Written Answers Nos. 287-306
287. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on his Department's work in developing a new national EV infrastructure strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34433/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
While over 80% of EV charging is expected to happen at home, which will address most users charging needs, there is an absolute need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible.
The EV Charging infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 sets out the Government’s ambition regarding the delivery of this network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
Arising from the Strategy, the National Road EV Charging Network Plan provides a roadmap for the deployment of charging on motorway and primary and secondary roads.
The second part of this plan, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, provides a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public EV charging infrastructure in cities, towns and villages across Ireland with the focus on neighbourhood and destination charging.
These documents were complemented by the publishing of the Universal Design Guidelines for EV Charging Infrastructure which includes recommendations on the design, placement and information provision of infrastructure. ZEVI has also consulted on a Strategy for Data Concerning Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure in late 2024, and will publish the final strategy in the coming months.
The existing iteration of the overarching EV Infrastructure Charging Strategy runs until the end of 2025. Work has commenced this year on the development of a new national EV Infrastructure Strategy to cover the period 2026 – 2028, including a significant stakeholder engagement event on 14th May.
288. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport for an update on his Department's work in establishing a national EV recharging infrastructure data strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34434/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Draft Strategy for Data Concerning Electric Vehicles Recharging Infrastructure Plan sets out the measures to be implemented to effectively collect, use, and make data available to appropriate stakeholders and end users.
The Strategy’s objective is to deliver the data infrastructure and policies required to deliver high-quality data regarding the Electric Vehicles Recharging Infrastructure in Ireland.
It shows how data will be shared publicly by Charge Point Operators (CPOs), to help enhance the EV charging experience to ensure drivers have more information.
Furthermore, it outlines an ambitious plan to establish an ID Registry Office (IDRO) to issue IDs to CPOs and Mobility Service Providers, as well as a Data Exchange Platform (DXP) at Transport Infrastructure Ireland that will gather and disseminate that publicly available data. Both have now been established and have been operational since April this year.
Delivery of this Strategy is of paramount importance as the publicly accessible charge point network grows, the data practices underlying our charging infrastructure will play an increasingly important role. The data will provide more transparency and be openly available, under governmental and EU guidelines.
The draft strategy has been through public consultation in Q4 last year and the final strategy is being prepared for publication in summer 2025.
289. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the timeline for the drafting of a five-year strategy for the credit union sector, as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33535/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra290. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the likely contents of the five-year strategy for the credit union sector, as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33536/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.
The Programme for Government has included a commitment to draft a five-year strategy for the credit union sector. I and the Minister of State intend to co-sponsor a workplan with the credit union sector to determine its Strategic Purpose and Framework. I have instructed my officials to draft a member focussed plan that will be inclusive and owned by the sector.
My officials are actively engaged in developing a programme plan, in conjunction with the sector. I expect that in the short term both I and the Minister for State will have the opportunity to consider this plan and the estimated timelines to delivery of the strategic purpose and strategy framework for the sector.
A sector wide strategic plan and a focused deployment of credit union resources will support the expansion of financial services to all credit union members.
291. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the timeline for the commencement of the regulations increasing credit union lending capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33537/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question.
The Central Bank published Consultation Paper 159 on Proposed Changes to the Credit Union Lending Regulations (www.centralbank.ie/publication/consultation-papers/cp159-consultation-on-proposed-changes-to-the-credit-union-lending-regulations) (CP159) in December 2024 which sought views on proposals for targeted changes to the credit union lending regulations contained in the Credit Union Act 1997 (Regulatory Requirements) Regulations 2016 (the 2016 Regulations). This consultation was open for submissions until 11 February 2025.
The Central Bank has advised that in accordance with the requirement under section 84A of the Credit Union Act, 1997 it intends to commence a statutory consultation process on the relevant draft Amending Regulations with the Minister for Finance, the Credit Union Advisory Committee and credit union bodies shortly.
Following completion of the statutory consultation process, the Central Bank intends to publish a feedback statement on CP159 and a draft of the Amending Regulations.
