Written Answers Nos. 236-257
236. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of former secretary general’s, retired civil servants, directors of service, retired city/county managers or those of a similar grade in his Department that have subsequently served on State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66002/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn making appointments to State boards under my remit as Minister for Transport, my department operates in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation guidelines on appointments to State Boards, published in November 2014.
The State Boards division of publicjobs has responsibility for managing an open, accessible and transparent system to support Ministers in making state board appointments and it is open to all members of the public to apply for positions advertised on the publicjobs.ie website.
Although the information requested by the Deputy may be available as part of the appointment process, under General Data Protection Regulation guidelines my department does not have access to this information once the appointment has been made. Therefore, the specific information sought by the Deputy relating to persons serving on State boards is not available. Department staff holding designated positions are reminded of their obligations under the Code of Standards and Behaviour about the acceptance of outside appointments and of consultancy engagements following resignation / retirement.
Details of the current membership of all applicable State boards are published on the State Boards website www.publicjobs.ie/en/stateboards or on the Department of Transport’s website www.gov.ie State Boards Membership [here].
237. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to extend the five to eight-year-old free scheme to commercial operators, broken down by first year, full year, current and capital cost, in tabular form. [66020/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.
As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.
The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.
In light of the NTA's responsibility for the regulation of fares, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
238. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, to address the ongoing problem of buses that fail to arrive despite appearing on real time passenger information for routes operated under contracts (details supplied),; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66024/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. Further, under the NTA also has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Go-Ahead, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible.
I want to reassure the Deputy that as part of my regular engagement, I met with the NTA recently to discuss a range of public transport matters, including the recent performance issues. I had also previously met with the NTA specifically regarding 'the ongoing problem of buses that fail to arrive', and they fully acknowledge that an inadequate level of service has been provided on certain routes in recent months, and they have been working closely with the operators to rectify the situation.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard. The NTA are also investing in a new vehicle location system for the fleet which will improve the reliability of the real time passenger information system. They continue to engage with operators to enhance service reliability and ensure continuous improvement.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, including real-time passenger information, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
239. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that has taken place with the National Transport Authority and the contracted operator to identify the causes of repeated real time information failures on routes (details supplied); the expected timeline for technical and operational fixes; the measures being put in place to support all passengers, particularly disabled passengers who are disproportionately affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66025/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. Further, the NTA also has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Go-Ahead, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible.
I want to reassure the Deputy that as part of my regular engagement, I met with the NTA recently to discuss a range of public transport matters, including the recent performance issues. I had also previously met with the NTA specifically on the 'real time information failures on routes', and they fully acknowledge that an inadequate level of service has been provided on certain routes in recent months, and they have been working closely with the operators to rectify the situation.
The performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard. The NTA are also investing in a new vehicle location system for the fleet which will improve the reliability of the real time passenger information system. They continue to engage with operators to enhance service reliability and ensure continuous improvement.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, including real-time passenger information, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
240. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to safety concerns related to the Irish Coast Guard (details supplied); the actions he will take to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66029/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn his capacity as Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, my colleague Seán Canney T.D, has responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.
Coast Guard SAR helicopter services are provided under contract, that is currently transitioning from CHCI to Bristow Ireland (BIL).
Similar to the existing contract, Coast Guard Aviation services are regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). My Department does not have any role in the regulatory oversight of the contracted service providers. Many of the personnel previously employed by CHCI have, or will prior to completion of transition, take up the option of joining BIL.
Similar to the previous contract, crews operate 24 hr shift patterns. In addition to regulated Flight Time Limitation requirements, both entities are required to operate a Fatigue Risk Management System, as per IAA regulatory requirements. In order to enhance overall flight crew safety, the new contract obliges ‘on duty’ flight crews to remain on base for their full tour of duty, for which suitable rest and sleeping accommodation is provided.
Human Resources and Industrial Relations are managed by the contracted service provider. My Department does not have a role in regulatory oversight of duty hours. I understand that the new contractor Bristow Ireland, following contract award, concluded framework agreements with the employee representative organisations FORSA, UNITE and IALPA.
BIL subsequently concluded collective bargaining agreements with the three representative organisations. BIL continues to actively engage with the cohort of CHCI staff who have yet to transfer, to support seamless transfer to the new contractor as the remaining bases transition.
241. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on his Department’s consideration for altering transport weight allowances on roads; the changes being proposed to permit applications for heavy-load transport; if the Department is considering a similar system to the United Kingdom in regulating and processing heavy-load transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66037/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraExceptional Abnormal Loads can cause significant damage and deterioration to pavements, bridges and bridge components along the Irish road network. The presence of these vehicles and loads will increase over time and pose a significant risk to the road transport network, in particular where overloading and potential damage can be caused to bridge structures and other pieces of infrastructure such as water mains, and gas mains.
Due to their age and service life in Ireland, some bridges have experienced deterioration over their lifetime and are particularly vulnerable to extreme load events due to their reduced capacity over time. Medium span bridges and ageing structures are particularly vulnerable, but even modern bridges in Ireland have not been designed to carry such exceptional abnormal loads. Systems are being developed to address movement of these exceptional loads in as safe a manner as possible and considering the protection of the network and international practice.
Each individual Local Authority (LA) has responsibility for the issuing of Abnormal Load Permits in their administrative area in accordance with in S.I. No. 5/2003 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
An Abnormal Load Working Group has been established to review the current Abnormal Load Permitting process with a view to moving the application process to a single application and payment system for Road Hauliers. Membership of this group includes representatives from the Local Authority Sector, Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Síochána, and the Road Management Office.
The single application and payment point is currently being developed through the MyCoCo digital solution platform which is a collaboration between Local Authorities and supported by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). This initiative arose from the national “Connecting Government 2030” program, which aims for 90 per cent of public services to be delivered online by 2030, and has been noted as a building block of reform in the “Better Public Services - Public Service Transformation 2030 Strategy”.
This group is currently preparing to run a pilot with a haulier across a number of LA’s to prove the system and if successful make recommendations for implementation to the CCMA through the LGMA ICT Committee, in early 2026. The working group is also looking at technical requirements for the abnormal load application form and LA requirements for application decision timelines, conditioning applications, notifying applicants of issues, and issuing decisions. Areas such as the Escort Requirements (European Guidelines for Escort Vehicles) and legislative enforcement are also being considered in consultation with AGS. The group will also make recommendations for further work.
A separate Local Authority Central Support Unit has been identified as a requirement to centrally manage and support the movement of these exceptional loads. This would include the assessment and delivery of exceptional abnormal loads with adequate dedicated expert technical resources in place to manage the process over the coming years. A central support unit could potentially identify preferred/designated routes, manage a repository of bridge assessments and condition surveys, recommend strengthening works to avoid overbridging, and impose max loads across the network based on structural assessments. In recognition of the fact that the issue of exceptionally abnormal loads is being driven primarily by our need to upgrade our electricity grid, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is currently considering funding requirements for this Central Support Unit.
The majority on the work being carried is looking to introduce efficiencies and clarity to the Abnormal Load Application process. While the role of the proposed Local Authority Central Support Unit would be to provide technical support to Local Authorities for Exceptional Abnormal Load Applications there are currently no proposals to amend existing Abnormal Load weight parameters set out in S.I. No. 5/2003 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
242. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the impact of app-based dispatch operators offering fares below the regulated taxi meter tariff; the effect this is having on the viability of the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66043/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the engagement his Department has had with the National Transport Authority regarding reports that reduced fares offered through app-based operators are threatening the income of taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66045/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 244 and Question No 242 together.
The NTA is the independent transport regulator of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector. The ongoing protests by taxi drivers concerning the taxi fixed price option on the Uber app, is not a matter for the Department of Transport or the NTA to address.
Taxi drivers, who are self-employed operators, make a business decision to sign up (or not) with a licensed dispatch operator and are not obliged by the NTA to sign up with any dispatch operator.
Dispatch operators are required to provide bookings to SPSV licenced drivers using SPSV licenced vehicles, only. Where taxi drivers choose to affiliate with a dispatch operator, they are free to contract with a dispatch operator of their choice.
I have issued a letter to the NTA on 19 November last asking that they clarify the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike.
243. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the legislation that allows dispatch operators to set fares below the national taxi tariff, given concerns that this practice undermines the Government appointed regulator and creates unfair competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66044/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra245. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will assess the need to amend legislation in order that only the vehicle licence holder can offer a fare below the metered tariff, as is being called for by taxi drivers who warn that current arrangements place them at financial and regulatory risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66046/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 245 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the setting of fares, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Section 24 of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 empowers the NTA Board to make a 'Maximum Fares Order' fixing the maximum fare that may be charged by the driver of a taxi for any journey and ensuring the protection of passengers. The current maximum fares order took effect in December 2024 and a maximum fare review is carried our approximately every two years. The NTA has conducted these reviews since 2011. It should be noted that hackneys and limousines agree their fares in advance and do not use a meter.
