Written Answers Nos. 242-261
242. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on actions implemented by the Government to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to “prioritise Green Finance strategic actions that are developed in line with climate justice targets and Sustainable Development Goals"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28994/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational climate action, including the provision of climate finance, is a key priority for this Government. We have committed publically to increasing the climate finance provided to developing countries to €225 million annually by 2025. A Cross-Departmental Climate Finance Roadmap was published in 2022 setting out pathways as to how this goal may be achieved. Ireland provided €120.8 million in climate finance to developing countries in 2022, an increase of 21% from 2021.
Ireland has an active role in accelerating the sustainable development goals including by providing Climate Finance to developing countries, and by way of our role in the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action and the Green Climate Fund.
The Government works to encourage Multilateral Development Banks and International Financial Institutions to enact policies pursuing climate action, including finance and guidance, and to align with the Paris Agreement’s goal of holding temperature rises to 1.5 degrees – a goal which is already under severe strain. The financial sector must be heavily involved in the transition to net zero, ensuring there are high levels of investments targeted towards essential low carbon and climate resilient development. Internationally, the sector is increasingly committing to such investments, including by banks, insurers, pension funds, asset managers, etc. Furthermore, advisory and regulatory bodies, including Central Banks, are incorporating climate issues into core business and into supervisory activities.
Regarding green finance, Ireland, acting through the National Treasury Management Agency, has raised approximately €10.8 billion from sovereign green bonds and these fund projects that generate a positive environmental benefit such as Clean Transportation, Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Adaptation Projects.
In the banking sector, AIB and Bank of Ireland have both issued green bonds. In September 2023, the ESB raised €500mn issuing a green bond that aligns with the European Union’s Taxonomy for sustainable activities. Irish retail lenders provide Green mortgages, offering lower interest rates to incentivise borrowers purchasing more energy efficient homes. According to a recent report by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) “green” personal loans issued by banks in the Irish market increased by 92 per cent in 2023.
In addition, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) offers the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) which provides SMEs and Small-Mid-Caps with long-term financing to support them with investing in climate action and environmentally sustainable measures.
This all demonstrates the strength and influence of the EU approach to steering financing towards the green transition. Ireland has been working with the European Commission and our fellow Member States to put in place ambitious and usable regulatory frameworks aimed at growing the sustainable finance sector while ensuring it is well-regulated. These include the EU Taxonomy, the Sustainable Finance Disclosures Regulation, the Regulation on Environmental, Social and Governance ratings and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
This Government understands the urgency of climate action and is taking the actions required to respond to the climate crisis, putting climate solutions at the centre of Ireland’s social and economic development.
243. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if the Government supports moves at G20 level to agree the principle of a 2% minimum annual tax on the wealth of billionaires to help tackle the climate crisis, global poverty and wealth inequality; if any formal contact has been made by the initiators of this proposal with the Government at any level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28995/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of a report ('A blueprint for a coordinated minimum effective taxation standard for ultra-high-net-worth individuals') recently commissioned by the G20 presidency which advocates for a 2% minimum annual tax on billionaires. I am not aware of any formal contact between the initiators of this proposal and my Department. While I understand the background to calls for a specific wealth tax in Ireland, it is not the case that wealth in Ireland is untaxed, as taxes on wealth are already in place in this country.
It should be noted that there are already a number of wealth taxes in place in Ireland, including Local Property Tax, Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT). Certain forms of Stamp Duty also act as taxes on wealth charged in a number of ways, including on the acquisition of shares, stocks and marketable securities of Irish registered companies, and on the acquisition of property both residential and non-residential.
In total, the net receipts from these forms of tax came to just under €4.2 billion in 2023.
The Commission on Taxation & Welfare in a 2022 report identified challenges that would impede the implementation of a specific wealth tax. They found that a new tax on net wealth should not be introduced without in the first instance attempting to substantially amend Ireland’s existing taxes on capital and wealth. Rather than introducing a specific tax on wealth, the Commission maintains that it would be more effective to re-examine the primary existing forms of wealth tax, CGT and CAT. These are taxes on wealth that have well-established, but distinct, bases and are well-understood in their operation.
