Paschal Donohoe
Dublin Central · Ireland
“I raise the importance of our economy and funding of public services, and a particularly vital public service referenced in the programme for Government. I do so from the seat in Dáil Éireann that I first pursued and held in 2011.”
“I am proud of the investment we have made through our local authorities in recent years in the funding, and opening, of new libraries. They are cradles of decency. They are beacons of light in a world in which things are changing so much.”
“I thank my own team, who have worked so closely with me over so many years to allow me to do my work as a Minister and a representative of Dublin Central. I acknowledge that this is a complex and tough week for them, and I thank them for all they have done for me to allow me to do the work I have been trusted and privileged to do.”
“I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for his support in the many committees I have appeared in front of that he has chaired and the relentless but always fair way in which he has discharged his duties. I wish everybody in this Dáil happiness, health and success in representing their constituents.”
“31 of 1999), which provides for a stamp duty to be levied on health insurance contracts that are entered into or renewed between authorised insurers and their customers in each quarter, be amended in the manner and to the extent specified in the Act giving effect to this Resolution. 19.”
“39 of 1997), which provides for tax exemptions for a unit trust which neither is, nor is deemed to be, an authorised unit trust scheme, be amended in the manner and to the extent specified in the Act giving effect to this Resolution. 7. THAT section 291A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (No.”
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“On the one hand, I have heard calls from many saying that local authorities need more power but, on the other, when it comes to the tax that gives them more power than many other taxes that this House considers and legislates for, those same people are against it. I look forward to debating that inconsistency on the later Stages of this Bill. Fourth, there is an idea that the local property tax is not progressive. In particular, the point is made that even if it takes account of the value of a home, it does not take account of the income associated with that home. I accept that this is an important point. It is the reason we have waivers in place and why this Bill increases the income thresholds by which some can access waivers. The latter is because we appreciate that for those on low incomes, this can be a very difficult tax to pay.”
“My colleague the Minister for housing and local government, Deputy Browne, is looking at issues relating to this and is conducting a review. However, there are few things that will contribute more to the underdevelopment of local authorities in the time ahead than abolishing the tax that local councillors have a say in spending part of. One of the reasons we had to make a decision to ask the Oireachtas to consider this Bill more quickly is in order that we can fit in with the needs of local authorities, from a public consultation perspective, so that their views can be considered on how the local property tax can be spent.”
“We have widened the bands and cut the core rate of LPT to ensure that the vast majority of homeowners will still be within the same local property tax band that they were in the past. While this does mean that even if the band they are in remains unchanged they will be asked to pay a higher local property tax charge, by widening the band and reducing the rate the Government has made great efforts to try to help ensure that the additional local property tax charge that will result from this Bill will be affordable for as many people as possible. Third, we have heard the criticism that there is not enough power residing with local authorities. I accept that we have to make more decisions and look at how we can make local authorities even more autonomous and powerful.”
“Second is the idea that the local property tax is unaffordable for many and that is an unfair charge. Let me acknowledge, as I have done on many occasions, the impact that inflation is having and that cost-of-living difficulties in recent years have had and continue to have on so many. However, at each point at which the re-evaluation of the local property tax has taken place, real efforts have been made to ensure that as we ask people to pay more - and pay more with regard to their homes, which is always a sensitive point - we have made great efforts to try to ensure that the additional charge is affordable and is below the rate at which the value of homes has increased. This Bill continues that approach.”
“People cannot say that they want to get rid of local property tax and that things can be funded from other taxes we are collecting when those other taxes are already being used to fund public services and when the Opposition often states that there need to be more public services paid for out of those taxes. I put it to the House that there is a real case of wanting more of something – and we all want more houses and services to be coming out of our local authorities – and then people wanting to abolish a tax that helps pay for what they are seeking. I do not think that is credible. The country has already seen through it. When we face so many challenges in our society and when we need to fund public services better, the argument put forward does not stand up to scrutiny.”
“On one hand, we are saying that local authorities need more money and that more money needs to be spent on housing, but then the same speakers who make that charge argue the local property tax should be abolished. I put it to the House that it is difficult to do both. One cannot argue that local authorities should get more money and at the same time argue that the local property tax that helps fund them should be abolished. The argument will then be made that we are collecting taxes in other areas, but those taxes are being spent. They are being spent on public services as matters stand, so you cannot double count it.”
