Written Answers Nos. 55-74
55. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total number of homes and total value of homes that have been bulk purchased in 2025 and to date in 2026, and subject to the higher rate of stamp duty, since the higher rate was introduced. [48248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the number and value of properties subject to the higher rate of stamp duty in 2025 and since the higher rate was introduced is provided in the table below. Data for 2026 are not yet available for statistical analysis.
Stamp duty is due on the VAT exclusive consideration in the case of newly built properties. However, VAT is included in the case of newly built properties contained in the total value figures below, to reflect the total price paid.
The higher rate is currently set at 15% of the consideration. This rate came into effect on 2 October 2024. From 20 May 2021 to 1 October 2024, it was 10%. The data in the table are provisional and may change as additional returns are filed or amended.
|
Year |
Number of Residential Properties |
Total Value of Residential Properties purchased (€m) |
|
2021 |
189 |
47.9 |
|
2022 |
454 |
177.5 |
|
2023 |
675 |
266.1 |
|
2024 |
396 |
156.0 |
|
2025 |
293 |
88.3 |
56. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the rationale for the current structure of the help-to-buy (HTB) scheme whereby two individuals purchasing a new home jointly, both of whom are in employment and paying tax, cannot each fully avail of the scheme as separate applicants; his views on whether this approach disadvantages dual-income households at a time of significant cost-of-living pressures; the status of the review of the HTB scheme previously indicated by his Department; when an outcome of this review will be published; if he will consider amending the scheme to allow each eligible applicant in a joint purchase to be assessed individually to maximise support for first-time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46926/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Help to Buy (HTB) incentive, 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.
HTB provides a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.
The level of support available to first time buyers under the HTB scheme, is whichever is the lesser of:
• €30,000; or
• 10 per cent of the purchase price of the new property; or
• the amount of Income Tax and DIRT paid in the four years before application for the relief.
For a property to qualify for the HTB scheme, it must be new or converted for use as a dwelling, having not previously been used as a dwelling. Additionally, the purchase value/approved valuation of the property must not exceed €500,000.
Based on the latest available data (31 May 2026), the scheme has supported over 66,000 individuals or couples to buy or build their own home. The cost of the scheme to the Exchequer was in the order of €1.5 billion at that date. The total value of approved HTB claims in 2025 was in the order of €253 million.
The scheme operates by reference to the property rather than the number of claimants. As HTB is intended to support first time buyers with deposits, it is capped at a maximum 10 per cent of the purchase price of a property (subject to a ceiling of €30,000 of tax relief per property). The 10 per cent cap is consistent with the Central Bank's macro-prudential rules in respect of first time buyers.
The Programme for Government commits to "retain and revise" the HTB scheme. The scheme currently sunsets at the end of 2029. As with all such schemes, HTB is kept under review as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes.
Finally, 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. It is a long-standing practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment on matters which may form part of the forthcoming Budget and Finance Bill processes.
57. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the findings of the recent presentation by his Department, entitled The emerging impact of AI on employment patterns in Ireland; the targeted measures his Department is considering to support younger and future generations of employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48117/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with colleagues across Government regarding investment in STEM and STEAM education, digital skills and innovation programmes at local authority level (details supplied); his views on whether such investment is necessary to future-proof employment opportunities for younger generations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48118/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 74 together.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly moving from development into real-world deployment, and as one of Europe’s most digitally advanced economies, Ireland is likely to be at the forefront of these changes.
There is now tentative evidence that these technologies may be impacting on some parts of the labour market.
In this regard, my Department has been active in assessing the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Irish economy. My Department’s latest Economic Insight publication, published in February, suggests that AI is already influencing employment patterns in Ireland. Since 2023, sectors that are relatively exposed to AI have experienced weaker employment growth relative to less-exposed sectors, with these effects strongest among younger workers in highly digitised sectors. These findings are consistent with the emerging international literature.