The Government has also taken action against inequality through our tax and welfare system. The strong redistributive role of the Irish tax and welfare system is evident in the range of supports that were introduced to help mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and in the series of measures designed to limit the impact of the current cost of living pressures. Our redistributive tax system has been acknowledged by the IMF, the OECD and the ESRI.
Ireland has one of the most progressive systems of taxes and social transfers of any EU or OECD country. The current structure of the income tax system operates as an effective means of income redistribution, helping to reduce the comparatively high levels of market income inequality to around the EU average.
It is projected that the top one per cent of taxpayer units, who are those with annual income in excess of €290,000, will pay just over 24 per cent of total Income Tax and USC in 2024. This is a very large proportion of the total Income Tax and USC take from such a small cohort of taxpayers. In comparison, 80 per cent of taxpayer units, which is the cohort of income earners with annual income of less than €69,500 and account for about 2.74 million taxpayer units, will pay 21 per cent of total Income Tax and USC.
244. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the revenue raised by introducing a 3% income tax surcharge, levied through the USC, on individual incomes with the respect to the portion above €140,000, in first- and full-year terms; and the estimated revenue raised in each of the years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029, respectively. [29029/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Finance has opened its pre-budget costings service, this is available with effect from 1 July 2024. The procedures for availing of this service are set out in a letter dated 1 July 2024 from the Secretary General of the Department to all recognised parties and technical groups in Dáil Éireann. To ensure efficiency and fairness all costing requests should be made in this manner, via the standard request format template, instead of the Parliamentary Question system at this time.
245. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue that would be raised by removing tax personal, employee and earned income tax credits on a tapered basis from individual incomes between €100,000 and €140,000 at a rate of 2.5% per €1,000 above €100,000, in first and full year terms, and the estimated revenue raised in each of the years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029, respectively. [29030/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Finance has opened its pre-budget costings service, this is available with effect from 1 July 2024. The procedures for availing of this service are set out in a letter dated 1 July 2024 from the Secretary General of the Department to all recognised parties and technical groups in Dáil Éireann. To ensure efficiency and fairness all costing requests should be made in this manner, via the standard request format template, instead of the Parliamentary Question system at this time.
246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which working capital continues to be made available to the farming and business sectors, with particular reference to smaller enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29075/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the Irish economy. As such, the Government has in place a broad range of policy measures aimed at supporting SMEs to thrive. Most recently, in May 2024 Government agreed a package of actions intended to reduce costs for SMEs. More details can be found on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment's website here: enterprise.gov.ie/en/news-and-events/department-news/2024/may/202405151.html.
These supplement the supports to SMEs currently in place. Here I will highlight two related to my own Department, which were introduced to assist SMEs and farmers with access to credit.
The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland currently has two schemes open for applications from SMEs and farmer: the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme. These aim to facilitate access to credit at competitive prices in these areas important to SMEs and Government, namely challenges arising from invasion of Ukraine by Russia, growing businesses and investing in sustainability. Both were developed in conjunction with the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme opened for applications on 20 March 2023. This scheme provides a lending capacity of €1.2 billion, offering low cost working capital to SMEs, primary producers (i.e. farmers and fishers) and small mid-caps (businesses with fewer than 500 employees), which have been affected by the economic consequences of the conflict in Ukraine. Loans under this scheme can range from €10,000 to €1 million, repayable over a maximum of six years. Furthermore, loans of up to €250,000 do not require collateral or a personal guarantee.
The €500 million Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme was launched on 19 September 2023. This scheme is targeted towards the support of SMEs and farmers to grow their businesses, increase their resilience and enable them to transition to environmentally sustainable practices and systems. It provides for loans to SMEs, including primary producers, ranging from €25,000 to €3 million, for terms of 7 to 10 years. Loans of up to €500,000 can be provided on an unsecured basis.
