Paul Lawless

Aontú · Mayo

Activity on Finance — 57 events (8 lobbying · 45 questions · 7 votes) full profile →

• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether the measures announced include supports to assist households with the rising cost of home heating oil, given the continuing financial pressure faced by families reliant on oil-fired home heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24092/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years. [24504/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will suspend carbon tax on fuel for the duration of the current diesel price crisis, given the disproportionate impact on rural and diesel dependent sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25824/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding from his Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by his Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from his Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26158/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to the closure in Budget 2026 of a loophole under the Capital Acquisitions Tax regime that allowed wealthy individuals to transfer life assurance policies to family members without incurring a tax liability, whether the Revenue Commissioners or his Department identified, investigated, or were made aware of any cases in which the individuals who availed of this mechanism included current or former politicians, family members of politicians, or civil servants or public officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26742/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to the identification by the Revenue Commissioners as far back as 2023 of a Capital Acquisitions Tax loophole that permitted the tax-free transfer of life assurance policies by assignment to a spouse, child, or other named beneficiary prior to the death of the policyholder, whether any review was conducted specifically to establish if politically exposed persons or their associates were among those who availed of this mechanism to avoid inheritance tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26743/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to the decision taken in Budget 2026 to close a Capital Acquisitions Tax loophole that enabled the transfer of life assurance policies without attracting an inheritance or gift tax liability, whether he is satisfied that it was appropriate to amend the law without any public consultation or advance notice to taxpayers, as was explicitly recommended by the anti-avoidance team of the Revenue Commissioners; whether consideration was given to issuing a public statement alerting taxpayers to the legal change; whether he is satisfied that the absence of public disclosure did not disproportionately advantage those with access to professional tax planning advice over ordinary taxpayers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26744/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Freedom of Information records confirming that the Revenue Commissioners strongly advised against publicising a Capital Acquisitions Tax loophole relating to the assignment of life assurance policies prior to its closure in Budget 2026, whether he can confirm that no information regarding this loophole was disclosed, formally or informally, to any tax practitioners, financial advisers, insurers, legal professionals, or other third parties in advance of the Budget announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26745/26]
• 2026-03-18
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total anticipated costs associated with his foreign travel for St Patrick's Day; the delegation size; and if a breakdown can be provided on these costs including on accommodation and flights. [18891/26]
• 2026-03-18
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps his Department is taking to tackle the financial burden facing households and homeowners seeking home insurance. [20015/26]
• 2026-03-18
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department is aware of any reports which suggest that home insurance companies may be overpricing the future cost of a re-build so as to increase the cost of premiums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20016/26]
• 2026-03-18
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has any plans to introduce regulations around home insurance to ensure that in the event of a home being destroyed the whole amount for which the home is ensured will be paid out, even if it is below the market value or the full cost of rebuilding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20017/26]
• 2026-03-04
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will address the sharp rise in home-insurance premiums, with many households seeing increases from €300 to €550 in a single year; the reason insurers are raising prices due to flooding and climate-risk factors even where policyholders have no claims history; the measures he will take to ensure home insurance remains affordable for ordinary homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17261/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to clarify tax obligations for a non-EU national working remotely in Ireland for a U.S. employer, including residency and income thresholds. [12787/26]
• 2026-02-11
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will address the ongoing discrimination young drivers face in accessing private motor insurance and commercial motor insurance, particularly those under 21 years-of-age who hold all necessary licences and qualifications; the steps his Department is taking to ensure that qualified young people can obtain affordable insurance in their own name, including for commercial vehicles such as recovery trucks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10864/26]
• 2026-02-10
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to increase competition in the retail banking sector following the withdrawal of several major banking institutions in recent years; the steps he is taking to ensure consumers, particularly in rural areas, have adequate access to banking services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10070/26]
• 2026-02-10
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the further measures he intends to introduce in 2026 to support households facing significant increases in mortgage repayments due to interest rate hikes; if he will consider expanding or extending the existing mortgage interest relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10069/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is aware that the Revenue Commissioners phone line for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme (01 7383671) is extremely difficult to access, with the line restricted to 9.30am-1.30pm; if he will provide current call handling statistics; the steps he will take to ensure that applicants receive timely support under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7841/26]
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Car Rental Council of Ireland Finance

