asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis; and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
Written Answers. - Semi-State Bodies and Departmental Agencies.
145.
As none of the semi-State bodies under the aegis of my Department is wholly State-financed the question does not arise.
146.
asked the Minister for the Public Service the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis, if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
180.
asked the Minister for the Public Service if the annual report and accounts for 1975, 1976 and 1977 for all semi-State bodies under his aegis have by now been laid before the Oireachtas; and if not, if he will give details of each case and the reasons.
197.
asked the Minister for the Public Service the action taken in respect of each semi-State body under his aegis on foot of the memorandum issued some time ago by the Department of Finance in relation to the shortcomings and disparities in the accounts of semi-State bodies, and making recommendations for their improvement; if all relevant recommendations have been complied with, and if not, if he will give details.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 146, 180 and 197 together.
There are no semi-State bodies associated with my Department.
147.
asked the Minister for Health the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis, if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
The following is the information requested:
|
Name of Body |
Number of staff employed |
Remarks |
|
National Health Council |
Nil |
serviced by Department of Health |
|
Comhairle na nOspideal |
Nil |
see note (a) |
|
National Drugs Advisory Board |
20 |
includes 1 temporary staff |
|
Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education |
9 |
includes 2 on secondment and 6 temporary part-time |
|
Health Education Bureau |
17 |
includes 2 on secondment and 3 on contract |
|
Comhairle na Nimheanna |
Nil |
serviced by Department of Health |
|
Medico-Social Research Board |
56 |
includes 15 temporary staff and 9 on contract |
|
National Social Service Council |
19 |
includes 1 temporary and 1 on contract |
|
Hospitals Trust Board |
Nil |
serviced by Bank of Ireland |
|
Cork Regional Hospital Board |
Nil |
see note (a) |
|
Dublin Regional Hospital Board |
Nil |
see note (a) |
|
Galway Regional Hospital Board |
Nil |
see note (a) |
Note
(a) Comhairle na nOspideal, Cork Regional Hospital Board, Dublin Regional Hospital Board and Galway Regional Hospital Board are serviced by the Hospitals Bodies Administrative Bureau employing a permanent staff of ten persons.
148.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis; and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
The only body under my aegis which might be regarded as coming within the terms of the question is the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty.
The number of staff employed by the committee is 36, all of whom are employed on a temporary basis.
In addition to the staff mentioned, a secretary to the committee and a clerical assistant, both permanent civil servants, are provided by my Department. The salary of the clerical assistant, together with an allowance in respect of superannuation, is recouped to my Department.
149.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis, if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
Neither of the two semi-State bodies—An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and The Inland Fisheries Trust Incorporated—under my aegis is in the category referred to by the Deputy.
150.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis, if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
The wholly State-financed bodies under the aegis of my Department are Bord Fáilte Éireann and the Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited, tourism and aviation activities. The number of staff employed at present by Bord Fáilte is 357 and by SFADCo, on tourism and aviation functions is 49. Matters relating to staff, including recruitment and conditions of employment, are the responsibility of the bodies concerned.
151.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis, and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
There is no wholly State-financed semi-State body under the aegis of my Department.
152.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis; and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
Following is the information requested:
|
Body |
Total No. employed on 12 February 1979 |
No. employed in permanent posts |
No. employed on contract |
|
Bord na gCapall |
59 |
37 |
22 |
|
Coras Beostoic agus Feola |
33 |
33 |
— |
|
An Chomhairle Olla |
5 |
*4 |
1 |
*Staff are civil servants
153.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis; and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
The only wholly State-financed State-sponsored body under my aegis is the Nuclear Energy Board. The total number of staff currently employed by the board is nine, all of whom are permanent.
154.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis, if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
There are no semi-State bodies under the aegis of my Department.
155.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis; and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
189.
asked the Minister for Justice if the annual report and accounts for 1975, 1976 and 1977 for all semi-State bodies under his aegis have by now been laid before the Oireachtas; and, if not, if he will give details of each case and the reasons.
206.
asked the Minister for Justice the action taken in respect of each semi-State body under his aegis on foot of the memorandum issued some time ago by the Department of Finance in relation to the shortcomings and disparities in the accounts of semi-State bodies and making recommendations for their improvement; if all relevant recommendations have been complied with; and, if not, if he will give details.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle it is proposed to take Questions Nos. 155, 189 and 206 together.
There are no semi-State bodies under the aegis of my Department.