As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Finance I have no role in the commercial decisions taken by individual banks and lenders. The Credit Review Office (www.creditreview.ie/) provides a review and appeals process for business owners. Further, my Department monitors the availability of credit to SMEs and farmers. The most recent Credit Demand Survey published by my Department can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ded3c-minister-mcgrath-publishes-sme-credit-demand-survey-2023/ .
247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he remains confident that inflationary forces remain within the manageability of the economy; if indicators exist that such inflationary tendencies are likely to level off as predicted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29076/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has identified particular steps needed to check inflation in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29083/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 254 together.
The high inflation rate environment over recent years has been extremely challenging for households who had to endure an erosion of their purchasing power as a result. However enormous progress has been made over the last year or so in reducing inflation with headline HICP inflation of just 1.5 per cent in June. This is the lowest rate since April 2021 and is consistent with price stability.
Key to this moderation has been the partial reversal of energy prices from extremely high levels. Consumer energy prices in June are estimated to have decreased by 5.6 per cent compared to June last year. This decline captures the fall in wholesale energy prices being passed through to retail gas and electricity bills. I expect further cuts to take place throughout this year as this process continues.
However, I am conscious that pockets of inflationary pressure still remain, particularly in domestic sectors, especially for certain services. In part, this is due to capacity constraints in the economy. The labour market is essentially at full-employment and supply-demand imbalances are evident in a number sectors. These indicators – amongst others - will be important to monitor as measures of inflationary tendencies moving forward.
Throughout this period of high inflation, the Government has been at the forefront in supporting the most vulnerable. By responding swiftly and decisively to the cost of living challenges, the Government has helped to mitigate the impact of inflationary pressures on both businesses and households. The temporary and targeted nature of the steps taken by Government have been designed to avoid adding to the inflationary burden whilst providing support to those most in need. It is clear that we have been successful in this regard.
Looking forward, I expect the moderation in inflation to improve households’ purchasing power and support increased consumer spending over the year.
248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which this country remains attractive for foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29077/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is widely recognised as a stable and pro-enterprise economy. This reputation is reflected in our continued ability to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into Ireland. Indeed the most recent data show that the stock of FDI in Ireland stood at €1.2 trillion at the end of the first quarter of this year.
FDI makes an important contribution to the Irish economy. According to the IDA, the multinational sector supports more than 300,000 jobs, approximately one-eighth of our labour force, supporting domestic SMEs indirectly. Moreover, multinational enterprises contribute to the domestic economy by way of income and corporation tax receipts.
I am conscious of the need to retain our competitive advantage on an international stage, given the positive benefits that FDI have provided for the domestic economy. Our strong legal and regulatory landscape, talented and flexible workforce, and our reputation as a stable economy will all be helpful in this regard. In order to remain competitive, it is also important that we continue to invest in education and skills as well as investing in critical infrastructure such as housing and health.
My Department is aware that challenges remain on the horizon, many of which are out of our control. However, the Irish economy has proven resilient and I am confident that we will remain an attractive location in which to invest. This Government will continue to support FDI going forward, through investing in key infrastructure and skills and maintaining our strong legal and regulatory landscape.
249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he can encourage consumer spending in a direction that is most beneficial to our economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29078/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHouseholds have faced numerous headwinds in recent years including rising levels of inflation and the associated increase in interest rates. Inflation rose sharply since the pandemic and spiked as a result of the energy price shocks that followed the war in Ukraine. These developments put significant pressure on consumer spending as purchasing power was eroded by higher prices. The associated interest rate hikes also increased mortgage borrowing costs for households.
In response to these pressures the Government provided an unprecedented level of support to households. These temporary measures were essential for insulating households from rising costs, and included tax credits, welfare supports, lump-sum payments, and energy credits. The supports helped to maintain consumer spending and economic activity. Fortunately, inflationary pressure eased from the second half of 2023 onwards leading to recovery in consumer spending in the first quarter this year.
