Written Answers Nos. 333-351
337. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Finance when the revised criteria to qualify for the primary medical certificate will be published that will be fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34469/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit for purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.
However, this is very much a matter for Government as whilst my Department has oversight of the DDS, I do not have responsibility for disability policy.
As the Deputy is aware the National Disability & Inclusion Strategy or NDIS Transport Working Group recommended that the DDS be replaced with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme. This is in line with the general view that we need to move away from a medical criteria-based approach to a needs-based approach.
The next National Disability Strategy is currently under development, which will be a whole-of-government strategy that will advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Transport has been identified as a strong point of focus and is intended to be a pillar therein.
Under the aegis of the Department of Taoiseach officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report including how the DDS can be replaced.
The Department of Finance submitted a note to the group with my predecessor's approval in mid-January 2024. This note outlines a proposal for a replacement scheme for the DDS which would be a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations. Further consideration is being given to this matter through the establishment of sub-group of the Department of Taoiseach working group. This sub-group met in July 2024 and is expected to report in the Autumn.
338. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the number of vehicles seized by the Revenue Commissioners under section 141 of the Finance Act 2001, in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [34472/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that section 141 of Finance Act 2001 provides that Revenue may seize any goods or vehicles that are liable to forfeiture under the excise legislation. The primary offences that these laws relate to are offences regarding Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), Marked Mineral Oil (MMO). Vehicles may also be seized where they are used as a conveyance for offences relating to excisable products.
The number of vehicles seized under section 141 of Finance Act 2001 during 2023 and to the end of August 2024 are set out in the table below. This data is based on information extracted from Revenue systems on 2 September 2024.
|
Offence Type |
No. vehicles seized 2023 |
No. vehicles seized to end August 2024 |
|
MMO |
96 |
73 |
|
VRT |
899 |
599 |
|
Used as a conveyance relating to excise offences |
32 |
36 |
|
Total |
1,027 |
708 |
339. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Finance the number of times his Department has used a company (details supplied) to carry out services on behalf of his Department in 2023 and to date in 2024; and the nature of services provided by this company to his Department in each of the years in question, in tabular form. [34507/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Department of Finance has not engaged the services of BDO Ireland in 2023 or to date in 2024.
340. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance the current rates of VRT that are applied to cars being imported into the State; if he proposes to review the application of this tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34551/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Finance Act 1992, Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is assessed on a vehicle at the time of registration in the State and the way it is calculated depends on the category of the vehicle involved. The method of calculating VRT is the same regardless of whether the vehicle is new or has been imported second-hand from another EU Member State or a third country.
VRT on Category A vehicles (generally cars and minibuses) is based on the vehicle’s value and its emissions level, with higher charges for higher-emitting vehicles of the same value. This category typically accounts for more than 90 per cent of VRT receipts. There are two components of the VRT charge for these vehicles, relating to their carbon dioxide (CO2) and the nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions.
The CO2 component of the VRT charge is calculated by multiplying the value of the vehicle (it’s “Open Market Selling Price”) by a percentage from a 20-band table, with the vehicle’s CO2 emissions level determining which band applies. Vehicles with the lowest CO2 emissions fall into band 1 (charged at 7%) while those with the highest emissions fall into band 20 (charged at 41%).
The following table sets out the basis for the calculation of the CO2 charge.
|
CO2 Emissions (CO2 g/km) |
Percentage payable of the value of the vehicle |
|
CO2 Emissions (CO2 g/km) |
Percentage payable of the value of the vehicle |
|
0g/km up to and including 50g/km |
7% or €140 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 50g/km up to and including 80g/km |
9% or €180 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 80g/km up to and including 85g/km |
9.75% or €195 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 85g/km up to and including 90g/km |
10.5% or €210 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 90g/km up to and including 95g/km |
11.25% or €225 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 95g/km up to and including 100g/km |
12% or €240 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 100g/km up to and including 105g/km |
12.75% or €255 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 105g/km up to and including 110g/km |
13.5% or €270 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 110g/km up to and including 115g/km |
15.25% or €305 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 115g/km up to and including 120g/km |
16% or €320 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 120g/km up to and including 125g/km |
16.75% or €335 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 125g/km up to and including 130g/km |
17.5% or €350 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 130g/km up to and including 135g/km |
19.25% or €385 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 135g/km up to and including 140g/km |
20% or €400 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 140g/km up to and including 145g/km |
21.5% or €430 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 145g/km up to and including 150g/km |
25% or €500 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 150g/km up to and including 155g/km |
27.5% or €550 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 155g/km up to and including 170g/km |
30% or €600 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 170g/km up to and including 190g/km |
35% or €700 whichever is the greater |
|
More than 190g/km |
41% or €820 whichever is the greater |
The NOx component of the VRT charge is calculated using a progressive scale based on the vehicle’s NOx emissions level, as follows:
Calculation of NOx charge
|
NOx emissions (NOx mg/km or mg/kWh) |
Amount payable per mg/km or mg/kWh |
|
NOx emissions (NOx mg/km or mg/kWh) |
Amount payable per mg/km or mg/kWh |
|
The first 0-40 mg/km or mg/kWh, as the case may be |
€5 |
|
The next 40 mg/km or mg/kWh or part thereof, as the case may be, up to 80 mg/km or mg/kWh, as the case may be |
€15 |
|
The remainder above 80 mg/km or mg/kWh, as the case may be |
€25 |
As the Deputy will be aware, 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.
341. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance if he will change the 9% VAT refund scheme for coaches and buses to include all coach or bus operators operating a passenger transport service, as the present scheme includes tourist operators only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34578/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23% in Ireland, unless they fall within categories of goods and services specified in the Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply a lower rate or exemption from VAT. In addition, the Directive allows for historic VAT treatment to be maintained under certain conditions and Ireland has retained the application of VAT exemption to the transport of passengers and their accompanying baggage. This means that under Ireland’s VAT rules, the supplier of passenger transport services does not register for VAT, does not charge VAT on the supply of their services and, consequently, has no VAT recovery entitlement on their input costs.
In accordance with the EU rules, Ireland may continue to apply this existing, historic VAT exemption on the supply of domestic passenger transport but, for as long as the exemption remains, the conditions under which the exemption was granted cannot be changed. The introduction of a new entitlement to VAT recovery for the passenger transport sector could only be done if Ireland were to decide to end its historic exemption for the sector and bring passenger transport services into the VAT net; this would then require suppliers to register for VAT and require them to charge VAT on their passenger fares.
Ireland has also maintained a relieving provision, the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (Touring Coaches) Order of 2012, which provides for a refund of VAT on the cost of acquiring “qualifying vehicles” used for the carriage of tourists under contracts for group transport. The order defines “qualifying vehicles” as single deck touring coaches of specific dimensions (not less than 2,700 millimetres in height, 8,000 millimetres in length and 775 millimetres in floor height with an underfloor luggage capacity of less than 3 cubic meters), or alternatively, double deck touring coaches of particular dimensions (not more than 4,300 millimetres in height and not less than 10,000 millimetres in length).
The Deputy is asking about the possibility of extending the scope of the Order to all large public service vehicles involved in public transportation. Such a measure would not be compatible with the EU VAT Directive, particularly having regard to the conditions under which Ireland is permitted to maintain its historic VAT exemption for passenger transport.
342. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance if there is an exemption from stamp duty available for the Traveller ethnic group who are purchasing a home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34580/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe standard rates of stamp duty applying on the purchase of a residential property are 1% on values up to €1 million and 2% on values exceeding €1 million.
I am advised by Revenue that there is no currently exemption from stamp duty available on the purchase of a home for a person who is part of any particular ethnic group, including the Traveller ethnic group.
343. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has plans to accept fresh start applicants into the help-to-buy scheme; if consideration would be given to same, in view that accepting fresh start applicants would help those who have separated or divorced and need to buy a home for the second time as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34607/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA) requires that applicants for the Help to Buy (HTB) scheme must be first-time purchasers, which is defined as:
" 'first-time purchaser' means an individual who, at the time of a claim under subsection (3) has not, either individually or jointly with any other person, previously purchased or previously built, directly or indirectly, on his or her own behalf a dwelling;"
There are no exceptions to the HTB definition of first time purchaser. This includes circumstances where there is more than one person involved in the purchase or building of a new home. The intention behind this is to target the tax relief on those who have not had the opportunity to build up equity in another property which could be used to purchase the second or subsequent property and those who could not have availed of HTB relief previously.
The "fresh start" principle set out in Section 10 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021, and which relates to the criteria for qualifying for affordable housing, does not apply to HTB.
I have no plans at present to extend HTB to make provision for those who might qualify under that principle.
344. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance to consider a personal tax relief for gym and swimming pool membership holders via the existing medical expense rebate structure administered by Revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34740/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, proposals for the amendment of tax reliefs must be assessed in accordance with my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines. These make clear the importance that any policy proposal which involves tax expenditures should only occur in limited circumstances. In particular, they provide that a tax-based incentive should only be considered where it would be more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention.
Furthermore, any decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances.
I have no plans, at present, for a relief along the lines suggested by the Deputy's question.
However, in relation to fitness-based measures more generally, I would point to the Cycle To Work scheme, introduced by Finance (No. 2) Act 2008. The scheme specifies that bicycles and associated safety equipment provided by employers to employees will be treated as a tax exempt benefit-in-kind subject to certain conditions being met. One of the benefits envisaged from the scheme was indeed that more people cycling to and from work would improve health and fitness levels.
In addition, Finance Act 2018 introduced the Accelerated Capital Allowances scheme for Childcare facilities and Fitness Centres. The scheme encourages employers to develop childcare facilities and fitness centres onsite for their employees. The scheme provides accelerated allowances for qualifying buildings or structures over a seven year period and accelerated allowances for related equipment at 100 per cent in year one.
345. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance to give strong consideration to a reduction in hospitality VAT on food and beverages to 9%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34741/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, 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.
346. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the number of flights he has taken to or from Shannon Airport, Cork Airport and Knock Airport since assuming office. [34756/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I have taken no flights to or from Shannon, Cork or Knock Airports since assuming office.
347. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance to consider abolishing the deemed disposal tax on investment funds and ETFs, which requires individuals to pay capital gains tax on unrealised gains after eight years, regardless of whether the assets are sold; if his attention has been drawn to the financial burden this places on young investors who are just beginning to invest and work towards their financial goals; if he will outline any plans to review this policy to promote long-term investment, boost economic growth, and create a more investor-friendly environment; if the Minister will review the attached correspondence from a recent graduate with a degree in economics and finance from UCD (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34837/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note the Deputy's query in relation to the taxation of investment funds and ETFs and whether any changes are being considered in this regard, in particular for younger investors. I also appreciate the Deputy submitting the correspondence associated with his question and this will be reviewed by my officials.
Last year, on 6 April 2023, my Department published the Terms of Reference for a review of Ireland’s funds sector - ‘Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets’. The review is wide ranging and looking at a range of issues relevant to the funds sector, taking into account the recommendations in this area of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare 2022 report, Foundations for the Future.
A draft report was submitted to me for consideration during the summer, in line with the Review's Terms of Reference. The exact timing of the publication of the Funds Review report will be confirmed in due course.
As with all areas of tax policy, the taxation of savings and investments will be kept under review throughout the annual budgetary and Finance Bill process.
348. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Finance the status of the review of Ireland’s funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34854/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA draft report was submitted to me for consideration during the summer, in line with the Review’s Terms of the Reference. The exact timing of the publication of the Funds Review report is yet to be determined.
349. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of political staff employed in his Department, including parliamentary assistants, secretarial assistants, special advisers, drivers and other relevant positions; the number of civil or public service staff seconded to work within his Department or constituency offices; the salaries and job titles of each such person; the duty or role of each, in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34913/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that Parliamentary Assistants and Secretarial Assistants are employed by the Oireachtas rather than by my Department, and as such records below only pertain to positions on the Department of Finance payroll.
The Salaries for these positions may be subject to incremental progression, and pay agreement changes over the course of a calendar year.
In 2020, my Department employed four Special Advisers, four Civilian Drivers, and one civil service secondee working within the Constituency Office as set out in Table A below:
Table A:
|
Job Title |
Role |
Salary |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€101,114 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€101,114 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister of State (Minister Michael D’Arcy, T.D) |
€74,977 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Sean Fleming, T.D.) |
€69,012 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to former Minister of State (Minister Michael D’Arcy, T.D) |
€37,795 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to former Minister of State (Minister Michael D’Arcy, T.D) |
€37,795 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€37,795 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€37,795 |
|
Clerical Officer civil servant secondee) |
Constituency work for former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D). |
€461.96 Per Week |
In 2021, my Department employed five Special Advisers, five Civilian Drivers, one civil service secondee working within the Constituency Office and one HEO Equivalent fixed term employee working within the Constituency Office as set out in Table B below:
Please note that one of the Special Advisers to the Minister for Finance went on Statutory Leave and one Special Adviser resigned. Both were replaced during 2021. One Civilian Driver left during the year and was replaced.
