Written Answers Nos. 307-326
307. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance the average turnaround time for processing tax refunds under the employment and incentive investment scheme 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34065/25]
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.
308. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34091/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the Department of Finance does not currently have any infrastructure projects either commissioned or being built.
309. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Finance the date for the announcement of Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34150/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra310. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Finance when he plans to publish the Summer Economic Statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34151/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 310 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, there are a number of key staging posts throughout the year leading up to Budget Day.
The next stage in the cycle is the Summer Economic Statement, which sets outs the budgetary parameters. This will be published next month. The date on which Budget 2026 will be presented to the Oireachtas will be also be announced at that time.
311. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to publish this year’s Tax Strategy Group Papers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34152/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Tax Strategy Group (TSG) is in place since the early 1990s and is chaired by the Department of Finance, with membership comprising senior officials and political advisers from a number of Civil Service Departments and Offices. Papers on various options for tax policy changes are prepared annually for the Group by Department of Finance officials. Papers relating to PRSI and social welfare issues are also prepared for the Group by the Department of Social Protection.
I expect that the TSG will meet in mid-July, with the 2025 papers published shortly afterwards.
It is important to note that the TSG is not a decision-making body and the papers produced are a list of options and issues intended to guide informed discussion at the meeting. The TSG papers are published in advance of the Budget to facilitate wider socialisation of same. They form part of the overall Budgetary and Finance Bill process which now includes the National Economic Dialogue, the Budget Oversight Committee and the provision of pre-Budget submissions and engagement with specific groups and individuals.
312. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Finance whether there are any exemptions from the vacant homes tax for a house with a thatched roof and thus uninsurable (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34169/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra313. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Finance if there are any exemptions from the vacant homes tax for a house with a thatched roof and due to this feature, the property is uninsurable (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34170/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 313 together.
Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) was a measure announced in Budget 2023, which aims to increase the supply of homes for rent or purchase to meet demand. I am advised by Revenue that both Local Property Tax and Vacant Homes Tax apply to habitable residential properties that are in use as, or are suitable for use as, a dwelling.
VHT operates on a self-assessment basis and a residential property will be within the scope of VHT if it has been occupied as a dwelling for less than 30 days in a chargeable period. Each chargeable period commences on 1 November of a given year and ends on 31 October of the following year. The first chargeable period commenced on 1 November 2022.
A small number of exemptions are available to ensure that homeowners are not excessively penalised for normal temporary vacancy. However, properties with a thatched roof are not contained in the list of exemptions available. Neither is the insurability of a property a factor for exemption.
Revenue has provided detailed information regarding the VHT exemptions available on its website at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/vacant-homes-tax/exemptions/index.aspx.
314. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Finance the minimum effective tax rate on individual earnings for each of the past ten years; and the level of earnings at which that minimum effective tax rate applied in each of those ten years, in tabular form. [34209/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra315. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Finance the estimated first- and full-year yield from each percentage point increase in the minimum effective tax rate on individual earnings in 2026; and the estimated the first- and full-year yield from each €10,000 reduction in the level of earnings at which that minimum effective tax rate applies. [34210/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 315 together.
In regard to the Deputy’s questions, the structure of the Irish personal income tax system does not provide for a minimum effective tax rate and so it is not possible to perform the analysis requested. An individual will normally pay income tax, PRSI and USC on their employment income and earnings, and the rates at which they are liable to these charges is dependent on their overall level of income and their own specific circumstances.
However, the average effective tax rates for individuals at various income levels were published as part of the Budget 2025 documentation in the Tax Policy Changes document. This document includes tables that show the average effective tax rates on a range of annual earnings in respect of income tax, PRSI and USC as a proportion of gross income. This is available by various household types, including single persons, married couples with children, PAYE and self-employed income earners over a wide distribution of income levels between €15,000 and €120,000 from 2009 to 2025.
This document also includes detailed distributional analysis of the tax measures announced in Budget 2025, which demonstrate the effect of changes to some payments from the Department of Social Protection such as Child Benefit and the Working Family payment.
The document is available at the following link: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/budget-2025-tax-policy-changes.pdf.
316. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance to respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34240/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 1025 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (“TCA”) 1997 provides for the tax treatment of payments made under a maintenance arrangement by one party of a marriage to another, where parties to the marriage are not jointly assessed to tax.
A maintenance arrangement for the purposes of section 1025 TCA 1997, means an order of a court, rule of court, deed of separation, trust, covenant, agreement, arrangement, or any other act giving rise to a legally enforceable obligation and made or done in consideration or in consequence of:
• the dissolution or annulment of a marriage, or
• the separation of the parties to a marriage where such separation is expected to be permanent.
