Written Answers Nos. 199-218
199. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the monitoring measures that are in place and what assessment has occurred to ensure that where hauliers and others are using the fuel rebate scheme that the benefits are passed on to those contracting haulage services. [53208/26]
View answerIreland’s Diesel Rebate Scheme (DRS) is a fossil fuel subsidy that operates in accordance with the EU’s Energy Tax Directive, and the General Block Exemption Regulation on State aid. In 2025, almost €40 million was paid out under the Scheme.
Provisions for the DRS were introduced in Finance Act 2013 as a measure to protect the competitiveness of the road transport sector, and the wider economy, from the impact of the prevailing high price of auto diesel at that time. The DRS provides for a partial repayment of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) on auto diesel purchased in the State and used in qualifying vehicles by licensed Irish and EU road haulage and passenger transport operators, in the course of their business.
On 24 March 2025, a Financial Resolution was passed providing for amendments to the DRS to temporarily enhance benefits for qualifying operators in respect of auto diesel purchased on or after 1 January to 30 June 2026. The maximum rate of repayment under the Scheme was increased from €75 to €120 per 1,000 litres for auto-diesel purchased by qualifying operators between 1 January and 30 June 2026. The maximum repayment rate of 12 cents per litre is reached when average retail prices are at or above of €1.43 per litre including VAT. Finance Bill 2026 further extends this measure until 30 September 2026.
The temporary enhancement to the DRS was agreed by Government in light of the severe fuel price impacts that arose following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. This enhancement is a short term and targeted measure intended to help to ease the burden of households and businesses across the State by minimising the inflationary impact of fuel cost spikes for road haulage and bus passenger services during this challenging period.
We can already see a tentative easing in the CSO’s inflation figures for June, with the headline rate of annual inflation moderating slightly to 3.3 per cent and energy prices falling by 2 per cent in the month.
My Department does not have a role in monitoring the pass through rate of the enhanced Diesel Rebate Scheme. The pricing of haulage services are commercial decisions made by each individual business. As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is market economy whereby prices are determined based on supply and demand and not controlled by Government.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for enforcing and promoting compliance with competition and consumer protection law in Ireland. This includes taking action against those that engage in cartel behaviour or abuse a dominant position in a market. Businesses or individuals that breach competition law can be subject to criminal, administrative or civil sanctions. Any individual or business with evidence of potential cartel behaviour is encouraged to make a secure and confidential report to the CCPC via their website.
200. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated total cost of reducing the 3% USC Rate to 2%. [53209/26]
View answerBased on Revenue’s latest Ready Reckoner (post-Budget 2026), the estimated cost to the Exchequer of reducing the Universal Social Charge 3 per cent rate to 2 per cent is approximately €420 million on a first-year basis and €480 million on a full year basis. It should be noted that the costs are based on 2026 estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using latest actual data for the year 2023, adjusted as necessary for income, self-employment, and employment trends in the interim.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the post-Budget 2026 Ready Reckoner is available on the Revenue Statistics webpage at:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/ready-reckoner.pdf
The Ready Reckoner shows a wide range of detailed information, including the estimated cost or yield to the Exchequer, of increasing and reducing the USC rates and thresholds.
201. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a commitment given by a bank (details supplied) in Killorglin, County Kerry at the time it was announced that the bank was closing, should be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53211/26]
View answerWhile decisions relating to the business model of regulated firms are ultimately commercial matters for their boards, the Central Bank of Ireland has advised that firms are expected to adopt a consumer-focused approach when making decisions that impact their customers.
Furthermore, the Central Bank expects boards to ensure that decisions relating to branch closures or changes to local branch services are informed by a comprehensive assessment of the impact across its customer base.
The Central Banks Consumer Protection Code 2025 (the Code) came into effect on 24 March 2026. The Code provides that Banks must ensure they communicate in a clear and timely way with customers regarding changes to its services, including branch closure or amending local branch services, and in particular inform customers about any alternative channels available to them in availing of banking services.
Before making changes, Banks must clearly set out the specific details of the changes so customers can compare how things will be different.
Under Regulation 159(2) of the Code, when closing a branch, Bank’s must prepare an assessment, approved by their board, that outlines the anticipated impact of the changes on their customers.
Furthermore, Banks must conduct an ex-post assessment of the impact of the closure on customers 9 months after the branch closure. This must evaluate alternative arrangements that were made for customers in order to assess consumer satisfaction and experience in relation to the alternative arrangements put in place.
