Written Answers Nos. 186 - 205
186. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount that was collected in USC in 2025, broken down by income brackets with a range of ten thousand, for example, €10,000 - €20,000, €20,000 to €30,000 and so on. [39797/26]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that a taxpayer’s income for a year is only fully identified when the taxpayer submits their Form 11 tax return in the case of self-assessed taxpayers or submits a Form 12 tax return in the case of PAYE taxpayers. Alternatively, PAYE taxpayers may choose not to submit a Form 12 return, in which case their preliminary end of year statement contains the income information that is known to Revenue in relation to that year. As the filing deadline for the Form 11 tax return is approximately 11 months after year-end, information on 2025 incomes is not yet identified for this cohort. PAYE taxpayers have 4 years in which to submit and amend their Form 12 return after the year-end. Revenue prepares statistical tables on the income of all taxpayers approximately 18 months after the year-end.
Therefore, I am advised by Revenue that 2023 is the latest year for which the requested analysis can be undertaken. Data for 2024 will be available for analysis in Q3 of this year, while data for 2025 will be available in Q3 of 2027.
The table below outlines the amount of Universal Social Charge (USC) liability broken down by income ranges for 2023. The income range is based on the income subject to USC and the data is presented at the taxpayer unit level. A taxpayer unit refers to individuals except in the case of jointly assessed couples where that couple are classified as one taxpayer unit, and their income is combined. Therefore, the income of jointly assessed cases in this table is the combined income subject to USC. It should also be noted that USC liabilities may differ from USC receipts collected due to timing and other differences.
|
Income subject to USC |
USC liability €m |
|
0 - 13,000* |
0.0 |
|
13,000 - 20,000 |
43.3 |
|
20,000 - 30,000 |
148.2 |
|
30,000 - 40,000 |
278.7 |
|
40,000 - 50,000 |
307.3 |
|
50,000 - 60,000 |
283.2 |
|
60,000 - 70,000 |
283.2 |
|
70,000 - 80,000 |
285.5 |
|
80,000 - 90,000 |
275.9 |
|
90,000 - 100,000 |
259.4 |
|
100,000 - 110,000 |
233.5 |
|
110,000 - 120,000 |
211.9 |
|
120,000 - 130,000 |
197.4 |
|
130,000 - 140,000 |
175.5 |
|
140,000 - 150,000 |
160.9 |
|
150,000 - 160,000 |
145.1 |
|
160,000 - 170,000 |
127.9 |
|
170,000 - 180,000 |
117.5 |
|
180,000 - 190,000 |
104.0 |
|
190,000 - 200,000 |
93.0 |
|
200,000 - 210,000 |
83.5 |
|
210,000 - 220,000 |
78.4 |
|
220,000 - 230,000 |
69.5 |
|
230,000 - 240,000 |
61.5 |
|
240,000 - 250,000 |
58.5 |
|
250,000 - 260,000 |
55.1 |
|
260,000 - 270,000 |
49.9 |
|
270,000 - 280,000 |
46.4 |
|
280,000 - 290,000 |
42.3 |
|
290,000 - 300,000 |
38.9 |
|
300,000+** |
1,079.4 |
|
Total |
5,394.7 |
*The first bracket reflects the USC exemption threshold of €13,000, below which no USC liability arises.
** It should be noted that this bracket includes all taxpayer units on incomes greater than €300,000 (with no upper limit), whereas the other bands shown in the table represent narrow bands of income, i.e. in €10,000 band ranges.
187. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures currently in place within the Revenue Commissioners to support taxpayers who experience difficulties engaging with digital systems due to low digital literacy, limited access to technology, age, disability or other barriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39982/26]
View answerRevenue operates to a published Customer Charter, which sets expectations for timeliness, fairness, and quality across all customer interactions. The Customer Charter also outlines its commitment to providing a high standard of service to all Revenue customers and to treating all its customers equally. Revenue has advised that it is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive service to all taxpayers and recognises that barriers to digital engagement can arise from a wide range of circumstances, including low digital literacy, limited access to technology, age, disability, language, and other personal or socioeconomic factors.
Revenue has noted to me that it is aware that certain taxpayers may need a more traditional, non-digital service. As such, in addition to online services, Revenue provides a range of alternative channels for those who cannot use digital services and is committed to help those taxpayers comply with their tax obligations and claim their entitlements.
