Written Answers Nos. 195-216
195. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the total cost of capital allowances related to accelerated depreciation in each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9295/23]
View answerThere are three Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) schemes currently in operation, each of which can provide a 100% deduction in year one for certain qualifying expenses incurred by businesses.
The ACA scheme for Energy Efficient Equipment aims to support businesses in choosing more energy-efficient options when purchasing plant and equipment for business use. The scheme allows taxpayers to deduct the full cost of expenditure on eligible equipment from taxable profits in the year of purchase.
The second ACA scheme is for Gas-Propelled Vehicles and Refuelling Equipment used for business purposes. Finance Act 2021 expanded this scheme to include hydrogen-powered vehicles and refuelling equipment. This scheme contributes to the work of the Department of Transport’s Task Force on Low Emitting Vehicles and to achieving our national target to transition to a low carbon economy.
The third scheme, ACA for Childcare Services and Fitness Centres was introduced in Finance Act 2017, and commenced in Finance Act 2018, and encourages employers to develop childcare facilities and fitness centres for their employees. The rationale for this relief is to help tackle the cost and availability of childcare facilities, both of which have been cited as barriers to work.
The annual cost attributed to ACA schemes is largely a temporal cost only as, with the exception of some elements of the ACA for Childcare Services and Fitness Centres, these are costs for which a business would otherwise receive a deduction over the standard write-down period of 7 years.
Noting this caveat with regard to the costings, figures for the years 2018 to 2020 in respect of the energy efficient equipment and gas/hydrogen vehicles schemes are available in Revenue’s tax expenditures report at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/index.aspx. The ACA for Childcare Services and Fitness Centres became operational in 2019 and the report contains available data for the years 2019 and 2020. Figures for the year 2021 are not yet available, but will be published in due course in future updates to the Revenue report.
196. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has considered the impact of the Professional Services Withholding Tax (PSWT) on the cash flow of eligible businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9318/23]
View answerProfessional Services Withholding Tax (PSWT) is a deduction at the standard rate of income tax, currently 20%, from relevant payments made by accountable persons to specified persons in respect of certain professional services. The tax deducted is a payment on account against the specified person’s final Income Tax or Corporation Tax liability for the year, with the amount of PSWT deducted credited against the tax liability for that year. A specified person can include businesses undertaken through a company, sole trade or partnership.
Accountable persons include Government Departments, State agencies and bodies, local authorities, colleges and authorised medical insurers.
The range of professional services that come within the scope of PSWT includes, but is not limited to:
- Services of a medical, dental, pharmaceutical, optical, aural or veterinary nature.
- Services of an architectural, engineering, quantity surveying or surveying nature, and related services.
- Services of accountancy, auditing or finance and services of financial, economic, marketing, advertising or other consultancies.
- Services of a solicitor or barrister and other legal services.
- Geological services.
The legislation governing PSWT provides that a specified person may in certain circumstances make a claim for a refund of PSWT in the same tax year in which it is deducted (referred to an “interim refund”). Among the requirements for the making of an interim refund claim is the requirement that the specified person’s profits for the previous period are finalised and any tax due for that period has been paid.
The electronic PSWT system introduced by Revenue in 2021 ensures that all deductions of PSWT are credited against a service provider’s Revenue account immediately upon notification of the payment to Revenue by accountable persons. This ensures that PSWT deducted, where appropriate, is available for refund without any delay.
The need to ensure tax compliance by service providers is particularly important where the Exchequer is the ultimate source of the funds being paid out by accountable persons. PSWT plays an important role in ensuring tax compliance by service providers in the sectors that come within scope of PSWT.
197. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Finance his views on overcoming the barriers affecting people requiring life cover who have been refused from life assurance companies due to underlying health conditions; if there are plans by the State to introduce life cover at a reasonable cost to policy holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9355/23]
View answerI am aware of the issue of access to certain insurance services – in particular mortgage protection insurance – for individuals with underlying health conditions, including historical illnesses such as cancer. This is a very sensitive matter for many in our community.
The Deputy has suggested that the State could provide life cover for affected individuals. While I appreciate the intent of such a proposal, I would be very cautious about this approach for a number of reasons.