Where a payment made under a maintenance arrangement is for the benefit of a child, section 1025 TCA 1997 specifically provides that there is no tax relief available for the paying spouse. The reason for this treatment is that maintenance payments in respect of children are treated the same way as if the taxpayer was providing for the child or children out of his or her after-tax income, which is in line with the tax treatment for all other parents, where the cost of maintaining their child or children is not tax deductible.
Voluntary maintenance payments are not legally enforceable; therefore, they are ignored when calculating either spouse’s tax liability. Where such payments are made in respect of a child, they are not taxable in the hands of the child or the receiving spouse, and there is no tax relief available to the paying spouse.
As the maintenance paid in this case is in respect of your constituent’s children, there is no tax relief available to him on such payments.
Further information on the taxation of maintenance payments can be found at the link below:
Tax and Duty Manual Part 44-01-01 - Income tax treatment of married persons and civil partners: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-44/44-01-01.pdf
Section 462B TCA 1997 provides for the Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit (“SPCCC”). Subject to the conditions of section 462B TCA 1997 being met, the SPCCC is available to a single person who has a qualifying child resident with him or her for the whole or greater part of the year of assessment.
Based on the limited information provided, it would appear the constituent is not entitled to claim the SPCCC as, based on the information provided, his children do not reside with him for the greater part of the year.
Further details on the SPCCC are set out in Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-41, which can be located at the link below:
Tax and Duty Manual Part 15-01-41 - Single Person Child Carer Credit: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-41.pdf
With regard to the details provided, if the constituent has any further queries by reference to the facts and circumstances of the specific case, he can contact Revenue using MyEnquiries. MyEnquiries is a free and easy to use online facility available to both PAYE taxpayers, through MyAccount, and self-assessed taxpayers, using ROS.
317. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance to examine the case for putting in place a national insurance company, or legislate for commercial companies, to provide insurance for people in situations similar to persons (details supplied). [34249/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither I as Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).
Officials in my Department engage regularly with Insurance Ireland – the official industry body – on a range of insurance related issues. Insurance Ireland have advised that insurers are obliged to assess the specific risk involved as part of any individual’s application for insurance, including mortgage protection policies. For individuals with medical conditions, if a higher risk is identified as a result of this assessment, the policy will be adjusted accordingly, and that cover may be declined if the applicant poses a risk beyond the insurer’s threshold.
As the Deputy may also be aware, under existing legislation (Section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995), lenders are permitted to provide a mortgage in situations where a borrower may be unable to obtain mortgage protection insurance, or where such insurance is unduly costly compared to that payable by borrowers generally. This is an important provision for individuals, including those living with certain medical conditions, and who may experience difficulties acquiring mortgage protection insurance when securing a home loan, to be aware of.
However, it may also be the case that, in circumstances where there is no specific statutory obligation on a mortgage lender to arrange for mortgage protection insurance in association with a housing loan, an individual mortgage lender may, as a matter of its own commercial policy, still require a mortgage borrower to put in place such an insurance policy as a condition for obtaining mortgage credit. This is a commercial decision as opposed to a statutory requirement for an individual mortgage lender and it is not possible for me to instruct lenders on their commercial lending policies or their commercial decisions on any individual mortgage application, including the insurance and other security they require either in respect of the borrower or the secured property in relation to a mortgage loan.
Furthermore, where an individual is not satisfied with how a regulated firm is dealing with them in relation to the provision of insurance or they believe that the regulated firm is not following the requirements of the Central Bank’s codes and regulations or other financial services law, they should make a complaint directly to the regulated firm. If the consumer is still not satisfied with the response from the regulated firm, he or she can refer the complaint to the statutory Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO acts as an independent arbiter of disputes that consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider.
It may also interest the Deputy to know that Brokers Ireland has published a register containing contact details of insurance brokers who have experience in advising on life cover, to assist clients who have had difficulty acquiring mortgage protection insurance due to a pre-existing illness. This is available at: www.brokersireland.ie/life-cover-pre-existing-illnesses/
Insurance Ireland also operates a free information service for those customers who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance cover, which can be contacted at feedack@insuranceireland.eu.
It is important to note that there would be additional costs to the State in establishing its own insurer, including the need for such a company to hold adequate capital reserves, as well as to employ suitably qualified individuals. There is also a risk that such a measure could reduce competition in the insurance market for certain risks should the State be viewed as an insurer of last resort. In conclusion, adequate safeguards are in place for individuals with pre-existing health conditions when applying for mortgage protection insurance and this is supported by an independent complaints process.
318. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance for a detailed update on the work of the Revenue Commissioners and JATF in addressing cross-Border smuggling of tobacco products from Northern Ireland; the details of the number of searches and seizures carried-out in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34278/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that it uses a range of measures to tackle the illicit tobacco trade. At the core of these measures is identifying and targeting the smuggling of illicit tobacco products into the State, with a view to disrupting the supply chain, seizing the products and, where possible, prosecuting those involved. Revenue’s strategy involves developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, the use of analytics and detection technologies, and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources on a risk-focused basis.