156.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis, if those are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
The Agency for Personal Service Overseas—which is the only semi-State body under the aegis of my Department—has a staff of 12 persons, all of whom are employed on a permanent basis.
157.
asked the Minister for the Environment the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis; and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
174.
asked the Minister for the Environment if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contract, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
191.
asked the Minister for the Environment if the annual report and accounts for 1975, 1976 and 1977 for all semi-State bodies under his aegis have by now been laid before the Oireachtas; and, if not, if he will give details of each case and the reasons.
208.
asked the Minister for the Environment the action taken in respect of each semi-State body under his aegis on foot of the memorandum issued some time ago by the Department of Finance in relation to the shortcomings and disparities in the accounts of semi-State bodies and making recommendations for their improvement; if all relevant recommendations have been complied with; and, if not, if he will give details.
235.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment, in relation to the following bodies which are wholly State-financed: the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, an Bord Pleanála and the Water Pollution Advisory Council, (1) the amount of State finance received by it in 1978 and that proposed for 1979, (2) if he, as Minister, is fully answerable to the Dáil for the activities of these bodies and, if not, the manner in which they are answerable to the Dáil, and (3) the authority for their establishment.
237.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment in relation to An Foras Forbartha, An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, the National Road Safety Association, the Fire Prevention Council, and the Irish Water Safety Association, (1) the amount, percentage of its total budget represented by, and conditions regarding expenditure of moneys received by it from non-Exchequer sources, (2) the extent to which he is answerable to the Oireachtas for its activities, and (3) the authority for its establishment.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, it is proposed to take Questions Nos. 157, 174, 191, 208, 235 and 237 together. The information is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputies.
158.
asked the Minister for Labour the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis; and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
In furnishing information regarding AnCO and CERT I wish to point out that neither body is wholly State-financed. The total number of staff employed by An Chomhairle Oiliúna (AnCO) on 31 January 1979 was 1,588. Of that total approximately 40 persons are not employed in permanent and pensionable positions, and approximately 20 of these are on short-term casual contracts.
In the case of the Council for the Education Recruitment and Training in the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Industries (CERT) 38 persons are employed on a permanent basis. In addition 30 employees have been recruited on short-term contracts of a three months duration, and one other employee has been recruited on the basis of a contract for the academic year, renewable on completion in May 1979.
159.
asked the Minister for the Gaeltacht the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis; and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
Bord na Gaeilge amháin atá i gceist. Tá naonúr fostaithe ag an mBord i bpoist bhuana agus beirt ar conradh ar feadh tréimhse cinnte agus triúr ar feadh tréimhse éiginnte.
160.
asked the Minister for Education the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis, if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
There are no semi-State bodies operating under the aegis of my Department.
161.
asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development the number of staff employed by each wholly State-financed semi-State body under his aegis; and if these are employed in permanent posts or on contracts of definite or indefinite terms.
There is one State-sponsored body under the aegis of my Department—the National Board for Science and Technology. This board is wholly State-financed and was established on 5 April 1978. Since then it has been engaged in recruiting staff to enable it to carry out its statutory functions.
The number of staff employed at present in permanent posts is 45. A further 13 have been offered permanent posts and are expected to take up duty shortly. In addition four consultants are employed on a six-month contract in each case.
162.
asked the Minister for Finance if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedure, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
There are no such agencies under my Department.
163.
asked the Minister for the Public Service if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and if so if he will give the name of the agency, the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978, and the authority for its establishment.
The Institute of Public Administration is the only body covered by the question in so far as my Department is concerned. An independent voluntary body founded in 1957, the institute became a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Acts in 1963.
A grant-in-aid of £370,000 was paid from the Vote for the Office of the Minister for the Public Service to the Institute of Public Administration in 1978. As the institute is an independent body, it is a matter for itself to decide the number of staff employed by it.
164.
asked the Minister for Health if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and if so if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978, and the statutory authority for its establishment.
Agencies funded directly by the Department of Health, which are not regarded as semi-State bodies, are voluntary hospitals and residential homes for mentally handicapped persons.
These agencies are subject to budgetary control arrangements similar to those employed in the case of the semi-State bodies listed at (c) and (d) of the reply on 8 February 1979 to the Deputy's Question No. 140, Vol. 311, cols. 869 and 871. Recruitment and contractual arrangements are also comparable. The agreement of the Minister for Health to the recruitment of extra staff is required.