  • Budget Submission
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Community Platform Finance

  • Emailed all Ministers, TDs and Senators with a copy of the Community Platform’s Four Tests for Budget 2026 asking them to support these proposals in the run up to the announcement of Budget 2026.
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 4 returns Finance

  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Farm Schemes
  • Aquaculture
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Equine
  • Bord Bia Marketing Assistance Programme
• 2026-01-20
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 4 returns AgricultureFinance

  • National Ploughing Championships 2025
  • Finance Bill 2025
  • Energy From Farms
  • IFA Budget 2026 Briefing
• 2026-01-17
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 18 returns FinanceEnvironmentTaxation

  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Farm Schemes - Areas of Natural Constraints (ANCs)
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Farm Schemes - Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS)
  • Forgotten Farmer Scheme
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission Measures to Support Climate Action on Farm - Energy From Farms
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Cross Sector Support - Walks Scheme
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Deer Management
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Knowledge Transfer Scheme
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Suckler Cow and Beef
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Sheep
  • Dog Control
  • Animal Health - Measures to Support Farm Enterprises
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - TB
  • Measures to support Climate Action on Farm - Wildlife Control Programme Resources
  • Cross Sector Support - Farm Safety
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Cross Sector Support - Designated Area Payments
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Cross Sector Support - Farm Finance
  • Cross Sector Support - LEADER
  • VAT and Taxation on Farm Inputs
• 2026-01-16
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 27 returns Energy and Natural ResourcesFinance

  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Energy From Farms
  • Farmer Owned & Operated/ABP Type 9 Biogas Plant - Energy From Farms
  • Proposals for an Improved ACRES Scheme - Engagement with Farmers
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission-Proposals for an Improved ACRES Scheme- Administration
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Proposals for an Improved ACRES Scheme - Scoring
  • Proposals for an Improved ACRES Scheme - General Actions
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Proposals for an Improved ACRES Scheme - Penalties
  • Biosecurity
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Regional Veterinary Labs
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - VAT on Vaccines
  • Fallen Animals
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Animal Health Ireland
  • Herd Health Plans
  • Bluetongue/Foot & Mouth Disease Preparedness
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Measures to support Farm Enterprises - Tillage
  • Protein Crop Supports
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Horticulture (including Potatoes & Mushrooms)
  • The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of Commercial Horticulture
  • Automation in the Mushroom Sector
  • Spent Mushroom Compost Scheme
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Baling Assistance Payment
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Seed Potato
  • Horticulture Land Rental Scheme
  • Organic Farm Scheme - Measures to Support Farm Enterprises
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Poultry
  • Pigs- Measures to Support Farm Enterprises
  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Farm Forestry
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will direct the Central Bank to issue guidance requiring insurers to recognise documented foreign no-claims bonuses, given that some insurers already accept them; and whether he will ensure consistency across the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74535/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether the refusal of insurers to honour foreign driving histories unfairly penalises returning emigrants and undermines Government policy to attract skilled workers home; the steps he will take to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74536/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has calculated the impact of Budget 2026 on the disposable income of disabled households; if so, to provide those calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75010/25]
• 2025-12-09
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the governance structures of the National Treasury Management Agency are sufficient to ensure that contributions to the Future Ireland Fund are not needed to cover significant and recurring overruns in core departments; and the financial governance reforms he will introduce specifically to prevent the misuse of public funds, such as the documented conflicts of interest and overspends within the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [64620/25]
• 2025-12-09
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has concluded its review into the efficacy of the rent tax credit; if the data shows that the credit has primarily been absorbed by landlords in the form of higher rents rather than offering meaningful, sustained relief to tenants; and if he will commit to increasing the minimum threshold for tax bands to keep pace with the real rate of inflation, particularly for single parents and low to middle income families. [64619/25]
• 2025-12-09
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will commission a review of Budget 2026's impact on disabled households, particularly during the winter months, compared with what Budget 2025 offered in comparison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69592/25]
• 2025-11-26
  VOTE
  Finance Bill 2025: Report and Final Stages

