Written Answers Nos. 230-245
230. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on the review of Ireland’s ETF investor taxation regime announced by his predecessor and due to be completed by Summer 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42429/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA draft report was submitted to me during the summer for consideration in line with the Review’s Terms of the Reference. The review was wide ranging and examined a range of issues relevant to the funds sector including the taxation of ETFs. I am planning to bring the Report to Government shortly for consideration and intend publishing afterwards. The exact timing of the publication of the report is yet to be decided.
231. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Finance what is being done to deal with the exorbitant interest rates being charged by vulture funds to mortgagees, which is causing a great deal of stress for many families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42449/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the difficulties that the increase in interest rates in recent years has caused for some mortgage borrowers. From a regulatory perspective the Central Bank has put in place a range of measures in order to protect consumers.
This framework seeks to ensure that regulated entities are transparent and fair in all their dealings with borrowers and that borrowers are protected from the beginning to the end of the mortgage life cycle. This consumer protection framework provides the same protections for borrowers regardless of the regulated entity with whom they are dealing, be that a bank, retail credit firm or credit servicing firm.
Specifically in relation to variable rate mortgage holders, the Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code requires all regulated mortgage creditors to explain to borrowers how their non-tracker variable interest rates have been set and to clearly identify the factors which may result in changes to variable interest rates.
The Central Bank has engaged intensively with regulated firms on the operation of specific aspects of the consumer protection framework. Arising from this engagement, the Central Bank has indicated that regulated firms:
• have enhanced the supports available to borrowers in or facing arrears;
• have sufficient operational capacity in place to manage applications by borrowers to switch their mortgage or mortgage provider, and that there is no discrimination against borrowers based on where they currently hold their mortgage; and
• that changes in mortgage interest rates are in line with mortgage terms and conditions, the published variable rate policy statements of the relevant firms and the regulatory framework for which the Central Bank is responsible.
Also, following engagement by Government with the Banking Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) and the mortgage industry a number of measures were introduced in 2023 to support borrowers who wish and are in a position to switch their mortgage.
This included the provision of an aligned industry wide set of initial eligibility criteria to facilitate people switching their mortgage from a non-bank to a bank. In order to be eligible to switch under these guidelines, customers need to be making full capital and interest repayments on their mortgage and to meet other eligibility criteria.
More recently the BPFI has launched a new website, entitled 'it's in your interest', for borrowers to further encourage and assist mortgage switching. Of course, the decision on whether or not to provide credit in any particular case, or the amount of credit to provide, remains a commercial matter for an individual lender.
In addition, in light of the impact high interest rates continue to have on households Budget 2025 extended the mortgage interest tax relief for a further year. This extension means that the relief will also be made available to assist mortgage holders in respect of the increase in interest paid in 2024 over 2022.
Now that the ECB is reducing official interest rates, the Government expects all mortgage creditors to keep their lending rates under review and where mortgage rates had in the past increased in line with ECB increases they should now, in this new interest rate environment, also appropriately adjust downwards.
Also any person who is experiencing a repayment difficulty on their mortgage should contact their mortgage creditor to discuss the matter or also avail of the 'Abhaile' advice and assistance service available through MABS.
232. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the full year cost of reducing capital gains tax to 30%, 28% and to 25%. [42501/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the estimated yield from increasing the rate of Capital Gains Tax is published on page 14 of the Ready Reckoner. An update of the Ready Reckoner, which enables calculation of the cost or yield arising from a range of potential changes to tax charges, is due to issue by 25 October 2024 on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/ready-reckoner/index.aspx.
While the exact changes sought by the Deputy are not provided, they can be estimated on a straight-line or pro-rata basis. These estimates do not take account of any potential change in behaviour by the taxpayers concerned in response to changes in the tax rate.
233. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the full-year cost of exempting the carer’s allowance from tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42618/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the income tax liability arising from the taxation of carer’s allowance is not separately assessed or determined. An income tax liability is determined on the income of the taxpayer in the round, from all sources. Therefore, it is not possible to identify the amount of tax foregone if the carer’s allowance was exempt from income tax.
234. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to increasing tax relief on medical expenses currently set at the standard rate of tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42619/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief where an individual proves that they incurred costs in respect of qualifying health expenses. Since 1 January 2009, income tax relief in respect of qualifying health expenses, with the exception of relief in relation to nursing home expenditure, has been granted at the standard rate of tax. Prior to that date, tax relief was available at the taxpayer's marginal rate of income tax. The decision to standardise the health expenses relief was made with a view to widening the tax base and bringing the rate at which relief was granted into line with the majority of tax expenditures. In addition, the standard rating of the relief has made the tax system fairer, in that all beneficiaries may receive tax relief at the same rate, currently 20 per cent.
The rationale behind the income tax relief for health expenses is that it is intended to provide assistance for significant or exceptional health expenses. I would note that this is a broadly availed of relief. In 2022, the cost of tax relief for health expenses (excluding nursing home expenses) was €201.1 million and it was availed of by c. 662,900 claimants. As Minister I must be mindful that the expansion of any tax relief creates a cost to the Exchequer in terms of revenue foregone and that cost must be recovered elsewhere. Tax reliefs, no matter how worthwhile in themselves, reduce the tax base and make general reform of reform of the tax system that much more difficult.
In my view, the availability of tax relief at the standard rate of income tax for health expenses is sufficiently calibrated and is the most appropriate use of fiscal resources. Accordingly, I currently have no plans to increase the relief.
235. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance to confirm that the VAT applicable to an NCT test and retest is 23%; if he can reduce this VAT rate, and if he will do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42669/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the National Car Testing (NCT) service and retesting service are liable to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23%.
I am advised by Revenue that the 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 unless they are exempt from VAT or fall within Annex III of the Directive, in which case lower VAT rates may apply subject to certain rules.
NCT test and retest services do not come within the services listed in Annex III, so the Directive requires that Member States apply the standard rate of VAT to such supplies. There is no discretion to apply a lower rate of VAT to the services in question.
236. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if the first-time buyer's grant received in respect of housing is subject to taxation; if so, what levels of taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42676/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The incentive gives a refund on Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax paid in the State over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.
The HTB is a tax relief and not a grant, as such it is not taxable.
237. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if he will engage with the Central Bank to ensure that community groups are not inadvertently prevented from holding an account with credit unions (details supplied). [42696/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question.
Government policy is to support and enable credit unions provide a full suite of financial services to all members of society. The core ethos of credit unions is to serve all its members and its community. As you are aware, credit unions in Ireland are authorised and governed under the Credit Union Act, 1997 (as amended by the 2023 Credit Union Amendment Act) (the Act). The Central Bank of Ireland (Central Bank) are the authorised supervisor and regulator of the credit union sector, and has set out a framework for the registration, regulation and operation of credit unions.
Community groups are permitted to hold an account with a credit union, and from my understanding of the Deputy's question these accounts are also referred to as 'Savings Club Accounts'. The Central Bank has, in the Savings Chapter of its Credit Union Handbook, provided detailed guidance on the operation of these accounts.
The Central Bank expects credit unions to have operational procedures in place for such accounts in order to ensure compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements including the Act, the Credit Union 1997 (Regulatory Requirements) Regulations 2016 and the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Finance) Act 2010, as amended.
It is important to note, that it is an independent, commercial decision for the board of each credit union as to whom it decides to provide financial services to. This is based on a range of factors including; all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, business strategies and risk management policies of a particular credit union.
However, the Central Bank does expect that a credit union would give reasonable notice to affected members where it intends to amend or alter the range of services it provides, which in the details supplied to me, has taken place.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
238. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance where people have worked for a number of years and are now on a pension and continue to pay the USC on their pensions and on their new employment in recent times, if the USC is charged in respect of their combined income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42699/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Universal Social Charge (USC) was designed and incorporated into the Irish taxation system in 2011 to replace two other charges, namely the Health and Income Levies. Its primary purpose was to widen the tax base and to provide a steady income to the Exchequer to provide funding for public services.
