Results 8,361-8,380 of 33,175 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Reliefs (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together. When considering the introduction or extension of any tax relief, I must be mindful of the public finances and the many demands on the Exchequer. Tax reliefs, no matter how worthwhile in themselves, lead to a narrowing of the tax base. Under my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines, the introduction of new tax incentive measures, or...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Departmental Communications (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: I wish to indicate to the Deputy that I do not delete text messages or email correspondence related to Government or official communications. However, on occasion, I have deleted texts when they relate to minor operational matters which have been completely dealt with.

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Cycling Policy (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: Section 118(5G) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provides for the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme. This scheme provides an exemption from benefit-in-kind (BIK) where an employer purchases a bicycle and associated safety equipment for an employee. Under section 118B TCA 1997 an employer and employee may also enter into a salary sacrifice arrangement under which the...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Reliefs (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief in respect of qualifying health expenses. Section 469 defines "health expenses" as "expenses in respect of the provision of health care including the services of a practitioner". A practitioner is defined in the section as "any person who is: - a.registered in the register established under section 43 of the...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Inflation Rate (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 224 together. While Covid-19 had a deflationary impact both in Ireland and internationally last year, inflation has picked up since the beginning of this year. The annual rate of HICP inflation rose to 3 per cent in August – the highest rate since 2008. Similar trends have been observed across advanced economies, with inflation rates of 5.3,...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Economic Data (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: Prior to the pandemic Irish economic fundamentals were strong, with robust growth, a labour market close to full employment, and surpluses in the underlying current account and the public finances. The outbreak of the pandemic turned the economy on its head in the space of a few weeks however, with the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions resulting in a sharp contraction in economic activity...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: European Union (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: Measured by any objective international criterion, Ireland cannot be defined as a tax haven. Ireland’s corporate tax policy, and broader industrial strategy, has consistently focused on attracting real and substantive investment that brings jobs. Our competitive but fair corporation tax rate is just one small part of the story. This complements our highly educated workforce,...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: European Union (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 213, 214 and 228 together. Ireland’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis is now underway. Strong growth in the domestic economy was recorded in the second quarter of this year and domestic economic activity surpassed its pre-pandemic level for the first time since the start of the crisis. The global economy experienced the shock of the...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Fiscal Policy (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: I broadly concur with much of the assessment of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council in their pre-budget submission and I welcome their advice. As the document outlines, all indicators are that the economy is recovering strongly, and that we are in a much more favourable position than we were at this time last year. The vaccination programme has been extremely successful allowing the economy to...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Data (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: My Department has developed the Annual Taxation Report in order to provide a long-term, strategic perspective on the evolution of taxation receipts since the financial crisis. This allows for the sustainability of tax revenues to be actively monitored so as to minimise fiscal vulnerabilities. The most recent Report, published in August, demonstrates that Ireland’s tax system...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Fiscal Policy (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together. It is important to state at the outset that I have no direct role in setting fiscal policy in Northern Ireland. However, enhancing North-South cooperation and supporting the all-island economy is a priority for this Government, as set out in the Programme for Government. This is also articulated in the New Decade, New Approach...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Fiscal Policy (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: We approach Budget 2022in a much better position than we were this time last year. The economy has recovered rapidly, with the vaccination programme proving extraordinarily successful. However, there will, of course, be long-term effects from the pandemic, particularly in terms of employment. The most recent Exchequer returns showed a deficit of €6.7 billion was recorded to the end of...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Budget 2022 (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (Fiscal Council) has a mandate to provide a formal independent assessment of official budgetary forecasts, as well as providing its view on the Government’s fiscal stance in any given year. Most recently, the Council published its annual pre-Budget statement. As ever, this is valuable analysis and I welcome the Council's contribution at an early...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Economic Data (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: The Labour Force Survey, published by the Central Statistics Office on a quarterly basis, is the official source of labour market statistics for Ireland. It includes the official rates of employment which are based on International Labour Organisation (ILO) standardised concepts and definitions. The latest edition of the Labour Force Survey – issued on 23rd of June this year –...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Economic Data (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: My Department conducted a macroeconomic analysis of the labour market in April, as part of the Stability Programme Update (SPU) forecasting round. The labour market estimates as published in the SPU in April this year indicate that employment is estimated to return to its pre-pandemic levels during 2023. My Department’s approach to forecasting employment growth entails the application...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Inflation Rate (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 226 together. While Covid-19 had a deflationary impact both in Ireland and internationally last year, inflation has picked up since the beginning of this year. The annual rate of HICP inflation rose to 3 per cent in August – the highest rate since 2008. Similar trends have been observed across advanced economies, with inflation rates of 5.3,...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Inflation Rate (21 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: While Covid-19 had a deflationary impact last year, inflation has picked up since the beginning of this year. The annual rate of HICP inflation rate rose to 3 per cent in August – the highest rate since 2008. Similar trends have been observed across advanced economies, with inflation rates of 5.3, 3.2 and 3 per cent recorded in the US, UK and euro area in August. The increase in...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Primary Medical Certificates (16 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: The Disabled Drivers & Disabled Passengers Scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, as well as an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.   The Scheme is open to severely and permanently disabled persons as a driver or as a passenger and also to certain charitable organisations. In order to qualify...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Sports Organisations (16 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: Section 235 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides an exemption from income tax or corporation tax, as appropriate, for bodies which are established and existing for the sole purpose of promoting:  - an athletic game or an athletic sport, or  - an amateur game or an amateur sport. The exemption applies to that portion of the income of the “approved body” which has been...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Insurance Industry (16 Sep 2021)

Paschal Donohoe: It is my understanding that a high proportion of Irish property insurance policies include flood cover. This has been confirmed by a survey recently conducted by the Central Bank of Ireland. That being said, it is recognised that some householders in specific areas or due to certain circumstances are still experiencing difficulties in securing such cover. As such, I have asked my officials to...