Written Answers Nos. 17-40
17. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Departments which have been completed on time and within budget in Galway in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35649/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the following capital projects were completed in the last five years within budget in Galway:
|
Year |
Project Name |
Cost incl. VAT |
|
2025 |
Renmore Barracks, Urgent Safety Electrical Works |
€441,152.28 |
|
2024 |
Renmore Barracks, USAC Building |
€11,398,755.27 |
|
2024 |
New Shower & Changing Facility (Renmore) |
€564,254.11 |
In addition, my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year a devolved budget of €13.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
18. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the locations of public EV Charging points in Laois; and to provide a list of locations where additional charging points will be located.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35445/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, there is a vital need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, and for enroute charging.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. This strategy is currently being revised, and a refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 was published for consultation between February and April (see www.zevi.ie/draft-national-ev-charging-infrastructure-strategy-2026-2028).
Based on official data provided to the national reporting platform by registered ChargePoint Operators (CPOs), there are 17 charging pools with 62 charge points delivering over 3,500 kw capacity. Future planned projects to be delivered by the private sector and CPOs, supported by Exchequer-funded National Road Network Grant Schemes include 5 charging pools with 24 charging points with an additional 3,550 kw capacity with locations shown on the tables below.
|
Address |
Area |
Current No. of Charging Points |
|
The Square R433 |
Rathdowney |
2 |
|
Circle K Service Station, M8 At Junction 3 (R |
Ballacolla |
3 |
|
Junction 3, M8 |
Ballacolla |
8 |
|
Temperance Street |
Abbeyleix |
2 |
|
Shannon Street Slieve Bloom House |
Mountrath |
1 |
|
Portlaoise Plaza, Exit 17, M7 |
Portlaoise |
8 |
|
Midway Complex, M7 Junction 17 |
Meelick |
4 |
|
Car Park beside ESB Offices, Abbeyleix Road |
Portlaoise |
2 |
|
James Fintan Lalor Avenue IE0275 |
Portlaoise |
2 |
|
Lyster Square |
Portlaoise |
2 |
|
Railway Street 1 |
Portlaoise |
12 |
|
Irish Rail, Station Road |
Portlaoise |
2 |
|
O'Moore Street |
Mountmellick |
2 |
|
The Heritage Hotel |
Killenard |
6 |
|
Irish Rail Train Station Car Park, Station Ro |
Portarlington |
2 |
|
Link Road 1 |
Cooltederry |
2 |
|
Public Car Park, Off Link Road |
Portarlington |
2 |
|
|
Total |
62 |
|
Address |
Area |
Planned No. of Charging Points |
|
Portlaoise Plaza |
Portlaoise |
8 |
|
Ballacolla |
Ballacolla |
8 |
|
Drive Mountrath Road Portlaoise |
Portlaoise |
4 |
|
Breslins Supervalu Abbeyleix |
Abbeyleix |
2 |
|
Corrib Oil Mountmellick |
Mountmellick |
2 |
|
|
Total |
24 |
There is also a Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan which focuses on destination and neighbourhood charging. The plan will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors. Laois has been identified under Region 2 with counties Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, and the Regional Lead, Offaly.
A third initiative, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, provides funding to install a network of publicly accessible chargers in communities nationwide through their local sports clubs. Included in the scope of the Scheme are 227 clubs of which 179 are in Ireland and 48 in Northern Ireland. There are 5 eligible clubs in Laois: Annanough GAA 1, Clonaslee St Manmans GAA 1, Park Ratheniska GAA Club 1, The Heath Golf Club 1, and The Heritage Golf Resort.
19. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the price of HVO fuel, produced in the EU, including here in Ireland, has been inflated in line with diesel when there is no HVO crises; if he will conduct an analysis to assess the drivers of this increase and the impact on transportation in Ireland. [35057/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHVO fuel pricing is determined by market demand. When prices rise suddenly, it can understandably cause frustration. Ireland operates an open market economy, which means businesses are permitted to set and change their own prices. It would not be appropriate as Minister to comment on the pricing practices of private companies.
If consumers have concerns about the pricing practices of any private companies, they should engage with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). Any behaviour that breaches consumer protection or competition law that falls within the remit of the CCPC will be investigated and enforced accordingly.
20. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport when the statutory instrument for the CIÉ pension increase will be published in Iris Oifigiúil. [35366/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department, alongside our financial and commercial advisors NewERA, are currently engaging with all relevant stakeholders. This includes CIÉ, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
There are several aspects to the Proposal which require dual Ministerial Consent from myself as Minister for Transport, and the Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Adherence to the underpinning legislation and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies as amended by Circular 16/2021 is required. There are a number of stages to this process to give full effect to the Proposal, which includes an increase for pensioners.
Following on from the dual Ministerial review, under the Transport Act, 1950, a statutory public consultation process is required regarding amendments to CIÉ Pension Schemes, where representations from interested parties will be considered.
Every effort is being made to progress this matter, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now well underway.
21. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on the status of the application, and the expected timeframe for a decision; if the application could be expedited given the extended waiting period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35393/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that all enquiries relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority. Neither I nor the Department have any role in individual driving licence matters.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if a reply has not been received from the RSA in the next ten days
22. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the continued delays and cancellations along Dublin Bus routes, particularly the number 15 route; and the actions he intends to take to address it. [35470/26]
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. As Minister, I continue to engage with all public transport operators on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
23. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for clarity on BusConnects (details provided); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35583/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services within the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending this more detailed response, I note that BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across the five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State. The rollout of the remaining phases of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign will occur over the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness.
24. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 6 November 2025, to provide an update on the development of legislative changes to the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 with respect to cross-Border taxi services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35636/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. Under Section 6(2) of this Act, An Garda Síochána is responsible for the granting of SPSV driver licences. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
As set out in Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 6 November 2025, under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, operators are required to hold a vehicle licence and a driver licence to carry persons for hire or reward in the State. Legislative requirements do not provide for services across a border. A taxi operator wishing to operate cross-border services therefore would have to apply for and obtain the appropriate licences on each side of the border.
This issue requires legislative arrangements on a reciprocal basis on either side of the border. My Department, in conjunction with the NTA, is currently working on amendments to the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. The Bill is included in the all other legislation section of the Government's Summer 2026 Legislation Programme. Heads of this Bill are currently in preparation.
25. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including road, public transport, and active travel infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Departments, and bodies under their aegis (including the NTA, TII, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann), which have been completed on time and within budget in Galway in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35651/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I refer the Deputy to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects for the Deputy's information, as well as refer the deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Galway region.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes.
For deliverables which are not specifically captured within the reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputy's question to TII, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann for consideration and answer. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
26. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether there are any supports beyond the primary medical cert for payment of motor tax or insurance. [35530/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note from the outset that motor tax is under the remit of the Department of Transport. I cannot comment on motor tax supports.
My Department has oversight of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) only. The DSS provides relief from VRT and VAT on an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant. The DDS is the only scheme that provides motor tax relief to individuals with a disability.
The Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.
Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress the National Disability Inclusion Strategy proposals for a needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, generated a report that was submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach. In considering this report, it has been proposed that a new grant-based scheme be developed and led by the Department of Transport.
The Department of Transport is beginning the development of this new scheme. The existing DDS remains with the Department of Finance and will continue to be reviewed in the context of new scheme developments by the Department of Transport.
As the Deputy will be aware, when this government took office, we committed to a step change in the delivery of supports and services for people with disability and their families.
Budget 2026 is the first step in delivering on this ambition, providing some €3.83 billion to specialist disability services next year, an unprecedented increase of €618 million, or almost 20%.
This funding will be vital in delivering the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. The commitment to develop a new scheme by the Department of Transport, and in this context review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, are strong commitments in this strategy.
27. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether he or his officials participated in discussions with Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal or Austria about calling for an EU-wide windfall tax on energy companies; to provide details of any such discussions; the reasons he did not co-sign such correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35380/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current energy market disruption and implications for long-term energy security, together with the imperatives of decarbonisation and increasing the production of renewable energy, are central to many discussions at Ministerial and official level in EU fora.
The European Commission’s AccelerateEU communication addresses the EU’s rising energy costs on volatile fossil fuel markets and aims to accelerate the clean energy transition and strengthen EU energy resilience. While the communication notes that Member States may take domestic measures with regard to windfall profits, no EU-wide approach has as yet been agreed.