Firstly, any State insurance scheme would be required to comply with the same prudential rules as private companies, as set out in the Solvency II Directive, which means that the cost would need to reflect the risk involved.
Secondly, there is no reason to believe that the State would be any better at managing risks than private insurers, and therefore be in a position to provide insurance more affordably than existing providers.
Thirdly, an unintended consequence of such an approach could serve to reduce competition, potentially increasing the cost of premiums elsewhere in the economy as insurers could seek to discontinue certain other lines if there is a view the State will insure these risks instead, particularly for market segments considered as unprofitable.
Nonetheless, there is work underway at EU level in relation to individuals who have recovered from a previous cancer diagnosis when accessing insurance products. There are plans to adopt an EU-wide Code of Conduct on the “Right to be Forgotten” (RTBF) by next year. A RTBF is designed to prevent insurers taking into account a historical illness, such as cancer, when calculating the risk involved in insuring such individuals, thereby ensuring that they can access insurance on similar conditions to other applicants.
The introduction of such a Code of Conduct is an objective which is set out in “Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan”, which was published in 2021. Last year, EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides announced the launch of an EU-wide initiative to address the RTBF in all Member States, including working with Financial Services Commissioner Mairead McGuinness.
In addition, in ongoing negotiations at EU level on the Consumer Credit Directive , the inclusion of a RTBF provision is being considered as part of this legislative process.
The Department of Finance is monitoring these EU-level developments, while considering any separate measures introduced at the national level do not conflict with a future EU Code of Conduct. Given the complex and sensitive nature of this issue, this is the best course of action.
Domestically, I also understand that Insurance Ireland is currently reviewing this issue and its considered feedback on the investigation of RTBF policies is expected later this year.
Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, under existing legislation (Section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 ), lenders are permitted to provide a mortgage in situations where a borrower may be unable to obtain life insurance, or where such insurance is unduly costly compared to that payable by borrowers generally. For individuals, including those recovering from cancer or living with underlying health conditions, who may experience difficulties acquiring mortgage protection insurance when securing a home loan, this is an important provision to be aware of.
198. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider the BIK tax as it is having a big impact on the people that have company vehicles with the escalating cost-of-living and the fact that electric vehicles cannot cover the distance daily with one charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9362/23]
View answerRecent Government policy has focused on strengthening the environmental rationale behind company car taxation. Until the changes brought in as part of the Finance Act 2019, Ireland’s vehicle benefit-in-kind regime was unusual in that there was no overall CO2 rationale in the regime. This is despite a CO2 based vehicle BIK regime being legislated for as far back as 2008 (but never having been commenced).
In Finance Act 2019, a CO2-based BIK regime for company cars was legislated for from 1 January 2023. From the beginning of this year, the amount taxable as BIK is determined by the car’s original market value (OMV) and the annual business kilometres driven, while new CO2 emissions-based bands determines whether a standard, discounted, or surcharged rate is taxable.
In certain instances, this new regime will provide for higher BIK rates, for example in relation to above average emissions and high mileage cars. It should be noted, however, that the rates remain largely the same in the lower to mid mileage ranges for the average lower emission car. Additionally, EVs benefit from a preferential rate of BIK, ranging from 9 – 22.5% depending on mileage. Fossil-fuel vehicles are subject to higher BIK rates, up to 37.5%. This new structure with CO2-based discounts and surcharges is designed to incentivise employers to provide employees with low-emission cars.
I am aware that there have been arguments surrounding the mileage bands in the new BIK structure, as they can be perceived as incentivising higher mileage to avail of lower rates, leading to higher levels of emissions. The rationale behind the mileage bands is that the greater the business mileage, the more the car is a benefit to the company rather than its employee (on average); and the more the car depreciates in value, the less of a benefit it is to the employee (in years 2 and 3) as the asset from which the benefit is derived is depreciating faster. Mileage bands also ensure that cars that are more integral to the conduct of business receive preferential tax treatment.
