VAT yield generated from the supply of specific goods and services on their VAT returns. Therefore, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the costings of providing this exemption to the specific services referred to by the Deputy.
474. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the systems in place to agree performance metrics of Chief Executives of agencies within the aegis of his Department; the way in which these are measured; the person or body that carries out the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11958/26]
View answerThe following information has been provided by the Bodies under the Aegis of my Department.
Central Bank
The Central Bank of Ireland is independent in the exercise of its functions.
The Central Bank of Ireland’s Non-Executive Commission Members agree, annually, a set of performance objectives for the Governor aligned with the Bank’s annual business plan and budget.
A review is conducted annually by a sub-set of the Non-Executive Commission Members. This review takes the delivery of the Central Bank’s annual business plan and final budget outcome into account.
The sub-group reports back to the Non-Executive Commission Members on the outcome of the review.
The Chief People Officer is also appraised of the outcome.
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)
The FSPO was established in January 2018 by the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017 (FSPO Act). The FSPO Act provides that, subject to the Act, the Ombudsman is independent in the performance of his or her functions.
While the Minister has no role in the investigation of complaints brought to the FSPO under the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017 (the Act), there is a Service Level, Oversight and Performance Delivery Agreement in place between the Department of Finance and the Office of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016), which sets out the arrangements for oversight, monitoring and reporting and also sets out the FSPO’s commitments regarding the operational roles, responsibilities, outputs and outcomes.
Under Section 40 of the Act, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Council has the function to keep under review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman prepares an Annual Report on the performance of the functions of the Ombudsman and financial statements of account for the preceding year under Section 24 of the Act. The Report is presented to the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Social Protection and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Ombudsman is accountable to the Public Accounts Committee and to other Oireachtas Committees under Sections 22 and 23 of the Act.
Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are set for the CEO annually and approved by the Board. The Chair of the Board undertakes a performance review annually with the CEO, assessing performance against agreed KPIs, with the performance evaluation reviewed by the Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board.
Investor Compensation Company (ICCL)
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) of ICCL is an employee of the Central Bank of Ireland and is on secondment to the ICCL. The COO participates in the Central Bank of Ireland’s performance management and development programme. The COO’s performance is assessed annually by the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Board of the ICCL, having regard to progress achieved in relation to the ICCL’s Operational Workplan and Strategic Plan. The assessment is considered by the Board of the ICCL, and the outcome is conveyed to the Central Bank of Ireland.
Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council is an independent statutory body. The Fiscal Council operates within public sector governance regulations and procedures, including those set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. In compliance with Section 4 of this Code, the Board (i.e. the Council) undertakes an annual self-assessment evaluation.
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA)
In the line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, assessment of the performance of the Chief Executive of NAMA is the responsibility of the Board of NAMA. Having set and agreed the strategic plan of NAMA, the NAMA Board determines formal SMART performance annual objectives for the CEO each year consistent with its strategic plan. Each year, the CEO’s performance is formally assessed against these SMART objectives by the Board, and the outcome is then communicated to the CEO by the NAMA Chair on behalf of the Board.
National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA)
The Agency (NTMA Board) sets the annual objectives for the NTMA Chief Executive following review by the NTMA Remuneration Committee. Each year, the Chief Executive’s performance evaluation against these objectives is reviewed by the Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board. The outcome of the Board’s review of performance, along with the annual objectives approved by the Board for the following year, are shared with the Chief Executive by the Agency Chairperson.
Tax Appeal Commission
The Chairperson of the Tax Appeals Commission (“the Commission”) is accountable to the Minister for Finance for the efficient and effective management of the organisation and for the due performance of her functions. The Chairperson is required to fulfil her obligations of the Commission under section 4F of the Finance (Tax Appeals and Prospectus Regulations) Act 2019 to ensure and maintain efficient and effective systems and procedures in the administration of tax appeals.
Each year, the Chairperson sets out public service performance and equality targets for the forthcoming year in the Revised Estimated Volume for the Public Services. This includes output metrics directly related to the Strategic Programme as well as outcome metrics that describe progress in relation to policy goals or objectives.