As the Deputy may be aware, a Temporary Solidarity Contribution (TSC) was introduced in line with Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 to tackle windfall gains being made in the energy sector at the time, following the commencement of war in Ukraine. The TSC formed part of a co-ordinated European response, reflecting the highly interconnected nature of EU energy markets and a view that an emergency intervention to mitigate the effects of high energy prices at the time could not be sufficiently achieved by Member States individually.
It continues to be the Government’s view that tackling the energy crisis in a coordinated way between EU Member States is preferable, given the interconnectedness of EU energy markets.
We will engage constructively with EU partners on these matters and aim to ensure that any joint European response to these challenges is coordinated and effective.
28. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to set out the rationale for running an exchequer deficit in the years 2026 to 2030, primarily to finance transfers to the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund, as set out in Table 12 of the Annual Progress Report 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35425/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Annual Progress Report assumes an Exchequer deficit for the next four years.
The Exchequer position over the forecast horizon reflects ongoing transfers to the Future Ireland Fund (FIF) and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF).
The transfers to the FIF and ICNF are a core pillar of this Government’s budgetary strategy. These funds will allow us to save a portion of windfall tax receipts to prepare for future challenges instead of using them to fund day-to-day spending. As of today, just under €20 billion has been transferred into the two funds, enhancing our fiscal resilience.
The FIF will help absorb some of the increased expenditure pressures that we know are on the horizon, such as the costs associated with demographic change, while the ICNF will be used to fund climate-related expenditure projects, such as the Metrolink.
I would emphasise that the transfers to the funds do not impact on the wider general government position. These transfers involve simply moving funds from one part of the government sector, i.e. the Exchequer, to another i.e. the FIF and ICNF.
On a general government basis, the fiscal position is projected to remain in surplus for the rest of the decade.
29. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to break down by recipient the funds scheduled for Strategic Capital Investment in each calendar year 2026 through 2030, as set out in Table 12 of the Annual Progress Report 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35426/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fiscal projections published in last month’s Annual Progress Report incorporated €10 billion in strategic capital investments across the forecast horizon (2025-2030). These investments are transfers from the Exchequer that will be used to fund the delivery of key projects in the energy, water, transport and housing sectors.
Of the €10 billion, approximately €3.5 billion is available to the ESB and EirGrid to fund enhancements to the energy grid capacity. The first tranche of strategic capital investment, a transfer of €1.5 billion from the Exchequer to the ESB, took place last year.
€2 billion will be made available to Uisce Éireann to enable the delivery of 300,000 additional homes and a further €2.5 billion will be made available to fund large-scale water infrastructure projects. €2 billion will made available to fund low-carbon transportation such as MetroLink.
As noted in the publication, the Annual Progress Report incorporates a technical assumption for the timing and profiling of future transfers, which are yet to be agreed.
The Medium-Term Fiscal and Structural Plan also incorporates a further €4 billion in capital expenditure from 2028 at which point the NDP is due to be reviewed.
30. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to explain the significant increase in corporation tax yield forecast between 2029 and 2030, as set out in Table 12 of the Annual Progress Report 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35427/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Annual Progress Report projects corporation tax receipts for this year of €35.3 billion. Over the medium term, corporation tax growth is expected to moderate. The Annual Progress Report projects corporation tax receipts to reach €39.4 billion in 2029, rising to €45.2 billion in 2030.
The large increase between 2029 and 2030 seen in the projections reflects a large negative once-off factor of which my Department has been advised, which may depress 2029 receipts. There are a number of factors that can impact on the projections, including corporate profitability, once-off factors and the (potential) outcome of cross-border tax disputes. This means the growth rate in corporate tax can be volatile from one year to the next.
31. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to set out the maximum drawdown allowable from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund in 2026 and 2027 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35428/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra32. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, and to what extent, drawdowns are envisaged from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund in 2026 and 2027 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35429/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, there are two mechanisms for drawdown of funding from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF): to support State expenditure on designated environmental projects or to support State expenditure in the case of a significant deterioration in the economic or fiscal position of the State. I take it that in this instance the Deputy is referring to the possible withdrawal of up to €3.15 billion to support designated environmental projects.