Looking ahead the outlook for consumer spending is positive. As the labour market is expected to continue to perform robustly, the pace of growth in nominal wages is expected to outpace inflation, supporting real wage growth and in-turn consumer spending. In its spring economic forecasts, the Department of Finance projected consumer spending growth of 2½ per cent this year, increasing to 3 per cent next year.
Going forward, this Government remains committed to careful budgetary management. We will continue to strike the right balance, ensuring that spending is both sufficient and sustainable, meeting the needs of today without compromising the future needs of our people in the years to come.
250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which his Department continues to monitor developments in the insurance industry, in particular the need to provide insurance cover for all types of insurance at viable rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29079/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government remains committed to addressing the issue of high public liability insurance costs through the efforts of the Office for the Promotion of Competition in the Insurance Market, a key element of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. Established as a Programme for Government commitment and overseen by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, the Office aims to expand the risk appetite of existing insurers and attract new market entrants. By maintaining regular contact with sectors facing insurance difficulties, the Office plays a pivotal role in helping to encourage the availability of insurance cover including for various high-risk activities, including equestrian activities, inflatable hire, and ice-skating.
By leveraging the Government's insurance reform agenda, the Office has successfully helped facilitate the availability of insurance in previously challenging areas, contributing to a more competitive market. This collaborative approach involves connecting groups facing insurance challenges with relevant stakeholders and separately engaging with IDA Ireland to help attract new insurers to the Irish market. Most recently we have seen OUTsurance commence operations here. In terms of business and commercial insurance, existing providers have indicated that they are expanding their risk appetite to underserved areas and various sectors are reporting reductions in the rate being charged for liability cover.
The broader Action Plan for Insurance Reform, a critical government initiative, is progressing well. Overseen by a Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, chaired by the Tánaiste, the plan has seen significant progress, with most actions either delivered or initiated. This coordinated whole-of-Government approach aims to improve the domestic operating environment for insurers, despite the EU level Solvency II framework, which prevents Government from compelling insurers to provide coverage or dictating pricing.
In conclusion, the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving a competitive and sustainable insurance market, ensuring the availability and affordability of insurance for all sectors. The ongoing implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, along with the work of the Office for the Promotion of Competition in the Insurance Market, continues to deliver on the Government's reform agenda, making Ireland a more attractive destination for insurers and ultimately benefiting consumers.
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which corporation tax changes are likely to impact on this country’s future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29080/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Ireland joined with almost 140 other countries in reaching agreement in October 2021 on how to address the tax challenges arising from digitalisation of the economy.
The agreement contains two pillars.
Pillar One will see the allocation of taxing rights away from countries such as Ireland to countries where consumers and markets are based. It will be implemented via a Multilateral Convention, on which work is well advanced at the OECD. It is expected that this important international agreement will be brought before the Oireachtas in due course in advance of its ratification.
Ireland agreed to Pillar One even on the basis that the current rules, which were first agreed a century ago, must change to reflect how modern businesses can have a presence and make profits in foreign markets without necessarily having a physical presence there.
Pillar Two came into force on 31 December 2023 in many jurisdictions including Ireland, introducing a 15 per cent effective minimum tax rate for MNEs with a turnover of above €750 million per annum.
These rules have been years in the making and we believe that they have the potential to bring much needed stability to the international tax landscape. While the agreement will come at a cost to Ireland it is clear that a more settled international tax environment will benefit taxpayers and administrations alike, allowing countries to focus on safeguarding competitiveness and providing a sound and stable platform for future investment.
The international tax system needs to keep pace with changes in how business is conducted internationally, and the agreement achieved at the OECD is a fine balance that provides the certainty and stability required for economic growth while at the same time protecting the interests of small countries such as ours.
