Written Answers Nos. 230-254
230. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question of No. 129 of 5 March 2026, if a contractor has been appointed to deliver Phase 1 works for the Finglas primary care centre; and if the project remains on track for works to commence in Q2 2026. [28228/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
242. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on his work to deliver a new national savings strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21063/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra249. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to outline his proposals for a new State savings scheme, as reported in the media (details supplied); the scheme designs being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26842/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra320. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the details of the Government’s new proposed savings and investment scheme; when it is likely to be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26797/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 242, 249 and 320 together.
At the recent Savings and Investment Forum, I announced the Government’s intention to introduce the legislative framework for an Investment Account in 2026. We want to make investing simpler, clearer, and more accessible for ordinary people, and help their hard-earned money work harder for them over time.
The aim is to legislate for the framework in 2026 and to allow accounts to be offered from 2027. The account will be designed as a simple, one-stop option for individuals. It will also be a key part of a broader rethink of the taxation of retail investment. The Government’s view is that the account should be simple, accessible, tax efficient, easy to administer, transparent on fees and portable across borders where possible.
We will take account of expert views as we design the model that best fits the Irish economy and the needs of Irish households.
The tax treatment of retail investments was considered as part of a broader review into the funds and asset management sector in Ireland, which culminated in the ‘Funds Sector 2030’ report that was published in October 2024.
In recognition of the importance of encouraging retail investment, Budget 2026 provided for a reduction in the rate of taxation on returns from Irish and equivalent investment funds and Irish and certain foreign life assurance policies from 41% to 38% which took effect from 1 January 2026.
In addition, Budget 2026 also included a commitment to publish a roadmap in 2026, setting out the intended approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to encourage retail investment in future Finance Bills. The roadmap, which will be published in the coming months, will take into consideration developments at EU level in respect of the Savings and Investments Union, including the Recommendation on SIAs and continue to draw upon best practice in other countries who operate successful investment accounts.
It is clear that the traditional financial culture in Ireland is to favour savings over investment, and this is the case for many in the EU, however, Ireland has much lower uptake than any other Member State for assets held in investment funds. The need for people to build their savings and investments has proven greater in recent times with the changing nature of work – in that there is more self-employment, people have more jobs throughout their life, and they have a longer than average life expectancy.
With increased inflation, we see the value of money held in savings accounts diminish and this highlights the value of diversifying these savings.
While investments offer opportunities, they also entail differing levels of risk and investors are always encouraged to seek financial advice from professionals to manage this risk to meet their savings goals.
243. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the whether the local property tax is equitable given that it is based on property value rather than income; if he is concerned that it is overburdensome on people that live in high value properties with comparatively low income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11988/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Property Tax (LPT) was legislated for in the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012. The design of LPT was considered by an interdepartmental group, which as part of their terms of reference, were asked to “consider the design of a property tax to replace the household charge and that is equitable and is informed by previous work and international experience.”
In considering the equity of a property tax, the report of the group noted that owners of more valuable properties would pay more under a market value-based tax. The report noted this was equitable to the extent that market value provides a measure of the value of a residential property to the owner, particularly in terms of its proximity to places of work and local amenities and facilities.
Furthermore, in 2019, an interdepartmental also conducted a review of LPT. Their report noted that when viewed as a capital tax, property tax can be considered progressive since capital tends to be more heavily concentrated in the hands of higher income earners. It also noted that taxes that are based on incomes tend to bring about behavioural change. In contrast, property taxes apply to a base that is largely immovable and broadens the tax base.
There are provisions in place to support homeowners that have difficulty in meeting their LPT liabilities.
A person can defer LPT if they meet certain income thresholds. The income threshold to qualify for a full deferral is €25,000 for a single person and €40,000 for a couple. To qualify for a partial deferral, the income threshold is €40,000 for a single person and €55,000 for a couple. Homeowners can also avail of a wide range of flexible payment options, including phased payment arrangements.