My Department adhered to the Guidelines for Staffing in Ministerial Offices.
Table B:
|
Job Title |
Role |
Salary |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€94550 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€105,463 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€105,493 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€105,493 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Sean Fleming, T.D.) |
€69,704 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Sean Fleming, T.D.) |
€38,295 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Sean Fleming, T.D.) |
€38,295 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€38,295 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€38,295 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€38,295 |
|
HEO Equivalent |
Constituency work for former Minister of State (former Minister of State Sean Fleming, T.D.) |
€49,845 |
|
Clerical Officer civil servant secondee) |
Constituency work for former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D). |
€509.85 Per Week |
In 2022, my Department employed six Special Advisers (as one was on statutory leave for part of the year), four Civilian Drivers one civil service secondee working within the Constituency Office and one HEO Equivalent fixed term employee working within the Constituency Office as set out in Table D below:
Table C:
|
Job Title |
Role |
Salary |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€103,358 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€109,714 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€109,714 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister McGrath) |
€103,358 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister McGrath) |
€110,811 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Sean Fleming, T.D.) |
€75,620 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€39,839 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D.) |
€39,839 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Sean Fleming, T.D.) |
€39,839 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Sean Fleming, T.D.) |
€39,839 |
|
Clerical Officer civil servant secondee) |
Constituency work for former Minister for Finance (Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D). |
€540.37 Per Week |
|
HEO Equivalent |
Constituency work for former Minister of State (former Minister of State Sean Fleming, T.D.) |
€49,845 |
In 2023, my Department employed three Special Advisers, three Civilian Drivers (one left and was replaced) and one Administrative Assistant. There was one civil service secondee working within the Constituency Office (up to June 2024) as set out in table D below:
My Department adhered to the Guidelines for Staffing Ministerial Offices.
Table D:
|
Job Title |
Role |
Salary |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister McGrath) |
€118,384 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister McGrath) |
€109,548 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.) |
€87,455 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.) |
€41,146 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.) |
€41,146 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.) |
€41,146 |
|
Administrative Role |
Constituency work for the Minister of State (former Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.) |
€34,562 |
|
Executive Officer civil servant secondee) |
Constituency work for former Minister for Finance (Minister McGrath). |
€44,391 |
I wish to inform the Deputy that in 2024, to date, my Department has employed the following political staff as set out in Table E below.
This comprises six Special Advisers, four Civilian Drivers and one Administrative Assistant. There was two civil service secondees working within the Constituency Offices (one until June 2024).
Table E:
|
Job Title |
Role |
Salary |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister McGrath) |
€122,258 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to former Minister for Finance (Minister McGrath) |
€114,830 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to the Minister for Finance (current Minister Jack Chambers,T.D.) |
€114,830 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to the Minister for Finance (current Minister Jack Chambers,T.D.) |
€114,830 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to the Minister of State (current Minister of State Neale Richmond, T.D.) |
€81,187 |
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.) |
€87,455 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.) |
€43,021 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (former Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.) |
€43,021 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (current Minister of State Neale Richmond, T.D.) |
€43,021 |
|
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State (current Minister of State Neale Richmond, T.D.) |
€43,021 |
|
Administrative Role |
Constituency work for the Minister of State (former Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.) |
€34,562 |
|
Executive Officer (civil servant secondee) |
Constituency work for former Minister for Finance (Minister McGrath) and current Minister Jack Chambers, T.D. |
€48,519 |
350. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance to provide a list of the names of each special adviser employed by his Department since 2020; the Minister and Minister of State whom each adviser is associated with, and their respective salaries, in tabular form; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34931/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that there are currently three Special Advisers employed in my Department. Two of these advisers report to me and one Special Adviser reports to Minister of State Neale Richmond, T.D.
The names, salaries and areas of expertise of all Special Advisers from 2020 to date are set out in tabular form, below. The salaries for these positions may be subject to incremental progression, and pay agreement changes over the course of a calendar year.
My Department adheres to the Guidelines for Staffing Ministerial Offices.