The Code provides that all regulated financial services firms must have a complaints handling procedure in place. If a consumer has a complaint about a regulated financial services firm, they should first discuss their complaint with the firm itself. If, after following the firm’s complaints process, they are still not satisfied with the response, they have the right to refer the complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).
The Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 established a regime to ensure sufficient and effective access to cash infrastructure for individuals and SMEs. The Section 5 Order specified criteria for minimum levels of access to cash infrastructure across the State and compliance with the criteria is monitored quarterly by the Central Bank. The Act also provided for the creation of local deficiencies framework, which allows members of the public to notify the Central Bank where they perceive a deficiency in access to cash infrastructure exists in their local area.
The Central Bank will assess any formal notification from the public against its Local Deficiency Guidelines, taking account of a range of matters including all cash infrastructure currently available in that area. A mapping tool that shows the full range of access to cash infrastructure at a local level across the State is available on the Central Bank’s website.
202. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the current number of complaints to the Financial Services Ombudsman awaiting adjudication; the steps being taken to address cases experiencing lengthy delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53265/26]
View answerThe Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) provides an independent, fair, impartial, confidential and free service to resolve complaints by consumers about the conduct of regulated financial service providers and pension providers.
The FSPO has advised that the number of complaints currently progressing through FSPO processes is 7,480. Of those complaints that have not been resolved through mediation and which have completed the Investigation process, 839 are currently awaiting assignment to an Adjudication Officer. A further 966 have commenced the Adjudication process.
The FSPO closed 6,282 complaints in 2025, representing a 6% increase on the number closed in 2024 and a 34% increase on the number closed in 2022. However from 2022 to 2025, the number of complaints received by the FSPO increased by 46% from 4,781 to 7,004.
According to the latest FSPO data, 88% of complaints closed in the FSPO in 2025 were closed within 12 months, mainly through early-stage processes and mediation.
For all complaints that closed in 2025, including tracker mortgage complaints, the average time from receipt of complaint to closure, was 8.3 months.
More complex complaints, including those requiring a formal adjudication take longer to resolve. This reflects the fact that adjudications by the FSPO are legally binding and accordingly every decision arrived at has to follow due process.
In December 2023, the Minister for Finance sanctioned a significant increase in additional staff for the FSPO under its Workforce Plan 2024-2026. This increased the sanctioned staff complement from 90 to 128, a more than 40% increase.
This additional resourcing has been provided to the FSPO in order for them to resolve complaints more promptly and address the increasing number of complaints being made to the FSPO.
203. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will extend the six-year local property tax exemption period for homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks in view of the delays faced in the processing of appeals by the DCB Appeals Panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53267/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for bringing this matter to my attention. The operation of the DCB Grant Scheme and the DCB Appeals Panel is a responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in the first instance.
Sections 10D and 10E of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provide for a six-year period of exemption from the charge to Local Property Tax (LPT) for certain properties that have been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction.
A residential property that has been damaged as a result of the use of defective concrete blocks in its construction will be eligible for the exemption where at least one of the following qualifying conditions is met:
1. The property has been confirmed as eligible for the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme which currently applies to properties situated in the administrative areas of Clare, Limerick, Sligo, Mayo and Donegal County Councils.
2. An insurance company has remediated the property or has provided sufficient funds to carry out the remediation.
3. The builder of the property has remediated it or has provided sufficient funds to carry out the remediation.
The exemption must be claimed by property owners and applies for a fixed period of six years from the first liability date (i.e., on 1 November in a given year) on which the property meets the above qualifying conditions. In the case of properties eligible for a grant under the DCB Grant Scheme, the exemption applies from the first liability date after confirmation of eligibility for the DCB Grant Scheme has been issued.
Where a property qualifies for the exemption following remediation of the property or provision of sufficient funds to remediate the property by an insurance company or builder, the exemption applies from the first liability date after funds in satisfaction of a claim for the remediation of the property are provided by an insurance company, or the date on which the builder completes the remediation of the property or provides sufficient funds for the remediation of the property.
For instance, where a property becomes eligible for the exemption in June 2025, and a claim was made for the exemption on 1 November 2025, the exemption from LPT will cover the six year period 2026 to 2031.