On the assumption that there are no material issues/ changes raised during the statutory consultation process, the Central Bank expects that the final Amending Regulations, when made, will come into effect during Q3 this year.
292. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the timeline for the implementation of Recommendations 11.2 of the retail banking review from November 2022 to bring buy-now-pay-later agreements into the central credit register, namely, reducing the reporting threshold for credit agreements from €500 to €200 and the consultation obligation threshold from €2,000 to €1,000; and introducing a new lower fee for Central Credit Register consultations for low value loans (i.e., loans of less than €1,000, in line with the proposed changes to the obligatory consultation threshold) to facilitate smaller loans, particularly by credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33538/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra293. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the operation of the Central Credit Register, particularly the pace of corrections by the Central Bank where errors are detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33539/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 293 together.
The Credit Reporting Act 2013 (the Act) provided for the establishment of a Central Credit Register (CCR) by the Central Bank. The Act places certain obligations on Credit Information Providers (lenders who submit personal and credit information to the Central Credit Register). Under the Act, lenders are obliged to submit information to the CCR on outstanding and new loans of €500 or more and must enquire on the CCR when considering a credit application for €2,000 or greater and may enquire when considering credit applications for a lower value.
Lenders must submit information on active consumer loans such as credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts and mortgages, business loans, moneylender loans and local authorities. Hire purchase, Personal Contract Plans (PCPs) and similar type products were included in June 2019. Lenders are obliged to submit information to the CCR that is accurate, complete and up to date.
When a loan has been closed by a lender, the lender must report this information at the next CCR reporting date and then information is retained on the CCR for a period of five years, after which it will be deleted in line with the Central Bank's retention policy.
The Act provides four important rights to borrowers:
• The right to a free report at any time, free of charge (subject to fair usage);
• The right to place an explanatory statement of up to 200 words on their credit report;
• The right to request an amendment to information if the borrower believes that information is incorrect, incomplete or not up to date; and
• The right to place a Notice of Suspected Impersonation on their credit report.
If a borrower wishes to exercise any of these rights, including that to request an amendment if the borrower considers information on the CCR to be incorrect, incomplete or not up to date, he/she may do so online at CCR website (www.centralcreditregister.ie).
In relation to the operation of the Central Credit Register and the pace of corrections by the Central Bank where errors are detected, as noted above, the Act and associated regulations oblige lenders to submit accurate, complete and up to date personal and credit information to the CCR.
The CCR does not have access to the underlying records of the lender. It is the responsibility of lenders to ensure what is reported to the CCR is accurate, and where they have identified a reporting error or inaccuracy, it is the responsibility of the lender to correct this. The Central Bank has informed me that it expects that such errors are corrected as a matter of priority by the lender.
The Central Bank has further advised that where errors are detected, established processes are in place so that either lenders or borrowers can seek to amend any inaccurate, incomplete or out of date information and that these established processes are operating normally.
In relation to its fee structure, the CCR has been established on the general basis that all costs associated with its establishment and operation will be recouped over time. The Central Bank has committed to keeping the fee structure under review after a period of operation in light of actual usage or other relevant developments or enhancements to the CCR. The Central Bank has advised that it reduced the fee to €3.00 per enquiry for lenders with effect from 1 January 2024.
The Retail Banking Review set out a wide range of recommendations to improve the sector and customers' experiences, and the implementation of recommendations directed at the Banking Division in my Department were embedded in the annual business plan.
My Department will, therefore, continue to liaise with the Central Bank and all relevant stakeholders on the on-going management and operation of the CCR, including its fee structure and reporting thresholds.
294. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would have been forgone by eliminating the vehicle registration tax on both previously owned and new electric vehicles from Britain in each of the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form. [33581/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the current VRT rates for Category A and B electric vehicles (EVs) are 7% and 13.3% respectively. Category M motorcycles are exempt from VRT. EVs with an Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) of up to €40,000 are granted VRT relief of up to €5,000 while EVs with an OMSP of greater than €40,000 but less than €50,000 receive a reduced level of VRT relief. EVs above €50,000 are not eligible for VRT relief.