Revenue also offers a range of appointment services to taxpayers in addition to the phone and online services. In-person appointments are available at its offices in Dublin (O’Connell Street), Cork (Revenue House), Limerick (Sarsfield House) and Galway (Geata na Cathrach), between 09:30 and 13:30 hours, Monday to Friday. Taxpayers can schedule an appointment during those hours at a time that is convenient for them.
Virtual appointments are provided nationally which allow taxpayers, accompanied by a trusted friend or family member if they so wish, to speak to a Revenue officer via a video call, through an internet-enabled smart device. Virtual appointments can be conducted from the taxpayer’s home, removing the need for them to attend a Revenue office. The appointments are conducted on Microsoft Teams and once an appointment is scheduled, Revenue will send a MS Teams meeting link which allows taxpayers to attend this appointment virtually.
Taxpayers without access to an internet connection or a smart device can arrange for a “RevConnect” in-office virtual appointment. RevConnect is a service that allows taxpayers to attend a designated Revenue office and using Revenue equipment, speak to a Revenue official regarding their query. These virtual appointments can be made between 09:30 and to 16.00 hours, Monday to Friday. The service is currently available from selected Revenue offices around the country including Castlebar, Dundalk, Letterkenny, Tralee and Waterford.
Appointments can be arranged by calling (01) 738 3660, and further information regarding Revenue’s National Appointments Service can be found on Revenue's website.
For persons with a disability or requiring additional assistance, Revenue has appointed Access Officers across its operational Divisions. Access Officers are a point of contact with responsibility for providing or arranging for assistance and guidance to customers requiring additional assistance. Access Officers also assist customers by arranging services such as appointments; Irish Sign Language translations; braille documentation and other services provided by Revenue. Further details on Revenue’s Access Officer service is also available at Revenue's website.
Revenue facilitates taxpayers in appointing a tax agent, a trusted family member, or another nominated representative to manage their tax affairs on their behalf. For taxpayers experiencing difficulty engaging with Revenue directly — whether due to digital barriers, ill-health, age, or other circumstances — this is a well-established route to ensuring compliance and entitlement without placing an undue burden on the individual taxpayer.
For customers who are not e-enabled, Revenue advises me that it provides a form ordering service for customers who do not wish to file returns or claim entitlements through Revenue’s online channels. Customers may order paper PAYE Income Tax Returns, this service is accessible for customers through a 24-hour automated number on 01 738 3675 or by email at custform@revenue.ie.
To further assist customers who cannot use Revenue’s online services, an Access Supports Marker is also available to customers on an “opt-in” basis. This marker will be applied where customers advise that they have a need for additional supports and assistance in managing their tax affairs and allows Revenue’s customer service staff and caseworkers to quickly and easily identify customers who cannot use Revenue’s online services, ensuring that they are not diverted to online channels, and that correspondence issues in hard-copy, paper format.
Revenue has advised that, as part of their service to customers, it is hosting an Over 65s: ‘All You Need to Know About Tax’ event series from 19 May to 4 June 2026, with sessions taking place in Dublin, Kilkenny, and Limerick. The aim of these events is to enhance the supports available to older taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations, to promote awareness of Revenue's online services and the ease with which they can be used, and to reduce the compliance burden on this group of taxpayers. Further details on dates, locations, and how to register are available on the Revenue website.
Finally, Revenue has assured me that it will continue to monitor demand for non-digital services and enhance its supports as necessary to ensure that taxpayer are not disadvantaged in meeting their obligations or accessing their entitlements as a result of digital exclusion.
188. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has conducted any analysis regarding the amount of rebates and tax credits which people are entitled to, but do not claim; the amount which goes unclaimed each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39397/26]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that, where a tax return is not completed, it is not possible to identify from Revenue data whether a taxpayer may be due additional credits or reliefs. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with an estimated value for unclaimed tax reliefs or the number of people who did not claim tax credits to which they were entitled.
189. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the new Ireland for Finance Strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39423/26]
View answerThe Ireland for Finance strategy is a whole-of-Government strategy for the development of the international financial services sector in Ireland. The strategy was originally published in 2019, with the Update to Ireland for Finance being published in October 2022.