The smuggling of tobacco products has a transnational and cross border dimension and, in addition to Revenue’s ongoing cooperation with An Garda Síochána in this area, Revenue also works closely with its counterparts in other jurisdictions including colleagues in Northern Ireland through the cross border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF), and international bodies including OLAF (the EU’s anti-fraud agency), Europol and the World Customs Organisation.
The JATF was established under the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement and is an excellent example of successful cross border partnership to tackle organised and cross jurisdictional crime on the island of Ireland. It is led by senior officers on both a strategic and operational level from Revenue, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) with the Criminal Assets Bureau and National Crime Agency involved as needed in operational activity. Revenue alongside HMRC lead on the Excise Fraud Priority. The JATF promotes real-time collaboration between Revenue and HMRC in efforts to disrupt the activities of organised crime groups involved in serious excise fraud.
I am advised by Revenue that the JATF produces a report twice yearly. The most recent report relates to the period October 2024 to March 2025 and highlights a number of specific joint operational successes including in the areas of excise fraud, drugs trafficking and rural crime. There were 6 excise operations outlined in the most recent report and 4 for the previous reporting period (1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024), highlighting the significant level of cooperation and operational activity between Revenue and the HMRC in tackling excise fraud.
The number of investigations into organised crime groups involved in excise fraud initiated through the task force in each respective year is outlined in tabular form below:
|
Reporting Period |
No. of Operations |
|
2024 |
8 |
|
2023 |
5 |
|
2022 |
8 |
|
2021 |
5 |
|
2020 |
7 |
I am advised by Revenue that the number of searches conducted is not readily available. The number, quantity and value of cigarettes and tobacco seized from 2021 to end May 2025 are outlined in the tables below:
|
Cigarette Seizures 2021 to end May 2025 |
|
|
|
|
Year |
No. Seizures |
Quantity |
Value |
|
End May 2025 |
2,202 |
29.8m |
€26.9m |
|
2024 |
4,920 |
112.3m |
€95.6m |
|
2023 |
5,164 |
69.5m |
€55.7m |
|
2022 |
5,431 |
51.6m |
€39.5m |
|
2021 |
4,889 |
60.7m |
€43.5m |
|
Tobacco Seizures 2021 to end May 2025 |
|
|
|
|
Year |
No. Seizures |
Quantity (kg) |
Value |
|
End May 2025 |
650 |
17,879 |
€15.8m |
|
2024 |
1,500 |
39,407 |
€32.6m |
|
2023 |
1,673 |
10,191 |
€7.7m |
|
2022 |
1,563 |
11,803 |
€8.5m |
|
2021 |
1,692 |
38,246 |
€24.1m |
I am aware that Revenue monitors trends in the illicit tobacco trade on an ongoing basis and adjusts its actions and redeploys its resources to counter any new developments or methodologies employed by the criminal gangs involved in that trade. I am assured that combatting tobacco smuggling is, and will continue to be, a priority for Revenue and I commend Revenue and all the relevant State agencies for their work in this important area.
319. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Finance his views on the merits of providing low interest, Government-backed bridging loans for people seeking to move home and are unable to do so due to the cost of finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34279/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a legal and regulatory macro prudential and consumer protection framework in place which governs the provision of residential mortgages to consumers by banks and other Central Bank regulated mortgage providers.
There are a number of consumer protection requirements governing the provision of mortgage credit to consumers. For example, the European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements) Regulations 2016 ('CMCAR') provide that a lender should only make credit available to a consumer where the result of the creditworthiness assessment indicates that the consumer’s obligations resulting from the credit agreement are likely to be met in the manner required under that agreement. The assessment of creditworthiness must be carried out on the basis of information on the consumer’s income and expenses and other financial and economic circumstances which is necessary, sufficient and proportionate.
Furthermore, the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 imposes ‘Knowing the Consumer and Suitability’ requirements on lenders. Under these requirements, lenders are required to assess affordability of credit and the suitability of a product or service based on the individual circumstances of each borrower. The Code specifies that the affordability assessment must include consideration of the information gathered on the borrower’s personal circumstances and financial situation. Furthermore, where a lender refuses a mortgage application, the CMCAR requires that the lender must inform the consumer without delay of the refusal. In addition, the Code requires that the lender must clearly outline to the consumer the reasons why the credit was not approved and provide these reasons on paper if requested.
In relation to bridging finance, this is generally regarded as a form of relatively short-term finance until it is either repaid or refinanced by an alternative (and presumably more long term) form of credit. Bridging finance, which can be secured or unsecured (and can also be provided for a purpose other than housing), is not specifically referenced in the Central Bank lending rules.