The following table provides, for each year requested, the value of EV relief and the net VRT liabilities on EVs imported from Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).
|
Year |
EV Relief €m |
EV Relief €m |
EV Relief €m |
EV Liabilities €m |
EV Liabilities €m |
EV Liabilities €m |
|
|
New |
Used |
New & Used |
New |
Used |
New & Used |
|
2020 |
3.2 |
1.1 |
4.3 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.8 |
|
2021 |
2.6 |
0.3 |
2.9 |
0.3 |
0.6 |
0.9 |
|
2022 |
2.4 |
0.3 |
2.7 |
0.6 |
0.7 |
1.3 |
|
2023 |
1.3 |
1.6 |
2.9 |
0.5 |
2.0 |
2.5 |
|
2024 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
2.0 |
0.2 |
1.2 |
1.4 |
|
2025* |
0.6 |
0.5 |
1.1 |
0.0 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
*End of April 2025
295. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has a designated head of procurement; if each agency or public body under his Department’s remit also has a designated head of procurement; and if so, to list those entities, along with the name or grade of the person holding that role. [33640/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the deputy that my department has a dedicated procurement unit and this is headed by an Assistant Principal Officer (APO). The APO performs the role of Procurement Officer for the department, which is aligned with the Office of Government Procurements Information Note entitled ‘Procurement Officer Role’. In line with the Civil Service grade structure, the APO reports to a Principal Officer.
The bodies under the aegis of my Department have provided the below information.
|
Body under Aegis of Department of Finance |
Head of Procurement |
|
Central Bank of Ireland |
Head of Function - Procurement |
|
Credit Review |
Deputy Credit Reviewer |
|
Irish Fiscal Advisory Council |
There is no designated head of procurement. The role of Procurement Officer is fulfilled by the Administrator & Council Secretary (Grade HEO), who liaises with the Chief Economist/Head of Secretariat (Grade PO) in respect of procurement requirements, and co-ordinates the procurement process for the Fiscal Council. |
|
National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) |
NAMA has a designated head of procurement. Staff are assigned to NAMA by the NTMA. The NTMA does not operate a grade system for employees. |
|
Financial Services & Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
Principal Officer |
|
National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) |
Deputy Director The National Treasury Management Agency does not operate a grades system. It assigns staff to Home Building Finance Ireland and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. |
|
Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Tax Appeals Commission |
Assistant Principal Officer The Tax Appeals Commission has one staff member who deals with procurement along with other duties. |
296. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff within his Department and its agencies who hold a formal procurement qualification or certification (for example, CIPS, NFQ Level 6 or higher in procurement, EU public procurement training), broken down by organisation, in tabular form. [33658/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the details of the number of staff, in my Department, who hold a formal procurement qualification or certification (for example, CIPS, NFQ Level 6 or higher in procurement, EU public procurement training) in set out in the Tables below.
Table A sets out the details requested in respect of my Department. Table B sets out the details in respect of bodies under the aegis of my Department.
Table A:
|
Department |
Number of staff who hold a formal procurement qualification or certification |
|
Department of Finance |
3 staff members |
Table B:
|
Body under Aegis of Department of Finance |
Formal procurement qualification/certification |
|
Central Bank of Ireland |
All 12 members of staff working in the Procurement function have successfully completed EU public procurement training. |
|
Credit Review |
The Credit Review have very limited procurement activity as almost all business services are provided by Enterprise Ireland (EI). It uses EI’s qualified expert in their procurement team to assist, or hire external consultants (Greenville), or drawdown from government frameworks. |
|
Financial Services & Pensions Ombudsman |
1 staff member in the function, with Continuous Professional Development. |
|
Irish Fiscal Advisory Council |
1 staff member holds a MSc. Supply Chain Management |
|
National Asset Management Agency |
1 staff member |
|
National Treasury Management Agency |
11 staff members holding the requisite qualifications relevant to their current role. The NTMA assigns staff to Home Building Finance Ireland and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. |
|
Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General |
While the head of procurement does not hold a formal procurement qualification or certification, they have over 20 years of experience in procurement roles. The Office considers this adequate for the nature and volume of procurement it undertakes. |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
4 staff members |
|
Tax Appeals Commission |
The Tax Appeals Commission is a very small organisation and does not have staff designated to procurement on a full-time basis. The function comes under an officer at the grade of Assistant Principal Officer who does not hold a formal procurement qualification but has learnt through experience and mentoring. |
297. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department and each agency or public body under its remit uses a formal contract management system or procurement tracking platform; to list the systems in use; and if they are centrally monitored or independently operated. [33676/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my department uses standard office software to record current contracts in place. The department has a number of divisions, and each division is responsible for contract management within its own area. My department has a dedicated procurement unit which supports divisions, deals with compliance and keeps a register of all contracts in the department. Currently there is work ongoing to further develop monitoring of contracts through the Microsoft ‘Build to Share’ platform.