Voluntary hospitals and residential homes for mentally handicapped persons are funded from subhead G.4 of the Health Vote. Payments in each year from this subhead are reflected in the Appropriation Accounts.
165.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency, and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978, and the authority for its establishment.
The only body under my aegis which might be regarded as coming within the terms of the Deputy's question is the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty.
The committee was established by my predecessor in May 1974 to design and implement a programme of experimental pilot schemes, as part of the EEC Social Action Programme adopted by resolution of the EEC Council of Ministers in January 1974. The committee enjoys a degree of autonomy in the recruitment of staff to the extent that, under its terms of reference, it has authority to recruit staff directly subject to my prior approval as to numbers, rates of pay and conditions of service. A staff of 36 is at present employed by the committee.
In 1978, the sum of £520,000 was made available to the committee through my Department's Vote.
166.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and if so if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
There are 17 boards of conservators of fishery districts which directly recruit their own staff, usually through advertisement in the local press. This staff comprises clerks, inspectors, pollution officers and waterkeepers. The appointments are subject to the formal approval of the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry.
The annual budgets of the boards, which are financed mainly by way of Exchequer grants, require the approval of the Department and expenditure is confined to the activities so approved. The accounts of the boards are subject to audit by auditors of the Department of the Environment.
The boards at present employ a total of 323 staff. The grants provided for them in 1978 totalled £819,832 and the statutory authority for their establishment is contained in the Fisheries (Ireland) Act, 1848, since embodied in the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959.
167.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
Autonomy in relation to some of these matters is enjoyed in varying degrees by the harbour authorities. These authorities, with the exception of the Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners, were set up under private Acts which were consolidated by the Harbours Act, 1946. The Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners were established under the Harbours Act, 1976.
The Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Acts apply to the office of chief executive officer, other principal officers and offices, the qualifications for which are wholly or in part professional, in respect of the authorities numbered 1 to 4 on the list attached. The appointment of clerical officers by these harbour authorities is on a basis approved by the Minister; these harbour authorities have complete autonomy in regard to appointment of employees.
The harbour authorities numbered 16 to 25 have complete autonomy in regard to appointment of staff except that in the case of New Ross appointment of a harbour master is subject to the requirement that the person appointed must possess qualifications declared by the Minister.
The other harbour authorities, numbered 5-15, have complete autonomy except in relation to the office of chief executive officer which is subject to the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Acts and the office of harbour master to which no person not possessing the qualifications for the time being declared by the Minister for that office may be appointed.
All harbour authorities are statutorily empowered to enter into contracts in connection with the discharge of their functions; contracts for building and construction works and dredging have to be in writing and under seal where the consideration exceeds £50. If a State grant is involved the Minister's approval is required before a contract is placed.
Harbour authorities are statutorily empowered to apply revenue for the payment of working and establishment expenses and of all expenses properly chargeable to revenue of management, maintenance, cleaning and repairs and for servicing of borrowed moneys. The Minister's consent is required for expenditure for other purposes and for all borrowing.
Annual accounts of all harbour authorities are subject to audit by an auditor appointed by the Minister who submits his report to the Minister. The harbour authorities are required to furnish copies of the annual accounts to the Minister. There is no requirement to submit them to the Oireachtas.
The following payments in respect of development works were made from Subhead E (Grants for Harbours) of the Vote for the Department of Tourism and Transport in 1978; Cork Harbour Commissioners, £625,626; Arklow Harbour Commissioners, £10,300.
The number of staff employed by each harbour authority is indicated on the list attached.
List of Harbour Authorities
|
Authority |
No. of Staff employed |
|
1. Dublin Port & Docks Board |
855 |
|
2. Cork Harbour Commissioners |
237 |
|
3. Waterford Harbour Commissioners |
43 |
|
4. Limerick Harbour Commissioners |
49 |
|
5. Drogheda Harbour Commissioners |
17 |
|
6. Dundalk Harbour Commissioners |
7 |
|
7. Foynes Harbour Trustees |
8 |
|
8. Tralee & Fenit Pier & Harbour Commissioners |
2 |
|
9. Wicklow Harbour Commissioners |
2 |
|
10. Arlow Harbour Commissioners |
1 |
|
11. Sligo Harbour Commissioners |
3 |
|
12. River Moy Commissioners |
2 |
|
13. Galway Harbour Commissioners |
11 |
|
14. Wexford Harbour Commissioners |
Nil(closed) |
|
15. Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners |
1 |
|
16. Kinsale Harbour Commissioners |
1 |
|
17. Kilrush Urban District Council |
1(part time) |
|
18. New Ross Harbour Commissioners |
10 |
|
19. Dingle Harbour Commissioners |
1 |
|
20. Westport Harbour Commissioners |
Nil(closed to commercial traffic) |
|
21. Youghal Urban District Council |
1(unpaid part-time) |
|
22. Ballyshannon Harbour Commissioners |
Nil(closed) |
|
23. Buncrana Harbour Commissioners |
1 |
|
24. An Nagassan Pier Commissioners |
Nil(closed) |
|
25. Baltimore and Skibberreen Harbour Commissioners |
2 |
168.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978, and the authority for its establishment.