As set out in the legislation, charging in excess of this maximum fare can lead to a prosecution however, charging below the maximum fare is permitted. In addition, there is a list of fixed payment offences associated with the misuse of taximeters set out by the NTA in the Small Public Service Vehicle (Fixed Payment Offences and Driver Licence Period) Regulations 2022. I understand that the Uber Fixed Price offer is not in breach of the regulatory provisions regarding the maximum fare, and does not constitute an offence associated with the misuse of taximeters. I have asked the NTA as regulator to formally clarify the position. SPSV operators are self-employed and can decide whether (or not) to sign-up with a licensed dispatch operator, such as Uber. They are not obliged to be affiliated with a dispatch operator in Ireland. Where they choose to do so, taxi drivers are free to contract with any dispatch operator of their choice.
Neither I, my Department nor the NTA are parties to the commercial or contractual arrangements in place between SPSV drivers and dispatch operator(s).
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
246. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that international app-based dispatch operators who do not maintain a physical presence or staff in Ireland are operating within the spirit and intent of existing taxi regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66048/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing and regulation of dispatch operators, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
247. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount his Department and any body under his aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66088/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra248. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount his Department and any body under his aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66106/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not used the services of either company listed (Association of Translators and Interpreters Ireland & Translations.ie).
With regard to the agencies under my aegis, this is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have referred these questions to those agencies for further reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.
249. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to provide clarity on a set of data (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66181/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters. As such, the information requested relating to no shows for the driving test is held by the Authority.
Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply and for any further clarification in relation to the figures highlighted by the Deputy. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
250. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a detailed explanation of the factors driving the projected per-kilometre cost of the MetroLink project; if he will publish the international benchmarking used to assess value for money, including comparisons with major European metro projects such as the Madrid Metro expansion; the steps his Department is taking to ensure cost efficiency in delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66237/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the then-Public Spending Code. This approval enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála. An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order on 2nd October 2025.
It is too early in the project lifecycle to give a precise capital cost or budget for MetroLink. This is because the project has yet to go through the detailed procurement stage. The cost estimates for MetroLink are currently under review by the NTA as part of preparation for Approval Gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines and will ultimately be finalised once tenders have been received, ahead of the Government's decision at Approval Gate 3.
Cooperation between the public and private sector plays a key role in driving value for money and supporting innovation within the transport sector. MetroLink will be the single biggest investment in transport infrastructure in the history of the State. Therefore, it is vital that we engage effectively with the private sector to support the delivery of the project in a timely manner and which achieves value for money for Irish citizens.
Noting the NTA's responsibility for this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
251. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his engagement with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, DMV, and the urgent need for the confirmation of a reciprocal driving licence agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66271/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I wish to advise that in line with the Programme for Government commitments regarding the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, the Department has reciprocal driving licence arrangements with Australia and 7 out of 10 Canadian provinces.
The Department is exploring options concerning the US. US driver licensing is regulated at state, not federal, level. Ireland does not currently have agreements with any US state.
The Department has liaised with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to identify states with large Irish born populations. Three US states, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, have been chosen as the initial states for consideration due to the size of their Irish born populations.
DFA and the Department have written to the Governor of the state of New York to express Ireland’s interest in entering into a possible agreement.
On my direction, the Road Safety Authority is engaged with its counterpart licencing authority for New York state. The assessment process for a possible licence exchange agreement is technical in nature between the respective licencing authorities and needs to be independent of political interference. This process is ongoing at present.
252. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for the detailed project brief and procurement strategy for consideration at approval gate 2 for Metro North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66273/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the then-Public Spending Code. This approval enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála. An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order on 30 September 2025.
A Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy will be prepared for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
253. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport to provide the Department’s annual expenditure on State Claims Agency costs for the years 2020–2025. [66371/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advised the Deputy that my Departments annual expenditure on State Claims Agency costs for the years 2020–2025. are as follows:
|
2020 |
€241,220.32 |
|
2021 |
€1,067,467.82 |
|
2022 |
€497,173.13 |
|
2023 |
€415,655.96 |
|
2024 |
€183,737.55 |
|
2025 (YTD) |
€158,380.83 |
|
Total |
€2,563,635.61 |
254. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the shortage of taxis late at night in Cork northwest towns; and the measures he is taking to ensure adequate SPSV supply in Cork County. [66759/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV supply, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
255. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will clarify the position of the State regarding stamp duty for large tranches of mortgage sales (details supplied). [66139/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that Stamp Duty is chargeable on a document which provides for the transfer on sale of a mortgage if it:
• is executed in the State,
• relates to any property situated in the State, or
• relates to any matter or thing done or to be done in the State.
However, in practice, Stamp Duty is not generally payable on such a document as the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act (SDCA) 1999 provides for a range of exemptions from the charge.
Section 85 SDCA 1999 provides for an exemption from Stamp Duty on:
• the issue of loan capital or any Government loan,
• the transfer of companies’ loan capital,
• the issue or transfer of securities issued by a qualifying company within the meaning of section 110 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997,
• the issue, transfer or redemption of loan capital issued by a company to raise finance to acquire, develop or lease aircraft.
Section 86 SDCA 1999 provides for an exemption on the transfer of loan stock issued by certain State bodies.
Section 90 SDCA 1999, in dealing with debt factoring arrangements, provides for an exemption on the transfer of a debt, or part of a debt, where such transfer occurs in the ordinary course of the business of the vendor or the purchaser.
Relief from Stamp Duty is also provided in relation to transfers of certain property (whether real or intangible) between associated companies (section 79 SDCA 1999) and in relation to the merger of companies where such transfers are effected for bona fide commercial reasons (section 80 SDCA 1999).
In relation to the position that applied prior to 2007, Stamp Duty was chargeable on documents securing loans on property situated in the State and any subsequent transfer of such secured loans, where the amount secured exceeded €254,000. Section 100 of Finance Act 2007 terminated this charge for such mortgage documents executed after this date.
Revenue has made regulations pursuant section 17A SDCA 1999 in relation to the stamping of instruments (Stamp Duty (e-Stamping of Instruments and Self-Assessment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 234 of 2012)). These regulations provide that where an instrument is executed on or after 7 July 2012, a self-assessed Stamp Duty return must be filed electronically through the Revenue-on-line service (ROS), together with the appropriate Stamp Duty liability. In the circumstances outlined above, there is an obligation to file a return where an exemption or relief is claimed under section 79 or 80, but there is no obligation to file a return where an exemption or relief is claimed under sections 85, 86 or 90.
Detailed guidance on the circumstances in which a return must be filed in order to claim an exemption from Stamp Duty is available on the Revenue at:
www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/stamp-duty/file-and-pay/chapter-02-obligation-to-file-a-return/obligation-to-file-a-stamp-duty-return.pdf.
256. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to examine the recommendation of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee (details supplied) as they relate to the Taxes Consolidation (Rights of Performers and Film Workers) (Amendment) Bill 2025. [65235/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 481 TCA 1997 provides relief in the form of a corporation tax credit related to the cost of production of certain films. The scheme is intended to act as a stimulus to the creation of an indigenous film industry in the State, creating quality employment opportunities and supporting the expression of Irish culture. The credit is granted at a rate of 32% of up to €125 million.
I am aware of the review published by the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight following its examination of the section 481 film tax credit, and of the recommendations made therein. In relation to Recommendation 7 regarding intellectual property rights and Recommendation 8 regarding compliance with relevant copyright legislation, I would note that copyright law falls within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Copyright is relevant for many workers in the film sector, including authors, producers and broadcasters in addition to performers and there are complex legal issues involved.
Although compliance with copyright law is not a specific criterion as part of the application process for section 481, it is important to remember that section 481 is a tax credit and that copyright legislation applies regardless of whether it is referenced as part of a formal process associated with obtaining the credit.
Notwithstanding this, my officials have engaged in detail with relevant stakeholders in the sector, including representative bodies, to gain an understanding of the issues raised over the last number of years.
In order to identify a pathway forward, an independent facilitator was retained by Screen Ireland in 2023 to meet with a group of key stakeholders, to identify and understand issues relevant to the Digital Single Market Directive (referred to as the Copyright Directive). As a result of this process, industry stakeholders have agreed interim best practice industry guidelines while they pursue a path towards a collective bargaining agreement.