The bodies under the aegis of my Department have provided the information in the attached table.
298. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance whether the recommendations contained in the report on the review of the fund sector, published last year, have been considered by him or the Government; if the several recommendations around changing the tax regime will be implemented; the cost to the exchequer of abolition of the 1% stamp duty, the reduction of the LAET from 41% to 33% and the abolition of the eight-year deemed disposal rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33715/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, in October 2024 my predecessor published “Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets.” That report set out 42 recommendations to cement Ireland’s position as a leading global hub for funds and asset management.
This report sets out a series of recommendations to ensure that, in pursuit of continued growth in the funds and asset management sector, Ireland’s funds sector framework remains resilient, future-proofed, supportive of financial stability and a continued example of international best-practice. Recommendations 22 and 23 of the Fund Review Report include consideration of the removal of the eight-year deemed disposal requirement for Irish domiciled funds and life products and alignment of tax rates across different investment choices.
The 2025 Programme for Government has committed to progress and publish an implementation plan for consideration in Budget 2026 taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector in Ireland. This is a complex area of taxation that encompasses a wide breadth of tax legislation on domestic funds, life assurance products and offshore funds. Detailed consideration is therefore being given to the best way to bring about the necessary reforms and to support a greater level of retail investment in capital markets. It is likely given the breadth of the Funds Sector 2030 review that the delivery of any agreed associated tax measures will take place over multiple Finance Bill cycles. This work will also take account of developments at an EU level in respect of the Savings Investment Union.
Turning to your questions regarding costs, the Funds Review Report included an estimated costing for implementing recommendations 22 and 23, noting that on a strictly static basis, the cost (excluding the abolition of the life assurance levy) could range from €256 million to €377 million. However, I note you have requested the cost to the exchequer of implementing only specific elements of these recommendations.
I am informed by Revenue that the estimated cost of abolishing the 1% life assurance levy, based on the 2024 yield, is €40 million.
I am also informed by Revenue that in relation to costing the other specific elements of the two recommendations, the cost is not readily available. While it is possible to identify the amounts of tax paid by funds in respect of unit holders, the tax paid by life companies in respect of policy holders (being Life Assurance Exit Tax (LAET)) and income tax accounted for by individuals in respect of their investments in Irish domiciled funds, offshore funds and life products, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the tax as between the amount relating to the eight-year deemed disposal and the amount relating to the other types of chargeable events.
The table below provides an estimated amount of overall income tax arising in respect of investments in life products and funds, including Investment Undertaking Tax (IUT), LAET and income tax on certain offshore investments.
|
Year |
Tax on Offshore Funds*€m |
Tax on Foreign Life Policies*€m |
IUT**€m |
LAET*** €m |
Total €m |
|
2024 |
* |
* |
91.7 |
169 |
260.7 |
|
2023 |
* |
* |
131.3 |
231 |
362.3 |
|
2022 |
33.8 |
0.1 |
106.9 |
233 |
373.8 |
|
2021 |
62 |
0.2 |
91.1 |
129 |
282.3 |
|
2020 |
33 |
0.2 |
120.5 |
124 |
277.7 |
|
2019 |
28.6 |
0.2 |
53.3 |
128 |
210.1 |
|
2018 |
21 |
0.2 |
45.3 |
165 |
231.5 |
|
2017 |
25.6 |
0.4 |
39.6 |
184 |
249.6 |
|
2016 |
22.4 |
0.2 |
37.4 |
228 |
288.0 |
*Total gross tax liability on income / gains from offshore funds and foreign life policies per Form 11 return. Form 11 data for 2023 and 2024 is not yet available.