However, where bridging finance is provided to consumers (by a Central Bank regulated lender) which is secured on residential property it is subject to the mortgage lending rules in the same way as any other type of mortgage credit provided to consumers for a housing purpose. Therefore, such mortgage applications and lending will have to be considered in the context of both the LTV and LTI measures associated with such lending.
Banks and other regulated mortgage lenders can utilise their allowances to provide a certain amount of mortgage credit in excess of the lending thresholds. Including the LTI threshold if that is a relevant factor in the case of any particular application for bridging type finance for a housing related purpose.
However, within this applicable mortgage regulatory framework, it remains a matter for each lender to determine their own credit policies such as the types of credit they wish to offer to the public. It is also a matter for them in the setting and adjustment of the interest rate and also to make their own decisions on individual applications for mortgage or other credit, including bridging finance and to decide whether or not to utilise the available lending allowances and the particular mortgage applications in respect of which it wishes to utilise the lending allowances.
There is no legal or regulatory provision which prevents lenders from providing bridging loans and so the decision of whether or not to provide such finance and the setting of the interest rate for bridging finance is a commercial matter for any individual lender.
As Minister for Finance, I do not have a role and cannot become involved in such commercial decisions made by lenders.
320. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Finance when the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal will next conduct a clinic in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34281/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note at the outset that it is a legislative requirement that the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) is independent in the exercise of its functions and it is a matter for the Board to determine all aspects of the management and delivery of the appeals process.
The Deputy should note that the DDMBA operates from the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dún Laoghaire, who provide facilities and secretarial services so that the Board can deliver the appeals process. No other dedicated facilities have been agreed for hosting the appeals process.
The Board does on occasion run regional clinics when appropriate facilities can be sourced on an ad-hoc basis and where there is sufficient demand for, and attendance at, such clinics. For instance, two clinics have been run in Cork over the last 12 months. This is a matter that is kept under review.
321. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Finance to address inheritance tax anomalies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34319/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) is a beneficiary-based tax on gifts and inheritances that is payable on the value of the property received. For CAT purposes, the relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who receives it (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the maximum amount, known as the “Group threshold”, below which CAT does not arise.
There are three Group thresholds:
• the Group A threshold (currently €400,000) applies where the beneficiary is a child of the person giving the gift or inheritance
• the Group B threshold (currently €40,000) applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, nephew, niece, lineal ancestor or lineal descendant of the person giving the gift or inheritance
• theGroup C threshold (currently €20,000) applies in all other cases.
My officials are currently reviewing CAT, including the thresholds applying as part of the annual Tax Strategy Group exercise. The resultant papers outline the tax policy considerations for the Government and the options available to it in forming this year’s Budget. They are published in advance of the Budget and are the best means of considering inheritance tax in an analytical and transparent way.
Finally, it is important to be aware that changes to CAT bear significant costs and must be considered in the context of available resources and must also be balanced against competing demands.
322. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Finance how a person in County Kildare (details supplied) can go about taking a former payment away from their credit history record, given that it no longer applies but is causing them financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34345/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Credit Reporting Act 2013 (the Act) provided for the establishment of a Central Credit Register (CCR) by the Central Bank. Under the Act, lenders are obliged to submit information to the CCR on outstanding and new loans of €500 or more. 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).
Regarding the issue of access to credit, it should also be is important to note that the CCR does not provide a credit rating or credit score. Also the CCR does not approve or sanction loan applications.
Subject to the consumer protection requirements associated with the provision of credit, decisions on applications for credit are a business matter for individual lenders.
323. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Finance the plans to apply a zero value added tax rate to sunscreens, cosmetics containing sunscreen and other items such as garments that provide UV protection in order to further enhance public health policy in the context of the prevention and or mitigation of skin cancers; if he has engaged with Healthy Ireland or the HSE in respect of any of these measures; and if he will provide a schedule of bodies that have communicated their views on a zero VAT to him in 2025. [34500/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive with which Irish VAT law is obliged to comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate unless they fall within certain listed categories to which Member States may apply a lower rate.
Sunscreens and sun protection factor products are not included in the categories of goods and services to which the EU VAT Directive allows a lower rate to be applied, and so they are liable to VAT at the standard rate. There is no discretion under the EU VAT Directive for Ireland to apply a reduced rate of VAT to the supply of sunscreens and sun protection factor products.
No bodies have communicated with my Department on this matter in 2025.
324. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the works that have been carried out on Garda stations in Wicklow to remove asbestos (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34504/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW will respond Directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
325. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if Garda stations in Wicklow (details supplied) still contain asbestos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34505/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW will respond Directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
326. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timeline for when works will be carried out to remove asbestos from Garda stations in Wicklow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34507/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW will respond Directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