I believe that better value for money for the taxpayer is achieved by curtailing the number of subsidies available and building an environmental rationale directly into the BIK regime. It was determined in this context that reforming the BIK system to include emissions bands provides for a more sustainable environmental rationale than the continuation of the current system with exemptions for electric vehicles (EVs). This brings the taxation system around company cars into step with other CO2-based motor taxes as well as the long-established CO2-based vehicle BIK regimes in other member states.
In addition to the above and in light of government commitments on climate change, Budget 2022 extended the preferential BIK treatment for EVs to end 2025 with a tapering mechanism on the vehicle value threshold. This means that the quantum of the relief is phased down from €50,000 in 2022, to €35,000 in 2023, €20,000 in 2024, and €10,000 in 2025. This BIK exemption forms part of a broader series of very generous measures to support the uptake of EVs, including a reduced rate of 7% VRT, a VRT relief of up to €5,000, low motor tax of €120 per annum, SEAI grants, discounted tolls fees, and 0% BIK on electric charging.
Finally, it should be noted that this new BIK charging mechanism was legislated for in 2019 and was announced as part of Budget 2020. I am satisfied that this has provided a sufficient lead in time to adapt to this new system before its recent implementation.
199. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider the VAT increase to the hair and beauty industry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9363/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in making any decision in relation to VAT rates or other taxation measures, the Government must balance the costs of the measures in question against their impact and the overall budgetary framework. In the case of the VAT reductions covering hairdressing, tourism and hospitality sectors an extension of the 9% VAT rate to the end of 2023 would cost over €500m.
However, the Government recognises the role that these businesses play in driving employment and economic activity across Ireland as well as the fact that they continue to need a level of support.
For this reason I will be extending the 9% VAT rate for these sectors, including hairdressing, to 31 August 2023. It will revert to the 13.5% VAT rate on 1 September 2023. The estimated cost of this measure is €300m. This extension strikes a balance between the cost to public finances and the provision of support for these sectors.
200. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9389/23]
View answerThere is continued monitoring of tax related issues by my Department. Over the course of each year, a number of reviews of tax expenditures and other tax related matters are carried out by, or on behalf of, the Department of Finance. These may be used to ascertain whether existing tax measures should be amended, continued, extended or ended, or to otherwise review or assess certain taxes (existing and proposed) or groups of taxes. A range of options for possible new or amended tax policy measures are examined as part of the Tax Strategy Group (TSG) process each year. The reviews are normally published on the Department’s website, and may be included in the TSG papers, or with the annual Budget documentation.
Live studies, reviews and research projects in my Department are listed below.
|
Live studies, reviews and research |
Scheduled for completion |
|
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman – Periodic Critical Review |
Q1 2023 |
|
A Cross Country Perspective on Irish Enterprise Investment: Do Fundamentals or Constraints Matter? Conducted by the ESRI. |
Q1 2023 |
|
The role of firm dynamism in productivity - joint research with ESRI |
Q1 2023 |
|
Flows into self-employment - joint research with ESRI |
Q1 2023 |
|
Home Building Finance Ireland - Loan MEOP Review |
Q2 2023 |
|
Consumer Banking Survey Experience and Perceptions of the Banking Sector in Ireland |
Q2 2023 |
|
Review of Personal Tax System |
Q3 2023 |
|
Review of Refundable Tax Credits |
Q3 2023 |
|
Economic impacts of climate transition - joint research with ERSI |
Q4 2023 |
|
Impact of population ageing on the public finances - joint research with ERSI |
Q4 2023 |
|
SME Structural Change Research - joint research with ESRI |
Q4 2023 |
|
Research to identify and develop tools to better enable consumers to switch their banks. Conducted by the ESRI. |
Q4 2023 |
|
SME Credit Demand Survey |
Q4 2023 |
|
Monitoring SME investment in Ireland. Conducted by the ESRI. |
Q4 2023 |
|
Review of Bank Levy |
Q4 2023 |
|
Cross-Border Employments – external research by the ESRI |
Preliminary findings expected by Q2 2023 at the latest, research to be finalised at a later date yet to be confirmed. |
201. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance when a decision will be made by the National Excise Licence Office of revenue on an application lodged for an auto fuel traders licence by a company (details supplied) on 23 November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9404/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the licence in question issued 3 February 2023.
