Government accused of doing a ‘terrible job' simplifying and explaining pensions
It comes as Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary TD launches what he said was a major national awareness campaign for the new auto-enrolment pension, now called 'My Future Fund'.
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Irish Examiner
34 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Social protection minister takes legal action against Data Protection Commission
The Department of Social Protection has initiated a legal action against the Data Protection Commission after the regulator ordered the Government to stop processing biometric data via its public services card. Papers were lodged in the High Court on Monday by the minister for social protection Dara Calleary for a miscellaneous common law application against the Data Protection Commission. The minister is represented by the Chief State Solicitor's Office. It is understood the action relates directly to the Data Protection Commission order against the department confirmed last month, which was delivered along with a €550,000 fine. It is not as yet known what the nature of the application is, given legal challenges to decisions by State agencies or bodies are typically delivered via an application for judicial review. The department of social protection had not replied to a request for comment at the time of publication. A spokesperson for the Data Protection Commission said that the regulator is not 'in a position to comment as the matter is now before the courts'. Last month's decision related to an investigation into the alleged biometric nature of the public services card — the welfare-benefits card which can also be used to access separate State services, including the National Childcare Scheme and driver licence renewals. Biometric data refers to any information that can identify a person by their physical characteristics — via a fingerprint for instance or, in this case, a photograph. The commission found the card violated GDPR by failing to identify a legal basis for processing biometric data, retaining that data without justification, and not ensuring sufficient transparency about how the data would be used during registration. The commission also ruled that the Government must discontinue processing such biometric data using the public services card within nine months of the decision unless it can identify a legal basis for doing so. It is not the first time the department has taken the legal objection route with the Data Protection Commission in light of adverse decisions regarding the card. In August 2019, the commission ruled that the State had no lawful basis for making the public services card — originally conceived in the 2000s as a welfare benefits card only by the department of social protection — mandatory for all public services. That decision led to a prolonged legal battle between the State and one of its own regulators. The dispute ended in a December 2021 settlement, with the commission's findings left unchallenged but with the State continuing with the public services card project — albeit without mandatory requirements. Read More Microsoft faces lawsuit over allegations of unlawful data processing for advertising
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Too much focus on retrofitting, and not enough on building, competition council says
In a report published today, the council argues that Government support for retrofitting projects, in both the residential and commercial sectors, is putting further demand on an already limited supply of building workers. Expanding the State supports available for energy is having an influence on the decisions being made by employers in the construction sector. 'The balance of investment between dwellings, improvements, and other building and construction, points to a continued need to emphasise new infrastructure - in housing, energy and water - over retrofit and energy upgrades, at least over the medium term,' says the report, entitled 'Ireland's Competitiveness Challenge 2025'. In a formal recommendation the NCPC, chaired by Dr Frances Ruane, says the Government should provide clear guidance on the prioritisation of infrastructure, and make sure it is reflected in consistent policy signals, including grant schemes. Another notable recommendation is that the Government should consider introducing mandatory timelines in relation to licensing, by bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in order to speed up the delivery of infrastructure. This follows complaints by bodies such as Uisce Eireann that delays in getting licences are holding up the delivery of important projects. The report notes that there are about 900 EPA licences, regulating installations in everything from waste to cement production. Anybody involved in such activities must have a licence before they begin operations. Furthermore, if there are changes to emissions levels at an existing side, the operator has to apply to amend their licence. 'While a strong licensing procedure is critical to ensure appropriate development, decisions on such licenses should be made in a timely manner. Delays in relation to licensing contributes to uncertainty in relation to investment in infrastructure,' the report says. The NCPC wants an 'urgent review' of the available data on productivity levels in Irish construction, with a focus on residential building, and looking at international comparisons. In its analysis of the productivity challenges facing Irish construction firms, the NCPC points to the fragmented nature of the sector, with subcontractors playing a big role, plus under-investment in innovation and technology, such as off-site production. 'It is important to have a greater understanding of productivity challenges, in particular as they relate to residential construction. A detailed study, considering the fragmented nature of the sector, would be of benefit,' the report says. ADVERTISEMENT The council is the latest independent agency – following the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Central Bank – to recommend that the Government exercise fiscal restraint, and stick to a national spending rule, in order to safeguard the public finances at a time of global economic uncertainty. Priority should be given to investing in reforms that improve competitiveness, particularly in areas that are under domestic control, such as building infrastructure. Overall, the NCPC says there remains a critical need to improve delivery of infrastructure, with significant demand arising from strong population growth. An insufficient supply response has resulted in growing deficits in housing, energy, water and transport.
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
'Exceptional' corporate tax receipts could at risk in coming years, Central Bank warns
Ireland's "rapidly" growing economy and "exceptional" corporate tax receipts could be at risk in the coming years, the Central Bank of Ireland has warned, with external developments leading the Irish economy into a period of heightened uncertainty. Speaking at the Oireachtas Budgetary Oversight Committee on Tuesday, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Vasileios Madouros said that while Ireland is in a strong position, underlying vulnerabilities need to be managed carefully. "The exceptional growth in corporation tax receipts since 2015 and the strong pace of economic expansion in recent years have resulted in a marked increase in government revenues," said Mr Madouros. "As a result, even with the substantial rise in government spending and some tax cuts, the headline budget balance has run substantial surpluses in recent years. "However, external developments mean that this benign combination of factors – namely, a rapidly growing economy and exceptional corporate tax receipts – could be at risk in the coming years." The deputy governor added that risks to Ireland's fiscal position from lower corporate taxes and other multinational-dependent taxes have increased, given recent international developments. This is compounded by the "persistent deficit" in Ireland's budget balance once estimated excess corporate tax is excluded. Infrastructure deficits Mr Madouros also highlighted deficits in infrastructure, which he said have become an increasingly significant factor constraining the supply side of the economy. "Addressing infrastructure deficits will not only help meet important societal and economic needs today, but also enable our economy to remain competitive amid a shifting geopolitical landscape," the deputy governor said. The Central Bank also urged the Government to prepare for future funding needs, adding that current funds will not be enough on their own to finance the increased expenditure required to meet the needs of an aging population. "Given demographic trends, Ireland is expected to see the largest increase in age-related spending on areas such as pensions, healthcare and long-term care amongst the EU by 2050," said Mr Madouros. "And we know already that the Future Ireland Fund – the establishment of which has been a very positive public policy intervention – will not be sufficient, on its own." The deputy governor said the current environment presents "important trade-offs" for fiscal policy, which he said can be achieved through "careful management" of the public finances. To do this, the Central Bank is urging the Government to commit to a strong fiscal anchor so that rising expenditure does not add excessively to demand. In addition, it is calling for investment to be prioritised, which can be done by broadening the tax base and mitigating the reliance on corporate tax receipts. Finally, the regulator is calling for measures to reduce delays and, therefore, the ultimate costs in the planning and building of infrastructure. "Measures that incentivise scale and investment in new machinery, equipment and technologies in the construction sector can also help enhance productivity and enable more sustainable delivery of housing and infrastructure," said Mr Madouros. "These structural policies can have an outsized impact on strengthening the supply side of the economy, complementing and adding to the effectiveness of additional public investment in infrastructure."