The answer is no.
169.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
Following is the information requested:
|
Name of Agency |
Extent of autonomy |
Number of staff employed on 12 Feb. 1979 |
Amount provided by Exchequer in 1978 |
Authority for establishment |
|
£ |
||||
|
County Committees of Agriculture |
Appointment of temporary staff |
839 |
4,205,361 |
Agriculture Act, 1931 |
|
Gorta |
Fully autonomous apart from obligation to submit Annual Reports and audited accounts to Minister |
6 |
20,000 |
Incorporated on 24 February 1969, under the Companies Act, 1963 |
170.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if there are any agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
There are no agencies of the type referred to in the question under my aegis.
171.
asked the Minister for Defence if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978, and the statutory authority for its establishment.
There are no such agencies under the aegis of my Department.
172.
asked the Minister for Justice if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
The Incorporated Council of Law Reporting for Ireland, which was set up in 1891 under the Companies Act, 1867 is the only body as far as my Department is concerned to which the question may be relevant. The council's functions are to prepare and publish the Irish Reports and Decennial Digests of those reports, and to sponsor and publish text books on various aspects of Irish law. From 1941-42 it was decided to pay the council, which had been working for some years at a loss, an annual subvention to enable it to continue the regular production of the Irish Reports. The subvention at present takes the form of a grant of such amount, sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, as may be necessary from time to time to meet the cost of the council's staff. The staff comprises an editor, who also acts as secretary, and five reporters, all of whom are appointed by the council. The council's annual accounts are prepared by its own auditors and are subject to scrutiny by the Comptroller and Auditor General. In 1978 a sum of £12,041 was paid to the council by way of grant.
To assist the council in the publication of legal text books, the Minister for Justice, with the sanction of the Minister for Finance, agreed in 1962, subject to certain conditions including the repayment of the advance on foot of receipts from sales, to advance the necessary moneys to enable them to meet initial expenses, such as author's fees, printing and proofing costs, and so on.
173.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are any agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedure, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and if so, if he will give the name and the extent of its autonomy, the agency, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978 and the statutory authority for its establishment.
There is no such agency under the aegis of my Department.
175.
asked the Minister for Labour if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
None of the agencies to which the question relates enjoys autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedure. As regards the other details sought, the information is as follows:
Labour Court
The Labour Court was established by the Industrial Relations Act, 1946. Its chairman and deputy chairmen are appointed by the Minister for Labour. The Minister also appoints the ordinary members of the court on the nomination of representative organisations of employers and workers.
There is a staff of 42 in the court, allocated between the court secretariat, the conciliation service and the equality service.
The court operates independently of the Minister and of his Department. The court is required, however, to present annually to the Minister a general report of its proceedings. Copies of the report are laid before each House of the Oireachtas. Salaries of staff and expenditure relating to the court are met from the Department of Labour Vote.
Employment Appeals Tribunal
The Employment Appeals Tribunal exercises autonomy in so far as its decisions and determinations under the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 1973, the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973, and the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977, are not subject to Ministerial control.
The tribunal consists of a chairperson, three vice-chairpersons and 12 representatives each from employers and unions.
The members of the tribunal are appointed by the Minister for Labour. Appointments are normally for three years with payment on a fee basis.
The secretariat of the tribunal comprises 12 persons.
In the expenditure of moneys, the tribunal is subject to Ministerial regulation. The only expenditure in relation to which it has been necessary to make regulations is on the award of travelling and subsistence allowance and expenses for loss of remunerative time to persons appearing before the tribunal.
The activities of the Employment Appeals Tribunal are open to public scrutiny. Hearings of the tribunal are public unless the tribunal, at the request of either party to a case, decides to hear the case in private. Decisions and determinations of the tribunal are recorded in documents and entered in a register which is open to public inspection. The tribunal submits an annual report to the Minister which is presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas and published.
