Results 26,361-26,380 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Media Sector (14 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I am aware of the contents of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight’s Report on Section 481 Film Tax Credit. In relation to Recommendation 7 regarding intellectual property rights, and indeed Recommendation 8 regarding compliance with relevant copyright legislation, I would note that copyright law falls within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It worth...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Reliefs (14 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: The Government remains committed to the environmental rationale behind the current emissions-based vehicle BIK regime which has been in operation since 1 January 2023. In the current inflationary context, however, the Government recognise the difficulty experienced by some people facing BIK increases under the new regime. To that end, temporary changes to BIK made in 2023, are being extended...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Financial Services (15 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I am informed by the FSPO that it has recently concluded recruitment processes in respect of most of these positions. The start dates agreed with the successful candidates are included in the final column. Number of Vacancies Job Title Grade Salary at PT 1 - Circular 11/2023 Vacancies Filled – Start Date 1 ...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: EU Directives (15 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 together. The Credit Servicers Directive (EU 2021/2167) (‘the Directive’) primarily provides for a common EU framework for the transfer and management of bank-originated non-performing loans, including mortgages, which are transferred or sold after 29 December 2023. It sets out an EU-wide regulatory arrangement for both...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Interest Rates (15 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: The formulation and implementation of monetary policy is an independent matter for the European Central Bank (ECB). The level of official interest rates influences the overall level of interest rates throughout the economy but other factors, such as the cost of funds, capital requirements, loan default risk, operational costs, expected return and competition, will also have a bearing on the...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Housing Schemes (15 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: The Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The incentive gives a refund on Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax paid in the State over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation. Section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 outlines the definitions and...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Revenue Commissioners (15 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I am advised by Revenue that Income Tax Returns for the years 2021 and 2022 were originally filed online by the taxpayer concerned on 27 June 2023, during which bank details were provided and confirmed by said taxpayer. These bank details were also confirmed by the taxpayer on the 10 July 2023 when they filed an amended Income Tax Return for 2022. The resulting overpayments in relation to...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank Deputy Doherty for raising this issue. When it comes to the housing challenge that we face, we can all agree that the best way of making progress is to increase the supply of all types of homes - public homes in the form of social housing, cost rental and affordable purchase, and also private supply. Thankfully, when we look at the overall picture, we are making progress in terms of...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy. I think the evidence shows this scheme is not only popular but working. Consider that over 2,200 applications have been approved. That will lead to properties that are currently vacant or derelict coming back into use and being lived in by individuals and families. The Government will continue to support this scheme and to provide the necessary funding to ensure it...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank Deputy Smith for raising these important transport issues. I am happy to defend the Government's record on investment in all forms of transport across the country over the last number of years. That is evident for anyone to see when looking at the investment in active travel, the expansion of public transport services and the investment in our road network to name a few examples....

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: The answer is, yes we are. We stand behind the public transport projects that are a fundamental part of the NDP that I prepared on behalf of the Government and got the approval of the Government for. That sets out a plan worth €160 billion to the end of the decade. Of course, we acknowledge the impact of inflation in recent years. The Deputy is right to highlight that. We have all...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank Deputy Boyd Barrett. We can all agree that the scenes we are witnessing on television and on our social media feeds are simply shocking. To be frank, I find it very hard to watch the news these days. Tomorrow is the ninth birthday of Emily Hand, a beautiful young child we believe is being held captive by Hamas in Gaza. As the Deputy will know, our Tánaiste is in the Middle...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: The Government is supporting the people of Palestine. We are providing funding. This week, the Government announced additional funding for the International Criminal Court and the Tánaiste has announced €13 million in humanitarian assistance funding for the Palestinian people, comprising €10 million for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick very much and I join with him and take the opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who work with homeless charities and the services they provide. We thank them for their work. They provide a very valuable service and support. When it comes to public funding and the State's response to homelessness, it is important that we ensure there is proper...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I should give the line Minister the opportunity to visit first.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I am sure the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, will come.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I think the Deputy and myself should have a chat off-line with regard to the organisation he has referred to, Save our Homeless Dundalk. The information I have is that there is not any record of an application for funding. Certainly, the Department is not aware of any application for funding so perhaps we can engage off-line. I will be happy to discuss it with the Deputy and to provide any...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The Government's position on this has been consistent and clear. The prosecutor of the ICC, Mr. Karim Khan, has reaffirmed that the investigation that is currently under way covers the current and ongoing conflict, including all events on and from 7 October this year. He is on record as saying that, so that is the position. In relation to...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: -----without a states party referral.