At the same time, we know that AI presents significant opportunities to enhance productivity and strengthen our competitiveness. Indeed, my Department’s Future Forty publication emphasised the importance of delivering improvements in our productivity through the application and development of digital technologies, including AI.
Importantly, Ireland has a strong supply of STEM talent to meet a growing demand for AI and digital skills. Ireland has the highest share of STEM graduates per capita in the EU and ranks 5th amongst EU Member States in terms of the share of ICT specialists in the workforce.
This Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland will continue to be a global leader in the development and adoption of new digital technologies. Our new National Digital and AI Strategy, published in February of this year, sets out a whole-of-Government approach to drive the adoption of trustworthy, person-centred AI for our collective good. That means equipping our workforce with cutting edge skills, strengthening digital literacy and public trust, and helping workers navigate potential job displacement through agile, and accessible upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
Government also recognises the fundamental importance of digital as a transversal skill and the need to equip all graduates, irrespective of their level and field of study, with digital skills, including AI skills. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will be launching a new Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future later this year which will set out our ambitions in this regard.
In summary, a holistic, whole-of-Government approach is needed to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is a force for good, and that those workers who may be displaced by these technologies are able to transition to alternative, well-paid employment in other areas of the economy.
59. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is considering a tax on data centres to broaden the tax base and to raise funding for critical energy infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48318/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government emphasises the importance of maintaining a broad tax base. This is necessary to both guard against the need for counter-cyclical fiscal policy in the event of a downturn as well as to prepare for future budgetary challenges relating to an ageing population.
Actions have been taken to broaden the tax base, for example through introduction of the Local Property Tax, and to broaden the cohort of taxpayers through measures to support the establishment and growth of new businesses in our economy.
As a small open economy, connected to Europe, the United States, and the wider world, Ireland is committed to a competitive, transparent and stable corporation tax system.
Businesses trading as data centres are subject to the general rules of taxation in respect of their trading activities. There are no specific tax reliefs aimed solely at persons engaged in the data centre sector. Imposing additional taxes on certain sectors would involve increased complexity and could change the attractiveness of Ireland’s corporate tax regime.
Data centres are important for Ireland’s economic and digital future and are key enablers of foreign direct investment. Data centres also bring wider economic benefits – through tax revenues and employment in connected businesses, their contribution to broader digital infrastructure value, and significant linkages to other high-value sectors of the economy.
A March 2026 KPMG study on data centres, undertaken on behalf of the Department of Enterprise Tourism and Employment, reported that the construction and operation of data centres underpinned almost 19,500 jobs in 2024. It also states that, across the six sectors in Ireland with the highest data centre dependency, around 876,000 jobs were enabled by the availability of digital infrastructure provided by data centres located in Ireland.
Notwithstanding these points, I am aware of the challenges arising from the rise in data centres, particularly in the area of energy. The Government is committed to delivering a balanced approach to facilitate sustainable data centre demand while also ensuring overall energy security and affordability for consumers and businesses. This must be addressed in a strategic manner, and we have prioritised and operationalised a number of policy, regulatory and investment workstreams to address these challenges in this way, including the Government’s Data Centre Policy Statement and the recently introduced Large Energy User Action Plan.
This policy and regulatory framework is being reinforced by an unprecedented investment in Ireland’s electricity network infrastructure, supported by a €3.5bn equity investment by Government in the electricity system operators.
61. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if there are plans to further regulate the promotion and sale of unregulated financial instruments following the collapse of a company (details supplied) which generated most of its capital through unregulated, high-yield loan notes from ordinary pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48132/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Bank is the independent regulator for financial services determines what measures or actions need to be taken in relation to any potential, or actual wrongdoing by regulated financial service providers.
European and Irish legislation requires the regulation of financial services firms providing investment services in relation to investment products. The law lists the various types of regulated investment services and investment. Regulated firms may also sell investment products which are not specifically mentioned in the law (i.e. unregulated products). Where they do so, certain investor protections, which apply to regulated activities do not apply.