252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he remains satisfied that our taxation system is sufficiently broadly based to avoid dependency on any one sector to such an extent that it might become a threat to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29081/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes the Annual Taxation Report on an annual basis in order to provide a strategic perspective of the Irish tax system. This allows for the monitoring and identification of developing trends in tax revenue to minimise fiscal vulnerabilities. The latest such report, which was published in August last year, examined the high level of concentration within the corporation tax base, including concentration at a sectoral level: the corporate tax base is highly reliant on a small number of highly profitable companies in a small number of highly profitable sectors.This concentration presents a clear vulnerability to our public finances. Estimates from my Department show that around half of the corporation tax yield in 2023 was ‘windfall’ in nature i.e. not linked to the domestic economy and subject to exceptional potential volatility.Government has acted to mitigate the exposure of our tax base to windfall revenues, through the establishment of two new long-term funds, the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund, that will invest these receipts to help fund the response to future structural fiscal challenges that we know are on the horizon.
Ultimately, the best way to ensure the sustainability of the tax base is by continuing to pursue and a balanced and sensible budgetary policy.
253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which he can influence and coordinate fiscal matters in such a way as to support and encourage growth and development throughout the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29082/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement are key to north-south co-operation and the promotion of peace and prosperity across Ireland. With thanks to the restoration of both the Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland Assembly, the North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC) met for the first time in a number of years in early April. My predecessor, former Minister McGrath, met his Northern Ireland Executive counterpart on a number of occasions this year and I would hope to do the same in the period ahead.
As the Deputy is aware, more broadly the government’s Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future. The initiative aims at further developing the all-island economy, deepening North/South cooperation, and investing in the North West and border regions. I and my Department are of course closely associated with this important work.
Under the Shared Island Fund, earlier this year the government announced €800 million in funding for cross-border investment commitments and objectives, notably in relation to the A5 road upgrade. This builds on work in relation to other key projects such as the Ulster Canal restoration and capital investment at Ulster University’s Derry campus.
The initiative is taken forward on a whole of government basis, coordinated through the Shared Island unit in the Department of the Taoiseach.
Further information on the Shared Island Initiative, including the newly published 2023 annual report, is available on www.gov.ie/sharedisland.
255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which he expects our economic forecast to be affected by international developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29084/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe domestic economy displayed solid growth in the first quarter of this year. Modified domestic demand (MDD) – my preferred measure of domestic activity – increased by 1.4 per cent in the first quarter. Irish exports appear to have turned a corner, growing by 7 per cent in the first quarter of 2024. This represents the first quarter of positive export growth in five quarters.
Looking ahead, my Department is forecasting MDD growth of 1.9 per cent for this year, supported by strong consumer spending. Exports are projected to grow by 2.8 per cent in 2024, reflecting a pick-up in goods exports produced in Ireland and continued growth in services exports.
Notwithstanding the positive performance in the first quarter of this year, there of course remains uncertainty surrounding the growth outlook. Risks to the outlook are two-sided in nature, however, developments in the global economy remain a key source of risk to the Irish growth outlook. My Department’s forecasts already incorporate the low-growth international environment. The outlook for the global economy has improved modestly since these forecasts were published in April, however risks to the external environment remain.
Although inflation appears to be on a downward trajectory in most economies, higher than expected inflation would have negative implications for economic activity, and could also result in interest rates remaining higher for longer. Further heightening of geopolitical tensions or more adverse demand conditions would also have negative implications for Ireland. The highly concentrated nature of the multinational sector makes the economy vulnerable to sector-specific shocks. On the upside, however, there is the potential for a faster decline in inflation or faster interest rate cuts than is currently anticipated.
As a small, open economy, Ireland is of course particularly vulnerable to external risks. However, the economy is on strong footing to face any potential headwinds. My Department will continue to monitor the risks to the Irish economy in the year ahead. Updated macroeconomic forecasts will be published by my Department in the autumn.
256. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the locations of underground carparks and muti-storey car-parks either owned by the OPW or leased by the OPW for the usage of other State agencies; the number of car-parking spaces in each of those car-parks; and the names of State agencies that have access to those car-parks, in tabular form. [28657/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works provides a number of standalone carparking facilities for various Government Departments / Offices. However data is not held in relation to whether these are underground or multi-storey carparks. The tables below schedule the locations of these standalone carparks and the associated Client Department / bodies:
Leased Standalone Carpark Facilities
|
County |
Name |
Client Name |
No of Spaces |
|
Cork |
CORK C&E CENTREPOINT CARPARK |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
6 |
|
Cork |
CORK CRAWFORD HALL CARPARK |
Department of Social Protection |
30 |
|
Cork |
CORK DAF CITYHALL CARPARK |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
17 |
|
Cork |
WATERCOURSE ROAD CARPARK |
An Garda Síochána |
20 |
|
Donegal |
LETTERKENNY GOVERNMENT OFFICE CARPARK |
Department of Social Protection |
80 |
|
Donegal |
MANDERLAY COURT CARPARK |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
12 |
|
Dublin |
BLOOMFIELD CARPARK DUN LAOIRE |
Probation and Welfare Services |
6 |
|
Dublin |
CASTLEVIEW REVENUE CARPARK |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
30 |
|
Dublin |
CHRISTCHURCH CARPARK 2 |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
40 |
|
Dublin |
CLYDE HOUSE CARPARK |
An Garda Síochána |
85 |
|
Dublin |
D/LAOIRE CORRIG AVE CARPARK |
An Garda Síochána |
16 |
|
Dublin |
DRURY STREET CARPARK (3) |
Office of the Attorney General, Department of Social Protection, National Museum, |
34 |
|
Dublin |
DRURY STREET CARPARK |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
40 |
|
Dublin |
MARLBOROUGH ST CARPARK |
Department of Social Protection, Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
79 |
|
Dublin |
NAVAN ROAD ASHTOWNGATE CARPARK |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
11 |
|
Dublin |
OIREACHTAS CARPARK |
Houses of the Oireachtas |
28 |
|
Dublin |
PARNELL CENTRE CARPARK 2 |
Department of Social Protection |
28 |
|
Dublin |
PARNELL CENTRE CARPARK |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
24 |
|
Dublin |
PARNELL ST ESO CARPARK |
Department of Social Protection |
15 |
|
Dublin |
RATHMINES CSO CARPARK |
Central Statistics Office |
18 |
|
Dublin |
ST.JOHNS CARPARK TALLAGHT |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
15 |
|
Dublin |
SWORDS ESO CARPARK |
Department of Social Protection |
6 |
|
Dublin |
TALBOT ST CARPARK RIPLEY COURT |
Department of Justice |
20 |
|
Dublin |
TALLAGHT DTC CARPARK |
Road Safety Authority |
13 |
|
Dublin |
TALLAGHT EDUCATION OFFICE CARPARK |
Department of Education |
8 |
|
Dublin |
TALLAGHT PIAB CARPARK |
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
20 |
|
Dublin |
TALLAGHT PLAZA CWS CARPARK |
Department of Social Protection |
12 |
|
Dublin |
TALLAGHT PLAZA HOTEL CARPARK |
Department of Justice, Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
72 |
|
Dublin |
UNIDARE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CAR PARK |
Road Safety Authority |
85 |
|
Galway |
EYRE SQUARE CARPARK |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
49 |
|
Galway |
HYNES YARD CARPARK |
Department of Social Protection |
53 |
|
Galway |
LOUGHREA TRANSPORT & RSA CARPARK |
Department of Transport |
30 |
|
Galway |
REVENUE FAIRGREEN CARPARK |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
52 |
|
Galway |
TUAM SWO CARPARK |
Department of Social Protection |
3 |
|
Kildare |
NAAS POPLAR HOUSE CARPARK |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
6 |
|
Limerick |
LIMERICK HENRY ST GARDA CARPARK |
An Garda Síochána |
13 |
|
Wexford |
STONEBRIDGE CARPARK |
Department of Social Protection, Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
80 |
Owned Standalone Carparking Facilities
|
County |
Name |
Client Name |
No of Spaces |
|
Cork |
Wandesford Street Carpark |
Department of Social Protection |
26 |
|
Dublin |
Merrion Square 64-65 Car Park |
Department of Finance, OPW |
46 |
257. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the Garda stations within Cavan-Monaghan Division that were refurbished by the OPW where the value of works is in excess of €35,000 in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024; the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out, by station; if each refurbishment works are still ongoing or completed; and if works are still ongoing, when refurbishment works are scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [28658/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs clarified with the deputy the Office of Public Works can confirm that refurbishment works, with costs in excess of €100,000 have been carried out to a Garda Station in the Cavan Monaghan Division in 2023 and to-date in 2024.
