I propose to take Questions Nos. 528, 529 and 530 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Bike-to-Work scheme offers an exemption from Benefit-in-Kind where an employer purchases a bicycle and/or associated safety equipment for an employee (or a director) to use, in whole or in part, to travel to work.
The scheme was introduced as an incentive to increase the number of people commuting to work by bicycle.
Additionally, an employer and employee may enter into a Revenue-approved salary sacrifice arrangement under which the employee agrees to sacrifice part of his or her salary in exchange for a benefit such as those provided under the scheme.
Since 1 January 2023, the Bike-to-Work scheme applies to the first:
• €3,000 of expenditure in relation to a cargo or e-cargo bike;
• €1,500 of expenditure in relation to a pedelec or e-bike; or
• €1,250 of expenditure in relation to any other type of bike.
At the outset, the Deputy should note that the Programme for Government 2025, "Securing Ireland's Future", contains a commitment to, within the lifetime of this Government, conduct a review of the Bike-to-Work scheme, to boost take-up among all workers. My Department has commenced initial engagement with the Department of Transport in relation to this review.
Furthermore, and as the Deputy will appreciate, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