The Central Bank recently reviewed the Consumer Protection Code (CPC) and this included a review of the rules around the sale of unregulated products by regulated entities. As part of the review, the Central Bank held a public consultation, and changes came into effect in March 2026.
Under the Code’s Standards for Business, firms are required to ensure that all information they provide to customers is presented in a way that seeks to effectively inform the customer.
Firms are also required to take appropriate steps to mitigate the risk that a customer will understand an activity to be, or to carry the protections of, a regulated activity where this is not the case. There are additional disclosure requirements to ensure firms enable customer understanding of the status of unregulated products and services provided. This includes the requirement for website information on regulated activities to be kept separate, and the requirement for firms to have systems and controls, processes, policies, and procedures to achieve certain outcomes for consumers.
Consumers may have recourse to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) in relation to financial services provided to them by regulated firms. If a consumer wishes to pursue a complaint in relation to a regulated financial service provider, they must firstly make a complaint to the provider. If the complaint is not resolved, they can then make a complaint to the FSPO.
62. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he plans to review the current tax bands in Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48237/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ‘Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland’s Future’, contains specific undertakings with regard to personal income taxation. It commits to “implementing progressive changes in taxation if the economy remains strong, including indexing credits and bands to prevent an increase in the real burden of Income Tax while in the event of an economic downturn and unexpected deterioration in the public finances we would postpone changes to Income Tax credits or bands, as we did in Budget 2021”.
As the Deputy will be aware, to ease the burden facing average and middle-income earners, over successive Budgets the previous Government substantially increased the entry point to the higher rate of income tax for all earners by €8,700 or c. 25 per cent. The main tax credits have also been increased by €350, or c. 21 per cent. In line with the Government policy of ensuring full-time workers on the minimum wage remain outside the charge to the top rates of USC the ceiling of the 2 per cent USC rate band was increased by €6,898, or 34 per cent, from 2020 to 2025. Budgets 2024 and 2025 also cumulatively reduced the 4.5 per cent rate of USC to 3 per cent.
Broadly, the income tax measures implemented over the period of the last Government are expected to be in line with wage growth.
Budget 2026 was the first of five Budgets to be delivered by this Government, and the Government remains committed and will stand by the Programme for Government commitment to make progressive changes to personal income tax, if the economy remains strong.
My Department publishes regular updates in relation to indexation of the income tax system. In recent years, information on the indexation of standard rate bands and tax credits has been included in the annual Income Tax – Tax Strategy Group paper. The forthcoming Budget 2027 Income Tax - Tax Strategy Group paper will also set out information relating to the adjustment of income tax standard rate band, including the estimated costs to the Exchequer. In addition, costs are also provided in relation to the changes to income tax standard rate bands, credits and rates and USC rates and thresholds. The costs used in these publications are based on Revenue Ready Reckoner publications.
Finally, 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, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances.
63. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department is engaging with the EU Commission in relation to tax proposals under the AccelerateEU Communication to ensure that electricity is taxed less than gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48313/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department is engaging with the EU Commission in relation to tax proposals under the AccelerateEU Communication to lower taxes and excise on energy use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48312/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 73 together.
In light of the EU’s rising energy costs amid volatile fossil fuel markets, the EU issued the Communication AccelerateEU in April 2026, which sets out pillars to accelerate the clean energy transition and strengthen the EU’s energy resilience. The framework is also intended to assist in providing immediate relief to consumers facing increased energy cost and sets out five key areas of action.
The Communication states that the Commission will adopt a legal proposal on network charges and taxation to facilitate the transition to a more electrified, more efficient and more resilient energy system that can drive down electricity bills for all consumers.
Draft legislation from the European Commission in relation to this communication is expected to be published in July 2026 and my Department will engage with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment with regard to the tax aspects of the proposal.
64. Deputy William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if steps are being taken to establish a national flood insurance scheme to protect homeowners, renters and businesses increasingly exposed to flood risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40692/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to EU level data, Ireland has an above average rate of flood cover relative to the EU. However, I acknowledge that some households are still experiencing difficulties, particularly in areas with demountable flood defences which require varying degrees of human intervention in their operation.