The vision set out in the strategy was to grow and expand Ireland’s position as a global financial services hub. The sector now has approximately 63,000 employed, a growth of 80% since 2015.
In line with Programme for Government commitments, the Department of Finance is preparing a new Ireland for Finance Strategy for the period 2026-2030.
The public consultation period for the new Ireland for Finance strategy concluded in September with 57 submissions received. This has been supplemented by significant input from a wide range of bilateral, national and international stakeholder engagements, including the standing quarterly Ireland for Finance Joint Committee forum.
Analysis of the submissions, stakeholder engagement and wider research is informing the development of a new strategy. The strategy will introduce targeted policy measures which will look to build on our position as a leading global financial centre. While the new Ireland for Finance strategy is still under development, ambitions of the strategy will be for Ireland to:
• Remain a competitive and trusted global international financial services centre;
• Have capacity to scale and attract expertise to enable economic growth in EU;
• Leverage technological capability to support digital transformation; and
• Develop and deepen links with domestic businesses and citizens.
Officials are now in the process of finalising the new Ireland for Finance strategy. I anticipate seeking Government approval and subsequent publication and launch of the strategy over the summer months.
190. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will expand the help-to-buy scheme for first-time buyers under the Revenue Commissioners' remit to those purchasing second hand properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39770/26]
View answerThe Help to Buy (HTB) incentive, is a 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. The Programme for Government commits to "retain and revise the Help to Buy scheme.".
In relation to second-hand properties, an increase in the supply of new housing remains a priority aim of Government policy. The HTB scheme is specifically designed to support the demand for affordable new build homes so as to encourage the construction of an additional supply of such properties.
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 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 April 2026), the scheme has supported over 65,000 individuals or couples to buy or build their own home.
As with all taxation matters, the HTB scheme is kept under review as part of the budgetary process. Any revisions to the scheme would have to be considered as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes and take into account the effective operation of the scheme and the impact any proposed changes would have on the broader housing market.
191. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department will consider reforming the inheritance tax category system. [39606/26]
View answer210. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to reduce inheritance tax that is charged at a flat rate of 33% on the value of assets exceeding specific, relationship-based tax-free thresholds, and to significantly increase these thresholds of €400,000 in the case of a son or daughter and €40,000 in the case of a niece or nephew; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39404/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 210 together.
Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) is a tax which applies to both gifts and inheritances and is charged at a rate of 33%. For CAT purposes, the relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance and the person who receives it determines the maximum amount, known as the “Group threshold”, below which CAT does not arise. The group thresholds were most recently increased in Budget 2025 as follows:
The Group A threshold increased to €400,000 from €335,000. This threshold applies where the beneficiary is a child of the disponer. This includes adopted children, stepchildren and some foster children. Parents may also fall within this threshold where they take an inheritance from a child.
The Group B threshold increased to €40,000 from €32,500. This threshold applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, niece, nephew, or lineal ancestor or lineal descendant of the disponer. Following recent changes made to Capital Acquisitions Tax legislation, the Group B threshold also applies to persons who receive gifts and inheritances from the wider family of their foster parents, for example, from their foster siblings, uncles, aunts and grandparents.
The Group C threshold increased to €20,000 from €16,250, with this threshold applying in all other cases.
Along with tax free group thresholds, various reliefs and exemptions are available in relation to CAT, including agricultural and business relief. There is also the small gift exemption, favourite niece or nephew relief, and the dwelling house exemption.
In general, the availability of specific reliefs in respect of a particular tax head often means that the tax must be calibrated at a particular level in order to generate an appropriate yield. It is important from a tax policy perspective to maintain stability and certainty, and to ensure that the CAT thresholds are appropriately set in the context of the range of reliefs available.
There is a significant associated cost with further changes to the group thresholds, whether it involves increasing these thresholds or whether it involves reforming the inheritance tax category system in order to bring those who are childless within the scope of the Group A threshold. However, that said I recognise the burden of capital taxation.
In conclusion, any further changes to the CAT rate and thresholds and who falls within these thresholds must be considered among various other demands within the overall Budget package, as they have been in the past. In that regard, you should note that the CAT group thresholds are kept under review annually by my officials throughout the Finance Bill cycle.
192. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the Cabinet sub-group on insurance reform will next meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39636/26]
View answerThe Government has shown its appetite for further reform of the insurance sector by re-establishing the Cabinet Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, which I chair as Tánaiste and in developing a new Action Plan for Insurance Reform.
The Action Plan, published on 24 July 2025, sets out an updated and comprehensive suite of targeted measures to further improve affordability, availability, and transparency across the sector. A central priority is enhancing market competitiveness by proactively engaging with the international insurance market to attract new providers to Ireland, thereby increasing supply and exerting downward pressure on premiums. The Sub-Group takes a whole-of-government approach in the implementation of the Action Plan.
The Action Plan includes ten priority actions under six themes, including competitiveness, legal reform, fraud reduction, innovation and skills, and climate protection. Key actions include legal reform, strengthening the remit of the Injuries Resolution Board to ensure quicker and cheaper resolution of claims, examining the feasibility of a cap on certain categories of personal injury awards, and introducing stronger measures to tackle insurance fraud. Priority actions under the Plan are progressing, including the publication of a Motor Insurance Transparency Code on 2 March 2026 and legislation to safeguard access to mortgage protection insurance for cancer survivors, which is currently progressing through the Oireachtas.
The Cabinet Sub-Group on Insurance Reform will ensure that insurance issues continue to receive a high level of focus and cross-government coordination. The Sub-Group meets on a regular basis to drive this agenda forward and to consider the progress that each Minister is making in implementing the specific actions for which they have responsibility. The most recent meeting took place on 25 February 2026, and the next meeting will take place later this week.
Maintaining momentum across these areas will reaffirm the Government’s ongoing commitment to reform and help ensure that the insurance market functions with integrity, accountability, and fairness for consumers.
194. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has examined the issues around deemed disposal for Irish investors and come up with possible solutions to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39887/26]
View answerThe deemed disposal rule is an anti-avoidance measure that applies to investments in Irish domiciled investment funds and life assurance products, as well as equivalent offshore funds and certain foreign life assurance products. It was introduced in Finance Bill 2006 to prevent the indefinite roll-up of income and gains, and the associated loss of tax to the Exchequer.
Under the deemed disposal rule, tax is levied eight years after an investment is made, and every subsequent eight years, regardless of whether a disposal has in fact occurred. The tax is levied on any gain in the value of the investment from the date of acquisition to the date of the deemed disposal. On the ultimate disposal of the investment, any tax paid is allowed as a credit against the final tax liability.
I acknowledge the complexities associated with the deemed disposal rules, but as articulated in the Funds Review 2030 report, any changes to these rules require guardrails to protect the Exchequer and ensure that appropriate taxation is paid. A balance between?supporting retail investment while retaining important and necessary anti-avoidance protections, taking account of potential Exchequer impacts,?is required and incredibly important.
I am committed to taking the necessary action to support retail investment in Ireland. Budget 2026 introduced a reduction in the taxation rate that applies to Irish and equivalent offshore funds and Irish and certain foreign life assurance products, from 41% to 38%. This change also applies to investments in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that are taxed under these regimes.
Budget 2026 also included a commitment to publish a roadmap for the taxation of retail investment, setting 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 roadmap will take the Commissions Savings and Investment Account recommendation, and the Funds Review, including the issue of deemed disposal, into consideration. The report will be published in the coming months and in advance of the budget.
As I announced at the first annual Savings and Investment Forum, on 31 March, a key aspect of the roadmap is the development of a new Investment Account that aims to reduce the complexities related to retail investment taxation and allow individuals to grow their savings more efficiently.
195. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to simplify tax administration for the SME sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39879/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out a range of commitments to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to promote innovation, economic growth and entrepreneurship, and maintaining competitiveness by way of simplification of the tax system. This is an ongoing process.
My Department continues to proactively engage with stakeholders on the simplification and modernisation of the administration of the tax code and is particularly cognisant of the impact of administration on SMEs. Most recently there has been engagement at the Cost of Doing Business Advisory Forum, which is due to report later this year.
Public consultation also provides a forum for stakeholder engagement and recently my Department and Revenue have engaged with stakeholders through a public consultation regarding a number of policy proposals on the modernisation of withholding taxes.