It is my view that direct engagement between industry bodies is the most effective pathway to resolving any remaining issues in respect of copyright. Should any issues with Copyright legislation as it currently stands be identified as part of this process, this will be a matter for the Minister of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. However, my officials will continue to monitor progress in this area.
257. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total number of claims handled by the State Claims Agency, the number of claims settled; the number successfully defended; the number resolved without admission of liability; the median and average settlement amount in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65245/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the breakdown of State Claims Agency settlements, by claim category (details supplied), including for each category the number of claims, the total value of settlements, the median payout; the highest and lowest settlement values, in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 258 together.
The State Claims Agency (SCA) is obliged by statute to manage delegated claims and counterclaims in such manner as to ensure that the liability of the State authorities is contained at the lowest achievable level. In performing this function, the SCA seeks to act fairly, ethically and sensitively in dealing with people who have suffered injuries and/or damage, and their families. In cases where the SCA investigation concludes that the relevant State authority bears some or all liability, the SCA seeks to settle claims expeditiously and on fair and reasonable terms. Where it considers that the State is not liable, the SCA’s policy is to defend the claims.
The SCA is not in a position to provide data in respect of the median or average settlement amounts, nor the highest or lowest settlement amounts, in respect of these claims. Due to the nature of the claims, and the range of categories of claims in this instance, providing data could lead to misinterpretation and misleading comparison, in the absence of proper context.
As supplied by the NTMA please see attached Table 1 which shows the number of claims finalised during the period 2020-2024 where no damages were paid and Table 2 which shows the number of claims finalised during the period 2020-2024 where damages were paid, broken down by the top five incident/hazard categories.
Claim Finalised Date
|
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Grand Total |
|
Number of Claims Finalised |
1,093 |
1,724 |
1,365 |
1,442 |
1,538 |
7,162 |
Table 1. The number of claims* finalised during the period 2020-2024 where no damages were paid.
*Excluding property damage recovery claims
|
Incident/Hazard Category |
|
Claim Finalised Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Grand Total |
|
|
Number of Finalised Claims |
511 |
865 |
279 |
240 |
238 |
2,133 |
|
Exposure to Psychological hazards |
Paid Damages |
€12,747,189 |
€17,758,104 |
€17,500,742 |
€21,650,524 |
€27,960,130 |
€97,616,688 |
|
|
Number of Finalised Claims |
486 |
355 |
291 |
397 |
460 |
1,989 |
|
Clinical Care |
Paid Damages |
€248,825,770 |
€204,747,265 |
€124,837,021 |
€285,278,742 |
€288,096,891 |
€1,151,785,690 |
|
|
Number of Finalised Claims |
350 |
352 |
368 |
419 |
368 |
1,857 |
|
Exposure to Physical Hazards |
Paid Damages |
€17,647,782 |
€16,557,632 |
€16,499,069 |
€19,214,969 |
€16,130,064 |
€86,049,516 |
|
|
Number of Finalised Claims |
284 |
336 |
311 |
384 |
426 |
1,741 |
|
Crash/Collision |
Paid Damages |
€2,381,619 |
€2,912,115 |
€2,061,363 |
€3,306,328 |
€6,000,688 |
€16,662,113 |
|
|
Number of Finalised Claims |
134 |
129 |
125 |
142 |
351 |
881 |
|
Exposure to Behavioural Hazards |
Paid Damages |
€12,702,392 |
€9,577,545 |
€8,198,276 |
€9,622,645 |
€18,698,774 |
€58,799,631 |
|
|
Number of Finalised Claims |
194 |
167 |
206 |
284 |
251 |
1102 |
|
Other** |
Paid Damages |
€3,137,337 |
€1,511,114 |
€2,756,612 |
€73,771,169 |
€31,697,172 |
€112,873,404 |
|
|
Number of Finalised Claims |
1,959 |
2,204 |
1,580 |
1,866 |
2,094 |
9,703 |
|
Grand Total |
Paid Damages |
€297,442,088 |
€253,063,775 |
€171,853,083 |
€412,844,377 |
€388,583,720 |
€1,523,787,043 |
Table 2. The number of claims* finalised during the period 2020-2024 where damages were paid, broken down by the top five incident/hazard categories.
*Excluding property damage recovery claims
**Other includes all other incident/hazard categories.