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 (NDP) to 2030. This will protect approximately 23,000 properties across various communities from river and coastal flood risk.
In terms of flood insurance, the Central Bank of Ireland has undertaken extensive research into the nature and scale of the Flood Protection Gap in Ireland. They found that 1 in 20 buildings (approximately 5%) have limited access to flood insurance; and that 54% of this gap is concentrated in Dublin, Cork, Louth, Clare, and Kildare. The Central Bank are of the view that Ireland has “broadly managed flood risk to date” and the Report also notes that no single solution exists to address the flood protection gap.
Building on the work carried out by the Central Bank, the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029 includes 4 specific actions on flood and climate protection. With respect to Action 17 of the Action Plan, the Department of Finance is currently engaging with multiple stakeholders on the development of a long-term strategic approach to the provision of flood insurance, to consider potential solutions, specific to Ireland, to increase the availability and affordability of flood insurance. An update was provided at the Cabinet Sub-Group on Insurance Reform in May.
Following discussions at the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Insurance Reform it was agreed that a Flood Insurance Protection Gap Working Group would be established, with an independent Chair to include relevant public and private stakeholders, Departments and agencies. The establishment of the Group is being progressed and further updates will be provided at the next Cabinet Sub-Group on Insurance Reform.
My officials will also continue to monitor developments at EU and international level and assess flood insurance matters, including through participation in the OPW and Insurance Ireland Working Group. These matters remain a priority for this Government and efforts continue to be made to encourage a responsive approach from the insurance industry.
65. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the way in which he is working to enhance the credit union sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48368/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to supporting the continued development and expansion of the credit union sector, recognising its important role in providing community-based financial services.
A range of legislative and regulatory measures have already been delivered, and the focus now is on the development of a five-year strategy for the credit union sector.
On 19 April, Minister of State Troy formally announced the commencement of the Credit Union Strategy Project. The Strategy Project, a Programme for Government commitment, will for the first time deliver a sector-wide approach to futureproof the credit union movement and allow the sector to address challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
This strategy will build on the foundations of the Credit Union (Amendment) Act and the Central Bank’s lending reforms and will focus on establishing a shared vision and clear strategic direction for the sector, primarily within the existing legislative and regulatory framework.
The Project Governance Board has approved documents setting out the Terms of Reference, governance arrangements and scope of the project. A sector-wide survey, designed to inform strategic priorities, and an application process for participation in the Strategy Committee and associated workshops are at an advanced stage and are expected to launch in early July.
The Credit Union (Amendment) Act 2023 introduced significant reforms aimed at strengthening and modernising the sector and broadening the range of services available to members. Key measures include loan referrals, loan participation, and provisions relating to the establishment of a Corporate Credit Union.
Amended lending regulations, which commenced on 30 September 2025, significantly enhanced the lending capacity of credit unions. The regulations increased the lending limits to 30% of total assets for mortgages and 15% for business loans, thereby enabling credit unions to expand their offerings and compete more effectively in these markets. Based on sector assets of €23 billion at end-March 2026, these changes permit up to €6.9 billion in mortgage lending, and up to €3.5 billion in business lending.
The amendment of these regulations reflects the competence and capability of credit unions to grow their respective loan books in a prudent manner, and to futureproof their offering to support homeowners and businesses. I welcome the amended regulations and thank the Central Bank of Ireland for their work, and support to the sector by amending these regulations. These regulations will allow credit unions to compete more effectively in the mortgage and business lending market.
Credit unions will come within the scope of the Digital Operational Resilience Act from 17 January 2028. While this presents challenges, including potential costs, it is essential to protect members funds and ensure the sector’s resilience in an increasingly digital financial environment. My Department is monitoring progress through the Credit Union Stakeholder Roundtable Forum.
To support financial planning and stability within the sector, regulations were signed last October to set a nil levy for the Credit Union Resolution and Stabilisation Funds following a detailed public consultation. This effectively pauses levy collections until October 2029, subject to certain conditions prevailing.