In relation to the administration of tax incentives for SMEs, the Deputy may be aware that a sub-committee of the Tax Administration Liaison Committee (TALC) was established by Revenue in early 2024 with the aim to examine potential opportunities to modernise and simplify access to business reliefs, in particular for SMEs. The sub-committee presented its report in June 2024, and work is ongoing to implement its recommendations.
Amongst the relevant administrative recommendations was the restructuring of Revenue’s published Tax and Duty Manual (TDM) on Relief for Investment in Corporate Trades, or the ‘Part 16 reliefs’, in order to facilitate the provision of, and access to, information to SMEs. The Part 16 reliefs comprise the Employment Investment Incentive (EII), Start-up Capital Incentive (SCI) and Start-up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) which, in general, provide tax relief for risk capital investments in SMEs. The redevelopment of the TDM concluded in December 2025 with the publication of four distinct TDMs which provide clear and simplified guidance for companies that wish to raise risk capital investment and individuals who wish to avail of relief in respect of EII, SCI and SURE.
In addition to the restructuring and redevelopment of these TDMs, extensive follow-on work has commenced in relation to the review and restructure of related content on the Revenue website. This work is at an advanced stage, with updated guidance expected to be published in the coming months.
In relation to Corporation Tax, it is clear that the Corporation Tax return Form CT1 has increased significantly in length and complexity over the years to meet evolving domestic and international reporting obligations. I am advised by Revenue that they are engaging with tax practitioners and representative bodies through the TALC Collections sub-committee to begin the work of identifying how the CT1 return can be simplified and made more user-friendly. While this simplification work is important for businesses it must also be balanced against Revenue’s statutory obligations to ensure that the tax code is applied correctly and that all businesses are assessed on the same legal footing.
Efforts are underway at EU level to reduce bureaucracy and make business easier and faster in the EU by reducing administrative burdens and simplifying EU rules on direct taxation. The EU Commission has set targets to reduce the administrative burden for all businesses in particular for SMEs. Ireland is engaging constructively with these initiatives.
Both my Department and Revenue remain committed to progressing appropriate measures to simply and modernise the administration of the taxation system.
196. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the issues AIB customers have experienced with funds (details supplied); if he has engaged with the Central Bank or the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39881/26]
View answerAs Minister for Finance, I am prevented from intervening in commercial and operational decisions in any particular bank, even one in which the State previously had a shareholding. Notwithstanding this, officials in my Department contacted AIB and received the following response:
Between 2002 to 2006 the Group sold a series of speculative investments in UK commercial properties, known as the Belfry funds. Belfry Investment Fund 1 realised a return of c.250% whilst the other five funds suffered losses due to the global financial crisis and the downturn in the property market.
In 2021, AIB announced a case-by-case review to determine if a refund may be due to some investors. The review assessed the suitability of the Belfry funds for investors. This involved checking that the investors’ investment objectives, experience and financial position were appropriately aligned to investing in the Belfry funds and that the documentation provided to investors was clear. Review outcomes and payments have been communicated to 99.8% of investors.
• Where the review concluded the investment may have been unsuitable, investors received a full repayment of their investment plus additional compensation payments.
• Where the review concluded that an error may have been made in the process, investors received 50% of their investment plus additional compensation payments.
• Where the review found the investment was suitable for the investor to whom it was sold, no payments were made.
The documentation was very clear about the high-risk nature of Belfry 5 and 6. Nonetheless, the bank conducted a case-by-case review of these funds. In some cases, it was concluded that the investment may have been unsuitable.
All investors had the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel and were offered a payment towards the cost of obtaining independent professional advice. Investors can also take their case to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman if they wish to do so.
AIB communicated its approach and treatment methodology to the regulator. Like all financial institutions the bank is subject to regulatory oversight to ensure consumers are protected.
197. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is planning any new tax changes in light of enhanced energy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39659/26]
View answer213. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when he will make a recommendation with regard to any further extension of the tax and excise changes introduced as a consequence of the Iran war; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39658/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 213 together.
Government continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East and assess the impact on energy prices. Solid budgetary management in recent years has meant that we have had the capacity to respond in a timely and substantive way to help with this energy price shock.
Due to the persistent volatility in oil and gas markets and the uncertain nature of the conflict in the Middle East, it is too early to make a decision in relation to extending excise measures.