** IUT figures are inclusive of both Investment Undertaking Tax and Irish Real Estate Fund Withholding Tax (IREF WHT) receipts. IREF WHT is also regarded as an exit tax.
*** IUT and LAET represent the amount of tax paid to Revenue. In addition to the IUT figure including IREF WHT, it is not possible to identify whether the figures for IUT and LAET represent amounts taxed at 25% in respect of corporate investors or 41% in respect of individual investors.
299. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Finance the tax certification regime that is to be put in place for vaping products and if he will address the concern that using a self-certification process rather than a tax stamp will increase opportunities for black market products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33716/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraChapter 1 of Part 2 of Finance Act 2024 legislates for the introduction of E-liquid Products Tax (EPT). Under the new law, EPT will apply to both nicotine-containing and non-nicotine-containing e-liquid products. Essentially e-liquids are liquids used in e-cigarettes including refill cartridges for refillable devices. Similar to the approach for other national excises, the taxing point will be the first supply of e-liquid product in the State and the tax will follow Revenue’s standard model of self-assessment. Suppliers of e-liquid product will be required to register with Revenue in advance of making a first supply of e-liquid products in the State. These suppliers will be liable to account for and pay the tax. The tax is subject to commencement by Ministerial Order and arrangements are underway to enable the new tax to come into effect later this year.
Ireland currently operates a tax stamp system in accordance with section 73 of Finance Act 2005 (as amended) in respect of two specified tobacco products: cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco. Ireland’s tax stamp is part of the control regime for the taxation of these particular products. The taxation of tobacco products generally (including cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco) is harmonised across the EU, which makes the products subject to the strict control and movement system for excisable products (EMCS). The control regime also applies to mineral oils and alcohol. The EMCS is an EU-wide system, administered by national tax authorities, under which the movement of the product is tightly controlled through authorised tax warehouses with duty suspension arrangements. The charge to tax on a harmonised excisable product (such as tobacco) arises when the product is ‘released for consumption’ from the tax warehouse, and in the case of the specified tobacco products, this is the point at which the tax stamps are applied.
As a non-harmonised national excise, the operation of EPT has to be compatible with the EU Single Market rules which preclude the use of cross-border movement controls. These rules mean that e-liquid products coming into the State from other Member States or Northern Ireland (which is part of the Single Market for goods) cannot be subject to the type of cross-border movement controls that are integral to the regime for the existing EU-harmonised excises, such as tobacco.
During the design of EPT, serious consideration was given by Revenue and my Department to the appropriate charging point for the tax. Approaches to other Irish excises were considered as were approaches to similar taxes in other countries. It was concluded that charging EPT at the point of first supply of the product in the State is, on balance, the most appropriate approach. In particular, the alternative model of a ‘released for consumption’ approach to charging EPT would require the development and operation of a complex national (non-EMCS) system of tax warehousing and controls; crucially, these could only have very limited effectiveness in a non-harmonized regime - given that they could only operate on a national basis and without recourse to cross-border controls - and the cost of setting up and operating such a system could not be justified given such limitations on its potential effectiveness.
Ireland’s existing tax stamp is closely integrated to the ‘released for consumption’ tax model used for tobacco. Having regard to the different tax model (‘first supply’) that has been legislated for EPT, it is not clear at this stage that a tax stamp would be a useful tool in securing the collection of the new tax. However, this could be reviewed in the future, in light of the actual experience of operating EPT when it is up and running.