Property owners claiming the exemption must provide appropriate supporting documentation to Revenue. Further information can be found in Tax and Duty Manual Part 02-13 Exemption for properties constructed using defective concrete blocks at: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/local-property-tax/part-02/02-13.pdf
Where an exemption does not apply, it is acknowledged that the existence of defects in the construction of a property can have a negative effect on its market value. Accordingly, where property owners have experienced a significant loss in their property’s value for this reason, this should be reflected in the valuation band they select in filing their LPT return.
Where homeowners have further queries about their LPT obligations, Revenue can be contacted online via MyAccount at revenue.ie. Alternatively, the LPT Helpline is available Mon-Fri, 09.30 to 16.30 at 01 738 3626.
204. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether the Revenue Commissioners treat airline points as equivalent to income for the recipient of the points, with respect to both points linked to credit and debit card rewards, and frequent flyer points (details supplied); whether the accrual of airline points is considered where a person is applying for a tax deduction for business-related travel, considering that the points offset the expense, and for an approximation of the revenue that could be raised by treating airline points as a benefit-in-kind subject to ordinary tax treatment. [53374/26]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to loyalty programmes operated by some airlines. Such programmes allow a participant to collect “points” through various means, including paying for flights, booking hotels or in some cases spending money on debit or credit cards. These points can be redeemed for goods and services with the airline or its commercial partners. In some cases, individuals, in addition to the points they earn from costs incurred in their private capacity, may, as employees, earn points from airline travel that has been paid for by their employer.
Section 118 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997, which is the general charging provision for the taxation of benefits in kind (BIK), provides for a charge to income tax in respect of the provision by a body corporate of certain benefits in kind. The charge is limited to the amount of the expense incurred by the body corporate in providing the benefit less any amount which the employee makes good to the employer in respect of the benefit.
While the entitlements to loyalty points can arise on foot of travel expenditure incurred by the employer, an additional cost does not arise for the employer in relation to the provision of this benefit. Therefore, income tax, PRSI and USC need not be applied to the benefit arising to employees in such circumstances.
I am advised by Revenue, that it is not possible to estimate the amount of additional revenue that could arise from an amendment to the legislation providing that airline points be treated as a taxable BIK, as such data is not available.
205. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost based on the valuations underpinning the local property tax and any other taxes on land and property, the total uplift in land value nationwide associated with rezoning, public infrastructure delivery, and other initiatives of public bodies, therefore the total revenue that could be raised by a 50% windfall tax on all such value uplift; and the estimated total revenue that could be raised with the same tax applied only to commercial properties. [53378/26]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that liable persons in their Local Property Tax (LPT) and Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) returns, and chargeable persons in their Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) returns, are not required to provide information which could be used as the basis for such an estimated cost. As such, Revenue is not in a position to provide the estimates requested by the Deputy.
206. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated revenue raised by stamp duty from the sale of homes or residential zoned land to private citizens, public bodies, approved housing bodies and other non-profit companies; the estimated revenue raised by stamp duty from the sale of homes or residential zoned land to for-profit private companies; and if this data is not directly available, the breakdown of the most similar available data. [53380/26]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that purchasers are not required to identify themselves as “for-profit private companies” or as “private citizens, public bodies, approved housing bodies and other non-profit companies” in their Stamp Duty return. As such, Revenue does not have the data from which to provide the requested estimate.
I am further advised by Revenue that similar information that identifies the characteristics of the purchaser is not available for statistical analysis on the Stamp Duty return. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Additionally, I am informed by Revenue that the Stamp Duty receipts associated with residential and non-residential property transactions between 2011 and 2025 are published on Revenue.ie and are available to view here: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/capital-taxes/stamp-duty/receipts.aspx
I am also informed by Revenue that the distributional breakdown of the number of Stamp Duty returns and taxpayers by duty paid, by type of property and by county from 2014 to 2025 are also published on Revenue.ie and are available to view here: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/capital-taxes/stamp-duty/returns.aspx
207. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures in place to ensure that consumers will feel the benefit of a measure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53408/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Government's housing strategy, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Government aims to complete a minimum of 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030. It is acknowledged in the plan that increasing the availability of apartments will be a key part of this strategy.
Prior to the announcement of this measure, analysis from both the Department of Finance and the Department of Housing had found that a viability gap had emerged in the delivery of apartments, with the number of completions seeing a decrease in 2024. To help address this, Budget 2026 applied a reduction in the VAT rate from 13.5% to 9% on the construction and sale of newly completed apartments. The aim of this measure is to further incentivise the construction of compact developments and achieve the policy goals outlined in the revised National Planning Framework.