“There were six main areas of criticism: first, that the charges are unaffordable; second, that not enough power resides with the local authorities; third, that local authorities do not have enough money; fourth, that the Bill is not progressive; fifth, people criticised how local authorities are funded, particularly in the context of the equalisation fund; and, sixth, the role played by investment funds and private capital was criticised. I will begin with the third point, namely that local authorities do not have enough funding. As I do so, I am very conscious that there is a protest taking place outside the Dáil. Members of the Opposition parties are going out to address those taking part and calling for more to be done on funding.”
“I thank everyone who contributed to this debate. I took careful note of the points the 24 speakers have made. I will begin by thanking Members from the Government benches and elsewhere who voiced support for the Bill and who recognised the important role the local property tax plays in supporting public services and funding local authorities. I appreciate their support. As that support is a given I will spend much of my time dealing with the different critiques that have been made of this legislation and the local property tax.”
“It will give homeowners and local authorities stability and certainty regarding LPT for the next five years. I thank the Deputies for their attention to this Bill and I look forward to hearing their contributions across the evening.”
“It is also to ensure Revenue has enough time to contact the approximately 1.4 million property owners to advise them of their obligations in respect of evaluation. In light of the tight timelines for passing this Bill, I wrote to the Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the Taoiseach to ask for a waiver of pre-legislative scrutiny for this Bill. I thank the Chair for granting this waiver. Together with my Government colleagues, I sought to deliver on our programme for Government commitments to ensure fairness and stability in local property tax, LPT, payments. By asking property owners to pay a small amount more, we project this will deliver an additional €45 million in yield for LPT which will go towards local services.”
“Deputies will also know that I introduced a financial resolution in April this year to extend the temporary reduction in VAT on gas and electricity charges. This was due to expire on 30 April and revert to the original 13.5% rate from 1 May. The financial resolution extended the measure to 31 October 2025. The Bill provides the required legislative basis to underpin the financial resolution. As previously outlined, the estimated cost of this extension was €85 million. I will handle all VAT-related issues after that point as part of the normal budget process. It is important for this Bill to be enacted before the summer recess. This is to ensure Revenue has enough time to implement the necessary IT changes to support the changes this Bill is making.”
“During its preliminary review of the legislation, a potential avoidance issue arose and an amendment was identified that would broaden the criteria whereby entities are considered to be associated with and, as such, inside the scope of defensive measures. Section 12 provides for a technical amendment to extend the definition of "associated entities" to include entities that are associated by reference to the ownership or control by the same individuals, or individuals connected with those individuals, within the meaning of section 10 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. This update to the legislation will ensure it operates as intended and future NRRP funding requests will not be hindered.”
“The Bill also contains two sections that relate to other taxation matters. The Finance (No.2) Act 2023 introduced defensive measures in relation to outbound payments of interest, royalties and distributions, including dividends, to jurisdictions on the EU list of non-co-operative jurisdictions for tax purposes and no-tax and zero-tax jurisdictions to counter aggressive tax planning. The passing of this legislation was listed as one of the four tax-related matters in Ireland's national recovery and resilience plan, NRRP, and was the final one to be completed. My Department subsequently notified the European Commission of the implementation of the reform.”
“However, the scheme has now been amended to include counties Clare, Limerick and Sligo since the LPT was last amended in 2021. These sections will ensure that homes in these additional counties eligible for the scheme are also eligible for a six-year LPT exemption. Section 9 allows eircodes to become a mandatory field in LPT returns. This will help in eliminating errors such as written correspondence issuing to the wrong property as a result of identical or similar addresses. Section 6 sets the duration of the upcoming valuation period to five years, commencing in 2026 and ending in 2030, with future valuation periods also lasting five years. This will help to provide certainty to homeowners on their LPT charges, while ensuring properties continue to be revalued on a frequent basis. The next revaluation will be on 1 November 2030.”
“It will also ensure that homeowners with a disability who have had their homes adapted to make them more suitable and whose homes are worth more as a result of these adaptations can avail of a reduced valuation band and, ultimately, pay the LPT charge that would be due if they had not made the necessary adaptations. Returning to the main provisions of the Bill, sections 4, 5 and 11 relate to the six-year exemption from LPT for homes damaged as a result of the use of defective concrete blocks. The six-year exemption currently only applies to properties in counties Donegal and Mayo, as provided for in the Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020.”