The USC is an individualised tax, meaning that a person’s liability to the tax is determined on the basis of his/her own individual income and personal circumstances. The USC is applied at a low rate on a wide base, which ensures that it is a stable and sustainable source of revenue for the State.
The USC is an annual tax payable on an individual’s total income in a year, however this is subject to some exemptions. Like the Income Levy before it, USC does not apply to social welfare payments, such as the contributory and non-contributory State pensions. However, occupational pensions are liable to the USC if the payment is greater than the exemption threshold. Currently individuals with incomes of less than €13,000 are exempt from USC which can include modest occupational pensions.
Individuals aged 70 and over or who hold a full medical card can benefit from a reduced rate of USC, provided their total income does not exceed €60,000 per annum. In addition, social welfare income such as the contributory and non-contributory State pensions are excluded from the calculation when determining if an individual’s income has exceeded the €60,000 income threshold.
Revenue's website sets out further information on the USC and that information is accessible at:
www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-18d/18D-00-01.pdf .
Finally, I might take this opportunity to note that Ireland has one of the most progressive personal income tax systems in the world, which plays a crucial role in the process of income redistribution. Our redistributive tax system has been acknowledged by the IMF, the OECD and the ESRI. It is my view that a broad-based, progressive income tax system, where the majority of income earners make some contribution but according to their means, is the most fair and sustainable income tax system in the long term.
239. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the estimated first- and full-year cost of changing the treatment of payments to craft apprentices by education and training boards so that they are not eligible for income tax, PRSI and the universal social charge. [42701/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that, as payments to craft apprentices are not reported to Revenue on any tax returns, it does not have data from which to provide definitive estimates of the cost of the potential changes outlined by the Deputy.
However, based on payroll data for 2023, Revenue tentatively estimates that the value of payments to craft apprentices while ‘off-the-job training’ was of the order of €100 million. The Income Tax, USC liabilities and PRSI contributions associated with these payments was of the order of €10 million. The Deputy is advised that tax liabilities recorded in-year on payroll data may not represent the final liability position of the taxpayer.
The Deputy should also note that the amount of tax and PRSI paid by a craft apprentice is dependent on the quantum of the allowance payment, their own personal circumstances and the tax credits available and allocated to their employment while on off-the-job training, therefore as stated above, these figures provided by Revenue must be taken as tentative estimates.
240. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the details of costings provided to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, in the context of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 review conducted earlier this year; and to provide a breakdown of each project and its projected cost in each of the years 2025 to 2030. [42716/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that as a relatively small policy-focussed department the Department of Finance did not request any additional funding under the National Development Plan review. Accordingly, no projects or related costs were submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
241. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to provide an exhaustive list of all Budget 2025 submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42728/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to pre-budget submissions received by my Department.
The Taxation Divisions of my Department received almost 700 pre-budget submissions in relation to Budget 2025 and the Finance Bill. Some of these are duplicates sent in by different public representatives on behalf of the same organisation. The Department maintains a list of submissions received and all submissions are acknowledged by the Department on receipt. The relevant officials in the Division consider all pre-budget submissions in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill.