It should be noted that while the correct VAT rate must always be charged, the VAT exclusive price of a good or service is a commercial decision made by the vendor. A reduction in VAT may be reflected in the final price and result in the final consumer paying less for a good or service. However in other cases the price paid by a consumer will not be reduced.
208. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide details of all grant schemes currently available through his Department for which individuals or community groups are eligible to apply; the purpose of each grant scheme; the eligibility criteria; the application process; the opening and closing dates for application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53416/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not administer any grant schemes available to individuals or community groups.
The Fuel Grant received by recipients of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) is administered by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and my Department has oversight of this scheme.
209. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the key measures his Department has taken to support and sustain the Irish economy since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53494/26]
View answer210. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his assessment of the performance of the Irish economy since January 2025; the outlook for the rest of 2026 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53495/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
The Irish economy has performed strongly since January 2025. Indeed, figures published by the CSO this month show that both GNI* and Modified Domestic Demand (MDD) – key de-globalised measures of domestic economic activity – grew by 4.7 per cent last year. Encouragingly, growth was broad-based, with consumer spending expanding by a solid 2½ per cent, while domestic investment activity recorded significant double-digit growth. The latter reflected a significant expansion in housing output, as well as strong capital spending in the multinational sector.
The latest available data show that this momentum continued into the first quarter of 2026 with MDD up 3½ per cent on an annual basis.
The near-term economic outlook continues to be shaped by developments in the Middle East and events over recent days highlight that the situation remains highly fluid and highly uncertain.
Reflecting this uncertainty, my Department identified three economic scenarios in the Annual Progress Report: a reference forecast, based on energy prices as of mid-March, alongside adverse and severe scenarios based on alternative paths for energy prices. The central message of this analysis is that the economy is expected to continue to grow but at a more moderate pace this year and next, while inflation is higher under each scenario.
Government responded to the energy price shock in a timely manner to help mitigate price pressures on households and vulnerable sectors. The overall package of measures, including the extension and phased restoration of the reductions to excise duties, amounted to over €1 billion.
More generally, the introduction of measures announced in Budget 2026 has helped support economic activity. For businesses, these include the enhancement of the Research and Development Tax Credit and Capital Gains Tax Revised Entrepreneur Relief. Households have benefitted from measures such as the extension of the reduced VAT rate for electricity and gas, with renters benefiting from the extension of the rent tax credit for a further three years.
Government has been in a position to support households and businesses this year because of the prudent management of the public finances. For 2026, we are on track to run a headline budget surplus again this year and have continued to invest in the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund. The total combined value of these funds is projected to be approximately €23 billion by the end of this year.
More generally, Government has been proactive in its response to the more challenging external economic environment that we have seen over the last year or so. Indeed, the Government Action Plan on Market Diversification, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, as well as the revised National Development Plan and the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan will help boost competitiveness and ensure the resilience of our economy over the coming years.
My overarching priority for the rest of this year is to continue to deliver on the commitments set out in the Programme for Government.
Specifically, in relation to the economy and public finances, the next staging post in the budgetary cycle is the Summer Economic Statement (SES) which will set out the parameters for Budget 2027.
Key objectives for Budget 2027 include supporting households, boosting our resilience and strengthening the economy’s capacity to continue expanding into the future.
In addition, Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a key priority for Government for the rest of this year, which offers significant opportunities for Ireland to show leadership on the European and global stages.
211. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the key measures taken to support Ireland's tax competitiveness since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53496/26]
View answerMaintaining Ireland’s tax competitiveness is a key objective particularly in the context of economic uncertainty globally and the evolving international tax reforms.
Budget 2026 and Finance Act 2025 introduced a range of measures designed to support competitiveness, sustain Ireland’s attractiveness for foreign direct investment, support domestic businesses and promote innovation. Some relevant measures provided for in Finance Act 2025 include:
• A number of enhancements to the R&D tax credit regime were introduced in Finance Act 2025, including an increase in the rate of the credit from 30 per cent to 35 per cent and an increase to the first-year payment threshold from €75,000 to €87,500. The primary policy objective of the credit is to increase business R&D in Ireland, as R&D can contribute to higher innovation and productivity. In January this year, following the review of the regime undertaken in 2025, I published the Research & Development Tax Credit Review Report. This was followed in February by the publication of the Research and Development Tax Credit and Innovation Compass, which sets out a medium-term pathway for further work in relation to the R&D tax credit and on potential tax supports on innovation.