An application dated 23 November 2022 was submitted by the company in question.
The requirements for this licence type are a Short Certificate of incorporation and a Certificate of Registration of Business Name, (both dated within four weeks), tax clearance, excise licence duty and approval from the local Excise team that the company and the site concerned can satisfy the requirements for the licence. All required documents were submitted by 4 January 2023.
The local Excise team approved the application on 24 January 2023 and a notice for payment of the excise duty was issued to the company on 25 January 2023.
Payment was received 3 February 2023 and the licence issued.
202. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 188 and 189 of 14 February 2023, the revenue raised by increasing the natural gas carbon tax by €7.50 per tonne of CO2 emitted; the revenue foregone by decreasing the natural gas carbon tax by €7.50 per tonne of CO2 emitted, to year end-2022 and in full-year terms. [9420/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that Natural Gas Carbon Tax (NGCT) is scheduled to increase by €7.50 per tonne of CO2 emitted on 1 May 2023. It is estimated that the revenue raised from this increase is provided in the table below.
|
Accounting Period |
Payable |
Revenue (€million) from €7.50 per tonne increase/decrease |
|
1 May - 30 June |
Jul-23 |
2.3 |
|
1 July - 31 Aug |
Oct-23 |
1.7 |
|
1 Sept - 31 October |
Nov-23 |
2.4 |
|
1 November - 31 December |
Jan-24 |
4.5 |
|
1 Jan - 28 Feb |
Mar-24 |
5.5 |
|
1 March - 30 April |
May-24 |
4.5 |
I am further advised that the revenue forgone from not proceeding with the legislated increase, or the revenue forgone from the introduction of an equivalent decrease, can be inferred from the above table.
This is a tentative estimate and does not account for any behavioural changes.
203. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is aware of the Custom House History Museum and its exhibition, which fails to mention An Gorta Mór and the role of the administration in the Custom House at the time played; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9374/23]
View answerThe OPW, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, undertook a comprehensive restoration of the Custom House Visitor Centre in 2021. This venture was one of the key ‘Decade of Centenaries’ legacy projects and was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the burning of the Custom House in May 2021. The total budget cost for these works was €1.8 million.
Award-winning designers Bright, whose previous work includes exhibitions at Killarney House and Dublin Castle, worked with leading Irish historians and academics to reimagine the exhibition to include a narrative journey revealing a story with many layers of people, heritage and history, spanning over 200 years.
The exhibition flows and develops chronologically using each space to tell a chapter in the story, taking visitors from Dublin in the late 1700s through to the 21st century and giving them the unique and authentic experience of being inside the walls of one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
A memorial plaque for the Great Irish Famine (An Gorta Mór) is being designed at present by the Office of Public Works and, once completed, will form part of the overall visitor experience.
204. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made to date by the OPW in re-instating the pier at the East End, Inishbofin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9381/23]
View answerI have been advised that the Office of Public Works approved funding of €90,000 in 2015 under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to Galway County Council in respect of a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management study for Inishbofin Island as a whole, including the issues of concern at the East End Pier.
Galway County Council has since commissioned and completed the Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management study and a draft final report has been prepared and is under review by the Council. This study examined three individual areas of interest on Inishbofin Island, which included Cloonamore Bay where the East End pier is situated.
It is a matter for Galway County Council to identify any coastal protection/erosion works in their administrative area and it is open to Galway County Council to apply for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie.
205. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9395/23]
View answerThe tables below outline the studies, reviews and research being conducted at present by my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement.
Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform
|
Purpose of review / research / study |
Expected completion date |
|
Report on alignment of Current Budgetary Expenditure with Policy Objectives specifically as it relates to ex ante evaluation of current expenditure |
Quarter 1, 2023 |
|
Revision of the Shadow Price of Carbon in the Public Spending Code in light of enhanced climate ambition in the Climate Act 2021 |
Quarter 1 2023 |
|
Research programme to develop the I3E Model, to provide high-quality and policy relevant research on the impact of climate policies on the Irish economy, and to strengthen cooperation and skills transfer between the ESRI and the Department of Finance and my Department |
Quarter 1, 2023 |
|
Independent Review Panel established to review Senior Public Service recruitment and pay processes |
Quarter 1, 2023 |
|
Public consultation for views on digital public services and to inform priorities for these services |
Quarter 2, 2023 |
|
Review of climate action capacity in the Civil Service |
Quarter 3, 2023 |
|
Spending Review Papers – A key annual platform for evidence informed policy making across the Civil Service |
Quarter 3, 2023 |
|
Lives of Women in Ireland – utilising the Well-being Framework for Ireland to describe people’s lives |
Quarter 4, 2023 |
|
Sustainable Development Goals and informing the Budgetary Process |
Quarter 4, 2023 |
|
Further Spending Review Papers – A key annual platform for evidence informed policy making across the Civil Service |
Quarter 4, 2023 |
Office of Government Procurement
|
Purpose of review / research / study |
Expected completion date |
|
Study to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the public procurement processes in Ireland |
Quarter 1, 2023 |
|
Consultant Engagement Review under the Capital Works Management Framework |
Quarter 3, 2023 |
|
Review of inflation provisions in contracts published under the Capital Works Management Framework |
Quarter 4, 2023 |
|
Review of the operation of the roles of the Standing Conciliator and Project Board (introduced by the OGP in 2016), relative to dispute resolution procedures in the public works contracts |
Quarter 4, 2023 |
206. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider a matter in relation to the Saint Patrick's Festival (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9306/23]
View answerThe St Patrick's Festival is a key driver for the tourism industry, presenting a world class event that showcases the very best of Ireland as a destination, showing our incredible culture, heritage and traditions to a global audience through quality experiences. In addition, St Patrick's Festival continues to be a key driver of employment and opportunity for the creative sector. As a civic celebration, the Festival is important for fostering a collective, inclusive spirit locally and nationally.
The St. Patrick’s Day National Parade is one of the largest gatherings of people in Ireland with approximately 500,000 people expected to come into Dublin city centre this year on March 17th. While my Department and Fáilte Ireland provide funding to the St Patrick’s Festival, the organisational and logistical arrangements for the parade are entirely a matter for the St. Patrick’s Festival company, the body responsible for organising the festival and parade.
With regard to the report in question, I understand that the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has written to the organisation in question regarding publication, I further understand the organisation has advised that it is committed to publishing the full report after the relevant legal review had taken place. I would welcome early publication of the report given the importance of the subject matter. I further understand the organisation has advised that they are engaging with the victims/ survivors through their appointed independent review panel, which is chaired by Dr. Shannon, around the process of the report’s publication and that this engagement is underway at present.
207. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9399/23]
View answerThe details of the current live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by my Department, and the date by which each is scheduled to be completed, are listed below in tabular form.
|
Studies, reviews and research |
Detail |
Completion Date |
|
Focused Policy Assessment: Examining the Impact of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) |
Body: D/TCAGSM This research proposal intends to carry out primary research using two baseline surveys and a case study in order to assess the impact of the SCEP at a local level. Primary research will contribute to the analysis of desk-based data received from Sport Ireland on high-level sport participation trends. |
Expected completion date Qtr1 2024 |
|
Basic Income for the Arts Pilot – Research Programme |
Body: D/TCAGSM, with peer review of the evaluation methodology and survey by the ESRI and IGEES. Comprehensive research programme accompanying Basic Income for the Arts pilot, which will examine the impact of the intervention on participants and a control group. The main element of this Randomised Control Trial comprises a longitudinal study wherein participants will provide data on their income and spending; work and job quality; time use; practice, skills and training; works and impact; and subjective well-being. |
Base-lining survey information being collated Qtr1 2023. First survey for research will be issued in early Qtr2 2023. Completion date of research scheme Q4 2025 with periodic publication of interim reports. |
|