  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion failed · 61–79
• 2025-11-13
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62671/25]
• 2025-10-22
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the European Commission to change the VAT classification for beauty salons, in order that they may benefit from the same reduced VAT rate as hairdressers announced in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57497/25]
• 2025-10-21
  VOTE
  Finance Bill 2025: Referral to Select Committee

  • ✗ voted against the motion motion passed · 83–65
• 2025-10-21
  VOTE
  Finance Bill 2025

  A bill to provide for the imposition, repeal, remission, alteration and regulation of taxation, of stamp duties and of duties relating to excise and otherwise to make further provision in connection with finance; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✗ voted against the motion motion passed · 82–65
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the reason there is no existing tax credit available to support disabled individuals, such as wheelchair users, with the significant costs involved in purchasing essential mobility equipment, like a new wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44622/25]
• 2025-07-29
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if he will address the growing hardship faced by families in County Mayo and across Ireland whose mortgages have been sold to vulture funds; if he is aware that there are mortgage holders paying between 6.8% up to 8.5% interest on these loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41070/25]
• 2025-07-29
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the measures being considered to support families affected by high-interest loans sold to vulture funds; if the long-term financial impact of such loans is being investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41071/25]
• 2025-07-29
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if vulture funds will be required to disclose the purchase price of these mortgages and justify the interest rates being charged; if access to mortgage switching schemes will be expanded for borrowers who are meeting their repayment obligations; if targeted relief or refinancing options will be introduced for individuals and families caught in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41074/25]
• 2025-07-01
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has looked at the possibility of lowering the VAT rate on construction materials to address the cost of building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36234/25]
• 2025-06-25
  VOTE
  Finance (Local Property Tax and Other Provisions) (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages · 4 divisions

  • ✗ voted against the motion motion passed · 104–48
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion failed · 67–83
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion failed · 47–104
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion failed · 64–82
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the total annual funding provided by Home Building Finance Ireland to developers for home construction, by year and county/region, in tabular form. [32343/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the current rate at which HBFI funding is being disbursed to developers; and how has this rate changed over recent years. [32344/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the specific actions that will be taken to streamline the HBFI application process and eliminate redundant red tape that hinders funding access. [32345/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the total number of applicants who have been refused HBFI funding or have failed to complete their applications due to the current bureaucratic requirements. [32346/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the number of incomplete or rejected HBFI applications; and which administrative requirements are most frequently cited as obstacles. [32347/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the measures being considered to simplify the funding application process and reduce the bureaucratic hurdles that are reportedly limiting developers' access to HBFI finance. [32348/25]
• 2025-05-29
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if, in light of the skill shortage in the construction, hospitality, education and healthcare sectors, his Department will consider introducing a tax credit for overtime. [17168/25]
• 2025-05-29
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if in light of the skills shortage in the construction sector, hospitality sector, education sector and healthcare sector, he will consider introducing a tax credit for overtime. [21003/25]
• 2025-05-16
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA EU Affairs

  • Mercosur - IFA Spring Lobbying 2025
• 2025-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the current threshold rates for PAYE tax; if there are plans to raise the lower threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18781/25]
• 2025-04-03
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if he will commit to reviewing the tax individualisation system, which unfairly penalises single-income households; and if he will outline any steps his Department is taking to address this issue. [15153/25]
• 2025-04-03
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the Government’s plans to implement the tax credit for gym memberships; and the timeline for the introduction of same. [15154/25]
• 2025-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the total number of persons who have applied for the help-to-buy scheme in each county in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [1614/25]
• 2025-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the total number of persons who have successfully availed of the help-to-buy scheme in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [1615/25]
• 2025-01-22
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the total number of rejected applications for the help-to-buy scheme in each county in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [1616/25]
• 2025-01-21
  LOBBY
  Ibec Energy and Natural Resources

  • Measures to reduce electricity costs and boost competitiveness over the short, medium and long term