I can confirm that I received pre-budget submissions from or on behalf of the following organisations:
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Ace Express Freight |
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland |
Addiction Treatment Centres of Ireland |
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Aeravai |
Age Action |
Age friendly Group |
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Aghadoe Heights Hotel Killarney |
Agricultural Consultants Association |
AgTech Ireland |
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AIL Group |
Aircraft Leasing Ireland |
AkiDwA |
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Alcohol Action Ireland |
Alcohol Response |
Alliance of Rare Disease Companies in Ireland |
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ALONE |
ALONE and Social Justice Ireland |
Alzheimer's Society of Ireland |
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AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce Ireland) |
Animation Ireland |
The Network of Community Cancer Support Centres |
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Armada Hotel |
AsIAm |
Ashford Studios Ireland Ltd |
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Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland |
Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland |
Association of Visitor Experience and Attraction |
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ASTI |
Athlone Chamber of Commerce |
Audiovisual Ireland |
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Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland |
Avista |
Avonmore, Cork Road, Mallow, Co. Cork. |
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Banking & Payments Federation Ireland |
Barnado |
BAT Ireland |
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Bike to Work Ltd – Hubex |
BioPhamaChem Ireland |
Bodywhys - The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland |
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Bookselling Ireland |
BoyleSports |
Bradbury's Irish School Meals |
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BRB Homes |
Bread 41 |
British Irish Chamber of Commerce |
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Brokers Ireland |
Buddy Kiernan Milling |
BÁNÚ |
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BWG Foods UC |
Cadden's Bar One |
Cancer Connect Transport service |
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Car Rental Council of Ireland |
Carlow Senior Citizens Association |
Catering Innovation Agency Ltd. |
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Celtic Old Vehicles Owners Club |
Chambers Ireland |
Charities Institute Ireland |
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Charity Retail Ireland |
Charleville Chamber of commerce |
Cheshire Ireland |
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Childrens' Rights Alliance |
CIÉ Salaried Pensioners' Association |
Citizens Information Board |
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Clancourt Group |
Clare County Council |
Clare Vintners Federation |
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Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane |
Climate Change Advisory Council |
Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services CLG |
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Clubber TV |
Clubber TV Outreach |
Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland |
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Coeliac Society of Ireland |
Galway Bay FM |
Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre |
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Tabor Group |
Comhaltas |
Communications Workers' Union |
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Community Law & Mediation |
Conradh na Gaeilge |
Construction Defects Alliance |
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Construction Industry Federation |
Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies-Ireland CCAB-I |
Convenience Stores & Newsagents association |
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Coolmine Therapeutic Community |
Co-operative Housing Ireland |
COPE Galway |
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Corduff Community Resource Centre |
Cork ARC Cancer Support House |
Cork Business Association |
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Cork Chamber |
Cork County Council |
Cork County Vintners |
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Cork Holyhill Apache |
Crust Woodfire Pizza |
Daniel O'Connell and Associate Dental Surgeons |
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Daniel O'Connell Dental |
Darcys Hairdressing |
Davy |
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Debra Ireland |
DeCare |
Deloitte |
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Dexcom |
DHL Supply Chain |
Digital Business Ireland |
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Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) |
DNG Group |
Dóchas |
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Donnellan & Co. |
Donoghue & Company |
Drinks Industry Group of Ireland |
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Dublin Chamber |
Dublin Simon Community |
Dublin Town |
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Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber |
Early Childhood Ireland |
Early Years Union |
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East Cork Community First Responders |
EastWest Mapping |
Eaton Neary Chartered Certified Accountants |
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Elkstone |
Energy Cloud Ireland |
Engineering Industries Ireland – Ibec |
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Engineers Ireland |
Environmental Pillar |
Euronext |
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European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland |
Family Business Network of Ireland |
Family Carers Ireland |
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Family Resource Centre National Forum |
Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association Ltd |
Farmleigh Woods |
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Federation of Irish Salmon & Sea Trout Anglers |
Fellows of Trinity College Dublin |
Finance Ireland (FICS Group Holdings limited) |
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Financial Services Ireland - Ibec |
Five Good Things Cafe Drogheda / Plate and Palette Cafe Dunshaughlin / Our Boy Bailey Cafe Dunboyne |
FleishmanHillard |
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FODO Ireland - Association of Eye Care Providers of Ireland |
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ireland |