“When this was identified, my Department requested the Revenue to allow a reduction in the chargeable value of €87,500 on an administrative basis to ensure a reduction of one valuation band for impacted taxpayers, and that has been the practice since then. As part of this Bill, the valuation bands will be widened to €105,000. The second amendment I am proposing will reduce the chargeable value of a property by this amount for homes that have been adapted in this manner and where the conditions are met. This will ensure that the administrative practice in place since 2021 will be put on a legislative footing.”
“This concerns the partial relief on LPT for a property adapted for use by a person with a disability. The Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 provides for a reduction of €50,000 in the chargeable value of a property for homes that have been adapted in this matter. This is equivalent to the differences in LPT valuation bands between 2013 and 2021. The policy objective of this is to ensure that disabled homeowners whose properties have realised an increase in value due to necessary adaptations having been made are not liable to a higher LPT charge as a result of these changes. While the bands were widened in 2021 to €87,400, the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021 did not introduce a corresponding amendment to the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012. This was due to a drafting oversight.”
“Given the likelihood of when this Bill will be enacted, enough time would not be available for local authorities to undertake the public consultation required on the increase to 25%, hold the necessary meetings and notify the Revenue with the time now available. Additionally, many local authorities have made the LAF decision for next year under the current provision of a maximum increase of 15%. In light of the time available, it is not now possible for them to revoke the previous decisions made and conclude a new LAF process. For these reasons, and after consultation with the Minister, Deputy Browne, I intend to seek a deferral of this provision by one year on Committee Stage. I also wish to highlight a second amendment of a more technical nature that I intend to introduce on Committee Stage.”
“The Minister for housing has outlined the significant administrative challenges for local authorities if the changes come into effect for 2026. The amendment I will propose will defer the introduction of the increase to 25% for one year to 2027. In a revaluation year, local authorities are required to notify the Revenue of their LAFs by 31 August. As county councillors do not meet in August, this means decisions must be made by the end of July. Before the LAF meeting, local authorities are required to hold a public consultation of 30 days, prepare a report on this consultation and a financial report for elected members a week before the meeting.”
“The 2019 interdepartmental review of LPT recommended that these income thresholds be reviewed regularly with reference to movements in the consumer price index, wage growth in the economy and changes in fixed-income payments by the State. These changes have been made considering all these factors and the high inflation of recent years. Section 8 proposes a change to the local adjustment factor, LAF. Local authorities have discretion to adjust the LPT rate collected in their areas up or down by 15%. The Bill as published would allow local authorities to vary the LPT upwards by up to 25% from 2026 onwards. This will provide local authorities with greater flexibility in relation to the LPT yield for their respective areas. I wish to highlight that I intend to bring forward an amendment to this section on Committee Stage.”
“The changes we are making are fair and progressive. LPT charges will increase by 5% or 6% for homes valued under €1.26 million. Homes valued between €1.26 million and €2.1 million will see their base charges increase by 7% to 14%. The increases are modest but will yield an additional €45 million in revenue that will provide important funding for local services. Section 10 provides for an increase in the income thresholds for LPT deferrals to be increased to €25,000 for a single person or €40,000 for a couple. It also provides that the income threshold for a partial deferral be increased to €40,000 for a single person and to €55,000 for a couple.”
“The basic rate of LPT, which applies to all properties valued up to €1.26 million, is to be reduced from 0.1029% to 0.0906%. This will result in an increase in base LPT charges because the LPT charge is calculated on the basis of the midpoint of the valuation band, and midpoints increase as a result of band widening. The fixed charges for bands 1 and 2 will be increased from €90 to €95 for band 1 and from €225 to €235 for band 2. Properties valued between €1.26 million and €2.1 million will be charged at 0.0906% on the first €1.26 million, with a subsequent 0.25% on the balance of a midpoint value in excess of €1.26 million. Properties in band 2 will be charged on individual property values as before, namely 0.0906% on the first €1.26 million, 0.25% between €1.26 million and €2.1 million and 0.3% on the balance.”