For these reasons, it is appropriate for LPT to be calculated on the basis of property value rather than income.
244. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his latest assessment of the State’s exposure to a small number of multinational firms for corporation tax receipts; the contingency planning in place should those revenues decline [24949/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the most notable features of the Irish public finances over the past decade has been the increase in corporation tax receipts. Since 2015, corporation tax receipts have increased substantially becoming the State’s second-largest source of taxation revenue. Last year, this revenue stream generated nearly €35 billion.
While increasing tax revenues are, of course, welcome, we must be cognisant of the growing dependence on any one single revenue stream.
In this context, the Department published ‘Fiscal vulnerabilities - Expanding costs, narrowing base’, which attempts to identify any fiscal blind-spots that might jeopardise the sustainability of the public finances. The analysis showed that corporate tax receipts in Ireland are concentrated among a small group of firms in a limited number of sectors.
In 2024, corporate tax payments by the top ten payers accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the State’s total corporation tax revenue.
Moreover, the same analysis highlighted strong sectoral inter-linkages between corporation tax and income tax revenue streams. This suggests that income tax receipts could also be vulnerable to a potential shock to corporation tax.
Acknowledging this, the Government’s fiscal strategy is centred around mitigating risks. Firstly, we are continuing to target budgetary surpluses over the coming years. Secondly, we are making transfers into the State’s savings vehicles. By the end of this year, we will have transferred around €23 billion into the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund.
Finally, we are continuing to invest in critical infrastructure. Such investment represents a form of saving, as it will boost the productive capacity of the country, strengthen our competitive position and help to generate future tax revenue via increased economy activity.
246. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to report on his negotiations with the transport, haulage, farming and tourism sectors regarding the impact of fuel price increases; to outline the additional supports the Government will introduce to support these sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26934/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have met with various national representative bodies since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, including the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI), and the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), amongst others.
These meetings were productive and formed part of a series of meetings between the industry and Government, culminating in broad agreement on further measures announced on 12 April to support industry in response to the fuel crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
This included reductions in the rates of Mineral Oil Tax applying to petrol, auto diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO) until 31 July 2026.
The total reductions, including both the Mineral Oil Tax and NORA reductions, on a VAT inclusive basis are:
• 27 cent per litre for petrol,
• 32 cent per litre for auto diesel, and
• 7.4 cent per litre for MGO.
I have also increased the maximum repayment allowable under the Diesel Rebate Scheme, from 7.5 cent up to 12 cent per litre of diesel, which will help the transport, tourism coach, and haulage sectors. This is backdated to January and will apply until 30 June 2026.
Finally the proposed Carbon Tax increase on heating fuels and MGO due on 1 May has been postponed until October.
It is also important that Government’s response is targeted at protecting the most vulnerable, and that is why we are making an additional payment of €152 to recipients of the fuel allowance.
Furthermore, Government has announced a comprehensive €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
Likewise, to support the haulage and coach sector, the Government will be establishing a new €120 million Road Transporters Support Scheme. The scheme will provide direct payments to the haulage and coach operators. Payments will be graduated, with smaller businesses receiving a proportionately greater level of support.
As well as the above, for coach operators providing local link and school transport services, a separate support measure will be introduced through the contractual arrangements with providers of these services.
The package of supports the Government has introduced will cost some €750 million to help offset some of the impact of rising energy prices for both households and businesses.
The Government will continue to engage and consult with industry and national representative organisations.
247. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to allow the Fresh Start principle to apply to the help-to-buy scheme. [26358/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Help to Buy incentive, provided for in section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, is a tax-based scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. It also aims to encourage additional supply of new houses by supporting demand. Based on the latest available data (31 March 2026), the scheme has supported over 64,000 individuals or couples to buy or build their own home.
I understand that the Deputy's question relates to circumstances whereby a person who has previously been a homeowner can, by reason of the end of a personal relationship, insolvency or bankruptcy, be treated as a first-time buyer (the "fresh start" principle).
