Written Answers Nos. 3-22
3. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish election observers that he plans to nominate for each country as part of the Organisation for Security Co-operation in Europe’s forthcoming election observation missions, namely to Georgia, Moldova and Uzbekistan; the number of observers already deployed this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37964/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Ireland's current five-year international Election Observation Roster was established on 1 January 2024 and has 173 members.
To date in 2024, 38 members of the roster have participated in election observation missions. At least 13 further members will participate in missions this year, including three to Bosnia and Herzegovina, three to Georgia, three to Moldova, one to the United States and three to Uzbekistan.
4. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that comparative members of the Organisation for Security C-operation in Europe provide their long-term election observers with income payments in addition to living expenses; if he will consider introducing this in order to reduce barriers to participation in such roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37965/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions organised by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) in Europe (OSCE). Ireland's current five-year international Election Observation Roster was established from 1 January 2024 and has 173 members.
Membership of the roster is undertaken on a voluntary basis and has no employment obligations. Members are volunteers and are not paid remuneration. However, roster members selected to participate in missions receive a payment of €600 to cover all pre-departure expenses. This is paid once in any twelve-month period regardless of the number of missions undertaken. Ireland also provides a daily allowance for participants in each mission, as recommended by the OSCE.
This approach is in line with the majority of other OSCE member states.
5. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to escalate a passport application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37998/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service has issued over 855,000 passports to date this year. All passport applications are subject to the requirements of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. First-time applications are the most complex applications due to the necessary checks involved to verify the identity and citizenship status of the applicant. The turnaround time to complete first-time online applications is 20 working days.
The Passport Service takes its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport very seriously. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked third in the Henley Global Passport Index, as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 193 countries. Accordingly, there is a rigorous checking process in place for first time applications.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the applicant previously held an Irish passport, however this passport expired more than five years ago. An application for a passport renewal can only take place within five years of the currently held passport being expired. If a renewal application is made more than five years after expiry of a passport, the passport application is treated as a first time application.
The Passport Service received the documents for this application on 13/08/2024. As it had been more than five years since the applicant’s previous passport had expired, this application was processed as a first time application.
A request for submission of a new photo was sent to the applicant by the Passport Service on 13/09/2024 and received by the Passport Service on 13/09/2024. It is important to note that turnaround times for applications that require supporting documents begin from the date the Passport Service receives the supporting documents are received. Online applications for which additional photos are requested are processed within a maximum of 10 working days of the receipt of the new photo. The issue date for this first time application is 27/09/2024, which is well before this applicant’s travel date.
The Passport Service has public education materials, including video tutorials on taking a passport photo and detailed instructions on the application process, available online, at www.ireland.ie/passportsphotos. These materials are regularly communicated to citizens via our social media channels.
There are a variety of reasons why an applicant may be require a submit new photo's for their passport application. For online applications new photos, if required, are submitted via a link that is emailed to the applicant. New photos can also be requested by the Passport Service where they do not meet the requirement for a passport.
6. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance that can be given to a surviving sibling, also defined as next of kin, of an Irish citizen who died in Canada (details supplied). [38025/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that officials in my Department and the relevant Consulate are aware of this case and are providing ongoing consular assistance to the citizen.
I understand that a case officer has been assigned to the citizen and that they remain in contact. I further understand that the Consulate has very recently followed up with local authorities on the case as part of efforts to further assist the citizen.
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides consular assistance within the remit of its Consular Assistance Charter www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/assistance-abroad/consular-assistance-charter/ . The Consular Assistance Charter sets out the type of assistance that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Irish Embassies and Consulates worldwide can provide to Irish citizens abroad.
Please be assured that my Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the citizen, where possible, within the remits of the Consular Assistance Charter.
7. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the warmer homes scheme; the reasons solar PV has not comprised a significant component of this programme given the increased popularity and affordability of the technology; if he has plans to change this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38030/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 150,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Scheme.
The scheme seeks to reduce the amount of energy a household needs by reducing heat loss through the installation of insulation and ventilation in the first instance, before moving to replacing heating systems where required under Building Regulations. This is in line with the fabric first/energy efficiency first principle and best practice.
SEAI are currently piloting the installation of renewable technologies, mainly heat pumps, where a major renovation is taking place. The purpose of the pilot is to test the capabilities and the suitability of installing heat pumps in the context of energy poverty objectives for the Warmer Homes Programme.
SEAI data indicates that in a small number of homes in the pilot, Solar PV has also been installed with a heat pump, with the aim of providing further insights in relation to running costs and uptake. The learnings from piloting PV installations will also inform the approach to compliance with future changes to the Building Regulations for major renovations under the scheme.
The Deputy may also wish to note that homes built prior to 2011 are eligible for part funded grants for Solar PV. Further details can be found on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie .
8. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to publish declassified reports that were reported in the media (details supplied) on 18 September 2024 in relation to the Glen of Imaal blast on 13 April 1979 that resulted in the loss of life of three children, with ten more seriously injured. [37995/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra9. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to address the Glen of Imaal blast in 1979 by publishing all reports in order that families and survivors have the full truth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37996/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra10. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will apologise to the families and survivors of the Glen of Imaal blast in 1979 on behalf of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37997/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 9 and 10 together.
Given the passage of time since these tragic events, and in light of litigation cases which where I am advised confidential to the parties involved, I have requested my officials to examine the Deputy's request and report back to me with a recommendation on same. Upon my consideration of this awaited report, I will revert to the Deputy directly.
11. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for a full list of the value of equipment purchased and procured for the Defence Forces in each of the past two years from companies based in the United States, France and the UK, in tabular form. [38212/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available from the Department's financial management systems within the time frame sought.
Officials from my Department will arrange to have this information forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
|
Country |
2023 |
||
|
EUR |
GBP |
USD |
|
|
France |
€28,304,169 |
£ - |
$ - |
|
UK |
€23,338,893 |
£ 5,975,441.15 |
$ 376,280.67 |
|
USA |
€31,817,173 |
£ - |
$ 3,737,842.92 |
|
Country |
2024 |
||
|
EUR |
GBP |
USD |
|
|
France |
€1,010,797 |
£ - |
$ - |
|
UK |
€13,061,407 |
£ 5,675,218.74 |
$ 144,075.02 |
|
USA |
€22,514,262 |
£ - |
$ 4,413,275.20 |
12. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the median and mean average size of BusConnects, by county, in tabular form. [37970/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the public transport fleet.
The Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the public transport sector in line with the Climate Action Plan. No new diesel-only buses have been purchased for urban public service obligation bus fleets since July 2019, as set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The transition to a zero-emission urban bus fleet is currently programmed to take up until 2035, based on replacement of non-zero-emission buses as they reach the end of their efficient service lives.
100 double-deck electric buses have been accepted into the Dublin Bus fleet with more than 90 of these currently in service. Full deployment of these buses is dependent on bus schedule changes. Additionally, 34 double-deck electric buses entered service in Limerick earlier this year.
Electric buses produce no carbon emissions and offer reduced interior and exterior noise levels compared to diesel buses. This transition to electric buses will result in cleaner air and less noise pollution in areas where the buses are operating, while also providing a quieter journey for passengers.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
13. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether a train or DART station should be developed at Croke Park, given it is the only one of the ten largest stadia in Europe without a rail connection. [37973/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, any proposed new train stations.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
14. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost to increase the number of permanent full-time driver testers employed by the RSA to 290. [38209/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the information requested is held by that organisation. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
15. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of ensuring all remaining Bus Éireann PSO buses are fully wheelchair-accessible. [38210/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Bus Éireann, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, including the purchase of the PSO fleets, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
16. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland plans to run an advertisement campaign on social media and print media reminding drivers to ensure that they have paid their toll fee before 8pm the next day. [38211/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Moreover, the contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
17. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full cost to the Exchequer from 2026 to 2029 as a result of the changes he proposes to make to the standard fund threshold in respect of pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37977/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Standard Fund Threshold (SFT) is the maximum allowable pension fund on retirement for tax purposes which was introduced in Budget and Finance Act 2006 to prevent over-funding of pensions through tax-relieved arrangements.
I am informed by Revenue that they are unable provide a costing for changes to the SFT. Information on the numbers and values of individual pension funds or on individual accrued benefits in pension schemes are not generally required to be supplied to Revenue. Therefore, currently there is no readily available underlying data or methodology on which to base reliable estimates of any possible costs arising from changes to the SFT as outlined by the Deputy.
As the Deputy will be aware, the examination of the Standard Fund Threshold has recently concluded and in the context of this examination my officials examined the issue of estimating the impact of changes to the SFT using only the available information about previous payments of Chargeable Excess Tax (CET). Following this examination, the Department has prepared some indicative estimated costs, based on the information available. I would note that these estimated costs do not take account of behavioural changes and are based on a reduction of the current CET yield.
The table below sets out the indicative estimated costs from 2026 to 2029 on foot of the Minister's intended changes to SFT regime.
|
2026 |
2027 |
2028 |
2029 |
|
€10.5 million |
€14.5 million |
€8 million |
€5 million |
It is important to note that the indicative costs above relate only to CET. All pension are subject to tax on drawdown (with the exemption of a tax free lump sum). The examination of the SFT noted that this tax paid on drawdown should be included in any overall consideration of the cost of pensions tax relief, which could be better characterised as tax deferred. The issue of calculating the cost of pension tax expenditure will be considered by the implementation group to be established to consider further a number of the recommendations in the report.
18. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the reason he has, to date, decided not to extend the living cities initiative to Drogheda and Dundalk; if he plans to do so in Budget 2025 and the forthcoming finance Bill; if he will provide an estimate of the annual cost of extending the initiative to these County Louth towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37979/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Living City Initiative (LCI) is a modest, targeted measure which is aimed at very specific areas in urgent need of regeneration, it is provided for under sections 372AAA to 372AAD of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. It offers income or corporation tax relief for qualifying expenditure incurred in the refurbishment and conversion of qualifying residential and commercial buildings located within ‘Special Regeneration Areas' (SRAs) in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford.
The SRAs were designated by the Minister for Finance on the advice of the relevant city councils and an independent review by a third party advisor. Specific criteria were set down in respect of the areas which should be included within the remit of the LCI which were required to be taken into account by the relevant city councils when putting forward the proposed SRAs for each city. In particular, it was stated that these should be inner city areas which are largely comprised of dwellings built before 1915, where there is above average unemployment and which demonstrate clear evidence of neglect, dereliction and under-use. It was specified that areas which are generally regarded as affluent, have high occupancy rates and which do not require regeneration should not be included in the SRAs.
The LCI was reviewed as part of the Tax Strategy Group process in 2022. The review noted that the scheme is a very specific tax incentive, established in compliance with the Department of Finance’s Tax expenditure Guidelines, with the aim of encouraging businesses and home-owners back to the centre of Irish cities in order to preserve historic buildings in the special regeneration areas.
As the Deputy will be appreciate, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters which might be the subject of Budget decisions.
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.
As the LCI is a demand-led scheme which is subject to a broad range of variables, it is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the annual cost of extending the initiative to Dundalk and Drogheda.
19. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the priority review of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; the proposed changes for the criteria to qualify for a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38048/24]
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.
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 has held two meetings. At the second meeting of 12th September members discussed the proposed content and format of a summary report to guide Government discussions on a replacement scheme. It is expected that this summary overview report will be produced in the next few weeks.
20. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Finance the current status of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) (Amendment) Bill; and when this Bill will move to the next stage. [38203/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bill has not yet gone to Government to get agreement for drafting and is still under consideration. it is hoped to progress the Bill during the next Dáil term and to refer it for pre-legislative scrutiny in the coming weeks.
21. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 9 July 2024, if his attention has been drawn to a recent media report (details supplied) that the Revenue Commissioners are removing laptops from civil service staff employed there; whether he was consulted in advance of this development and approved this change; whether the national blended working policy needs to be amended to take account of this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37966/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that there has been no change to the Office of the Revenue Commissioner's policy in relation to the preferred equipment to be used when working from home.
The Office of the Revenue Commissioner's Blended Working Policy, published in September 2022, states that ‘For security and support reasons, ICT equipment consisting of Thin Client/Monitor/Keyboard/Camera/Headset is the preferred equipment to support remote working. Where necessary for business reasons the Office of the Revenue Commissioners continues to provide laptops to staff.
My Department published the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations in March, 2022. The Framework provides broad strategic direction to individual Civil Service organisations to develop tailored policies on blended working that are appropriate to their business needs, having regard to the service delivery context in which they operate.
The provision of equipment to remote workers, including IT equipment, is an operational matter for each Department and Office, and, therefore the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations is not prescriptive in this regard.
22. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of the Workplace Relations Commission's recent ruling in the case of musician (details supplied), and its implications for the music sector; if he has discussed plans to address the specific issue of bogus self-employment in the music industry with the Minister for Social Protection, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media or the Minister for Finance in the context of this ruling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38050/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an office under the aegis of my Department and is independent in the exercise of its statutory functions. Given the independence of the WRC I cannot comment on individual cases. Decisions of adjudication officers of the WRC may be appealed by either party to a decision, within 42 days of the decision.
In Ireland, robust mechanisms exist for the determination of the employment status of individuals or groups. Where an issue arises in relation to the employment status of an individual, cases are forwarded to Revenue and/or the Department of Social Protection for investigation, either solely by the recipient, or jointly with the Labour Inspectorate of the WRC. The WRC may also determine employment status as a preliminary issue at an adjudication hearing.
There is no single, clear legal definition of the terms ‘employed’ or ‘self-employed’ in Irish or EU law. To determine a person’s employment status, both the written or oral contract and the reality behind the contract must be taken into consideration. The true employment relationship will often only be understood by analysing in the round all the circumstances and facts of the case. In most cases it will be clear whether an individual is employed or self-employed.
A Working Group was formed in my Department to examine the issue of employment status. The group met on three occasions during 2022 and again in July 2024.
In May 2024, the Revenue Commissioners published an updated manual for Determining Employment Status for Taxation Purposes, taking into account the Karshan/Domino’s judgement.
Also, during 2024, the Department of Social Protection, Revenue Commissioners, and WRC undertook a process to consider if any changes to the Code of Practice on Determining Employment Status were required arising from the Karshan/Domino’s judgement. An updated Code of Practice is expected to be published by the Department of Social Protection, later this year.