• The update and enhancement of the participation exemption for foreign dividends. The participation exemption provides an alternative, much simplified mechanism for double tax relief for multi-national businesses by reducing the complexity and administrative burden of the current system.
• Measures to strengthen the competitiveness of Ireland’s audiovisual sector. An enhanced rate of 40% was announced under the Section 481 Film Tax credit for qualifying VFX work. In addition, the Digital Games Tax credit was extended for a period of 6 years and further enhanced to allow for claims in respect of expenditure incurred on the development of post release content.
• To support opportunities for growth in the funds industry, specifically in the private assets space, a discrete but important tax change in Finance Act 2025 provided for a Dividend Withholding Tax exemption for Investment Limited Partnerships and equivalent EEA partnerships. This measure is intended to increase the attractiveness of the Investment Limited Partnership as a fund structure and to help cement Ireland’s position as a desirable location for regulated investment funds.
• The lifetime limit for Revised Entrepreneur Relief was increased from €1 million to €1.5 million for disposals made from the 1st of January 2026.
With regard to other ongoing work, my Department is also undertaking a review of the tax treatment of interest in Ireland, which seeks to deliver a simplified and competitive taxation regime for interest which is aligned with international best practice. The taxation of interest is complex and is governed by Irish and EU legislation, and the proposed reform is intended to help safeguard Ireland’s competitiveness by providing a sound and stable interest deduction basis for both domestic businesses and inward investment in Ireland.
At EU level, the simplification of legislation is a key component of efforts to enhance competitiveness, including through the simplification of EU tax legislation. In this regard, Ireland engaged actively with the European Commission and Member States on the scope of tax simplification throughout 2025, and ahead of the publication of the European Commission’s tax simplification package in June 2026. The package comprises two legislative proposals – the Recast of the Directive on Administrative Cooperation and the Taxation Omnibus – which, taken together, propose significant amendments to the EU direct tax acquis, spanning 16 Directives. The proposals are intended to reduce administrative and compliance burdens for businesses and support a more competitive business environment across the EU. These objectives are aligned with Ireland’s interest in maintaining a competitive and attractive environment for investment and economic activity. Both the DAC Recast and the Taxation Omnibus feature in Ireland’s Presidency programme, and my officials and I are committed to advancing technical discussions and negotiations on these proposals during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
At the OECD, Ireland continues to negotiate guidance on the Global Minimum Tax to ease the implementation burden for stakeholders. At the beginning of the year Ireland was part of the agreement on a Side-by-Side System Package to ease the US concerns with the Global Minimum Tax. We remain committed to participating in the constructive dialogue on the digital economy to provide certainty and stability to the business community and avoid disputes and fragmentation of the international tax architecture.
This is a high-level overview of some of the work ongoing in my Department, recognising the need to protect Ireland's competitiveness to support continuing investment and employment in our economy.
212. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will report on the Future Ireland Fund since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53497/26]
View answer213. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will report on the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53498/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.
The Future Ireland Fund (FIF) and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF) are two long-term savings funds established by my department following the enactment of the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024 (‘the Act’).
Ireland is facing a number of substantial structural challenges over the coming decades – in the form of demographic changes, decarbonisation and slowing productivity growth. Each of these challenges will bring significant fiscal costs. By establishing these funds, we are taking the opportunity to save for these known costs.
Both the FIF and the ICNF are a key element of the Government's fiscal strategy, which is aimed at improving public services, boosting our competitiveness via infrastructure investment and investing through the funds to protect the public finances in the coming years and decades.
Each of these two funds are invested by the NTMA according to their long-term investment strategies, with a view to securing the optimal financial return. The NTMA publishes information and financial accounts in respect of the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund in its Annual Report.
As the Deputy will be aware, by year-end 2025 the FIF had received total transfers of approximately €12.5 billion, while the ICNF had received total transfers of €4 billion.
The 2025 economic and fiscal assessment process determined that transfers to both funds should continue in 2026. By the end of this year, an additional €4.5 billion will have transferred to the FIF, alongside an additional €2 billion to the ICNF.