These measures taken together, demonstrate the Government’s continued commitment to modernising, improving, and enhancing the Credit Union sector in Ireland, and I look forward to seeing the results of these significant changes in the years ahead.
66. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of Clare homeowners that availed of mortgage interest relief in 2024 and 2025; if he would consider using the POBAL deprivation index as a mechanism to extend it in a targeted way for Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48245/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFinance Act 2023 introduced Mortgage Interest Tax Relief (MITR). MITR was originally made available for the 2023 year of assessment.
The relief is available to homeowners with an outstanding mortgage balance between €80,000 and €500,000 as of 31 December 2022. The relief extends to a qualifying property located in the State which is the sole or main residence of the individual’s former or separated spouse or civil partner or a dependent relative. Furthermore, the taxpayer must be compliant with Local Property Tax requirements. The relief operates by way of a credit offset against the taxpayer’s income tax liability.
In Finance Act 2024, the relief was extended to include the 2024 tax year. Subsequently, to continue to provide support to mortgage holders who have experienced increased interest rates since 2022, Finance Act 2025 provided for a further two-year extension of the relief.
The relief is available in respect of the increase in interest paid in 2023, 2024 and 2025 over interest paid in 2022. The amount qualifying for relief at the standard rate of tax (20%) is capped at €6,250 per property. This is equivalent to a maximum tax relief of €1,250 per property per annum. A reduced level of relief will apply in relation to the extension to 2026. Accordingly, the relief is available in respect of half of the increase in interest paid in 2026 over interest paid in 2022, and the value of the relief is equal to the lesser of 20% of the eligible increase or €625, applying on a per property basis.
I am informed by Revenue that 2023 is the first year for which MITR is claimable, and the latest year for which data are currently available for analysis. Data for 2024 will be available in the coming weeks. Data in relation to 2025 will not be available for analysis until mid-2027 as the filing deadline for self-assessed taxpayers in relation to 2025 is November 2026.
In 2023 there was 1,070 taxpayer units in Clare who benefitted from the MITR. A taxpayer unit refers to individuals except in the case of couples who are jointly assessed, in which case the couple are counted as one taxpayer unit.
I believe the relief, as it is currently structured, is appropriately designed and measured.
Finally, 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, and having regard to the sound management of the public finances.
67. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the new derelict property tax will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46884/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2026, it was announced that a new Derelict Property Tax (DPT) would be introduced. The aim of this tax is to encourage the activation of derelict properties and sites. It will replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners.
I intend to legislate for the DPT as part of Finance Bill 2026. This is dependent on engagement from stakeholders and will also be influenced by advice received from the Attorney General. This timeline is necessary to allow local authorities to prepare and publish a preliminary register of derelict properties in 2027, with the tax coming into effect as quickly as possible thereafter.
Officials in my Department continue to engage with officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and in Revenue on the design of this tax. A key issue is that the tax must apply in a consistent manner to all residential properties and sites that are derelict. Therefore, a lead-in time will be required for local authorities to identify all the relevant derelict properties in their areas for inclusion on a register in a consistent manner.
The tax will apply in its first year to towns and cities with populations of four thousand or more. In its second year, it will be extended to towns with populations over two thousand.
Once the DPT is operational, I am confident that many owners of derelict properties will be incentivised to take action to bring these homes back into use and ultimately contribute to our housing stock. The behavioural effect of the tax will also contribute to regeneration and development, breathing new life into our villages, towns and cities.
68. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the increases to the carbon tax he intends to introduce each year until 2030. [48256/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application of carbon tax to petrol and auto-diesel was introduced in December 2009, followed by the extension of carbon taxation to other liquid fuels, including home heating oil, on 1 May 2010.