Food Drink Ireland |
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FoodCloud |
Foróige |
Fórsa / Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
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Early Childhood Ireland |
Freight Transport Association Ireland |
Friends of the Earth |
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Garda Síochána Retired Members' Association |
Glenview Catering in Co. Donegal |
GPCareForAll |
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Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation |
Hairdressing Council of Ireland |
Hale Vaping |
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Hardware Association Ireland |
Harry's Cafe Bar |
Haven Horizons |
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HealthTech Ireland |
Helping Irish Hosts |
Hibernia College |
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Home & Community Care Ireland |
Hospitality industry in Dublin City Docklands |
Hospitality Projects Ireland |
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Hotel Curracloe |
Hunters pharmacy |
IBEC |
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ID-Pal |
Irish Foster Care Association |
Irish Institutional Property |
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Imirt |
Imperial Tobacco Limited and Imperial Brands PLC Companies |
Inbound Tourism Operators Association Ireland |
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Inclusion Ireland National Association for People with an Intellectual Disability |
Independent Broadcasters of Ireland |
Independent Regional Group Members |
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Independent Youth Work Projects |
Industry Research and Development Group |
Inheritance Tax Reform Campaign |
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Institute of Guidance Counsellor |
Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers |
Insurance Ireland |
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Ireland Active |
Ireland's Association for Adventure Tourism |
Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy |
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Irish Association of Pension Funds |
Irish Association of Speech + Language Therapists |
Irish Bookmakers Association |
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Irish Caravan and Camping Council |
Irish Congress of Trade Union |
Irish Co-operative Organisation Society |
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Irish Council for Psychotherapy |
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association |
Irish Cycling Campaign |
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Irish Dental Association |
Irish Development Education Association |
Irish Equity |
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Irish Equity Market Forum |
Irish Exporters Association |
Irish Farmers' Association |
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council |
Irish Foster Care Association |
Irish Funds |
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Irish Girls Guides |
Irish Grain Growers Group |
Irish Green Building Council |
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Irish Hairdressers Federation |
Irish Hairdressing Council |
Irish Heart Foundation |
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Irish Hotels Federation |
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission |
Irish League of Credit Unions |
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Irish Local Development Network |
Irish Lung Fibrosis Association |
Irish Market Equity Forum |
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Irish Music Rights Organisation CLG |
Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed |
Irish National Teachers' Organisation |
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Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation |
Irish Paper Packaging Circularity Alliance |
Irish Penal Reform Trust |
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Irish Petrol Retailers Association |
Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association |
Irish Pharmacy Union |
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Irish Physical Activity Alliance |
Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science & Industry |
Irish Postmasters Union |
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Irish Primary Principals' Network |
Irish Property Owners' Association |
Irish ProShare Association |
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Irish Research Council postdoctoral fellow |
Irish Road Haulage Association |
Irish Rural Link |
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Irish South and West Fish Producers |
Irish Tax Institute |
Irish tourism and hospitality sector |
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Irish Tourism Industry Confederation |
Irish Traveller Movement |
Irish Universities Association |
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Irish Venture Capital Industry |
Irish Wheelchair Association |
Irish Solar Energy Association |
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iSIMPATHY project |
ISME |
J Case & Co. |
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John B Sheehy & Co, Chartered Accountants |
Johnsons Tailor |
Joint Committee on Disability Matters |
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Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence |
JTI Ireland Limited |
Kaph |
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Kays Kitchen |
KC Peaches Cafés & Catering |
Keogh Accountancy Group |
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Kerry County Council |
Kerry Diocesan Youth Service |
Knock NS Board of Management |
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KPMG |
Lantern Events |
LauraLynn |
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Law Society of Ireland |
League of Ireland |
Learning & Development Institute |
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Letsbuyhealthcare |
Letterkenny Chamber |
Leyton |
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LGBT Ireland |
Library Association of Ireland School Libraries Group |
Licensed Vintners Association |
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Limerick Chamber |
Limerick City & County Council |
Irish Rural Link |
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Macra |
Mayo & Community Therapy Ireland |
McAndrew Books |
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Meat Industry Ireland and Dairy Industry Ireland -Ibec |
Men's Development Network |
Mental Health Reform |
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MFC Accountants |
Micro-Renewable Energy Federation |
Mimi Care Group |