The Garda Station, along with the nature, current status and completion date of the works is outlined in the table below.
|
Garda Station |
Nature of Refurbishment Works in excess of €100,000 |
Status Completed/ Ongoing |
Scheduled Completion date / Completed date |
|
Carrickmacross GS |
Cell upgrade /refurbishment works. |
Completed |
15/03/2024 |
258. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of members of the civil service and public service who have been convicted of crimes or are currently before the courts charged with criminal offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28894/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Civil and Public Service is comprised of numerous different employers across Government Departments and bodies under their aegis. Overall, there are over 400,000 people are employed in these organisations and there is no central repository of employee data for these people.
As Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform I am responsible for the Civil Service, with each Government Department holding responsibility over their own area in the Public Service. In relation to Civil Servants convicted of a criminal offence, this issue is referenced in paragraph 9 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, which states that Civil Servants who are convicted of a criminal offence or given the benefit of the Probation Act when charged with a criminal offence must report that fact to their Personnel Officer. In certain circumstances, this may have implications for their official position.
For new entrants to the Civil Service, those under consideration for a position are required to complete a health and character declaration and a Garda vetting form. In the event of potential conflicts of interest, candidates may not be considered for certain posts. Where details of a criminal record or current investigation/awaiting trial are returned in a Garda vetting disclosure, or a police clearance disclosure from another jurisdiction, or in the character declaration, a risk assessment is carried out in order to assess the suitability of the candidate.
For my own Department, no staff have been convicted of crimes or are currently before the courts charged with criminal offences.
259. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of trade between Switzerland and Ireland in 2023. [28669/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to Goods Exports and Imports. According to the CSO data, the value of our goods imports from Switzerland was €8 billion in 2023 up 26% compared with 2022. The value of our goods exports to Switzerland was €4 billion in 2023 up 25% compared to 2023.
Our top goods exports to Switzerland in 2023 were Medical & Pharmaceutical Products Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector) and Medical Devices
Our top goods imports from Switzerland in 2023 were Organic chemicals (mainly for pharmaceutical sector) Medical & pharmaceutical products and Photographic supplies, Spectacles, Contact Lenses
|
2023 |
Imports |
Exports |
|
Goods |
€8,065 million |
€4,108 million |
|
Services |
Not yet available |
Not yet available |
|
2022 |
Imports |
Exports |
|
Goods |
€6,409 million |
€3,275 million |
|
Services |
€8,746 million |
€6,454 million |
260. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if driver training for all terrain vehicles will be made mandatory (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28722/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation 619/2021 came into effect on 20 November 2023. These Regulations govern the safe use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV)/Quad Bikes in all workplaces and require that ATV operators undertake training with a registered training provider to a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) standard or equivalent.
With respect to on-farm work activity and training, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 states that all employers must provide information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health, and welfare at work of his or her employees.
The Health and Safety Authority’s Code of Practice (CoP) for preventing injury and occupational ill health in agriculture (CoP ) states children under 14 should not be allowed to drive or operate tractors or machinery. Children over 14 should be allowed to operate tractors only after they have received formal training. The CoP refers to the Safe Tractor Driving Skills Programme which has been designed to develop the safety skills of 14 to16 year-olds in relation to tractor driving. The course covers both theory and practice relating to tractor handling for on-farm use only. The course is available from a number of training providers.
Further information on farm vehicle, ATV and machinery safety, including an array of video material, is available on the HSA’s website hsa.ie.
