Results 1,721-1,740 of 6,295 for speaker:Michael D'Arcy

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: Before I start, I will put on the record information I have that is contrary to what Members have been saying about the quantum of properties involved. There are three REITs in Ireland. In relation to activity within the property market, of the three REITs, I-RES is the only one that has concentrated on residential property. I-RES has approximately 2,450 apartments. As of May 2017, the...

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: The report referred to by Deputy Burton explored gambling behaviour in Ireland, specifically the issue of problem gambling and its impact on the individual, the gambler's relationships with social connections, and the wider impact of problem gambling behaviour on community and society. In a significant move in the area of regulating betting services, the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015...

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: Yes.

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I never question anybody's integrity in this House but Deputy Doherty raised the question of me misleading the House. The figures which I have in front of me are very clear. They show that 53% of properties are less than €300,000 in value, showing that the money is targeted at first-time buyers buying average-price property throughout the nation. The next 30% is between...

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: Similar to previous reports, it will be concluded before the budget and as quickly as possible. I have to consult with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, to put in place the structure and there will be a cost implication of such a scheme. It will be done in advance of the budget and a proper analysis will be done.

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I accept the point.

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: The Deputies will be aware that the help-to-buy initiative has been in operation since January 2017. It is designed to assist first-time buyers with obtaining the deposit required to purchase or build their first homes. With a view towards increasing the supply of new housing, the relief is only available in respect of new build or self-build properties. Following its introduction in...

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I move amendment No. 11:In page 14, line 25, to delete "pharmaceutical,". Amendments Nos. 11 to 20 relate to the new key employee engagement programme, KEEP, introduced in budget 2018. KEEP is an SME focused share-option programme, intended to help small, growing companies to attract and retain key staff. It operates by providing that any gains realised on the exercise of qualifying KEEP...

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: Yes.

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: While it sounds like a negative it is a positive.

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: Yes.

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: The Deputy's amendment refers to the income tax exemption limits available to taxpayers aged over 65 years. Such individuals whose income is below the relevant exemption limit are not liable to income tax. The current annual exemption limits for people aged 65 and over are €18,000 for an individual and €36,000 for a married couple or a couple in a civil partnership. The...

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I hear what the Deputy is saying and do not want to repeat what he just said. I would make the point that those who have the capacity to earn more than €36,000 have the benefit of the reduction in the USC and the extension of the point at which people pay the higher rate of income tax. We are aware of the matter and we are also aware that, as time passes, it is eaten into as it...

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I move amendment No. 6:In page 12, line 24, to delete “after” and substitute “before”. Amendments No. 6 and 7 amend section 8 which provides that where an employee of a health or dental insurer, or of a tied health insurance agent, receives a health or dental insurance policy in the course of his or her employment, any discount received on the policy shall be a...

Finance Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I move amendment No. 7:In page 13, to delete lines 20 to 22 and substitute the following:“(4) Where an amount is treated as emoluments in a year of assessment under this section—(a) for the purposes of section 470, the amount (referred to in this subsection and subsection (5) as the ‘notional payment amount’) shall be treated as if it was an amount paid—(i)...

Topical Issue Debate: EU Bodies (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I will not have a conversation about FDI. Perhaps we could have that conversation if the Deputy tabled another Topical Issue matter. I do not say this very often, but I am absolutely satisfied that there was nothing more we could have done. To be frank, we pulled out all the stops. Everybody who was asked to participate did so really well. Many people did not believe we were in the race...

Topical Issue Debate: EU Bodies (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I thank the Deputy for his questions. I have a script, but I will not read it. Instead, I will discuss what we went through for a few minutes and then answer the Deputy's questions. Approximately two months ago, I started what was effectively a road trip. In that time, I have been to 16 European countries. This was done to put boots on the ground, meet finance Ministers and try to put...

Topical Issue Debate: EU Bodies (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I try.

Seanad: Tracker Mortgages: Statements (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: I thank Senators for raising the important issue of tracker mortgages. The fair treatment of customers is a key requirement of the financial services regulatory framework and of the Central Bank consumer protection code. The code requires all residential mortgage lenders to act honestly and fairly in the best interests of their customers and not to mislead customers about the products they...

Seanad: Tracker Mortgages: Statements (22 Nov 2017)

Michael D'Arcy: Can I clarify at what time we are finishing?