Results 14,881-14,900 of 34,135 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Illicit Trade in Fuel and Tobacco Products (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I remember the work the Deputy did in proposing the Private Members' legislation to deal with the issue for Border communities and communities beyond. At the time I had a concern that the Bill, as drafted, would not have the effect the Deputy desired and felt the powers available to the Revenue Commissioners were what were needed and proportionate. However, I entirely agree with the Deputy...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Fiscal Data (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: In the light of the complexities of European fiscal rules, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has adopted a principles-based approach to its assessment of compliance. While it is based on the EU framework, the approach incorporates a number of adjustments to make it more relevant in an Irish context. The council has assessed that the medium-term budgetary objective, MTO, was achieved in 2018....

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Fiscal Data (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: The answer to the last question is "Yes". I will be studying very closely the September expenditure figures that will be available early next week. Our position at the end of August showed that total Government expenditure was slightly below profile. For the Department of Health it was a bit above profile but far less so than it would have been this time a year ago. If Supplementary...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Irish Fiscal Advisory Council Reports (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I have set out on a number of occasions my view that the economy is closing in on full employment and might be on the verge of overheating in the future.  I have also tempered this view with the fact that an adverse shock to the economy such as a disorderly Brexit would rapidly change this assessment. This was reflected in the question the Deputy has just put to me. He acknowledged...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Irish Fiscal Advisory Council Reports (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As I understand it, the section of the report in question refers to potential imbalances in the economy that could lead to overheating. As I have told the Deputy, if the economy was to overheat - a case he is not making - measures would have to be considered with regard to credit and spending within the economy to slow down such overheating. I am strongly of the view that we need to be...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Irish Fiscal Advisory Council Reports (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: We have said that if there were to be a deal, the growth rate in our economy would be approximately 3%. The ability to sustain a growth rate of 3% over a number of years could make a significant difference to our country and to our citizens and would help to address many of the issues the Deputy has raised. Growth has moderated during the lifetime of this Dáil. It was at a very high...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Illicit Trade in Fuel and Tobacco Products (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: Revenue has assured me that it has implemented a comprehensive risk-based intervention programme to identify, target and disrupt all forms of cross-Border smuggling and criminality. Revenue’s focus on such activity will continue regardless of the outcome of Brexit. I am satisfied that its focus on cross-Border smuggling is appropriate and well targeted. I know that Revenue keeps...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I do not want the Deputy to think in any way that I am saying that the scheme is not merited. I absolutely think it is and believe it plays an important role in dealing with and supporting applicants who, as the Deputy says, are grappling with severe disabilities. The scheme has been looked at a number of times, including in 2016 and again in 2018. At each point, a number of changes were...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: In 2018, 6,422 claims were paid out with regard to the VRT. Moreover, 17,640 fuel grant claims were made. I was describing the scheme, as I made clear, with a consideration to those citizens who find themselves having to deal with that level of need. I therefore completely understand why a scheme like this needs to continue. It is availed of by many and I want to ensure that a programme...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: To correct Deputy Shortall on what she said a moment ago, the answer that I provided to the House stated that, to qualify for this scheme, an applicant has to satisfy one of a range of conditions which are laid out. It is an important scheme that is made available by the State to support those who need additional help due to the level of need in their lives. In response to the points made...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As recently as last year I published a report, which I shared with the Oireachtas, on the operation of this scheme and on the back of sharing that report, I made changes to it. For each of the years for which information is available, I have published the full cost of the scheme, including up to where we were at the end of 2016 and I will share with the Deputy and the House any information...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: Comparable schemes operate in France, Holland-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: -----Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Italy and Finland. The Deputy has acknowledged the difficulties and pressure faced by many citizens at the moment, which I always acknowledge.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: In addition, I had hoped the Deputy might make reference to the fact that we also have 2.3 million people working in our country and that incomes have grown in the first part of this year in a way that will make a real difference to the lives of people.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: The modus operandi of Deputy Shortall is to put questions to me and when I answer them, to interrupt me as opposed to considering the argument I am seeking to make. The argument I am seeking to make is that many of the countries with which we compete for certain kinds of work have schemes like this one. I will be fully publishing a report on the operation of the scheme. If that report...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: This is about allowing Ireland to be competitive and ensuring that we can continue to create jobs-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: -----and investment in our economy.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 11 together. The disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme provides relief from VAT and vehicle registration tax, VRT, up to a certain limit, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, payment of a fuel grant and an exemption from motor tax. To qualify...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Brexit Preparations (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As I indicated earlier, the Government has agreed that, purely for budgetary purposes, the forthcoming budget will be based on the assumption of a disorderly exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union. It will, therefore, involve a twin-track approach. We will fund and seek to improve services that we make available to the public and, second, we will support sectors and regions that...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Brexit Preparations (26 Sep 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I am well aware of the effect a no-deal Brexit would have on the fishing industry and the displacement effect that would be caused by fishing moving to off our shores as a result. On the question about the engagement I have had with other Ministers for fisheries, that engagement is being undertaken by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, and I am working with him...