The Chairperson also completes a Public Service Performance Report which facilitates the review of performance information presented by the Commission in the Revised Estimates for Public Services.
The Chairperson also has a legal duty to prepare an annual report in relation to the performance of the Commission in the preceding year and submit this report to the Minister on or before 31 March of the following year. This annual report is also laid before each House of the Oireachtas and published on its website.
In addition to the above, there is regular contact between the Department and the Chairperson and the Minister is kept updated.
Revenue
Revenue have advised that the high-level objectives of the Office are set as part of the usual strategic planning process which requires all government departments, including Revenue, to prepare statements of strategy at regular intervals as set out in the Public Service Management Act (PSMA), 1997. Revenue’s Statements of Strategy are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Finance. In giving operational effect to its Strategy, Revenue also sets and publishes annual corporate priorities each year.
The Revenue Commissioners have statutory responsibility for performing their functions and formally report to the Minister for Finance on progress against corporate priorities and the overarching Statement of Strategy through the preparation of a detailed Annual Report in respect of each calendar year. Revenue’s Annual Reports are also laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published on the Revenue website.
The Chairman of the Board of the Revenue Commissioners is the Accounting Officer for Revenue and the Head of Office under the PSMA. In this capacity, the Chairman regularly appears before the Committee on Public Accounts, the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach, and other Committees upon request, in relation to any strategy statement or Annual Report that has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas or indeed any matter falling under the remit of the Office.
Finally, the performance of the Chairman and Revenue is evaluated by the Performance Review Group (PRG), which oversees the annual performance evaluation of Irish Civil Service Secretaries General to ensure accountability and leadership excellence. The PRG reports to the Civil Service Accountability Board, which oversees the wider process.
Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are set for the CEO annually following recommendations of the SBCI Remuneration Committee and approval by the SBCI Board. The Chair of the SBCI Board undertakes a performance review annually with the CEO, assessing performance against the agreed KPIs, with the performance evaluation reviewed by the SBCI Remuneration Committee and approved by the SBCI Board.
The following Bodies provided a nil response:
Irish Bank Resolution Corporation is in special liquidation.
Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo) has been operationally wound down since July 2017, and the ReBo Dissolution Act 2020 is awaiting commencement.
Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC) are an advisory committee to the Minister set out in the Credit Union Act 1997 and does not have a Chief Executive.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) is an independent function. The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General is part of the Finance group of Votes. The Accounting Officer is responsible for the overall administration of the Office and is accountable for the use of resources of the Office.
Credit Review Office does not have a Chief Executive. KPI’s for the Office are measured annually and reported to the Department.
475. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the age tax credit for qualifying individuals and jointly assessed couples (details supplied) in order to reduce the income tax burden on those of pension age given annual increases to the State pension can result in the gradual erosion of tax credits and available tax bands for older people, thereby increasing their effective tax liability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12098/26]
View answerThe tax code provides for a number of tax measures for those aged 65 and over. This includes section 464 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 which provides for the Age Tax Credit for individuals aged 65 or over. The credit is due in the year that an individual reaches the age of 65 and is granted for the full tax year. The current value of the tax credit is €245 per year for single persons or €490 per year for married couples or civil partners. The credit is available when the older spouse or civil partner reaches the age of 65.
The current tax arrangements for persons aged 65 or older compare favourably with the tax treatment of the generality of taxpayers. The current age exemptions limits mean that single, widowed or surviving civil partners aged 65 or older do not pay any income tax if they earn less than €18,000 per annum, with a threshold of €36,000 in place for a married couple or civil partners where one person is 65 years of age or older. 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.
Persons aged over 65 can avail of the age exemption or the normal tax system of credits and bands, whichever is more beneficial.
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.
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.
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/.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances.
476. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will review the annual exemption limits for persons aged 65 years and over for the payment of tax on pensions; when these limits were last reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12122/26]
View answer477. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider the situation arising for some pensioners who due to the increase in the State pension in Budget 2026 are now paying more tax on their modest occupational pensions leaving them financially worse off; if this will be examined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12123/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 476 and 477 together.