“If revaluation of properties were to proceed without any amendments to the bands or rates, the yield from LPT would increase by one quarter. Approximately 70% of properties would move up at least one band. In light of the programme for Government commitment, and to avoid a significant increase in LPT liabilities for householders, this Bill proposes to the amend the charging structure for LPT, and to make a number of other important administrative and technical amendments. Section 7 is the most noteworthy aspect of the Bill, which is the provision to amend the charging structure of LPT. The new approach maintains the number of bands at 20, with all bands being expanded by 20%. Revenue modelling predicts that 96% of homeowners will remain in their existing band.”
“The Act also provided that the next revaluation would take place on 1 November 2025. According to the Central Statistics Office, property prices have increased by more than 20% nationally since November 2021. The largest growth in property values has been experienced in Border, midland and western regions, with average inflation of 33% recorded. Average property price growth in Dublin, for all types of residential properties, was 18%. The programme for Government commitment in relation to LPT was to "ensure fairness and stability in Local Property Tax payments and continue to retain revenue collected locally in the same local authority." Analysis from the Revenue statistics branch has shown the expected yield from LPT under 2021 valuations for this year would be €566 million.”
“The first one occurred in 2021. In July 2021, the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021 was enacted and made a number of important changes. These included a revised method for calculating LPT liabilities, regular revaluations and the bringing of new properties into the LPT charge. It ceased certain exemptions, increased income thresholds and decreased the interest rate for deferrals and included a number of administrative and technical reforms. These changes had a significant impact. More properties were brought into the scope of the tax which broadens the base. The 2021 Act provides for the inclusion of new properties for LPT purposes on 1 November each year. In 2020, there was €480 million collected in LPT. This increased to €521 million in 2023, an increase of 9%.”
“I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The local property tax is due for revaluation on 1 November of this year. I am introducing this Bill to make a number of important changes to the structure of the local property tax so that they can take effect from this date, in line with the commitment given in the programme for Government. This tax was introduced in 2012. The design of it was considered by an interdepartmental group chaired by Dr. Don Thornhill. It became payable in 2013. This was the largest extension of self-assessment in the history of the State. It is now well embedded within our tax system. It has broadened our tax base, and has now brought in approximately €6 billion for local services since its introduction in 2013. This year will mark the second revaluation of LPT since it was introduced.”
“The recognition by others of Ireland's position as an independent State eventually led to the establishment of a peaceful nation over a century ago. We believe that our recognition of Palestinian statehood will contribute to peace and to reconciliation ultimately but obviously there is a long journey ahead. The people of Gaza deserve peace, a peace that honours their legitimate aspirations to live with respect, justice, security and dignity, free from violence and the threat of violence. These are expectations that have been grievously harmed and not delivered to date. This is why we will work tirelessly with them to help achieve peace but I respectfully contend that the motion proposed today would not play a role in making this happen.”
“Let me be clear that what I am called upon to do in the motion, similar to the proposal tabled recently by Sinn Féin, would be unworkable, would contravene EU law and would not achieve its intended objective. It is important to distinguish between what I accept to be an absolutely well-intentioned and thoughtful proposal of an action which I believe we would not be able to implement in the way the Opposition calls for, and the concrete actions the Government is taking. This is why the Government will move a motion today which calls out the appalling situation the Palestinian people are facing and highlights the work we are doing, and will continue to do, to make a difference and effect real change.”
“As I have outlined previously in the House, the Government has been advised that previous calls to permit the Central Bank to disregard EU financial services legislation would not be consistent with EU law, would undermine our obligations as an EU member state and would be open to legal challenge. In addition, an action such as this is not consistent with the efforts we have made to build up consensus by working with other countries together. It is by continuing to build up a group of countries in the EU and globally that Ireland, an island of our size and scale, has the opportunity to make such a difference to a tragedy we are all united in condemning. The advice I have referred to was received from the Attorney General.”
“It does not endorse the issuer or the securities by way of approval. Neither the issuer, which is the State of Israel in this case, nor the product becomes regulated or endorsed as a result of this assessment. Specifically, the motion calls on the Government to undermine the independence of the Central Bank and does not make clear, and gives a wrong interpretation of, the role of the Central Bank in carrying out its function as required under EU law. The motion calls on the Government to implement immediately legislation that I believe would be unworkable.”