The best way of insulating our economy and society from fuel prices shocks is to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Revenue raised from the carbon tax are allocated for expenditure on measures which will help towards achieving this; such as the continuation of a national retrofitting programme, investment in community energy efficiency measures, and funding for greener farming practices.
The support measures brought in by this Government are estimated to cost in excess of €750 million. Any future decision on support measures will be considered in the context of the annual Budgetary cycle.
198. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on the process regarding the proposed sale of the remainder of the State’s stake in PTSB to the BAWAG Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39889/26]
View answerThe Formal Sale Process (FSP) is led by PTSB.
It is proposed that BAWAG’s acquisition of PTSB will be undertaken and completed by means of a High Court approved Scheme of Arrangement. The implementation of the acquisition requires two shareholder meetings to be held, the first being a scheme meeting convened pursuant to an order of the High Court and the second, an Extraordinary General Meeting. Completion of the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Central Bank of Ireland and the European Central Bank; the satisfaction of all conditions set out in the Scheme Document dated 15 May 2026; and the sanction of the High Court.
199. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will report on his engagement regarding the EU Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027. [39895/26]
View answerNegotiations are ongoing at EU-level since July last year on the Commission’s proposal for the next MFF covering 2028 to 2034. It is a key topic of discussion with my colleagues in Government, my counterparts in other Member States and in the EU institutions, both for Ireland as a Member State, and as the incoming Council Presidency.
My Department, jointly with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, leads the development of Ireland’s MFF policy, including through coordination across Government, ensuring Departments’ views and perspectives are considered. This work is done in close collaboration with other relevant Departments – in particular the Departments of Taoiseach, Agriculture, Enterprise and Public Expenditure.
Ireland’s priorities are thoroughly represented in my and my Government colleagues’ engagements with the Commission and our EU counterparts at all levels. These include but are not limited to: a strong and ringfenced Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy, the continuation of the PEACEPLUS programme in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, funding for competitiveness and research based on the principle of excellence, sustained support for Ukraine and continued development and humanitarian assistance.
The MFF negotiations will continue throughout Ireland’s term as Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026, where we will assume the role as honest broker with the goal of progressing the next MFF during the Irish Presidency. I will continue to engage actively with the European Commission and with Ministerial counterparts across the EU in the coming months, as will my colleagues in Government.
Negotiations in the Council are progressed through the General Affairs Council (attended by Minister of State Thomas Byrne) and the agreement will be finally made by the European Council and brokered by the President of the European Council.
200. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his response to recent assertions that enhanced reporting requirements introduced in January 2024 are causing small businesses and restaurants to scale back modest staff gestures such as retirement lunches and gifts for special occasions, due to concerns around compliance obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39655/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is likely to be aware, section 897C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 requires employers to report details of certain expenses or benefits made to employees and directors. These requirements are referred to as the enhanced reporting requirements (ERR). The detailed reporting of these expenses or benefits commenced on 1 January 2024.
The reportable benefits relevant to the ERR are:
• the remote working daily allowance of €3.20,
• the payment of travel and subsistence expenses, and,
• the small benefit exemption.
When the legislation was introduced in Finance Act 2022, it was subject to a Commencement Order to allow sufficient time for the necessary implementation stakeholder consultation process. This legislation now provides for the ERR and requires that all benefits or payments falling within the three categories above are reported to Revenue on or before the payment is made to the employee.
While employers were not previously required to report the details of individual non-taxable benefits/expense payments/perquisites, there was always certain conditionality to be satisfied in order for an employer to provide a tax-free benefit/expense payment/perquisite. The employer was therefore required to have sufficient controls in place as well as comprehensive supporting documentation and records to substantiate the preferential tax treatment. This detailed information would have been readily available to supply to Revenue upon request.
The ongoing reporting mechanism has been designed so that once verified and approved as a non-taxable payment, the employer now simultaneously reports the details of that payment to Revenue through ERR while processing the payment.
ERR enhances Revenue’s compliance framework to ensure that the correct amount of tax is collected at the right time. It results in optimal efficiency for compliant taxpayers and for Revenue. It is also an important source of data providing valuable information to assist my Department for policy making considerations and tax expenditure reviews.