Where a person is in receipt of the State pension from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and has an additional source of income such as an occupational pension, the mechanism used to tax payments from the DSP is by reducing the person’s annual tax credits and rate band by the annual amount of their DSP income. This ensures that their weekly payment from the DSP is paid gross to the recipient, while their weekly/monthly occupational pension paid by their pension provider will have any tax due on the DSP income and on the occupational pension deducted from it.
I am aware that, depending on a person’s circumstances, increases in weekly DSP payments may result in higher tax deductions from a person’s occupational pension and a reduced weekly/monthly net occupational pension. However, over the course of a year, as a result of the increased payment a person’s combined net income from their occupational and State pensions will always be higher than it was before the increase.
In relation to the annual age exemption limits, and 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/.
As part of the Personal Tax Review published as part of Budget 2024 documentation, my Department set out further analysis of the recommendations of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare, including in respect of the age exemption limits. The Report is available at the following link https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/review-of-the-personal-tax-regime-july-2023-85d9881a-d5da-46ec-a798-8d11cc9a95be.pdf
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 and for a married couple is €42,250 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.
478. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to ensure that the Central Bank is implementing the recommendations of the Report on the Israeli Bonds Programme, eleven of which relate directly to obligations under, and due diligence in respect of, international and European law, from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach issued on 5 August 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12245/26]
View answerThe Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Services Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach, published their report on the Israeli Bond Programme on their website on 5 August 2025 and in that report it made a number of recommendations.
Financial services is a devolved competency and any recommendation to amend the Prospectus Regulation is a matter for the European Commission. On 21 October the European Commission published its 2026 work programme, and this does not include a review of the Prospectus Regulation.
With regard to the recommendation that the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) conduct a risk assessment, including their obligations under international law. I am informed that as part of its wider Sustainability and Responsible Investment (SRI) Strategy, ISIF pursues an Active Ownership strategy, this is facilitated by its engagement manager, "EOS at Federated Hermes". Active Ownership emphasises responsible wealth creation through active engagement on ESG priorities.
In relation to the recommendations in the Committee’s Report that were addressed to the Central Bank of Ireland, they have informed my officials that they reviewed the recommendations in the report issued by the Committee; that they have had various correspondences with the Committee; and the Bank at senior level have set out their position both in writing and at various public sessions of the Committee.
In accordance with the provisions of the Prospectus Regulation concerning ‘Home Member States’ and the transfer of approval (Article 20(8)), the competent authority of Luxembourg (CSSF) approved a new prospectus for the State of Israel on 1 September 2025 (the 2025 Prospectus). The Central Bank has indicated that, while they approved the transfer of the prospectus approval to Luxembourg, they had no role in the review and approval of the 2025 prospectus for the State of Israel.
Central Bank officials have also confirmed to my Department that they continued to keep under review the compliance of the 2024 Prospectus with the applicable legal and regulatory framework until that prospectus expired on 1 September 2025.
The Central Bank indicate that they could not give effect to some of the recommendations of the Report as they related to the 2025 Prospectus as it had no role in the review and approval of that prospectus. The CSSF acted independently in that capacity.
By way of more general background, my officials have been informed by the Central Bank that following the Central Bank’s attendance at the Joint Committee in October 2024, the Central Bank carried out an internal review of the process relating to the approval of 2024 Prospectus. The Central Bank wrote to the Joint Committee in December 2024 with regard to that review.
The Central Bank subsequently appeared before the Joint Committee in June 2025 to answer additional questions with regard to its role as competent authority in Ireland with regard to the EU Prospectus Regulation. After that meeting, the Central Bank followed up with additional correspondence to the Joint Committee in relation to this matter.
Through these engagements the Central Bank has, on more than one occasion, disclosed relevant information with regard to its role as a competent authority under the EU Prospectus Regulation in relation to the 2024 Prospectus.