Night Time Economy Youth Focus Group |
Body: National Participation Office (NPO) Collaboration with the NPO within DCEDIY to ensure the voices and perspectives of young people inform further developments of the Night Time Economy |
Draft overview Report of Youth Focus Group now complete, date of publication to be confirmed. |
|
Research contract regarding the preparation of the National Plan for Irish Language Services; |
Body: University of Galway This research was commissioned by the statutory Irish Language Services Advisory Committee in line with its functions laid down in the Official Languages Acts 2003 to 2021. Under this contract, the University of Galway will undertake the following: - identify the gaps in the current provision of public services through the medium of Irish and propose strategies to address them; - identify the public services provided in, and to, Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas (“LPAs”) and propose strategies to ensure that these services are provided through the medium of Irish and that Irish is the working language of those offices located in LPAs; - identify the current level of Irish language competence in the public sector; and - make recommendations on recruiting those with a competency in Irish. |
Expected completion date end 2023 This research is to form part of the National Plan, which, under the Act, is to be submitted to the Minister for approval by 19 June 2024. |
|
Research on attitudes of young people towards employment opportunities (with Irish) to establish a baseline ahead of the rolling out of a national awareness campaign on same. |
Body: Behaviour & Attitudes This research was commissioned by the Department to establish a baseline ahead of the rolling out of an awareness campaign on the significant employment opportunities with the Irish language that will arise for those competent in the language as a result of the provisions of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021. One of the main goals of the Act is that 20% of recruits to the public service are competent in the Irish language by the end of 2030. The research will establish the attitudes / views / behaviours of young people (16-21 year olds) towards careers with the Irish language, careers with Irish in the civil and public service and careers in the civil and public service in general. |
Expected to be completed Qtr1 2023. |
|
Review of Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) 2020 |
Body: D/TCAGSM Internal Department review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP |
Expected to be completed Qtr1 2023 |
|
Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) Review |
Body: D/TCAGSM Internal Department review of progress on all projects awarded funding under the first set of LSSIF allocations |
Expected to be competed Qtr1 2023 |
|
Rising* |
Body: Science & Society research group based in Trinity College Dublin An objective evaluation undertaken of the impact of an interdisciplinary arts project based in the Dublin Docklands community on the theme of rising water levels and ocean temperatures. |
Completion: November 2022, to be published in Qte2 2023 |
|
EPIC-MUSS; |
Body: DCU School of Arts Education and Movement; The purpose of this study is to explore the processes of creative and inclusive music making within a wide geographical spread of primary and post primary schools that have created showcase performances of their musical endeavours. |
Expected to be completed in Qtr1 2023 |
|
Creative Youth analysis of the delivery of creative opportunities for children and young people; |
Body: Trinity College Dublin A systematic analysis of research studies, evaluations and reviews of Creative Youth funded initiatives, programmes and projects, which feature measurable outcomes in the delivery of best practice. |
Expected to be completed in Qtr3 2023 |
|
Workers' Villages* |
Body: The Irish Architecture Foundation, The School of Architecture in UL, the SAUL Intelligence Unit and Global Action Plan Research into the role and legacy of the Bord na Móna workers villages, and the broader sustainable visions of their architect, Frank Gibney. In addition, the development of monitoring and evaluation tools and model on behaviour change in the context of a creatively co-designed place-making project connected to the Sustainable Development Goals. |
Expected to be completed in Qtr1 2023 |
|
KinShip* |
Body: Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in UCC and Clean Technology Centre, MTU in partnership with Cork City Council Research project which aims to synergise social arts practice, with environmental and scientific research, to develop a kinship with Tramore Valley Park, Cork, whilst modelling ‘care’ as a civic responsibility for the future of urban land use. |
Expected to be completed in Qtr2 2023 |
|
Ripple* Commenced October 2021 |
Body: UCD Centre for Irish Towns Explore an approach and set of scalable tools that engages intergenerational communities to create a water resilient shared public space or garden and evaluating the transformation of behaviour from opposer to bystander and from bystander to champion. |
Expected to be completed in Qtr1 2023 |
|
Corca Dhuibhne Inbhuanaithe – A Creative Imagining* |
Body: Dingle Creativity & Innovation Hub, the Green Arts Initiative and MaREI Collaboration to creatively address solutions that can support the transition to environmentally and economically sustainable farming on the Dingle Peninsula and beyond. |
Expected to be completed in Qtr1 2023 |
|
Creative Climate Action |