Section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 requires that applicants for the Help to Buy scheme must be first-time purchasers, which is defined as "an individual who, at the time of a claim ..... has not, either individually or jointly with any other person, previously purchased or previously built, directly or indirectly, on his or her own behalf a dwelling;".
There are no exceptions to the Help to Buy definition of first time purchaser. This includes circumstances where there is more than one person involved in the purchase or building of a new home.
The intention behind this is to target the tax relief on those who have not had the opportunity to build up equity in another property which could be used to purchase the second or subsequent property and those who could not have availed of Help to Buy relief previously.
While a number of other supports are available to "fresh start" applicants including the First Home scheme and the Local Authority Affordable Purchase scheme, these schemes are not based on the refund of Income Tax previously paid.
The Programme for Government commits to "retain and revise the scheme". Any revisions to the scheme would have to take into account tax equity, the effective operation of the scheme and the impact any proposed changes would have on the broader housing market, but these matters will be kept under review.
Furthermore, and as the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, having regard to the sound management of the public finances and the impact any proposed changes would have on the wider housing market.
248. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures he plans to put in place to ensure the proposed savings and investment account scheme is accessible to low and middle-income households; whether an income threshold or contribution cap will be applied to prevent disproportionate benefit accruing to higher-income individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26599/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra273. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the details of the proposed flat rate of tax for the new State-backed personal investment scheme; the measures being taken to ensure this scheme is accessible to low and middle income earners; the timeline for its full implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26884/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 273 together.
Ireland still does not have a sufficiently diversified savings and investment culture. Too much of people’s hard-earned savings remains in low-yield deposits, where inflation can erode value over time. Deposit accounts are right for many people and will for many be their source of putting money by for a later date. But they should not be the only practical option. Investment in capital markets can offer households another path to long-term financial wellbeing, while also supporting growth and competitiveness in the wider economy.
We want to make investing simpler, clearer, and more accessible for ordinary people, and help their hard-earned money work harder for them over time.
The account will be designed as a simple, one-stop option for individuals. The Government’s view that the account should be simple, accessible, tax efficient, easy to administer, transparent on fees and portable across borders where possible.
We will take account of expert views as we design the model that best fits the Irish economy and the needs of Irish households.
In recognition of the importance of encouraging retail investment, Budget 2026 provided for a reduction in the rate of taxation on returns from Irish and equivalent investment funds and Irish and certain foreign life assurance policies from 41% to 38% which took effect from 1 January 2026.
In addition, Budget 2026 also included a commitment to publish a roadmap in 2026, setting out the intended approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to encourage retail investment in future Finance Bills. The roadmap, which will be published in the coming months, will take into consideration developments at EU level in respect of the Savings and Investments Union, and continue to draw upon best practice in other countries who operate successful savings accounts.
250. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the progress that has been made to ensure that insurance companies are recognising the significant capital expenditure in flood defences and are acting accordingly in relation to flood cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26620/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I wish to acknowledge the serious damage caused by flooding events, and the impact it has had have on families, communities, and businesses across Ireland.
The Government remains committed to protecting Ireland’s present and future generations by investing in climate adaptation measures to manage the impacts of extreme weather. Accordingly, €1.3 billion has been committed to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030. This will protect approximately 23,000 properties across various communities from river and coastal flood risk.
The Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029 includes 4 specific actions on flood and climate protection. According to EU level data, Ireland has an above average rate of flood cover relative to the EU. However, it is acknowledged that some households are still experiencing difficulties, particularly in areas with demountable flood defences which require varying degrees of human intervention in their operation.
Where Government has invested in flood defences, it is expected that industry should improve the level of cover in areas where flood defences exist. Work is being progressed through the working group between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Insurance Ireland. Furthermore, officials in my Department; the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; along with other stakeholders engage constructively with this process on how the levels of insurance cover might be improved in areas where flood defence works have been completed.