During this period, and up to 1 September 2025, the Central Bank has kept under review the compliance of the 2024 Prospectus with EU law, national law and international law. It is the Central Bank’s assessment, taking into account legal advice, that it did not have a legal basis to refuse to approve or suspend any offers under the 2024 Prospectus.
Finally, the Central Bank has on a number of occasions pointed out that it is restricted by way of professional secrecy obligations from providing confidential information with regard to specific supervisory matters.
479. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of homes liable for the vacant homes tax, by county, in 2025. [12263/26]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the number of properties liable for Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) in 2025, by county, is shown in the table below. The data are as of November 2025, the latest date for which a county breakdown is available. The properties below were liable for VHT in the second chargeable period from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024, when VHT was charged at five times the property’s base LPT rate (excluding any local adjustment factor).
|
County |
Property Count |
|
CAVAN |
87 |
|
CLARE |
45 |
|
CORK |
241 |
|
DONEGAL |
147 |
|
DUBLIN |
424 |
|
GALWAY |
144 |
|
KERRY |
201 |
|
KILDARE |
74 |
|
CARLOW/KILKENNY* |
51 |
|
LAOIS |
18 |
|
LEITRIM |
22 |
|
LIMERICK |
101 |
|
LONGFORD |
24 |
|
LOUTH |
47 |
|
MAYO |
135 |
|
MEATH |
46 |
|
MONAGHAN |
20 |
|
OFFALY |
35 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
52 |
|
SLIGO |
49 |
|
TIPPERARY |
91 |
|
WATERFORD |
66 |
|
WESTMEATH |
24 |
|
WEXFORD |
87 |
|
WICKLOW |
130 |
|
Total |
2,361 |
*These countries have been combined to protect taxpayer confidentiality.
480. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to clearly outline the VAT obligations arising from reverse charge mechanisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12345/26]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the arrangements regarding accounting VAT are subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law is obliged to comply. Under VAT law, VAT is normally charged and accounted for by the supplier of the goods or services. However, in certain circumstances, it is the recipient rather than the supplier who is obliged to account to Revenue for the VAT due. This is known as the reverse charge mechanism (sometimes referred to as “self-accounting”) and applies to a range of supplies.
Generally, the reverse charge mechanism is an EU-wide way of facilitating cross-border trade between businesses whilst ensuring that VAT is properly accounted for in the Member State where the supply is received, and the mechanism is also used by Member States in relation to domestic supplies between businesses in a small number of specified sectors as a way of strengthening VAT compliance.
The reverse charge mechanism applies in relation to services supplied from abroad to taxable persons in the State (received services) and in relation to the intra-Community acquisition of goods (ICAs) from another Member State. It also applies to domestic supplies in the case of certain construction services, greenhouse gas allowances, scrap metal, wholesale supplies of gas or electricity, and gas or electricity certificates.
Where the reverse charge mechanism applies, the obligation to pay the VAT to Revenue arising from the supply of certain goods or services is shifted from the provider who is making the supply to the taxable person who is receiving the good or service. In a reverse charge situation, the provider does not charge VAT, and instead the recipient is obliged to account for the VAT in their VAT return on the invoiced amounts at the appropriate Irish VAT rate. As part of the arrangements, the recipient must provide their VAT number to the supplier.
There is no turnover threshold for businesses who receive taxable services for business purposes from outside the State (received services). Therefore, taxable persons, including VAT-exempt businesses, are obliged to register for VAT (if they are not already registered) and account for Irish VAT in accordance with the reverse charge mechanism. Non-taxable legal persons, including Local Authorities, State agencies and semi-State bodies, who do not have a VAT number are not required to register and account for VAT on received services.
Generally, the reverse charge mechanism applies to all ICAs by VAT registered businesses and are not subject to a separate threshold. However, in the case of businesses that are wholly exempt from VAT and other entities whose supplies are outside the scope of VAT they are required to register for VAT in respect of their ICAs of goods where the value exceeds or is likely to exceed €41,000 in any continuous period of 12 months. Examples of such businesses or entities includes, insurance companies, building societies, public authorities, hospitals and charities.