The HSA has also prepared a short awareness raising course on An Introduction to Tractor Safety; in 2023, 1,924 courses were taken.
The operation of tractors or machinery on the public road is primarily a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority
261. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action taken to sustain and expand employment since July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28930/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s labour market has shown remarkable resilience given the challenges Ireland has faced in recent years, including Brexit, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and global inflationary pressures.
According to the latest employment figures from the CSO’s Labour Force Survey, published on 23rd May of this year, total employment stood at 2.71 million in the first quarter of 2024. This represents over 300,300 additional jobs since the same period in 2020, when total employment stood at 2.4 million, an increase of around 14%. There are more people employed in Ireland than ever before. As per the CSO Statistical Release on Monthly Unemployment from the beginning of July, the seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate was 4.2% in June 2024.
This record-breaking labour market performance reflects the continuing success of Ireland’s enterprise policy in sustaining and expending employment. To ensure that this momentum is maintained, my Department published the White Paper on Enterprise in December 2022, which sets out Government`s enterprise policy for the period through to 2030. The White Paper on Enterprise details how we will deliver on our ambition of a vibrant, resilient, regionally balanced and sustainable economy made up of a diversified mix of leading global companies, internationally competitive Irish enterprises and thriving local businesses. In particular, it seeks to ensure the continued creation of rewarding jobs and livelihoods across Ireland.
In order to achieve this ambition, Government has set out seven enterprise policy objectives in the White Paper; integrating decarbonisation and net zero commitments, placing digital transformation at the heart of enterprise policy, advancing Ireland’s FDI and trade value proposition, strengthening the Irish-owned exporting sector, enabling locally trading sectors to thrive, stepping up enterprise innovation, and building on Ireland`s existing strengths and opportunities, through a clustering approach.
The commitments set out in the White Paper on Enterprise are being implemented through a series of consecutive two-year Implementation Plans, the first of which was published in May 2023, and covers the period through to the end of 2024. The second update report, covering H2 2023, shows that significant action is already being taken to advance the enterprise policy vision set out in the White Paper across all priority policy areas, and presents a strong basis for optimism both today and for the future. The report outlines positive progress towards the achievement of the majority of the 15 target metrics as set out in the White Paper.
I am aware that it is essential that Irish enterprise has access to a pool of high quality, adaptable and flexible talent to ensure that the objectives outlined in the White Paper on Enterprise are realised. In order to meet this demand, my Department works closely with stakeholders across Government, in particular the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and its agencies, along with industry and the education and training system, in order to build and retain a highly skilled workforce to serve the needs of the economy.
Ireland’s skills development policy is supported by a responsive National Skills Architecture, which aims to ensure that education and training provision is optimally aligned with identified skills needs within the enterprise base. This architecture is overseen by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, which provides the Secretariat for the National Skills Council. My Department, as well its agencies IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, are members of the Council. The Council draws on the labour market intelligence of the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit of SOLAS, the Regional Skills Fora, and the enterprise skills demand forecast studies of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the Secretariat for which is based in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
My Department is also working closely with the Department of Social Protection in implementing Pathways to Work, and with it the labour market activation of the unemployed, groups underrepresented in the workforce, and workers transitioning to more viable roles or sectors as our economy evolves.
The Government is also delivering a suite of measures aimed at improving job quality and labour market inclusivity, including making progress towards implementing the National Living Wage, and the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 which establishes the right of all workers to request remote working and the right of parents and carers to request other forms of flexible working. The latter has played a role in achieving Ireland’s increased levels of female labour force participation, a positive development which I very much welcome.
Government policies aimed at creating an attractive environment for both indigenous enterprise and foreign direct investment and enhancing the availability of talent to employers- supplemented by measures such as those announced in May 2024 to help our small and medium sized enterprises maintain competitiveness and sustain jobs in the context of increased costs- have resulted in record-breaking levels of job creation being achieved in Ireland in the context of ongoing international economic and geopolitical turbulence, momentum I and my colleagues across Government are committed to maintaining.