Minister of State Troy recently met with the Minister of State in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Minister of State at the OPW to discuss the progression of a formal agreement between the OPW and relevant local authorities in relation to completed flood relief schemes, to address the issue of coverage in areas protected by demountable flood defences.
In the context of the Government’s Action Plan for Insurance Reform the Department of Finance is also currently engaging with multiple stakeholders on the development of a long-term strategic approach to the provision of flood insurance, working with the Central Bank of Ireland and the Insurance Ireland Flood Policy Taskforce to consider potential solutions, specific to Ireland, to increase the availability and affordability of flood insurance.
Government will continue to engage with all relevant State bodies to consider how risks relating to the flood insurance protection gap can be mitigated, including for example through the mitigation and adaptation work carried out by the OPW.
These matters remain a priority for this Government and efforts continue to be made to encourage a responsive approach from the insurance industry.
251. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to confirm that he will not pursue family carers for tax liabilities. [10024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarers play a fundamental supporting role in society, and the Government are committed to supporting individuals and families with caring responsibilities. This is acknowledged by the broad range of commitments in the Programme for Government to improving supports for carers.
The Programme for Government has set out a timeframe which commits to significantly increasing the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget, with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of this Government.
This process is underway. From last July the amount of weekly earnings disregarded was increased to €625 for a single person and €1,250 for a couple. As part of Budget 2026, I announced further improvements to the Carer’s Allowance means test that will be introduced this July. The weekly income disregard will increase by 60% from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of couple.
It is important to acknowledge that the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance are already the highest within the social welfare system.
Removing the means test is a major reform of the Carer's Allowance payment, and one we are committed to achieving.
It is important to state that there has been no change in the Income Tax treatment of Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit. Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit are subject to Income Tax but are exempt from Universal Social Charge and Pay Related Social Insurance.
As the Deputy may be aware, there is a long-standing data sharing arrangement between both Revenue and the Department of Social Protection (DSP) which facilitates the operation of both the tax and welfare systems. DSP had been reporting information on a significant number of taxable DSP payments to Revenue, including Jobseekers Benefit, Maternity Benefit, One-Parent Family Payment, State Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory) and Bereaved Partners Contributory Pension but information for Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit has not previously been shared.
As data relating to Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit had not been shared between DSP and Revenue previously, it was the recipient’s responsibility to declare this income to Revenue. When a carer was granted the Allowance or Benefit, the DSP notice advised the carer that the Allowance or Benefit was taxable income. It was agreed by DSP and Revenue that from 1 January 2026, information on Carer's Allowance/Benefit payments will be included in the Taxable Payments Report shared directly with Revenue.
It should be noted that not all carers who are in receipt of Carer’s income will have a tax liability, particularly if their income level is below the taxation threshold, or they have sufficient tax credits to reduce their liability to nil. A person’s tax liability will depend on their individual personal circumstances, income levels and personal credits available to them and their family.
Revenue has confirmed that it is not carrying out a review of prior years in respect of Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit, solely as a result of this change. The focus of the new process is on the timely collection of tax properly due on a real time basis.
However, should an underpayment of tax arise on foot of the declaration of taxable income such as Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit, Revenue will seek to minimise any potential hardship in such cases, by collecting the liability through a reduction of a taxpayer’s tax credits over an extended 4-year period, from 2027 onwards.
I am further advised that Revenue is open to engaging with taxpayers on their individual circumstances and will work with them to agree appropriate arrangements where needed.
252. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the research his Department has carried out regarding the proposed investment scheme’s potential costs to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26782/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy has asked about the potential costs to the Exchequer of the new investment account announced by my Department on 31 March.
The intention of the new Investment Account is to make investing simpler, clearer and more accessible for ordinary people, allowing their money to work harder for them over time. Deposit accounts are the right choice for many people and for many needs, but they should not be the only practical option. I am determined to encourage investment in capital markets, giving households another path to long-term financial wellbeing, while also supporting growth and competitiveness in the wider economy.