With regards to drawdown from the ICNF to support designated environmental projects, maximum drawdowns available in a given year are dependent on the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the fund on the 31st December of the year prior to the drawdown occurring. As such I cannot at this time indicate to the Deputy the amount which will be available in 2027, as it will be dependent on the Net Asset Value of the ICNF on 31st December 2026.
The maximum drawdown available from the ICNF to support designated environmental projects in 2026 is 22.5% of the NAV of the ICNF on 31st December 2025 which was €4.1bn. As such the maximum drawdown available in 2026 is approximately €922.5 million. No more than €3.15 billion can be drawn down in total on designated environmental projects from 2026 to 2030.
This funding is restricted to projects which will contribute directly or indirectly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the improvement of biodiversity of the improvement of water quality, in line with the provisions of Section 20 of the Act.
The revised National Development Plan (NDP), which was published in July 2025, provided an indicative allocation of funds to Departments for designated environmental projects between 2026 and 2030, including:
• An allocation of €2 billion to the Department of Transport to support low-carbon transportation,
• An allocation of €650 million to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to support improvements in water quality, and
• An allocation of €500 million to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to support climate mitigation and renewable energy development.
The responsible Minister in each Department referenced above, will allocate funding to individual projects under their remint, which are required to be designated in line with the Act. Engagement between relevant Departments and the Department of Public Expenditure will occur each year with regards to the funding to be drawn down to support designated environmental projects in the following year. Details as to annual drawdowns will be provided in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) each year.
Appendix 8 of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2026 sets out the total funding to be drawn down in 2026, with both the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage intending to draw down funding. The total anticipated drawdown from the ICNF in 2026 is €134 million, for the following projects:
• Public Service Retrofit Programme
• Offshore Mapping
• Uisce Éireann Wastewater Programme
33. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to set out the proportion of the Future Ireland Fund invested in Ireland; the balance in the fund as at end-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35430/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra34. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to set out the proportion of the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund invested in Ireland and the balance in the fund as at end-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35431/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that the Future Ireland Fund (FIF) was valued at approximately €12.7 billion as of 31 December 2025, with the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF) valued at approximately €4.1 billion on the same date. Detailed holdings for either fund as at 31 December 2025 have not yet been published and will be included in the NTMA’s Annual Report which will be published in the coming months.
During 2024, the FIF and ICNF were invested in accordance with their respective interim investment strategies which restricted investments to the following permitted euro-denominated assets:
• Sovereign debt, limited to debt issued or guaranteed by a central government in the Euro-Area
• Quasi-sovereign debt limited to:
• Debt issued by a region, province, state or city.
• Debt issued by an international government organisation.
• Debt issued by a government agency, or supranational.
• Cash.
As at 31 December 2024, neither fund held Irish issued sovereign or quasi-sovereign debt. A detailed schedule of investments held by the FIF and ICNF as at 31 December 2024, is published in the NTMA’s 2024 Annual Report.
35. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to set out the cost to the exchequer of postponing the carbon tax and carbon tax-related increases on solid fuels, natural gas and mineral oil, respectively, from 1 May 2026 to 14 October 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35432/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra36. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to set out the expected incremental tax yield during 2026 and in a full year, respectively, from carbon tax increases scheduled to take effect on 14 October 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra37. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to set out the expected incremental tax yield for each calendar year from 2026 to 2030 from carbon tax increases on 14 October 2026 and as scheduled through 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35434/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra38. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to set out the cost to the exchequer of extending the temporary motor fuel excise duty reductions introduced during March and April 2026 from 31 July 2026, to 14 October 2026, 31 December 2026, and 31 December 2027 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35435/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 36, 37 and 38 together.