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Mind EveryBody |
Mobility Partnership Ireland |
Monaghan County Council |
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Mount Temple Golf Club |
Movement for Change in Foster Care |
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland |
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Munster Studios |
Musgrave |
Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland |
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MW Health & Safety |
My Legacy |
National Campaign for the Arts |
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National College of Ireland |
National Competitiveness and Productivity Council |
National Disability Services Association |
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National Federation of Pensioners Association |
National Infertility Support and Information Group |
National Learning Network |
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National Meals on Wheels Network |
National Traveller MABS |
National Women's Council |
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National Youth Council of Ireland |
Nature Partners CLG |
Network of Community Cancer Support Centres |
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Neurological Alliance of Ireland |
New Fortress Energy |
Volunteer Ireland |
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Northern and Western Regional Assembly |
NOVAS |
Nursing Homes Ireland |
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O'Brien & Co., Chartered Certified Accountants |
Ógra Fianna Fáil |
Ombudsman for Children |
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Outhouse LGBTQ+Centre |
Parkinson's Association of Ireland |
Paul Allen & Associates |
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People First Group |
Pfizer Healthcare Ireland |
Philanthropy Ireland |
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Picaderos Restaurant and Donatellos Restaurant |
Pieta |
Property Industry Ireland |
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Pinergy |
PortGael Recruitment |
Prison Officers Medical Aid Society |
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Pro Life Campaign |
Psychological Society of Ireland |
PwC |
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R & D Global Unit Lead |
Rehab Group |
Respect Vapers |
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Respond |
Restaurants Association of Ireland |
Retail Ireland - Ibec |
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Retailers Against Smuggling |
Retired Civil and Public Servants Association |
Revamp Circular Economy Centre |
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RGDATA |
Rural Independent Group |
Saba and Saba To Go |
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Saint John of God Housing Association |
Sandyford Business District |
Savanna Teas |
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Save Our Sons And Daughters Ireland |
Savills Ireland |
Scale Ireland |
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Scholars Townhouse |
Scoil Bhaile Nua |
Screen Composers Guild of Ireland |
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Screen Producers Ireland |
SHINE and Our Voice Platform |
Simon Communities of Ireland |
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SIPTU Early Years Union |
Sligo County Council |
Small Firms Association |
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Small Independent betting shop owners |
Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland |
Social Justice Ireland |
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Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland |
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul |
Society of the Irish Motor Industry |
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Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) |
St Marys' Asdee GAA |
St Mary's NS |
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St Michaels House |
St. Paul's Special School |
Supermacs |
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Tabor Lodge Addiction Treatment Centre |
Teach O Hora, |
Technology Ireland - Ibec |
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Telecommunications Industry Ireland - Ibec |
The Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre |
The Alliance of Age Sector NGOs |
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The Alzheimer Society of Ireland |
The Bar of Ireland |
The Brandywell Bar and Restaurant |
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The Community Platform |
The Connaught Telegraph |
The Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies-Ireland |
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The Down Syndrome Centre |
The Employment & Recruitment Federation |
The Hudson Rooms |
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The Irish Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism |
The Maria Edgeworth Centre |
The Market Bar |
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The Mongolian BBQ |
The Morning Star |
The National Domain Registry |
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The National Meals on Wheels Network |
The Oars Man |
The Shamrock Restaurant |
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The Shed Distillery |
The Wedding Band Association |
The Wheel |
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Tiernans Nursery |
Tigers Childcare |
Tipperary County Council |
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Tirlán Co-operation Society Ltd |
TJ Hughes Fuels |
Telecommunications Industry Ireland |
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Tralee Chamber Alliance/ Small Independent Retailers Tralee Chamber |
TriBeCa Restaurant |
UCD Students' Union |
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Union of Students in Ireland |
US-Ireland Alliance: The Mitchell Scholarship |
Valentia Cable foundation |
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Vape Business Ireland |
VFI - Pubs of Ireland |
VFX IRELAND |
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Vision Ireland |
Vodafone Ireland Limited |
Volkswagen Group Ireland |
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WACT Youth Theatre |
Waterford Chamber |
Western AV Forum |
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Wind Energy |
Women's Collective Ireland |
Woodbine Books / Bookselling Ireland (BI) |
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World Vision Ireland |
Youth Theatre Ireland |
Youth Work Ireland |
A large number of submissions were also received from private individuals, and as the Deputy will appreciate it would not be appropriate to include them in the above list.