In 1978, the amount of money made available to meet the cost of the Employment Appeals Tribunal is estimated to have been £81,000. This cost is met partly from the Exchequer and partly from the Redundancy Fund.
The Employment Appeals Tribunal was established as the Redundancy Appeals Tribunal by the Redundancy Payments Act, 1967, section 39. Its title was changed to the Employment Appeals Tribunal by the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977, section 18.
Employment Equality Agency
The Employment Equality Agency was established under section 34 of the Employment Equality Act, 1977.
The agency comprises a chairman employed on a whole-time basis and ten ordinary unpaid members. The agency secretariat is staffed by ten persons. The agency may, with the approval of the Minister, employ suitably qualified persons to assist in the conduct of statutory investigations.
A grant of £80,000 was made available to the agency in 1978.
While the agency has been assigned certain statutory responsibilities and functions under the Employment Equality Act, 1977, the position as far as recruitment of staff, determination of salaries, rates of subsistence, funding and accountability are concerned, is that, it is subject to the same Ministerial and Parliamentary control and scrutiny to which the Department are subject.
In the case of day-to-day expenditure, incidental costs, such as furniture, fittings, and so on, incurred in carrying out its statutory duties, it enjoys a certain degree of autonomy. However, as regards contracts for printing, and so on, the same standards operate as those applying to Government Departments. The agency is required to present annually to the Minister accounts duly audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General, section 49 of the Act.
Under section 37 of the Act, the agency may undertake or sponsor research to facilitate the execution of its functions and to make changes for services provided in that regard. Under section 41, the agency is empowered to pay subsistence and travelling expenses, as determined by the Minister, to witnesses involved in statutory investigations.
Levy Appeals Tribunal
The Levy Appeals Tribunal was established under the Industrial Training Levy (Appeal Tribunal) Regulations, 1970, in exercise of the powers conferred on the Minister for Labour by the Industrial Training Act, 1967. The tribunal determines appeals by employers against assessments for training levies made by AnCO under the Industrial Training Act, 1967. The tribunal is presently serviced by an executive officer of my Department on a part-time basis.
The amount of money made available to the tribunal in any year is related to the number of sittings held. Tribunal members are entitled to a fee of £20 for each sitting attended and are also entitled to travelling and subsistence allowances at normal civil service rates. The total expenditure incurred under these headings in 1978 was £1,555.
176.
asked the Minister for the Gaeltacht if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
Níl a leithéid ann. Glacaim agam nach mbainfeadh an Cheist le fochomhlachtaí de chuid Ghaeltarra Éireann.
177.
asked the Minister for Education if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
Apart from Universities and Colleges and Schools, the agencies of the nature referred to by the Deputy for which I am responsible and the particulars requested are as follows:
Higher Education Authority
The Higher Education Authority operates under the Higher Education Authority Act, 1971. The numbers, grades and conditions of service of staff which may be appointed by the Authority are subject to the approval of the Minister for Education. Selection for appointment is not subject to the Civil Service Commission procedures. Amounts paid to the Authority out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas are subject to the approval of the Minister for Education with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The accounts of the Authority are audited annually by the Comptroller and Auditor General and presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The number of staff employed by the Authority is 23. The amount made available to the Authority in the Estimates for 1978 for its own general expenses was £260,000.
National Council for Educational Awards
The NCEA was established on an ad hoc basis in 1972 pending the enactment of legislation to establish it on a statutory basis. The NCEA Bill, 1978, is at present before Dáil Éireann.
The numbers, grades and conditions of service of staff which may be appointed by the NCEA are subject to the approval of the Minister for Education. The selection for appointment is not subject to Civil Service Commission procedures. A grant-in-aid is made available to the NCEA through the HEA and its accounts are audited annually by the Comptroller and Auditor General and presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The number of full-time staff employed by the NCEA at present is 24.
The amount made available to the NCEA in the Estimates for 1978 for general expenses was £295,000.
Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann
Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann (The Linguistic Institute of Ireland) was founded to promote research into linguistics and language teaching. It is a company formed in October 1972 under the Companies Act of 1963 and limited by guarantee without share capital and receives a grant-in-aid from the Department to carry out its work.