“A clear majority of member states have now sent a strong signal as to the need for Israel to change, to halt military operations and to lift the blockade on lifesaving aid. It is essential that we continue our diplomatic efforts to deliver this. That leads us on to the detail of the motion before us today. The Central Bank is an independent and apolitical financial regulator. It is a cornerstone of our financial policy. During some discussions in this House, the role of the Central Bank in respect of Israeli bonds has been mischaracterised. I will again set the record straight to ensure the bank's role is clearly understood. The Central Bank does not issue, sell, trade, list or oversee Israeli bonds. Its role under EU legislation is to assess a prospectus to ensure it meets all requirements of the law in that area.”
“This is the use of a voice to make a difference accompanied by the other measures we have put in place, particularly our efforts with regard to a two-state solution and the work we will be doing in the forthcoming UN high-level conference on implementing the two-state solution in New York this June. We are very hopeful and will be using this meeting to make the case for what could be a very important moment for the international community. This work is yielding results. We welcome the announcement by the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union that the association agreement with Israel is to be reviewed. This is a crucial step that Ireland and Spain first called for in February of last year.”
“With regard to laws that are in place and the work the Government is doing, we used our diplomatic role and our voice when we filed a declaration of intervention in the case taken by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice last January. Our declaration was based on careful and detailed legal analysis aimed at supporting the strictest interpretation of the Genocide Convention, and promoting the maximum level of protection possible for citizens. We have also been unequivocal in calling for the full implementation of the binding preliminary measures issued by the ICJ in South Africa's case against Israel under the convention. The reason I emphasise this to the House today is that this is the work we are doing. This is the diplomatic action we are taking.”
“This has to strengthen the commitment and work of the Government to ensure that more is done within international law. The Government is working relentlessly with partners and others to effect the type of change Israel may not be able to ignore. It is vital work and our efforts are making a difference but I accept they need to deliver more. We are approaching the tragedy that is unfolding in Gaza with principled conviction but also a recognition of the realities we face. We have to build up a diplomatic coalition to achieve more and we also have to be conscious of laws that are already in place, which is why we are moving this countermotion today.”
“I will make reference to what is contained within the countermotion, which is not just the words of the Government, which I accept are recognised here today, but, more importantly, the actions of the Government in responding to the appalling suffering. The amendment lays out the financial support that has been made available to the people of Palestine and our support for organisations such as UNRWA and the work of the United Nations. It also lays out very clearly the work Ireland is involved in at a diplomatic level between countries and within international organisations to call for and make efforts to ensure Israel's compliance with international law. We stress the importance of international law when it comes to the suffering of the most vulnerable. To date, Israel has ignored these calls.”
“There have been many references to international law in the opening statements, all of which I agree with. Despite the human feelings I have and the determination of the Government of Ireland to respond to this, I have to recognise the law with regard to the European Union and the law that recognises the independent operation of the Central Bank of Ireland. I have to be cognisant of that in decisions that I make and in my reaction to the motion being proposed by our colleagues in the Social Democrats and the legislation put forward by Sinn Féin. In opening my response to the motion this morning, I will again outline my utter condemnation for what is befalling the people of Gaza.”