I should also point out that submissions may be received by the Department outside of the pre-budget process but would nonetheless be given due consideration. For example, responses to public consultations could be considered as part of the Budget/Finance Bill process as appropriate. These would not necessarily be included in the lists above. It is also possible that what an organisation may consider to be a pre-budget submission may not be categorised as such by the Department, nonetheless it would have received due consideration.
Finally, I should say that I have endeavoured to give as full and accurate an answer as possible but the Deputy will appreciate that given the sheer volume of pre-budget submissions at what is a very busy time for my Department, it is not possible to confirm that it is an exhaustive list.
242. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Finance to detail any information on the role of the 213 FY2022 ISIF investments in advancing balanced regional development, and a broad commentary on whether the fund’s Irish investments have an over 30% concentration in Dublin and thus work against current policy aspirations towards balanced regional development. [42805/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra243. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Finance with respect to the 42,454 jobs supported by ISIF investments in FY2022, to detail the basis for this calculation, the nature of the jobs and locations. [42806/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA have informed me that In June 2022, the revised ISIF Impact Strategy was launched, with a focus on four key investment themes: climate, housing and enabling investments, scaling indigenous businesses, and food and agriculture. A particular focus includes initiatives with an ambition to deploy capital in a targeted and commercial manner addressing Ireland’s key strategic challenges and in priority areas such as regional development, climate change and female entrepreneurship.
In addition, in June 2022, ISIF launched a €500m city-specific investment programme aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Ireland’s 5 regional cities: Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, and Kilkenny. At year-end 2023, €130m has been committed under this regional investment programme which includes a €66m investment in Limerick Opera.
In relation to regional development and the concentration of ISIF’s investments in Dublin, ISIF reports annually against its regional economic impact in the NTMA Annual Report (please refer to page 30 in the 2023 Annual report - see link at bottom of response). In line with their strategy, ISIF continues to review and assess various opportunities outside the Dublin area that align with the ISIF double bottom line legislative mandate.
With respect to the 42,454 jobs supported by ISIF investments in FY2022, ISIF issue an annual economic impact survey to investees within the Irish Portfolio. Via this survey, data on the direct level of employment supported by each company is collected. In 2022, the level of direct jobs supported was 27,166. In line with standard impact reporting (GRI 203: Indirect Economic Impacts 2016), ISIF apply an indirect multiplier to this direct data to calculate total jobs supported. Multipliers are based on CSO input-output tables for the Irish economy and capture the jobs supported via supply chain activity for each sector. ISIF adopt a conservative approach to estimating the total level of jobs supported and do not include induced jobs (jobs supported by spending by direct and indirect employees in the economy).
These jobs span a range of sectors of the Irish economy; transportation, construction, agriculture, and the technology sector were the most prominent in 2022. ISIF also collect data on whether the jobs are temporary or permanent; 96% of direct jobs noted in the 2022 survey were permanent.
www.ntma.ie/uploads/publication-articles/NTMA-Annual-Report-and-Financial-Statements-2023.pdf.
244. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of social enterprise representatives that are on departmental committees or advisory groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42891/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there are two social enterprise representatives as members of the Credit Union Advisory Committee.
245. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the circumstances under which certain drivers are entitled to a refund of VRT due to disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42998/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note that the scheme referred to in his question is the Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS), for which my Department has oversight.
The Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from VRT and VAT on an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.
The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as defined, as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify for relief, the applicant must hold a Primary Medical Certificate issued by the relevant Principal Medical Officer (PMO) or a Board Medical Certificate issued by the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal. Certain other qualifying criteria apply in relation to the vehicle, in particular that it must be specially constructed or adapted for use by the applicant.
To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled by satisfying at least one of the following medical criteria that is set out in legislation, in order to obtain a Primary Medical Certificate:
• be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
• be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
• be without both hands or without both arms;
• be without one or both legs;
• be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
• have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
I have no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.