Minister for Finance:
Please note that one of the Special Advisers was on Statutory Leave during 2021 and 2022 and was temporarily replaced during this period. One Special Adviser resigned and was replaced during 2021.
|
Year |
Special Adviser |
Minister |
Salary |
Area of Expertise |
|
2020 |
Deborah Sweeney |
Paschal Donohoe |
€101,114 |
Policy and Political Analysis and Communication |
|
Edward Brophy |
Paschal Donohoe |
€101,114 |
Policy and Political Analysis and Communication |
|
|
2021 |
Deborah Sweeney |
Paschal Donohoe |
€105,493 |
Policy and Political Analysis and Communication |
|
Edward Brophy |
Paschal Donohoe |
€105,493 |
Policy and Political Analysis and Communication |
|
|
Aidan Murphy |
Paschal Donohoe |
€94,550 |
Business and Financial Advice |
|
|
Fiona O'Connor |
Paschal Donohoe |
€105,463 |
Business Advice |
|
|
2022 |
Deborah Sweeney |
Paschal Donohoe |
€109,714 |
Policy and Political Analysis and Communication |
|
- |
Aidan Murphy |
Paschal Donohoe |
€103,358 |
Business and Financial Advice |
|
- |
Fiona O'Connor |
Paschal Donohoe |
€109,714 |
Business Advice |
|
- |
Kevin Barrett |
Michael McGrath |
€110,811 |
Financial Advice |
|
- |
Grant Sweetnam |
Michael McGrath |
€103,358 |
Economic Advice |
|
2023 |
Kevin Barrett |
Michael McGrath |
€118,384 |
Financial Advice |
|
- |
Grant Sweetnam |
Michael McGrath |
€109,548 |
Economic Advice |
|
2024 |
Kevin Barrett |
Michael McGrath |
€122,258 |
Financial Advice |
|
- |
Grant Sweetnam |
Michael McGrath |
€114,830 |
Economic Advice |
|
- |
Sam Griffin |
Jack Chambers |
€114,830 |
Policy and Political Analysis and Communication |
|
- |
Shane Smyth |
Jack Chambers |
€114,830 |
Policy Advice |
Minister of State:
|
Year |
Special Adviser |
Minister of State |
Salary |
Area of Expertise |
|
2020 |
Caroline Hoffman |
Michael D'Arcy |
€74,977 |
Government and Public Policy |
|
- |
Aidan O'Connor |
Seán Fleming |
€69,012 |
Policy Analysis and Communication |
|
2021 |
Aidan O'Connor |
Seán Fleming |
€69,704 |
Policy Analysis and Communication |
|
2022 |
Aidan O'Connor |
Seán Fleming |
€75,620 |
Policy Analysis and Communication |
|
2023 |
Stephen Foley |
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill |
€87,455 |
Business Advice |
|
2024 |
Stephen Foley |
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill |
€87,455 |
Business Advice |
|
2024 |
Fiona Campbell |
Neale Richmond |
€81,187 |
Public Affairs & Political Communications Advice |
351. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the details of the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34949/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the amount paid to Ministerial advisers by my Department in respect of expenses for each year from 2020 to 2024 is set out in tabular for below.
|
- |
2020 |
|
|
Name |
Role |
Amount |
|
Ed Brophy |
Adviser to Minister |
857.65 |
|
Aidan O'Connor |
Adviser to Minister of State |
0.00 |
|
Caroline Hoffman |
Adviser to Minister of State |
0.00 |
|
Deborah Sweeney |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
2021 |
||
|
Name |
Role |
Amount |
|
Aidan Murphy |
Adviser to Minister |
1,221.04 |
|
Aidan O'Connor |
Adviser to Minister of State |
600.24 |
|
Ed Brophy |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
Deborah Sweeney |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
Fiona O'Connor |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
2022 |
||
|
Name |
Role |
Amount |
|
Aidan Murphy |
Adviser to Minister |
6,950.49 |
|
Fiona O'Connor |
Adviser to Minister |
6,134.81 |
|
Aidan O'Connor |
Adviser to Minister of State |
3,549.55 |
|
Kevin Barrett |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
Grant Sweetnam |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
Deborah Sweeney |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
2023 |
||
|
Name |
Role |
Amount |
|
Aidan Murphy |
Adviser to Minister |
5,009.97 |
|
Stephen Foley |
Adviser to Minister of State |
3,033.80 |
|
Kevin Barrett |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
Grant Sweetnam |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
2024 |
||
|
Name |
Role |
Amount |
|
Kevin Barrett |
Adviser to Minister |
4,403.86 |
|
Sam Griffin |
Adviser to Minister |
2,913.57 |
|
Fiona Campbell |
Adviser to Minister of State |
409.93 |
|
Grant Sweetnam |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
|
Shane Smyth |
Adviser to Minister |
0.00 |