When the reverse charge mechanism applies the invoice issued by the supplier must contain the normal details required on a VAT invoice, other than the rate of tax chargeable and the amount of tax payable. The invoice should include a statement indicating that the recipient is liable to account for the VAT. Transactions subject to the reverse change should be included in VAT3, VIES, Intrastat returns and the Return of Trading Details as normal.
Detailed information is available on the Revenue website in relation to the VAT obligations arising from the reverse charge mechanism including specific guidance in relation to the application on the reverse charge to construction services and taxi drivers.
www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/value-added-tax/part11-immovable-goods/construction-services/construction-servcies.pdf.
www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/value-added-tax/part03-taxable-transactions-goods-ica-services/Services/vat-treatment-of-taxi-drivers.pdf.
481. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will address concerns raised in correspondence regarding motor insurance premiums (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12350/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, neither I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland can intervene in insurance pricing or provision under the EU's Solvency II directive. The Government remains fully committed to the continued reform of the insurance sector, to enhance affordability and availability of insurance for all consumers.
A key focus of the insurance reform agenda has been reducing personal injury costs, which historically accounted for around 70 per cent of overall motor insurance claims costs. Since the introduction of the Personal Injuries Guidelines and related measures, that figure has now moved closer to a 50/50 split between settled injury cost (46%) and settled damage costs (54%) in 2024. This significant shift has helped shield Ireland from the full impact of global inflationary pressures in the motor insurance sector.
Inflationary pressures, which have emerged in recent years, are driven primarily by external factors, including more technologically advanced vehicles, international supply chain disruptions, and increasing labour costs in the repair sector. All of which have contributed to higher repair costs, in turn placing upward pressure on premiums. My officials engage regularly with Insurance Ireland, which advises that premiums are calculated using a range of rating factors, including where a vehicle is stored, the age and experience of the driver, and other risk-related considerations.
Nevertheless, the Government’s Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029 sets out a range of targeted measures to improve affordability, availability, and transparency for consumers. One of the priority actions is the development of a Transparency Code for the insurance industry. My Department, working with the Central Bank of Ireland and the insurance sector, is in the process of finalising the Code. When implemented, the Code will help consumers better understand the key factors influencing their motor premiums, support more informed decision making, and strengthen trust in pricing practices. It will also enhance transparency around rating factors, fees, discounts, and the general reasons an application may be declined. By promoting more consistent communication, the Code will support the Government’s broader goal of a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused insurance sector.
The Government is firmly committed to addressing the cost of insurance through implementing the reforms set out in the Programme for Government and Action Plan for Insurance Reform to ensure a fairer, more sustainable and competitive insurance market which delivers tangible improvements in cost, choice, and access for all consumers.
482. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures he is taking to reform the system of tax expenditures and to strengthen tax evaluation practices within his Department, so as to ensure that the billions in revenue foregone annually is subject to robust scrutiny and demonstrably effective in achieving stated policy objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12433/26]
View answerI note the Deputy’s question on tax expenditures.
My Department remain committed to improving the monitoring, reporting and evaluation of tax expenditures in Ireland.
It has been well established internationally that tax expenditures routinely suffer from a lack of transparency, and my Department have taken a number of measures in recent years to address this. Last year, as part of the annual Tax Strategy Group (TSG), my Department published a paper detailing recent changes in this area. The paper is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/collections/budget-2026-tax-strategy-group-papers/.
It will be of interest to the Deputy, that my Department report on tax expenditures annually. The most recent of such reports – ‘Tax Expenditures in Ireland – 2025 Report’, was published in July 2025. In addition, last year, my Department published the first iteration of the ‘Tax Expenditure Passports’, which provide a one-page summary, or ‘passport’, of each tax expenditure in Ireland. It is intended to update this document annually. This summary outlines the policy objective or market failure addressed by each tax expenditure, the results of the most recent evaluation, and, where available, the cost and number of beneficiaries.
