Results 7,661-7,680 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill 2017: Report and Final Stages (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: Yes, but the Minister of State has already read into the record his note on the remainder of the amendments. On amendment No. 21, the key point is that the breach has to be relevant and, in effect, the suspension of the liability should not be allowed unless it is relevant and unless, as provided for in the Bill, the risk of a loss has occurred. If the breach has not increased the risk of a...

Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill 2017: Report and Final Stages (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: I move amendment No. 15: In page 14, line 19, to delete “less than €20,000” and substitute “less than €40,000”. These amendments relate to section 16, which deals limitations on deferring payment of claim until completion of works, etc., in the case of property contracts. In essence, it relates to amounts being retained by insurance companies...

Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill 2017: Report and Final Stages (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: I move amendment No. 16: In page 14, line 21, to delete “€20,000 or more” and substitute “€40,000 or more”.

Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill 2017: Report and Final Stages (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: I support the amendment. We need to move to a point where there is much more transparency in the insurance industry. Consumers should be given much more information. It has taken almost three years of a programme of reforms to get to a point where, since 1 November, in the case of motor insurance, the renewal documentation now shows how much the person paid last year. I welcome the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Banking Sector Staff (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: I refer to mortgage rates. In light of the comments of the deputy governor of the Central Bank, Ed Sibley, at the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland conference and those of the Minister on "Morning Ireland" today, I wish to raise two key issues. The first is the massive differential between Irish rates and European norms and the second is the unfavourable treatment of existing...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Insurance Costs (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: I wish to raise the case of the leisure industry, which is at the acute end of this crisis. With the withdrawal of Leisure-Insure from the Irish market, what steps are being taken to ensure that play centres, bouncy castle operators and outdoor activity centre owners will even have the option to renew insurance, leaving aside the question of the rate and the price which are other matters, so...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tax Code (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: I wish to come back in on that issue. There have been further problems this morning. That is the point I am making. The system was down again for a period this morning. Clearly, there are underlying issues and problems with the capacity of the online system to handle the number of submissions coming in at the same time. If they continue throughout the day, Revenue will have no option but...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tax Code (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: 33. To ask the Minister for Finance if he expects the Revenue Commissioners to bring forward new guidance on flat rate allowances; when he expects it to be brought forward; the measures he plans to ensure lower and middle income earners are not adversely affected by changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46675/19]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tax Code (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: My question is largely a repeat of the first priority question on the flat rate expenses allowance. I wish to add to the points I made earlier that my main concern is we will be presented late in the day with a fait accompli. Will there be a report we can interrogate? Will we have the opportunity to review the evidence and ask questions before any changes kick in? It is a reasonable...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tax Code (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Minister. With the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's indulgence, I will segue to another important issue. The Revenue online service, ROS, has again experienced problems this morning. My colleague, Deputy Brassil, raised the matter in the Chamber yesterday. I acknowledge that Revenue extended the deadline for online returns to 6 p.m. today. I am told that the problems have now been...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Insurance Costs (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: Will the Minister of State clarify what he is saying in respect of the personal injuries committee? As of now, we do not have a judicial council. This council is required to set up the personal injuries committee. Is the Minister of State saying that this committee will begin its work informally as soon as next week? Will he please clarify that matter? The Minister, Deputy Donohoe,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Insurance Costs (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: In recent days, Cork BMX Club has had to cancel an event because Cork City Council, which was to host the event, was not satisfied with the insurance cover offered by the parent body of the club. This is just a symptom of what is happening. The scale of this crisis is growing with each passing day. The Minister of State knows well that many businesses, when the time comes to renew their...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Insurance Costs (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: Straight away.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: Can the Minister confirm that it remains the position that these changes will come into effect on 1 January 2020? Will any changes that will come in not require the approval of either the Minister or this House? Has he any details regarding the nature of this consultation and engagement? Who has it been with? I imagine that it has been with the trade union bodies and employer...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Insurance Costs (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: 30. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the work of the cost of insurance working group with particular regard to compensation award levels and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46833/19]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: 28. To ask the Minister for Finance the position on the review of the flat rate expenses system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46832/19]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: I seek an update on the review being undertaken by the Revenue Commissioners on the flat rate expense allowance system, which is relevant for more than 600,000 workers. According to the Revenue website, the outcome of the review will mean that any change will come into effect on 1 January 2020. I seek an update for the House.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Tax Code (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: This is a significant issue for many workers. More than 600,000 workers availed of the flat rate expense allowance system in 2017, with gross claims of more than €160 million, which means a tax saved amount of €48 million. If we take an example such as miners working in Tara Mines, their allowances is €1,312 so their tax saving is more than €500 per annum. As...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: NAMA Operations (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: 55. To ask the Minister for Finance the role he envisages for NAMA in the period ahead; when he expects the agency to wind up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46672/19]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Brexit Documents (13 Nov 2019)

Michael McGrath: 56. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department has carried out an economic impact assessment of the draft withdrawal agreement agreed in October 2019 between the European Union and the UK Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46673/19]