Results 17,241-17,260 of 32,983 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Minor Works Scheme Applications (7 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: The Office of Public Works (OPW) has received no application from Mayo County Council for funding for works to construct a flood wall or to carry out remedial works on Sea Road, Belmullet. I am advised that localised flooding is a matter for the Local Authority in the first instance. However, it is open to the Local Authority to apply for OPW funding for viable flood mitigation measures...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff Remuneration (7 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have responsibility for non-pay terms and conditions in the Civil Service. Other Ministers have responsibility for such conditions in the various sectors of the wider public service. While I currently have no plans for the introduction of paid domestic violence leave in the Civil Service, there are a number of supports already in place to help...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Brexit Issues (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 112 and 113 together. I am advised by Revenue that they have had extensive engagement with businesses and trade representative bodies throughout the State over the last number of months to assist them in their preparations for Brexit. I am advised by Revenue that, subject to documentary evidence, a car dealer who has new vehicles in stock that...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Insurance Coverage (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. This position is...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Mortgage Lending (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: Following a public consultation process, the Central Bank introduced enhanced mortgage switching and transparency rules to the Consumer Protection Code 2012 (the Code) by means of the Addendum which became effective from 1 January 2019: (www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/consumer- protection/other-codes-of-conduct/addendum-to-consumer-prote...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Financial Services Sector (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I am advised that the majority of hire purchase agreements, such as PCPs, are provided to consumers through credit intermediaries. Under the Consumer Credit Act 1995, credit intermediaries are authorised by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the CCPC advises that, when performing intermediary functions, credit intermediaries are required to disclose certain...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Insurance Costs (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As the Deputy is aware, the Cost of Insurance Working Group is chaired by the Minister of State for Financial Services and Insurance, Mr. Michael D’Arcy T.D., and has produced two primary reports, the 2017 Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance (“Motor Report”) and the 2018 Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance (“EL/PL Report”). Work...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Personal Injury Claims (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: Allegations of companies engaging in what has been termed as ‘claims harvesting’ practices were brought up during the Cost of Insurance Working Group’s consultation process, as well as through representations and Parliamentary Questions submitted by, for instance, the Alliance for Insurance Reform and the Deputy himself previously. The Department’s Insurance...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Revenue Commissioners (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I am advised by Revenue that, in relation to tax reliefs for ‘young trained farmers’, different verification procedures may be applied depending on whether the particular course is a course approved by Teagasc, with qualifications awarded by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland, or a course with qualifications awarded directly by third-level...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Tax Code (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 to 96, inclusive, together. Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax (SSDT) was introduced on 1 May 2018 and applies when sugar sweetened drinks are first supplied in the State. SSDT applies on a volumetric basis at one of two rates, dependent on the total sugar content of the ‘ready to consume’ form of the sugar sweetened drink: €16.26 per...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: VAT Rate Application (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together. VAT is governed by the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. The VAT treatment of food and drink in Ireland is varied and has developed over time. Most basic foods apply at the zero rate under an historical derogation from the normal VAT rules. Catered food primarily applies at the 13.5% reduced rate, including hot...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Tax Code (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As the Deputy is aware, there are, in all, three separate lifetime CAT Group thresholds based on the relationship of the beneficiary to the disponer. I would say that there has been changes to the three threholds in recent times. In Budget 2017, the Group A threshold which generally applies to gifts to or ineritances by children, adopted children and some foster children, was increased...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Motor Insurance Data (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 101 together. As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. My Department does not collect the type of information being sought by the Deputy. As the day to day supervision of insurance undertakings is a matter for the Central Bank of Ireland, my officials consulted with the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Motor Insurance Data (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. My Department does not collect the type of information being sought by the Deputy. As the day to day supervision of insurance undertakings is a matter for the Central Bank of Ireland, my officials consulted with he Bank in respect of the information sought and it has...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Motor Insurance Data (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. My Department does not collect the type of information being sought by the Deputy. As the day to day supervision of insurance undertakings is a matter for the Central Bank of Ireland, my officials have consulted with the Central Bank in respect of the information sought and...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I am advised by the Central Bank of Ireland that within the remit of their responsibilities for safeguarding stability and protecting consumers, its approach to mortgage arrears resolution is focused on ensuring the fair treatment of borrowers through a strong consumer protection framework and ensuring that lenders have appropriate arrears resolution strategies and operations in place. ...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Budget Contribution (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: For the years 2020 to 2023, as part of Budget 2019, my Department has forecasted contributions of €2.9bn, €3.1bn, €3.2bn and €3.4bn respectively. Further to this, for the year 2024, my Department has forecasted a contribution of €3.5bn. As part of the Stability Programme Update, these forecasts will be updated in the coming weeks. However, it is worth noting...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Insurance Compensation Fund (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: Setanta Insurance ("Setanta") was placed into liquidation by the Malta Financial Services Authority on 30 April 2014. As it was a Maltese incorporated company, the liquidation is being carried out under Maltese law. The Deputy will be aware that the Insurance (Amendment) Act 2018 (Act 21 of 2018) was enacted in July 2018. The Act inter alia provides for revised arrangements for the...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: EU Directives (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: As Minister for Finance, my Department's role in relation to pensions policy primarily relates to the use of tax policy to incentivise retirement savings. In addition, I have responsibility for overall macroeconomic policy and fiscal sustainability. I think it's important to point out that individuals are incentivised to save for retirement through tax policy measures. The Taxes Consolidation...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Home Loan Scheme (12 Mar 2019)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 116 together. I understand the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is presently carrying out an internal review of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme. As part of this review there are discussions ongoing between the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform, and...