I would note that 2026 is the first year in which funding is available for draw down from the ICNF to support designated environmental projects. Designated environmental projects are those which are likely to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the improvement of water quality or the improvement of habitats in line with Section 20 of the Act. This process is primarily overseen by my colleague, Mr Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
214. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the key measures taken to support the credit union sector since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53499/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to supporting the continued development and expansion of the credit union sector, recognising its important role in providing community-based financial services.
A range of legislative and regulatory measures have already been delivered, and the priority for the rest of 2026 is on the development of a five-year strategy for the credit union sector.
The Credit Union (Amendment) Act 2023 introduced significant reforms aimed at strengthening and modernising the sector and broadening the range of services available to members. Key measures include loan referrals, loan participation, and provisions relating to the establishment of a Corporate Credit Union.
Amended lending regulations, which commenced on 30 September 2025, significantly enhanced the lending capacity of credit unions. The regulations increased the lending limits to 30% of total assets for mortgages and 15% for business loans, thereby enabling credit unions to expand their offerings and compete more effectively in these markets. Based on sector assets of €23 billion at end-March 2026, these changes permit up to €6.9 billion in mortgage lending, and up to €3.45 billion in business lending.
The amendment of these regulations reflects the competence and capability of credit unions to grow their respective loan books in a prudent manner, and to futureproof their offering to support homeowners and businesses. I welcome the amended regulations and thank the Central Bank of Ireland for their work, and support to the sector by amending these regulations. These regulations will allow credit unions to compete more effectively in the mortgage and business lending market.
Credit unions will come within the scope of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) from 17 January 2028. While this presents challenges, including potential costs, it is essential to protect members funds and ensure the sector’s resilience in an increasingly digital financial environment. My Department is monitoring progress through the Credit Union Stakeholder Roundtable Forum.
To support financial planning and stability within the sector, regulations were signed last October to set a nil levy for the Credit Union Resolution and Stabilisation Funds following a detailed public consultation. This effectively pauses levy collections until October 2029, subject to certain conditions prevailing.
On 19 April 2025, Minister of State Troy formally announced the commencement of the Credit Union Strategy Project. The Strategy Project, a Programme for Government commitment, will for the first time deliver a sector-wide approach to futureproof the credit union movement and allow the sector to address challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
This strategy will build on the foundations of the Credit Union (Amendment) Act and the Central Bank’s lending reforms and will focus on establishing a shared vision and clear strategic direction for the sector, primarily within the existing legislative and regulatory framework.
The Project Governance Board has approved documents setting out the Terms of Reference, governance arrangements and scope of the project. A sector-wide survey, designed to inform strategic priorities, and an application process for participation in the Strategy Committee and associated workshops opened last week, and we encourage all stakeholders to participate. Further details can be found on the Credit Union Strategy webpage (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/publications/credit-union-strategy/).
The key measures already taken by Government as well as the Credit Union Sector Strategy Project, demonstrate the Government’s continued commitment to modernising, improving, and enhancing the Credit Union sector in Ireland. I look forward to seeing the results of these significant changes in the years ahead.
215. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the key measures taken under the remit of his Department to control insurance costs since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53500/26]
View answerThe Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029, launched in July 2025, sets out a comprehensive set of targeted measures aimed at reducing insurance costs and further improving affordability, availability, and transparency across the insurance sector.
The latest CSO data for June 2026 confirms that motor insurance premiums have been gradually decreasing since October 2025 and are down 3.3% year on year and are now 36.3% lower than their peak in July of 2016. This demonstrates that the Governments reforms are having a tangible impact on the cost of insurance.
The introduction of the Motor Transparency Code in March 2026, will enhance transparency and consumer understanding of how motor insurance premiums are calculated and communicated. Implementation is currently underway on a phased basis and policyholders will begin to see the benefits of the Code, in quotation and renewal documentation from Q3 2026 onwards.
Enhancing market competitiveness by engaging directly with the international insurance market to attract new providers to Ireland will expand supply, drive greater competition, and reduce cost. The Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market (OPCIM) continues to play a key role in strengthening competition within the insurance sector and addressing cost pressures. With its mandate expanded under the Programme for Government, the Office remains central to efforts to promote a more competitive market and to identify opportunities to attract additional insurance providers to Ireland. In support of these objectives,
Another key priority is to strengthen the powers and remit of the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB). The Board’s recently published 2025 Annual Report underscores its significant contribution to insurance reform, supporting the Government’s wider competitiveness and productivity agenda, and remaining the fastest and most cost-effective method for resolving claims. In 2025, the IRB delivered €88 million in savings through avoided legal costs, helping to alleviate cost pressures for businesses and consumers.