Ireland’s carbon tax regime is a carbon pricing mechanism which directly links the taxation of fossil fuels to carbon dioxide emissions: a single price is set for a tonne of carbon dioxide, and this price is then applied to each fuel type according to the level of carbon dioxide emitted by that fuel when it is combusted. In this way, the carbon tax applying to each fuel type reflects the level of carbon dioxide emissions that it releases.
Legislation was introduced in Finance Act 2020 to provide for annual increases in carbon tax rates up to May 2030, at which point all carbon tax rates will be based on charging €100 per tonne of carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon tax rates on petrol and auto-diesel are legislated to increase at Budget time each October up to and including 2029, with rates on other liable fuels legislated to increase each May (i.e. after the winter heating season) up to and including 2030. This means that rates for the carbon component of MOT are set to increase a further four times for petrol and auto-diesel, and five times for heating fuels, over the remainder of the trajectory provided for in legislation.
As of Budget 2026, the Government has allocated over €4.2 billion in carbon tax revenue for these purposes since 2020. ESRI analysis consistently shows the lower income deciles are better off as a result of the social protection measures funded by the increased carbon tax.
In relation to the increases to heating kerosene and MGO scheduled for 1 May 2026, in light of the current fuel crisis I have postponed these increases until October 14 2026. In addition I have provided for further cuts to MOT rates on petrol, auto-diesel and MGO which came into effect on 15 April and will remain in place until 31 July this year.
For petrol, the MOT carbon component rate increases, inclusive of VAT, will total to 8.1 cents per litre over the remainder of the carbon tax trajectory. The annual increases will be 2.1 cents per litre for each of the next three years, and 1.8 cents per litre in 2029.
Inclusive of VAT the remaining four increases to the MOT carbon component rate on auto-diesel will total to 9.6 cents per litre. The annual increases will be 2.5 cents per litre for each of the next three years and 2.1 cents per litre in 2029.
Kerosene is the most commonly used oil for home heating. Inclusive of VAT the MOT carbon component rate increases on heating kerosene will total to 10.7 cents per litre over the remainder of the carbon tax trajectory. The annual amounts will be 2.2 cents per litre for each of the next four years and 1.9 cents per litre in 2030.
MGO is generally used in agriculture and certain other sectors but may also be used for heating. Inclusive of VAT the remaining five increases to the MOT carbon component rate on MGO will total to 11.2 cents per litre. The annual increases will be 2.3 cents per litre for each of the next four years and 2 cents per litre in 2030.
As the Deputy will be aware, as part of the annual Budget process my Department examines current tax policy and presents budgetary options to the Tax Strategy Group (TSG). The Energy, Environmental and Vehicle Tax TSG paper examines carbon tax policy and will be published in the coming weeks.
69. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether he is considering any package to support rural pubs in meeting the increased cost of doing business in Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48004/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is conscious of the challenges facing all businesses in the current economic climate, including the pub sector, and the Cost of Business Advisory Forum is working to look at the structural issues that are driving up costs and the steps that could be taken to mitigate them. A range of direct expenditure supports are also available to businesses, and details can be found online on the National Enterprise Hub.
There are a number of existing tax supports available to all businesses, including the pub sector. These are intended to encourage investment in the economy and in particular in indigenous SMEs. These measures, provided for by Part 16 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, include the Employment Investment Incentive, the Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs, and the Start-Up Capital Investment.
In addition, the Government announced two energy support packages earlier this year which included temporary excise rate reductions for auto fuels and Marked Gas Oil and an enhancement to the Diesel Rebate Scheme. Government also announced the deferral of the planned 1 May carbon tax rate increase until 14 October 2026. While no Government can fully insulate against energy price shocks, these measures provide support to households and the broader economy by alleviating some of the financial pressures arising from fuel price increases.
It should be noted that measures that confer a selective advantage on a specific sector have the potential to constitute a State aid and therefore could not be introduced unless compliant with an existing framework or undertaking a full notification process.
It is also worth noting that there has been no general increase in excise duty rates for alcohol since 2014. While the retail price of beer has risen over that period, the excise duty has remained unchanged and, therefore, the total tax as a percentage of the retail price of each pint is now lower than it was more than a decade ago.