The number, grades and conditions of service of staff which may be appointed by the Institute are subject to the approval of the Ministers for Education and Public Service. The selection for appointment is not subject to Civil Service Commission procedure.
The Institute's powers of entering into contracts are those which apply to companies in general under the 1963 Companies Act.
The Institute employs a staff of 13 persons. A grant-in-aid of £105,000 was made available in 1978. The accounts are audited annually by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
178.
asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if there are agencies under the aegis of his Department, other than semi-State bodies, which enjoy a degree of autonomy as to the appointment of staff outside normal civil service procedures, entering into contracts, the expenditure of moneys, freedom from Ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny of their activities or any other financial matter which is greater than that enjoyed by sections within his own Department; and, if so, if he will give the name of the agency and the extent of its autonomy, the number of staff employed by it, the amount of money made available to it in 1978; and the authority for its establishment.
Other than a State-sponsored body, there is one agency under the aegis of my Department which enjoys a greater degree of autonomy than that enjoyed by sections within my Department—the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).
NESC is an advisory body to the Government on the principles relating to the efficient development of the national economy and the achievement of social justice. The NESC reports to the Government through the Minister for Economic Planning and Development and funds are provided through the Vote for his Office in the form of a grant-in-aid.
As regards the extent of its autonomy, the council may at any time present its views to the Government on matters within its terms of reference. It may consider these matters either on its own initiative or at the request of the Government. The reports which the council produces must be submitted to the Government, laid before each House of the Oireachtas and published, together with any comments which the Government wishes to make on the reports.
In the case of the financing arrangements for the NESC, the expenses of the council were met from a grant until this year. As from this year, they are payable in the form of a grant-in-aid. Apart from the advantages of this arrangement from an accounting point of view, it gives a greater degree of financial autonomy to the NESC than the previous grant system. As with all grants-in-aid, however, the NESC is obliged to observe agreed financial procedures and its books and accounts are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The number of staff employed in the NESC secretariat is eight, this excludes consultants who are employed from time to time to prepare reports for the NESC. The constitution and terms of reference for the NESC provide for the council having its own secretariat, subject to the approval of the Minister for Economic Planning and Development in regard to numbers, remuneration and conditions of service.
The amount allocated in the Estimate provision for NESC expenditure in 1978 was £122,650.
The authority for the establishment of the NESC was a Government decision of 24 August 1973.
Following is the constitution and terms of reference of the NESC:
NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL, CONSTITUTION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE
1. The main task of the National Economic and Social Council shall be to provide a forum for discussion of the principles relating to the efficient development of the national economy and the achievement of social justice, and to advise the Government, through the Minister for Economic Planning and Development, on their application. The Council shall have regard, inter alia, to:
(i) the realisation of the highest possible levels of employment at adequate reward,
(ii) the attainment of the highest sustainable rate of economic growth,
(iii) the fair and equitable distribution of the income and wealth of the nation,
(iv) reasonable price stability and long-term equilibrium in the balance of payments,
(v) the balanced development of all regions in the country, and
(vi) the social implications of economic growth, including the need to protect the environment.
2. The Council may consider such matters either on its own initiative or at the request of the Government.
3. Members of the Government shall be entitled to attend the Council's meetings. The Council may at any time present its views to the Government, on matters within its terms of reference. Any reports which the Council may produce shall be submitted to the Government and, together with any comments which the Government may then make thereon, shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and published.
4. The membership of the Council shall comprise a Chairman appointed by the Government in consultation with the interests represented on the Council,
Ten persons nominated by agricultural organisations,
Ten persons nominated by the Confederation of Irish Industry and the Irish Employers' Confederation,
Ten persons nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions,
Ten other persons appointed by the Government, and
Seven persons representing Government Departments comprising one representative each from the Departments of Economic Planning and Development, Finance, Agriculture, Industry, Commerce and Energy, Labour, and Local Government and one person representing the Departments of Health and Social Welfare.
Any other Government Department shall have the right of audience at Council meetings if warranted by the Council's agenda, subject to the right of the Chairman to regulate the numbers attending.
5. The term of office of members shall be for three years renewable. Casual vacancies shall be filled by the Government or by the nominating body as appropriate. Members filling casual vacancies may hold office until the expiry of the other members' current term of office and their membership shall then be renewable on the same basis as that of other members.
6. The Council shall have its own Secretariat, subject to the approval of the Minister for Economic Planning and Development in regard to numbers, remuneration and conditions of service.
7. The Council shall regulate its own procedure.