Tax expenditures are evaluated in accordance with my Department’s Tax Expenditure Evaluation Guidelines. These were most recently updated in 2024, to reflect international best practice and following on key learnings from over fifty tax expenditure evaluations carried out since the publication of the first set of these Guidelines in 2014. Evaluations are published on my Department’s website, and are typically published either as part of the annual TSG papers, or, alongside Budget day documentation. For example, last year, reviews of the Foreign Earning’s Deduction, the Reduced Rate of USC for Medical Card Holders, and the Special Assignee Relief Programme were published on Budget day.
The Guidelines outline the criteria that should be considered in both ex-ante and ex-post reviews of tax expenditures, as well providing guidance on how often tax expenditures should be evaluated, and the level of scrutiny involved in each evaluation.
The Guidelines, Passports, and most recent report are available on my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/publications/tax-expenditures-publications-and-guidelines/.
483. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason the price ceiling for the first home scheme has increased by €25,000, while the help-to-buy scheme price ceiling did not; to review the property price ceilings for the help-to-buy scheme in view of this discrepancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12532/26]
View answerThe Help to Buy (HTB) incentive, is a tax-based scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. It also aims to encourage additional supply of new houses by supporting demand.
HTB provides a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.
The level of support available to first time buyers under the HTB scheme, is whichever is the lesser of:
• €30,000; or
• 10 per cent of the purchase price of the new property; or,
• the amount of Income Tax and DIRT paid in the four years before application for the relief.
For a property to qualify for the HTB scheme, it must be new or converted for use as a dwelling, having not been previously been used as a dwelling. Additionally, the purchase value/approved valuation of the property must not exceed €500,000.
Based on the latest available data (30 November 2025), the scheme has supported over 61,000 individuals or couples to buy or build their own home. To date the average property value of approved HTB claims was €360,500.
The First Home Scheme (the FHS) is a shared equity scheme, funded by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the participating lenders: the Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks Plc and Permanent TSB Plc.
I would note that any changes to property price ceilings in the FHS is beyond my direct remit as Minister for Finance as it is a matter for the FHS Designated Activity Company (DAC) which is fully responsible for the operation of the FHS on behalf of all shareholders, including price ceiling reviews.
I am advised that at its launch, the FHS DAC announced it would review all price ceilings at six month intervals.
I am further advised the DAC take into account a range of factors as part of these reviews, including the median price and volume of new builds purchased by first time buyers in each local authority area including at sub county level where relevant.
The FHS property price ceilings are set out on the scheme's website:
www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-scheme/property-price-ceilings/.
The Programme for Government commits to the retention and revision of the HTB scheme.
Any revisions to the scheme would have to take into account the effective operation of the scheme and the impact any proposed changes would have on the broader housing market, but these matters will be kept under review.
Furthermore, and as the Deputy will also appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, having regard to the sound management of the public finances and the impact any proposed changes would have on the wider housing market.
484. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider personal income tax breaks for families on ICT equipment purchased for school-use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12580/26]
View answerI understand that the question relates to the introduction of income tax relief being available to parents or guardians who purchase ICT equipment for use in schoolwork for their school-going children.
As I advised the Deputy in my reply to question 64634 of 9 December last year, in line with best practice, and as with all proposals for the introduction of new tax measures or the amendment of existing tax reliefs, the proposal should be assessed in accordance with the Department of Finance Tax Expenditure Guidelines. The guidelines make clear the importance that any policy proposal which involves tax expenditures should only occur in limited circumstances where there are demonstrable market failures and where a tax-based incentive is more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances.
486. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the regulations, standards or oversight mechanisms in place regarding the allocation and printing of registration plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12582/26]
View answerThe Finance Act 1992 (as amended) provides for the registration of vehicles, the charging of vehicle registration tax and the assignment of a unique identification mark to each vehicle upon registration. The Vehicle Regulation and Taxation Regulations, 1992 (as amended), set out the detailed requirements for the format of vehicle registration plates. Certain characteristics of Irish plates are aligned with other countries across the EU through the accordance of our legislation with Council Regulation (EC) 2411/98 and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
It is an offence to display a false registration number, the wrong registration number on a vehicle, or the registration plate in an incorrect format. Revenue and An Garda Síochána actively collaborate to tackle vehicle registration offences, which includes regular engagement on multiagency checkpoints. These joint efforts aim to ensure compliance with vehicle registration legislation and deter illegal activities.