Body: MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, University College Cork Research to analyse the impact of the Creative Climate Action initiative on climate change awareness, engagement and action in Ireland and optimise the design and effectiveness of the Creative Climate Action projects. |
Expected to be completed in Qtr2 2023 |
|
Repair Acts Ireland* |
Body: UCD School of Geography in partnership with artist Dr Teresa Dillon A combination of interdisciplinary artistic and applied research methodologies undertaken to address the often overlooked place of repair within waste cycles and hierarchies within Ireland. |
Expected to be completed in Qtr1 2023 |
|
Línte na Farraige* |
Body: Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University Complementing creative practitioners’ delivery of art installations to articulate the connection between sea level rise and societal change. |
Expected to be completed in Qtr1 2023 |
|
Participation in social and creative activities in Ireland among adults aged 50 and over and the effects of this on health and well-being |
Body: The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at TCD COVID-19 has magnified the health and well-being of older people in society and highlighted potential for research on the impacts on well-being. This Fellowship aims to determine participation in social and creative activities among adults aged 50 and over and the effects on health and well-being, as part of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing TILDA). |
Expected to be completed in Qtr1 2023 |
* Work forms part of the Creative Climate Action projects, led by this Department, with co-financing from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
208. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an update of the numbers of species in Cork harbour that would be considered important bird area (IBA) triggers has been done, given the original study was in 1995 and that it would allow for information on the success of conservation efforts. [9433/23]
View answerCork Harbour is one of over 100 Irish sites that are part of BirdLife International’s list of Important Bird Areas (IBA); six species were listed for Cork Harbour IBA: Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit; Bar-tailed Godwit; Curlew; Redshank; and Common Tern. Cork Harbour is also classified, by way of Statutory Instrument 391 of 2021, as a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive. The boundaries of the IBA and SPA overlap and the list of Special Conservation Interests for the SPA includes these six bird species, among others.
The wintering waterbirds of Cork Harbour are monitored through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey which is Ireland's programme for monitoring population trends of wintering waterbirds and the habitats they use. The IWEBS sites, including Cork Harbour, are monitored annually and the data for Cork Harbour is readily accessible via the I-WeBS online form (irishwetlandbirdsurvey.ie/)
209. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a full update in respect of his review of local property tax baselines and if he has finalised baselines for 2024 and 2025. [9358/23]
View answerBaseline funding for local authorities for 2024 and 2025 has not yet been finalised. Provisional Local Property Tax (LPT) allocations comprising baseline funding and equalisation funding where required, are normally notified to Government and subsequently to local authorities in July of each year, in advance of the local LPT variation decision process.
The review of local authority baseline funding has commenced. A working group has been established. Membership comprises representatives from my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, the County and City Management Association and local authority elected members. This group will continue the work of the previous 2018 review; it will consider any previous studies and reports in this area, and will include a consultation process with key stakeholders. It is intended that the that the work of the group be completed before summer 2023, in time for the notification of 2024 allocations.
Any proposed changes to the current model will need to take into account the needs and resources of all local authorities, including those who have less ability to raise income locally. Any change will need to be addressed as part of the 2024 estimates process and considered within the parameters of the national fiscal and budgetary situation, and the competing priorities presenting themselves at a national level.
210. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the waiting time figures for emergency calls for ambulances for the north Dublin area; the measures being taken to reduce them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9359/23]
View answer211. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of any retention issues among emergency response paramedics in the health services. [9360/23]
View answer212. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are sufficient ambulance and paramedic staff in both the National Ambulance Service and Dublin Fire Brigade serving the Dublin area; if there are unfilled vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9361/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 210 to 212, inclusive, together.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003.
My Department supports fire authorities through setting general policy, providing the legislative framework, running a central training programme and issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management manages fire service issues in my Department.