I acknowledge that various stakeholders have stated that the requirements have increased administrative requirements for taxpayers, in particular for SMEs. That said, there has been very high compliance with ERR. Over 80% of businesses are availing of the integrated reporting that has been built into software systems. This makes the process of reporting as integrated and as seamless as possible.
In addition, Revenue has undertaken extensive stakeholder engagement since the announcement of ERR in Finance Bill 2022. The topic was discussed with practitioners and representative bodies at Tax Administration Liaison Committee (TALC) meetings during 2022 and 2023, and a TALC subgroup was set up specifically to address ERR. Further, Revenue conducted a survey, engaged with employers, their agents and their representative bodies and hosted a series of webinars between September 2023 and June 2024. At a recent meeting of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, which focused on Reporting and Compliance, ERR was again discussed.
As with all tax policy, the operation of the ERR will be monitored and kept under review by my Department.
201. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide an update on his review of the taxation of retail investment with a view to ensuring that existing investors are included in future tax measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39177/26]
View answerI am aware that the current retail investment taxation system in Ireland has been characterised by stakeholders as complex and a disincentive to diversified investment by retail investors. I am committed to taking the necessary action to support this important sector.
As the Deputy may be aware, Budget 2026 introduced a reduction in the taxation rate that applies to Irish and equivalent offshore funds and Irish and certain foreign life assurance products, from 41% to 38%. This change also applies to investments in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that are taxed under these regimes.
I am very conscious that there is more to be done to support retail investment in Ireland. However, it is important to acknowledge that any amendments to the current system, requires a balance between encouraging retail investments and protecting the Exchequer. To that end, Budget 2026 included the commitment to publish a roadmap to simplify and adapt the current taxation framework for retail investments while retaining necessary and important anti-avoidance protections in a proportionate manner. The roadmap will be published in summer 2026.
Earlier this year, at the first annual Savings and Investment Forum, I announced my intention to introduce the legislative framework for a new Investment Account in 2026. This new account is a key aspect of the roadmap and will be aligned with the European Commission’s recommendation to develop accessible, consumer-friendly savings and investment accounts across Member States. The accounts should be simple, accessible, tax efficient, easy to administer, transparent on fees and portable between providers, where possible. These accounts will be designed with stakeholders in mind, reducing the current complexity expressed by retail investors while also providing an easier and more accessible method of accessing capital markets for all Irish citizens.
In addition to the account, the work underway on the roadmap also includes considerations of the Funds Sector 2030 Review including the recommendations of the Funds Sector Review on the taxation of retail investment in relation to the issue of deemed disposal.
202. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is planning any changes to the section 481 film credit in the forthcoming budget, in particular to ensure improvements in quality of employment and training obligation of tax credit recipients. [39772/26]
View answerOver the last number of budgets, the Irish Government have enhanced our tax incentives for film production and developed new measures for unscripted television production and the development of digital games. These measures complement the Government’s long-standing support to screen production and Irish creative industries, creating quality employment opportunities and supporting the expression of Irish culture.
It will take some time for these new measures to become fully established and to understand their impact on the audio-visual sector in Ireland, and it is important for this process to take place before considering further changes or additions to supports.
The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the application process for the film relief under section 481, applicant companies are required to sign an undertaking of compliance with all relevant employment legislation.
Furthermore, Ireland was one of the first countries in Europe to link its film tax credit to skills development, ensuring that sustainable growth across the screen industry provided structure and stability to Irish crew through these opportunities.
It is very important to recognise that the laws that underpin employment rights apply regardless of whether a company applies for section 481 or not, and they apply equally. The monitoring of compliance with employment rights legislation is primarily a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment through the Workplace Relations Committee (WRC).
It is notable that significant progress has also been made in recent years in advancing the quality of employment in the sector through collective agreements; most notably, the ‘Shooting Crew Agreement’ and the ‘Construction Crew Agreement’ agreed in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The Deputy may also be aware that an independent facilitator was retained by Screen Ireland in 2023 to meet with key stakeholders; wherein copyright concerns were discussed directly with industry. As a result, stakeholders have agreed interim best-practice industry guidelines while pursuing a path towards a collective-bargaining agreement.
While not having a direct role in respect of employment rights policy, I and my officials will continue to encourage and support quality employment and skills training in the audio-visual sector.
203. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for a report on his engagement with stakeholders with regard to the new Ireland for Finance Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39631/26]
View answerThe development of the new Ireland for Finance strategy has been informed by an extensive consultation process. This has included a public consultation, as well as significant stakeholder engagement by both Minister of State and Department of Finance officials through targeted roundtables and bilateral meetings.
The Department of Finance launched the public consultation process in 2025. The consultation period ran from July to September 2025 receiving 57 submissions from a cross section of stakeholders in Irelands financial services ecosystem including industry bodies, financial services firms, professional services firms and the skills and education sector.
Throughout the consultation period, 11 Ministerial roundtables were held with industry bodies from banking, financial services, fintech, insurance, investments and aircraft leasing associations. International stakeholder engagement occurred during a number of foreign visits by Minister of State Troy over the past year.
Department of Finance officials engaged with over 80 financial services firms and conducted roundtables with regional stakeholders in Cork and Limerick. My Department further engaged internationally via online meetings with stakeholders in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Once the strategy has been finalised and subsequently approved by Government it will then be published. While no date has been set, publication is currently anticipated to occur over the summer months.
204. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide an update on the proposed implementation of a personal savings and investment account; the current stage of consideration; the anticipated timeline for decisions or further announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39402/26]
View answerAt the Savings and Investment Forum on 31 March, I announced my intention to introduce a new investment account, similar to the savings and investment account models operating in other jurisdictions but designed to meet Ireland’s specific needs in terms of encouraging retail investment. It aims to reduce the complexities related to retail investment taxation and allow retail investors the potential to grow their savings more efficiently.
My officials are continuing to engage with experts and stakeholders as work is progressing on the development of the investment account, taking on board the range of ideas on the design of an effective investment account that best fits the Irish economy and the needs of Irish households. The aim is to legislate for the framework in 2026 and to allow accounts to be offered from 2027.
Budget 2026 included a commitment to publish a roadmap on the taxation of retail investment which 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 work underway on the roadmap includes consideration of the recommendations of the Funds Sector 2030 Report. A key aspect of the roadmap is the introduction of the new investment account, aligned with the European Commission’s recommendation for Member States to introduce a Savings and Investment Account. I expect the roadmap to be published in Summer 2026.
205. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the action plan on insurance reform, including actions to reduce average motor insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39884/26]
View answerThe Government is advancing the actions in the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029 to further reform the insurance sector in Ireland, with a view to ensuring greater transparency and improving the affordability and accessibility of insurance for all consumers, including motorists.
Significant reform was implemented under the 2020 Action Plan for Insurance Reform which helped shield consumers from sharper premium increases experienced elsewhere. Between 2016 and 2024, motor insurance premiums increased by approximately 65 per cent in the UK and by around 20 per cent across the Eurozone. In contrast, Ireland experienced a proportional reduction of approximately 34 per cent over the same period.
A key focus of the reform agenda was addressing personal injury costs, which historically accounted for around 70% of overall motor insurance claims costs. Thanks to the introduction of the Personal Injuries Guidelines and related reforms, that figure has now moved to 46%. This significant shift has helped shield Ireland from the full impact of global inflationary pressures in the motor insurance sector.
However, the last few years has seen the emergence of inflationary pressures impacting damage claims. The National Claims Information Database (NCID) Private Motor Insurance Report 7, published in October 2025 highlighted that the expected cost of claims per policy increased by 3% in 2024. This increase is driven by damage claims, which are impacted by a combination of external factors, including increased vehicle technology, supply chain disruptions, and a tightening labour market; all of which have raised the cost of repairs.
Nevertheless, the Government remains firmly committed to delivering measures to reduce insurance costs affecting motorists. This commitment is being progressed through the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025–2029. The Action Plan sets out a number of priority actions, focused on areas where the greatest impact on transparency, affordability and availability of insurance can be achieved. A Motor Insurance Transparency Code was launched on 2 March 2026, designed to enhance trust, clarity, transparency, and understanding in how motor insurance premiums are communicated to consumers. Furthermore, work is ongoing in the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market (OPCIM) to encourage new entrants into the Irish insurance market, which will further boost supply and enhance the availability and affordability of insurance.
The Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025–2029 will support the development of a fairer, more sustainable, and more competitive insurance market, delivering tangible improvements in cost, choice, and access for all consumers.