In addition, the National Car Test (NCT), for which the Minister for Transport has policy responsibility, includes checks on the placement, format, legibility, visibility, and colour of a vehicle’s registration plates. Non-compliance with any prescribed vehicle registration plate requirement is recorded as a “major defect” under the NCT, and a vehicle displaying non-compliant registration plates will fail an NCT test until the issue is fixed.
The issue of non-compliance with the legislation related to vehicle registration plates is of cross-Departmental policy relevance, having regard to the role that correct vehicle identification has in the areas of road safety, law enforcement, and vehicle taxation.
The Deputy previously asked about the possibility of introducing additional regulatory measures focussed on controlling the supply of vehicle registration plates and setting manufacturing standards, as a way of addressing the issue. As indicated in my recent replies, the potential effectiveness of such additional regulatory measures is currently being examined so as to develop and recommend suitable options to improve compliance with licence display requirements in the State. This will include consideration of the experience of other jurisdictions regarding the effectiveness of the operation of different regulatory frameworks and solutions, including lessons they have learnt from approaches that were found not to be successful in practice.
This work is being undertaken during 2026 on an interdepartmental basis. Any changes to the current framework would have to be informed by the relevant State enforcement and regulatory bodies impacted.
487. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether his Department has carried out any analysis on the amount of tax revenue raised from the operation of the deemed disposal rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12583/26]
View answerThe tax revenue arising from the taxation of investment funds and life assurance policies, including deemed disposal rules, was examined in the context of Budget 2026. The information available to Revenue does not allow them to isolate the tax returned due to deemed disposal rules from other events which give rise to a tax liability. Therefore, it is not possible to identify directly the tax revenue arising from the application of deemed disposal rules.
On the basis of the information available to Revenue, and based on tax paid over the last eight years, if it was assumed that all tax paid by funds in respect of unit holders, tax paid by life companies in respect of policy holders, and income tax accounted for by individuals in respect of their investments in Irish domiciled funds, offshore funds and life products were as a result of deemed disposal, removing deemed disposal could give rise to a potential cost of €284 million. For Budget 2026 an estimate was prepared for the Exchequer impact in a year where deemed disposal did not apply, assuming that deemed disposal was closer to 50% of the total tax paid. This assumption results in an estimated full year cost to the Exchequer of €142 million for the removal of deemed disposal for investment funds and life assurance products.
However, it is important to note that the actual cost could vary where the proportion of tax which arises from deemed disposal rules is higher or lower, as well as where the gains in a particular year are larger or smaller than the eight-year average used for this estimate.
488. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to progress and publish an implementation plan taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12584/26]
View answer489. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider abolishing the eight-year deemed disposal rule in the capital gains tax system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12585/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 489 together.
The Deputy may be aware than an implementation for the Funds Review was published with the Budget on 7 October 2025. This document includes a full breakdown of the recommendations and those responsible for their implementation. The Implementation Plan noted that 30 of the 42 recommendations are either complete, on a path to completion or progressing including completion by the Central Bank of substantive recommendations on ETFs and the AIF Rulebook.
In addition, Budget 2025 included a commitment to publish a roadmap for the taxation of retail investment. This work is underway, and the roadmap will be published in the coming months. The roadmap will set out an approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to further support retail investment while retaining necessary and important anti-avoidance protections in a proportionate manner. The recommendations of the Funds Review, including those relating to deemed disposal are being considered as the roadmap is being developed, as is the EU Commission’s recommendation on Savings and Investment Accounts, published last year. As with all taxation measures, the roadmap will feed into the usual Budget and Finance Bill process. I hope further progress can be made to address some of the existing obstacles to greater retail investment.