“I will begin by recognising the genuine intent behind this motion and by again pointing out that there are far more issues that we agree on than we disagree on when it comes to our response to the horror of what is happening in Gaza. I am not going to make charges of naivety at anybody in the Social Democrats who is proposing this motion. Like them, I am moved by the appalling scenes we see every day on our phones and on television. However, if I refrain from making a charge of naivety against the Members and they accept my compassion and reaction to the awful scenes we see every day as being genuine, I ask that they refrain from making charges regarding complicity or collaboration in what I acknowledge to be an appalling tragedy unfolding on the people of Gaza.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dail Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that, the Government: — condemns the renewed Israeli military offensive and plans to establish full control of the Gaza Strip; — urges all parties to return to talks aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal; — recalls that Ireland repeatedly condemned the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas and other terrorist groups on Israel on 7th October, 2023, and has consistently called for the unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza and reiterates calls for their immediate release; and — condemns Israel's blockade of humanitarian and commercial supplies for Gaza, imposed on 2nd March, which has rapidly deepened the hunger crisis in Gaza; and in this context, further notes: — that the Government will continue to work intensively with partners to exert pressure, to allow a full resumption of aid in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles, and to enable the United Nations (UN) and humanitarian organisations to work independently and do their job; — that the Government will progress legislation prohibiting the import of goods from Israeli settlements; — that the Government will continue to demonstrate leadership at European Union (EU) level, including through pressing for meaningful follow-up to the review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the Association Agreement; — that Ireland is among a core group of states that has tabled a draft Resolution for adoption at the Resumed 10th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly on 12th June; — that the Government will continue its intensive engagement at the UN, including through co-chairing, with Türkiye, one of eight working groups at the forthcoming UN High Level Conference in June; and — Ireland filed a Declaration of Intervention at the International Court of Justice in South Africa's case against Israel under the Genocide Convention on 6th January, the Court's ruling on the admissibility of the intervention is awaited, following which it is intended to make substantive submissions; deplores that as of 4th June, the UN has reported that at least 54,600 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, over 23,000 of whom are women and children; is gravely concerned that the latest assessment by the Infection Prevention and Control global hunger monitor, that the entire population of Gaza is facing high levels of food insecurity, with half a million people facing starvation; recalls that: — in January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that the Palestinian people in Gaza had 'plausible right' to be protected from acts of genocide and related prohibited acts identified in Article III of the Genocide Convention and that there was a 'real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused' to that right, before the ICJ gives its final decision in the case; — in June 2024, the UN Human Rights Council's International Commission of Inquiry on Palestine found that, in its investigation into the attack of 7th October, 2023, the Commission found that members of Hamas, other Palestinian armed groups and Palestinian civilians, had committed war crimes, as well as violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, it also found that, in its operations in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 7th October, 2023, Israeli authorities and members of the Israeli security forces had committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and these included, the war crime of wilful killing and mistreatment, and the crime against humanity of extermination; — the Genocide Convention requires States to undertake 'to prevent and to punish genocide'; — in July 2024, an ICJ advisory opinion declared that Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful, and must be brought to an end as rapidly as possible; — the same ICJ advisory opinion declared that Israel is in 'breach of Article 3' of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which it is obliged to prevent and prohibit all practices of racial segregation and apartheid in territories under its jurisdiction; and — arrest warrants have been requested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor for key Israeli officials, the Prime Minister and former Minister of Defence, in respect of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity; deeply regrets the UN Security Council's failure to pass a resolution to demand the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza; emphasise the importance of: — the review by the EU of Israel's compliance with its obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement; — the forthcoming UN High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution; and — commits to working to deliver these; further states that: — Ireland has provided over €88 million in support of the people of Palestine since January 2023, of which more than €76 million has been provided since October 2023; and — this includes €58 million for UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees since 2023, to support its programmes in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon; and acknowledges that: — the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) is independent in its function; — the CBI does not issue, sell, trade, list or oversee Israel bonds; — the CBI's role, under EU legislation, is to assess the bond prospectus to ensure that it includes all the disclosure requirements of the EU Prospectus Regulation, however in the act of approving a bond prospectus, the CBI does not endorse the issuer or the securities; — in regard to the Prospectus Regulation, it is up to the third-party sovereign to choose one EU Member State to apply to for approval of its prospectus, and the National Competent Authority in the chosen Member State is then legally obliged to discharge the relevant duties within the Prospectus Regulation; — the CBI has clearly stated that an Advisory Opinion of the ICJ, or indeed the processes of the ICC does not constitute grounds for the CBI to refuse the prospectus of the Israel Bond Programme; and — the Government has received advice from the Attorney General that recently proposed legislation to introduce 'restrictive measures' was not compatible with our obligations as Members of the EU and in conflict with Article 215 and Article 63 Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.".”
“In that context, I refer to the work the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Deputy Chambers is doing in respect of the national development plan, the work of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Burke, and the important work of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Lawless.”
“I agree with the Deputy. As he stated, this is an important achievement that the Government has to try to sustain. The Ireland in which I began my education did not have this level of employment. There is much we know we need to do better on and every TD on the Government benches is aware of the difficulties that we face and that we committed to trying to deal with. At the same time, having so many people at work is not only good for those in the jobs, it also creates the resources we need. Those resources, in turn, allow us to invest and spend. That is why the Government has number of decisions ahead of it.”