The Deputy raises some issues related to regulation of the vaping industry, including effective restriction of the sale of illegal products. Policy and legislation regarding e-liquid and e-cigarette products, including regulation of their content, and of their sale and promotion is dealt with by my colleague the Minister for Health and her Department, and enforced principally through the network of Environmental Health Officers operating under the Health Service Executive. This will remain the case following the commencement of EPT.
300. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 28 May 2025, the number of property owners paying LPT on one property, two properties, three properties, four properties, between five and ten, between ten and 20, between 20 and 50, between 50 and 100 and 100 or more, excluding local authorities and AHDs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33727/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the below table outlines the number of property owners paying LPT on one property, two properties, three properties, four properties, between five and nine, between ten and 19, between 20 and 49, between 50 and 99 and 100 or more, excluding local authorities and AHBs.
|
Number of Properties Owned |
Number of Owners |
|
1 |
1,279,321 |
|
2 |
121,816 |
|
3 |
26,742 |
|
4 |
9,683 |
|
5-9 |
10,562 |
|
10-19 |
2,217 |
|
20-49 |
745 |
|
50-99 |
186 |
|
100 and greater |
187 |
|
Total |
1,451,459 |
The following revised reply was received on 9 March 2026.
I am advised by Revenue that the below table outlines the number of property owners for one property, two properties, three properties, four properties, between five and ten, between 11 and 20, between 21 and 50, between 51 and 100 and 101 or more, excluding local authorities and seven of the largest Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). The table is based on the latest data available for 2025 from Revenue’s live LPT Register, as of January 2026.
Public bodies, apart from local authorities, are not categorised separately on the LPT Register. It is not possible to provide data which comprehensively excludes all AHBs. Notwithstanding the fact that owner type detail is not comprehensively captured on Revenue records, as it is not required for administering the tax, I am advised by Revenue that the largest owner categories below (defined according to number of properties owned) include both public and private owners.
|
Number of Properties Owned: Excluding LAs and 7 of the largest AHBs |
Number of Owners |
|
1 |
1,341,715 |
|
2 |
125,399 |
|
3 |
27,446 |
|
4 |
9,931 |
|
5-10 |
11,405 |
|
11-20 |
1,867 |
|
21-50 |
751 |
|
51-100 |
200 |
|
101 and greater |
185 |
|
Total |
1,518,899 |
301. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the total projected local property tax liability for 2026 excluding local authorities and approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33728/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra302. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue generate by the local property tax from rental properties excluding local authorities and approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33729/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the total projected local property tax liability for 2026 excluding local authorities and approved housing bodies is not yet available.
The figures for 2026 will be impacted by the inclusion of newly built properties, Local Property Tax revaluation, and by the decisions of the Local Authorities regarding the Local Adjustment Factor.
I am further advised by Revenue that the estimated revenue generated by the local property tax from rental properties excluding local authorities and approved housing bodies cannot be provided as rental properties are not separately identified on the Local Property Tax return.
The Deputy may also wish to note that quarterly reports showing certain available current year statistics in relation to LPT are published on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/property-taxes/index.aspx.
303. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance for a full list of all documents, reports, strategies, and resources that have been “unpublished” by his Department over the past ten years (details supplied), including all such materials that have been “unpublished” by divisions, sections and units of his Department that became part of the Minister’s Department following a transfer of functions; and who “unpublished” the materials under a different Minister or Department. [33806/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe article the Deputy has supplied refers to a technical issue affecting some links on Gov.ie, resulting from a major system upgrade completed in April 2025.
The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) manages Gov.ie and completed the system upgrade.
During the migration of content to the new system, a small number of links became broken and were replaced with placeholder text, "Item has been unpublished or removed", rather than returning an error. The items were not in fact 'unpublished'.
I can assure the deputy that the Department of Finance does not systematically 'unpublish' documents, reports, strategies or resources. The Department is committed to the open publication of government information and is working to ensure that all affected links on the Gov.ie pages it manages are restored and working correctly.
304. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to provide a breakdown of the €19.8 billion that will be returned to the State in sales of shares, dividends paid and any other mechanism for returning funds to the State, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33830/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State invested €20.8bn in AIB between 2009 and 2011. Following settlement of the final AIB share sale announced in June 2025, c. €19.8bn has returned to the State to date from its investment in AIB. This excludes the value of the AIB IPO Warrants held by the Minister.
Following the IPO in 2017 and our various share sales, we have reduced the shareholding in AIB from c.71.1% at the beginning of 2022 to zero in June 2025, raising c. €15.8bn in the process. This was achieved through the AIB share trading plan along with seven accelerated bookbuild (ABB) transactions and various directed share buyback transactions with the bank.
The trading plan and each subsequent ABB transaction were successful in gradually reducing the State’s investment in the bank and improving liquidity in the shares. Throughout each phase of the trading plan and through the larger block sales, the State has been selling into a rising share price environment. The AIB share price at the start of 2022 was 224c per share, while at close of business on 16 June 2025 it was 701c per share. It is important to understand that there is no other way to exit these large bank investments. The State cannot wait until some supposed peak in the stock market and then suddenly sell billions of euros of shares to investors in one transaction. Rather, the approach of incrementally selling blocks of shares creates greater liquidity which in turn attracts additional sell-side research coverage and a deeper pool of buy-side investor interest.
A further €2.3 billion of investment income (including dividends) was received and combined with €1.8bn of CIFS and ELG fees, a total of €19.8bn has been returned to the State.
|
- |
€bn |
|
Sale/redemption proceeds |
|
|
Cancellation of Preference Share warrants |
0.05 |
|
Sale/redemption of Contingent Convertible bonds |
1.76 |
|
Sale/redemption of Preference Shares |
1.87 |
|
IPO proceeds |
3.43 |
|
Share sales proceeds (since 2022) |
8.67 |
|
|
15.78 |
|
Investment Income |
|
|
Contingent Convertible bond coupon |
0.64 |
|
Preference Shares coupon |
028 |
|
Dividends |
1.36 |
|
|
2.28 |
|
CIFS/ELG |
1.78 |
|
Total |
19.84 |
305. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance whether the Revenue Commissioners plan to have a webchat system on their website for members of the public to inquire about PAYE and other issues. [33975/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRevenue currently operates automated chatbot technology on the Revenue Online Services Technical Helpdesk to assist taxpayers to resolve common technical issues. In Quarter 3 of 2025, Revenue will also launch on its website an AI assisted chatbot to allow taxpayers query its Tax and Duty Manuals for guidance on issues.
Revenue has informed me that it has previously piloted webchat on several services, including the Employer Helpline and the Local Property Tax helpline. However, I am advised that Revenue has no immediate plans to launch a webchat or chatbot service for its PAYE service.
Revenue has confirmed to me that it will keep abreast of developments in the webchat, chatbot and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies domains. As these technologies evolve and cognisant of the recently launched ‘Guidelines for the Responsible use of AI in the Public Sector’, Revenue has advised me that it may offer a webchat service to a broader range of channels in the future.
306. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the average time taken to process claims and issue refunds to applicants under the employment and incentive investment scheme; and when refunds were made on average relating to applications in 2023 and 2024. [34057/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Investment Incentive (EII), is provided for under Part 16 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The relief helps to provide SMEs and start-ups with alternative funding sources.
I am advised by Revenue that taxpayers may be entitled to tax relief under the EII for qualifying investments, subject to meeting the various requirements and conditions as set out on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-16/16-00-02.pdf.
I am advised by Revenue that there is no dedicated EII return or application that needs to be made in order to claim this tax relief. Taxpayers claim eligible relief on their Form 11 or Form 12 tax return, alongside claiming other deductions, reliefs or tax credits that they may be entitled to. These tax returns are processed in the normal way and the taxpayer is notified in due course of any overpayment or underpayment of tax that arises.
I am advised by Revenue that the average time to process Form 12 tax returns for 2024 and issue a statement of liability to the taxpayer is approximately 3 days. I am further advised that the average processing time for the self-assessed Form 11 is one working day.