With regard to other measures, the National Claims Information Database (NCID) is also releasing reports more frequently, and the Central Bank of Ireland is progressing further actions to enhance the utilisation of NCID data to support further transparency.
Government will continue to prioritise improvements in the cost and availability of insurance by advancing the reforms set out in the Programme for Government and the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025–2029.
216. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people who have paid the domicile levy in each year since 2022; the amount collected through the levy in each year since 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53503/26]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the purpose of the domicile levy is to ensure that Irish domiciled individuals with substantial income and assets located in the State make a contribution to the Exchequer. The amount of the levy is €200,000 and is payable annually. To be liable for the levy, an individual must satisfy all of the following qualifying criteria:
• gross worldwide income exceeds €1m
• owns Irish property (excluding certain shares) greater in value than €5m, and
• liability to Irish income tax in a relevant year was less than €200,000
I am advised by Revenue that the available statistical information in respect of the domicile levy up to 2024 is published on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/personal-taxes/hiir/domicile-levy.aspx
217. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he plans to review benefit-in-kind being charged on staff events and hospitality related spending including working lunches and food deliveries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53513/26]
View answerIn relation to Benefit in Kind (BIK), staff events and hospitality, including working lunches and food deliveries, different rules apply depending on the circumstances. There has been no recent change to the law in this area but Revenue issued revised guidance, with effect from October 2025. The information is set out at the link below for ease of reference.
A taxable BIK does not apply in the case of free or subsidised meals provided in staff canteens, where meals are provided for all staff generally. In recognising that not all employers have the capacity to operate a full canteen, the updated guidance outlines that a taxable BIK will not occur where meals are brought to, and consumed, on the employers premises, as long as they are provided to all staff.
Where meals are only available to certain employees, the meals that are provided are generally taxable benefits. In the updated guidance published last October, Revenue set out the rules that must be applied when determining whether a taxable benefit exists.
With effect from 1 October 2025, Revenue accepts that the cost of meals provided to employees where a specific operational requirement exists, will not be treated as a taxable BIK, subject to the conditions outlined below. For the purposes of this, “meals” encompass a wide range of consumable items, including but not limited to: food - hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, fruit, biscuits, beverages - tea, coffee, water, juice, soft drinks. Alcohol is specifically excluded.
A charge to tax will not arise where all the following conditions are met:
1. a specific operational requirement exists (e.g., a meeting where lunch is provided to avoid staff having to leave, staff working after normal hours, etc.),
2. the meals are consumed on the employer’s premises,
3. the total cost per employee does not exceed the domestic subsistence civil service day rate of 5 hours or more but less than 10 hours (“the 5-hour rate”).
This rate is currently €19.25 per employee per working day. Where the 5-hour rate daily limit is exceeded, the full cost incurred by the employer is subject to a charge to tax under normal rules. Where, tea, coffee, biscuits, etc. are available to all staff on the employer’s premises, this does not impact the daily limit per employee.
Staff meals consumed in external third-party restaurants, cafés or similar establishments off the employer's premises, are a taxable benefit both pre and post 1 October 2025.
218. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider a no-tax policy on customer tips and gratuities, allowing hospitality workers to retain 100% of tips voluntarily given to them, whether paid by cash or electronically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53514/26]
View answerIt is a general principle of taxation that all income, from whatever source, is income for tax purposes, unless specifically exempted by legislation.
Section 19 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997, provides that income from every public office or employment is within the charge to tax under Schedule E. Section 112 of the TCA 1997 brings into charge all salaries, fees, wages, perquisites or profits of any kind arising from an office or employment. Therefore, the long-standing position is that all tips, gratuities and service charges arising from an office or employment are chargeable to income tax under Schedule E in accordance with section 112.
Tips and gratuities from customers, for example service charges in hotels or tips in restaurants, paid to the employer and subsequently paid out to an employee should be included in pay for the income tax week or month in which they are paid out. These tips constitute pay for the purposes of the PAYE system.
Where an employee receives tips directly from customers, the employer is not obliged to operate PAYE. The tips and gratuities are subject to tax and should be included by the employee in his or her income tax return.