Currently, my Department is aiming to legislate for the framework in 2026 and to allow accounts to be offered from 2027. Expert views will be taken into account to ensure that the model is designed in a manner that best fits the Irish economy and the needs of Irish households.
The potential costs of this account to the Exchequer will depend on the specific parameters of the account, which have yet to be finalised. Estimates of the Exchequer costs will be prepared as part of the Budget process.
253. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to urgently address the fuel crisis and rising fuel costs, which are causing fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26894/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the last number of weeks Government has intervened to help ease some of the burden of rising energy prices, with two packages of measures worth over €750 million.
The first package of measures, introduced at the end of March, reduced excise on fuel, cut the NORA levy to a nominal amount and enhanced the diesel rebate scheme.
To further support households, Government has extended the fuel allowance season by an additional four weeks. This means that 470,000 households will receive additional financial support of €38 per week, totalling €152.
The second package of measures, introduced earlier in April, included a further cut in the excise duty on fuel, which brings the total reduction in diesel to 32 cent per litre and 27 cent per litre for petrol. Government is further reducing excise on green diesel, bringing the total reduction to 7.4 cent per litre. These reduced amounts include the reduction in the NORA levy which was reduced by 2 cent per litre on each fuel as part of the first package of measures.
Government is delaying the carbon tax increase scheduled for May until later in the year and will introduce support schemes targeted at the agricultural and transport sectors.
It is important to note that this package of measures is deliberately time-bound and targeted. Government will continue to assess the situation as it develops and adjust its response as appropriate.
It is because of this Government’s record of solid budgetary management that we now have the capacity to respond to this energy price shock. However, this also underscores why we must maintain a balanced and sustainable approach to overall fiscal policy.
That is why we are continuing to target budgetary surpluses over the medium term and why we are continuing to set aside a portion of windfall corporation tax receipts into our long-term savings funds. This gives us the capacity to respond, swiftly and forcefully, to future challenges.
This is a deeply uncertain time for our economy, but, as my Department’s projections, published today in the Annual Progress Report show, we are approaching the challenges ahead from a position of strength.
254. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide an update on the right-to-be-forgotten legislation; when it will be moving to the next stage of the legislative process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26611/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am firmly committed to advancing this important piece of legislation which is a commitment in the Programme for Government, and an important measure to ensure fair access to mortgage protection insurance for survivors of cancer. The decision by Government to legislate follows engagement with key stakeholders and reflects the Government’s determination to put existing voluntary protections on a statutory footing and to provide legal certainty, thus ensure uniformity across all market participants.
The Bill builds on the Voluntary Code of Practice, introduced by Insurance Ireland in December 2023, which disregards a cancer diagnosis for the purpose of mortgage protection insurance applications once treatment ended more than seven years before the date of application—or more than five years in the case of those diagnosed under the age of 18.
My Department is working closely with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress the “Right to Be Forgotten” legislation. It is my expectation that the final proposals underpinning this legislation will be brought before Cabinet in the coming weeks. These proposals will provide that the required remission period for cancer survivors seeking mortgage protection insurance will be reduced from seven years to five years, and that the sum-assured threshold will increase from €500,000 to €650,000. A further provision will allow for the sum-assured threshold to be reviewed in line with the Residential Property Price Index, following consultation with industry representatives, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
Once the amendments have been approved by Government, the legislation will then be able to move to Committee Stage. As you are aware Deputy, we are working with you on this Bill, and it is my intention that it will be advanced through the Oireachtas before the summer recess assuming that all of us in the Houses of the Oireachtas work together on this matter. This Bill represents an important step in ensuring fairer and more compassionate access to mortgage protection insurance for cancer survivors and I look forward to engaging with colleagues across the Oireachtas to ensure its timely passage into law.