The prioritisation of work and effective management of all resources is, in the first instance, a matter for management in each of the fire services, based on their assessment of local needs and requirements. In relation to the staffing requirements in each local authority, under the Local Government Act, 2001 it is the responsibility of each Chief Executive to employ such staff and to make such staffing, funding, recruitment and organisational arrangements as may be deemed necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of their local authority
The provision of emergency medical services, including pre-hospital emergency care, is the responsibility of the HSE which operates the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and emergency departments in hospitals in accordance with health sector legislation and national health policy.
As Minister with policy and legislative responsibility for fire safety and the provision of fire services by local authorities, I am primarily concerned that local authority provided fire services are meeting their statutory obligations in respect of provision of fire services and fire safety, as set out in the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003.
Dublin City Council provides fire services for the city and county of Dublin, which are resourced by the four Dublin Local Authorities, through Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB). Dublin City Council, through DFB, also provides an emergency ambulance service on behalf of the HSE.
The provisions of section 25 of the Fire Services Act 1981 enable local authority fire services to provide a response to a range of emergency situations other than fires. Therefore, while operating under fire services legislation, Dublin City Council’s fire services are in effect acting as an agent for the HSE in operating their Emergency Ambulance service. However, this does not confer a role on myself as the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to these functions. The HSE operates under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Health.
My Department does not routinely collect the operational data requested by the Deputy. Any matters in relation to the operation of, or staffing level of Emergency Ambulance service arrangement between Dublin City Council and the HSE would be a matter for the HSE itself and Dublin City Council in the first instance.
213. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9393/23]
View answerDetails of the studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by my Department and currently underway, are set out in the attached table, together with the scheduled completion date.
Information in relation to recently published reports is available on the homepage of my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/
214. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeframe for the establishment of a new election observation roster; the body that will be responsible for conducting the competition; where will it be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9288/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union (EU).
The current Election Observation Roster was established for a period of five years, effective from 1 January 2019. It is scheduled to run until 31 December 2023.
Recruitment of members for the next Roster will be on the basis of an open and competitive application process, in compliance with Irish equality law, and based on criteria for election observers set out by the EU and the OSCE.
Arrangements for the recruitment of the new roster will be published on the Department’s website in due course.
215. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of an Irish citizen imprisoned in Iran (details supplied); the efforts being made to assist this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9315/23]
View answerI remain deeply concerned about the continued detention of this Irish citizen, especially given his serious medical condition. I can assure the Deputy that the citizen's release remains a strong priority for me and my Department. To that end, there continues to be extensive engagement on the citizen's case with the Iranian authorities at senior political and official levels.
I emphasised our deep concerns and reiterated the urgent importance of the citizen's release from prison on humanitarian grounds in my recent direct contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran and with the Ambassador of Iran to Ireland.
My Department is providing ongoing consular support and assistance to the citizen and his family, and is liaising closely with the Government of France in the context of his dual nationality.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to discuss the specific details of the case.
216. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9390/23]
View answerBelow is a table of studies, reviews or research currently being undertaken or commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and when they are scheduled to be completed.
|
Name of Study, Review or Research |
Expected date of completion |
|
Evaluation of Ireland’s Expo 2020 Dubai. |
Q2 2023 |
|
The Application of Ireland’s Soft Power: What Influences Outcomes? |
Q3 2023 |
|
Evaluability Assessment of the Department’s Peace, Security, and Stability Interventions. |
Q2 2023 |
|
Review of Management Arrangements for Zimbabwe Programme 2017–2021. |
Q1 2023 |
|
Strategic Review of the Ireland - Italy bilateral relationship. |
Q2 of 2023 |
|
Preventing the next coups in West Africa: Investing in meaningful and inclusive transitions in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, and Mali. Research carried out by the Institute for Security Studies Africa (ISS Africa). |
December 2023 |
|
Management Review of the Official Development Assistance Programme. |
Q2 2023 |
|
Working Adaptively with Civil Society to Support Transformative Change. |
February 2023 |
|
A feasibility study to explore and demonstrate the potential benefits of using a technology-led food redistribution model in developing countries. Research carried out by FoodCloud. |
May 2023 |
|
Midterm Review of Ireland’s Third National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security |
Q2 2023 |
|
Disinformation/Misinformation 2022: Mapping Online Threats to the Brazilian Electoral System. |
End February 2023 |
