Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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67. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way that the new scheme announced under the Social Welfare Act 2020 in respect of uilleann pipe makers will work in practical terms. [59446/22]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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How will the scheme announced under the Social Welfare Act 2020 in respect of uilleannn pipe makers work in practical terms?

The Minister will recall that I very much welcomed this in the context of the Social Welfare Bill, which is before the House, and I tried to make a play for the hurley makers in a similar vein on the basis that the two are connected by dint of their status under UNESCO tangible heritage status.

My question relating to hurley makers was disallowed so I am chancing my arm in asking this question and raising the question of hurling again but I would genuinely like to know how this scheme will work in practical terms and if there is any scope for the hurley makers of Ireland to be included in a similar scheme.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will have to introduce hurling to County Monaghan first.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Gabh mo leithscéal. I did not hear the Chair.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I will not repeat it.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has no scheme in respect of uillean pipe makers. The legislative provision in the Social Welfare Bill 2022 follows directly on foot of a provision of the Finance Bill 2022, which inserted a new section 216F into the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

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This new section provides for an exemption from income tax up to €20,000 for certain profits arising from the production, maintenance and repair of certain musical instruments. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide that such exempted income remains assessable when calculating such individuals' reckonable income for social insurance contribution liability purposes. This will ensure the social insurance income liability of the beneficiaries of the section 216F measure remains uninterrupted so they can continue to maintain and build an entitlement to the range of benefits available to them under the social insurance system.

Responsibility for taxation matters rests with my colleague, the Minister for Finance. In 2016, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I obtained the approval of the Cabinet to seek special UNESCO recognition for uilleann pipes. That cleared the way for Na Píobairí Uilleann and UCD's National Folklore Collection, and the GAA in respect of hurling, to proceed with their application to UNESCO. I firmly believe UNESCO recognition will provide a significant opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of uilleann piping, hurling and Irish folklore to the world. UNESCO status was granted to uilleann pipes in 2017 and to hurling and camogie in 2018. I realise the Deputy comes from Cork and absolutely understand why he would want hurling included. I take on board his comments. We will have to discuss the matter with the Minister for Finance.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I am aware that the Minister for Social Protection is very influential at the Cabinet so I implore her, following this discussion, to raise the issue with her colleague the Minister for Finance. With regard to hurling, there is a crisis with ash dieback at present and we seriously want to preserve the craft of hurley making.

My own thinking on UNESCO intangible heritage status was influenced by no less a Clareman than Mr. Daniel McCarthy, who did a lot of work in the background in seeking such status. There have been many people involved in this for many years. I welcome the Minister's response.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Harping, uilleann piping and hurling are synonymous with Ireland's national identity and have gained the international recognition they so richly deserve. I was genuinely delighted to see in this year's Finance Bill that, following discussions with my colleagues the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, the latter made provision for an income tax relief related to the manufacturing, maintenance and repair of sets of uilleann pipes and Irish harps. Under the Finance Bill, the makers of uilleann pipes, the early Irish harp and Irish lever harp will be able to claim an exemption from income tax on profits up to €20,000 in a given year for the production, maintenance and repair of the instruments. Under the Bill, the relief applies to the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. The instruments are made by trained craftspeople. The skills have been handed down by master craftspeople for generations. Under the UN convention, the instruments and craftsmanship required to produce them enjoy UNESCO recognition.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I welcome the Minister's response to this and the Government's proactive approach to encouraging the craft of uilleann pipe making and its making of provisions in the tax code to ensure the survival of the craft. If the Government were of a mind to consider other crafts such as hurley making, it would be very much welcomed. If the Minister wishes to take up the cudgel or the hurl on that, she would have the support of all of us here.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As a first step, the Deputy should raise the matter with the Minister for Finance. It was great that the crafts were recognised by UNESCO. A lot of work was done by the GAA. It put in the application. I believe camogie was included. It is important that we recognise these traditions. The problem with ash dieback is concerning. I will leave it at that. Perhaps the Deputy will submit a question for the Minister for Finance.