“I am convinced that these continue to be: having a stable economy in which people have confidence and in which we can continue to invest; avoid significant cutbacks in or changes to how we spend the country's money; and looking at particular measures that will help the growth of various sectors, from tourism right through to the big employers that make such a difference to our country and that we are going to have to work hard to support.”
“We need to look at all policies available to the Government in order to see how to make more progress in this area. Having been out and about with the Deputy a number of months ago in many of the towns in the constituency he represents, I am aware of the variety of employers located there. Due to the fact that we now have such a diverse set of employers in Ireland, we need to take a step back and identify the broad things we can do to help them all.”
“That is an example of a State agency that plays a really important role in skill development within our economy and then direct employment. We need to look at all of this now when the global environment is beginning to change so much.”
“He will be in here shortly after me to discuss the review of the national development plan. I point to the work the Minister, Deputy Burke, is doing on the competitiveness of our economy. That is hugely important. I recognise the work he is putting in, particularly in support of smaller businesses. Then there is the work the Minister, Deputy Lawless, is doing on higher and further education and how we can have the right level of skills within our economy and look to develop and to change that as technology begins to change our economies overall. This high level of employment is a really precious gain in our economy overall. We have to look at the contribution that all agencies of our State can make to contribute to it. I see our colleague here, the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, who will talk about the Office of Public Works.”
“Regrettably, the background that helped Ireland create that level of employment for those who live in our country was a consensus as regards the rules of global trade and global taxation, a belief that if we integrate with one another through trade, that can deliver mutually beneficial gains for economies by getting more people at work. The House will be well aware that that is now being contested and that President Trump is taking a very different view with regard to trade. What we are now trying to do is, first, through the European Union, negotiate with the United States to see if we can get a different outcome and an agreement on this and, second, within our own economy, look at the measures we can take that will sustain these high levels of employment. I point to the work the Minister, Deputy Chambers, is now doing.”
“I am sure the Deputy will remember - I certainly do - other times when persistently high levels of unemployment in Ireland were an issue that government after government really struggled to make progress on. It was the subject of much debate, research and analysis, why unemployment was so high in Ireland and why we could not get it down, with all the social misery that was then caused by that. While I know there is still much that we need to improve on in our country, to see so many people at work is so important. Behind every one of those 2.8 million people is the dignity of being work, the reward you get from it and then the obvious contribution to your own living standards. As to where we are and what that means for the global environment we are in, that is the main challenge the Government faces economically.”
“I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 21 together. It is always a privilege to be here as regularly as I am to answer the important questions Deputies put to me and to respond to the Dáil. I want to highlight where we are from a jobs point of view in Ireland. It is a really positive development in our economy overall. Total employment in the last year alone went up by 90,000 people, with the total number of people at work in our country now exceeding 2.8 million. The unemployment rate now stands at 4%, while the number of women at work is at a record high. The number of young people at work within our economy is at a very high level as well.”
“I would be reluctant to give that commitment to the Deputy here today because I would need to consider whether that would have any unintended consequences regarding policies we have on the legal tender of cash. That is now being developed within the European Union. As I said to the Deputy, I will look at the matter. I want to ensure that citizens do not in any way feel excluded from our financial system. I cannot help but notice the growing number of shops and cafés I walk into that say "card only". That is not at all a problem for the Deputy or me, but there are some within our society for whom that can be a problem and, as I said, I do not want to see that happen.”
“I will look at that issue. I am struck, despite what I said, by the number of premises I now walk into, like shops and cafés, that say "card only". I can understand completely the benefits they get in that regard. There are benefits to the economy overall as well in being able to record transactions and look at how tax is collected. However, I go back to the point I agreed on a moment ago. Not being able to use cash to access a service is something I am concerned about. I want to consider it further, and in my next round of engagement with our banks I will certainly raise with them that issue and the feeling that, as the Deputy said, small businesses may feel in some way penalised.”
“If you find out you are not able to pay a bill or not able to use your money to make important transactions, it just adds to a feeling of not being part of our financial system. I do not want to see that happen.”