In relation to Dail Question No 35 (Ref: 35432/26), I am advised by Revenue that the cost of postponing increases on the Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) Carbon Component (CC), Natural Gas Carbon Tax (NGCT) and Solid Fuel Carbon Tax (SFCT), respectively, from 1 May 2026 to 14 October 2026 are shown in the below table.
|
Carbon Tax |
Duty €m |
VAT €m |
Total €m |
|
MOT CC |
16.0 |
1.0 |
17.0 |
|
NGCT |
4.5 |
0.2 |
4.7 |
|
SFCT |
0.6 |
0.1 |
0.7 |
|
Total |
21.1 |
1.3 |
22.4 |
In relation to Dail Questions No 36 (Ref: 35433/26) and 37 (Ref: 35434/26), I am advised by Revenue that estimated yields from increases to carbon tax on MOT, NGCT and SFCT scheduled to take effect from 14 October 2026 and 01 May 2027 are shown in the below table.
|
Increase |
Period |
Carbon Tax €m |
VAT €m |
Total €m |
|
October 14 2026 Deferred May 2026* €71 per tonne of CO2 |
2026 |
6.8 |
0.6 |
7.4 |
|
October 14 2026 Petrol & Diesel €78.50 per tonne of CO2 |
2026 |
10.1 |
1.1 |
11.2 |
|
Full Year Deferred May 2026* €71 per tonne of CO2 |
2027 |
61.4 |
5.1 |
66.5 |
|
Full Year Petrol & Diesel €78.50 per tonne of CO2 |
2027 |
77.7 |
8.7 |
86.4 |
|
First Year May 2027* €78.50 per tonne of CO2 |
2027 |
27.7 |
2.3 |
30.0 |
|
Full Year €78.50 per tonne of CO2 |
|
139.1 |
13.8 |
152.9 |
*The May Increases relate to non-propellant fuels subject to MOT, NGCT and SFCT
In relation to Dail Question No 38 (Ref: 35435/26), I am advised by Revenue that the estimated costs of extending the temporary reductions to the MOT Non-Carbon Component (NCC) of Petrol, Diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO) from 31 July 2026, to 14 October 2026, 31 December 2026, and 31 December 2027 respectively, are shown in the below table.
|
Period |
MOT NCC €m |
VAT €m |
Total €m |
|
To 14 October 2026 |
220.0 |
24.1 |
244.1 |
|
To 31 December 2026 |
452.2 |
49.6 |
501.8 |
|
To 31 December 2027 |
1,538.8 |
167.5 |
1,706.3 |
39. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated full year cost to the exchequer in 2027 of maintaining the reduced VAT rate of 9% on electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35436/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Budget 2026 estimate for the full year cost of maintaining the 9% VAT rate for electricity was €185 million.
The latest full-year cost of maintaining the 9% VAT rate on electricity is estimated at €200 million. I am advised by Revenue that its Ready Reckoner, which is used to estimate the impact of potential changes in rates of taxation, will be updated in Q3 2026 which may change this estimate. It should also be noted that VAT on electricity is dependent on the price charged by the supplier. Consequently, fluctuations in electricity prices will result in corresponding variations in the VAT yield.
40. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if financial institutions can legally request biometric ID from existing customers to update their accounts; if a customer refuses can a financial institution refuse to offer them services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35462/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Central Bank that the Central Bank of Irelands’ Consumer Protection Code (‘Code’) is technology neutral. This means that regulated entities are obliged to meet the requirements of the Code irrespective of the delivery method used and any underlying technology used in that delivery.
In addition, firms are subject to an overarching obligation which requires that they secure their customers’ interests. This would also apply to the use of technology in the provision of financial products and services. However, the Central Bank does not prescribe the use of any specific tools for ID verification whether technology based or traditional processes; with the obligation being on financial institutions to design and implement their own processes to comply with their obligations.
The Central Bank’s General Guidance on the Code also reminds firms that the requirements in the Code are without prejudice to their obligations under the General Data Protection Regulations. Certain types of sensitive personal data are subject to additional protection under the GDPR. These are listed under Article 9 of the GDPR as “special categories” of personal data. Genetic data and biometric data processed for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person is categorised as a special category.
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) is the primary independent supervisory authority in Ireland, responsible for enforcing the GDPR, investigating breaches, and handling complaints. It oversees compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the ePrivacy Regulations.
Finally, the Central Bank’s consumer protection framework provides that consumers who are not satisfied with a regulated firm’s handling of their service can make a complaint directly to the firm. If a consumer is not satisfied with how their complaint is dealt with by a regulated entity, they have the option of then making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).
