BROADBAND ROLL-OUT NEEDS TO ‘GET REAL’
A Louth TD has told the Government to ‘get real’ with rolling out the national broadband plan.
Peter Fitzpatrick was speaking in the context of difficulties people are having while working from home during the pandemic.
‘Many people forced to work from home do not have access to reliable broadband,’ the Independent deputy said.
‘I know one person who must wait until near midnight each day to send emails and work with other files because the broadband is so congested during peak hours.
‘ This is not acceptable, and the Government must get real with rolling out the national broadband plan. Working from home is likely here to stay and the Government must help people to work from home.’
Mr Fitzpatrick’s comments came as he asked Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe about supports for people working from home, including help with converting an area into a proper working space.
‘We are absolutely committed to the roll-out of the national broadband plan and I accept the Deputy’s point that one of the big questions undermining the ability of those who now must work from home is the matter of broadband speed and connectivity,’ the minister replied.
‘We are working hard to deliver that plan. Of course, the main issue we have is public health guidance that prevents some of the work being done. I hope as we move through the year, we can commence the work again.’
The minister continued that the national remote work strategy, Making Remote Work, included a commitment that officials will consider the economic, financial and organisational implications arising from the experience of remote working during the pandemic and that the tax strategy group will review the current tax arrangements for remote working in respect of employees and employers.
‘As part of the standard tax regime, businesses may claim a tax deduction for expenses wholly and exclusively laid out or expended for the purposes of the trade or profession,’ Minister Donohue said.
‘ This may include reasonable reimbursement of expenses incurred by their employees in the course of working from home, including additional heating and electricity costs.
‘ The Revenue Commissioners have confirmed that PAYE workers using their primary residence as a workplace during Covid-19 restrictions qualify as eworkers for the purposes of a revenue statement practice allowing employers to pay up to €3.20 per day to employees in respect of working from home expenses without deducting income tax, universal charge or PRSI.’
Deputy Fitzpatrick asked if the minister would consider giving an adaptation grant? If a person was waiting to reclaim tax it could take a long time.
Mr Donohoe said grants can, in general, be more effective in dealing with some of these matters.
‘ This will be something we will have to consider when we are clearer on what work practices will look like when we are in a better place in having suppressed the disease.
‘ There is an issue of equity to be considered, namely, that the employer has a responsibility and, in some cases, a duty to pay some of the cost involved as opposed to it all being borne by the taxpayer. That is what we need to tease out.’