Notwithstanding the above, issues concerning the sector will continue to inform ongoing policy considerations in the context of the budgetary process.
70. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is aware that VAT is applicable to map manufacturers other than Ordnance Survey (details supplied) and that this is disadvantageous to private manufacturers; if he will review this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46794/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law is obliged to comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate, unless they are exempt from VAT or fall within the categories of goods and services listed in Annex III of the EU VAT Directive, to which Member States are permitted to apply lower VAT rates subject to certain rules.
The Directive provides that the supply of certain books and periodicals, including maps and hydrographic or similar charts, fall within the list of supplies of goods to which Member States may apply reduced rates of VAT. On this basis, Ireland applies its reduced rate of VAT, currently 13.5 per cent, to the supply of printed maps and hydrographic or similar charts, and applies its second reduced rate of VAT, currently 9 per cent, to maps and hydrographic or similar charts that are supplied in electronic form.
In accordance with the Directive, generally activities engaged in by public bodies are outside the scope of VAT and they do not account for VAT on their supplies. However, where their activities consist of supplying goods or services that are in competition with similar supplies by taxable private sector entities, then public bodies are required to register and account for VAT on those services. In this way the legislation ensures that where a public body supplies maps in competition with taxable private sector entities, the public sector body is required to apply VAT to the maps. Ordnance Survey now comes within Tailte Éireann, and the body’s website shows that it charges VAT on maps it supplies - https://store.osi.ie/paper-products/city.html
71. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will design and set up a dormant funds scheme for dormant investment funds in the State which currently hold €102 million and not leave the assessment of the feasibility and design to the funds industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48250/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe “Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient and Developing Markets”, published in October 2024, recommended that industry consider the feasibility and design of a scheme for existing and future dormant funds and funds with uncontactable investors.
The 2025 Programme for Government committed to progress and publish an implementation plan taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations and this was published in October 2025.
The implementation plan outlined that industry should consider how best to approach this from a legal perspective to support investors tracing unclaimed monies and identifying how investor claims might be handled. Any feasibility study prepared by industry will be carefully assessed by relevant officials in Government and in the Central Bank of Ireland. The drafting of any legislation required will solely be a matter for Government.
72. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he and his Department have taken to tackle financial crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48085/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the serious potential impact for citizens, society and the wider economy, Government takes the threat of financial crime very seriously. Accordingly, a range of measures are in place across my Department to strengthen Ireland’s response.
At the outset, it is important to note that my Department’s role is policy oriented. It does not have an operational or enforcement function, which instead rests with agencies such as An Garda Síochána, the Central Bank and the Revenue Commissioners.
By way of example, at a strategic level, the national Anti-Money Laundering Steering Committee, chaired by my Department, has recently completed the National Risk Assessment (NRA) of money laundering and terrorist financing. This provides a clear view of the key risks facing Ireland in these areas and ensures our policy response is targeted and proportionate. The NRA is accompanied by a detailed action plan comprising 30 measures, which are being progressed across Government and other relevant stakeholders to help address identified risks.
In addition, my Department has engaged on the development and transposition of EU anti money laundering legislation into Irish law, ensuring alignment with international standards. Work is ongoing on transposing the EU Anti Money Laundering Package in collaboration with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Separately, we previously published the National Payments Strategy, which addresses the growing risk of payment fraud and sets out measures to strengthen resilience, improve consumer protection and enhance cooperation across the payments system.
Underpinning all of this, the Department is actively engaged in domestic forums such as the Anti-Fraud Forum and the Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption, and internationally through bodies including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the European Anti-Fraud Office. Furthermore, we also contribute by providing experts to FATF evaluations and supporting IMF technical assistance programmes.
In summary, the Department’s role is to maintain a strong policy and legislative framework to support the fight against financial crime. This is delivered across a range of areas and leverages the support of a number of bodies and organisations to deliver this on behalf of our citizens.
