Written Answers Nos. 486-516
486. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a shortage of staff at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17468/13]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers is a VEC school. Each VEC receives an allocation of maintenance staff from my Department and the allocation of such staff to individual schools is a matter for the VEC. My Department has not been contacted by the relevant VEC in relation to the staffing position in this school and, accordingly, would advise that the Principal address any concerns with the VEC in the first instance.
The Deputy should be aware that, in regard to maintenance posts in schools, my Department has a limited derogation from the moratorium on recruitment and promotion and can only approve the filling of such posts in exceptional circumstances.
487. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for funding in respect of an extra classroom and resource room for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17479/13]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy were approved funding for a mainstream classroom and a resource room in July 2012. Responsibility for the project has been devolved to the school authority. However no funding has been drawn down to date.
488. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [17657/13]
View answerThe National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) promotes and supports positive behaviour through the provision of a systematic continuum of support to school communities. The service assists partner post primary schools in addressing behavioural concerns in schools. The Department has been informed by the NBSS, that for the academic year 2013-2014, the school referred to by the Deputy is no longer considered to have the same high level of need as other schools working with the NBSS and the Behaviour for Learning Programme Teacher post will be withdrawn.
489. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow has been approved by Student Universal Support Ireland. [17658/13]
View answerIt is understood from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that it received an appeal from the student referred to by the Deputy on the 28th March 2013. SUSI aims to issue appeal determinations as promptly as possible and within the specified timeframe specified in the Student Support Act, 2011.
Where an appeal is turned down in writing by SUSI and the applicant remains of the view that the scheme has not interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board.
490. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application to Student Universal Support Ireland will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [17659/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland, that on 4th April 2013, a reminder in relation to an earlier request for further documentation was issued to the student referred to by the Deputy. When the requested documentation is returned the student will be notified directly of the outcome.
491. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure for a new poet being accepted to the English syllabus of the junior certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/13]
View answerThe current Junior Certificate syllabus does not prescribe specific texts or poets for study. It is based on the idea of an 'open course' where teachers can choose the poetry and other texts they wish to include in their course to meet the learning objectives involved.
494. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether the natural and historic access for floodwater to the Old Dry-Arch Bridge was by way of a clearly identifiable channel, known locally as the Old Bed of the River Suir, that runs south of lands (details supplied) at Greenane in Clonmel, County Tipperary. [16137/13]
View answer495. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views that the most likely route for floodwater is a straight line and that the median line between the recently constructed berms at the Old Bridge and Greenane, designed to channel floodwater to the New Dry-Arch Bridge, is through land (details supplied) in Clonmel County Tipperary. [16138/13]
View answer507. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm that the raised banks that confine the Auk Stream West, that were mistakenly omitted from the design phase of Clonmel flood relief scheme, prevent access of high frequency floodwater from the land of a person (details supplied) to the designated spillway of the new Dry-Arch Bridge and as a consequence, the person's lands at Greenane will suffer increased interference during all flood frequencies, including high frequency events, as a result of the Office of Public Works flood relief works. [16356/13]
View answer508. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding flood measures in Clonmel, County Tipperary, if he will agree that, irrespective of the planned works to clear the substantial obstructions from the exhibited flowpath, the demarcated flowpath or spillway is neither natural nor efficient as it would require out of bank floodwater to make two right angled turns to access the new Dry-Arch Bridge. [16357/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 494, 495, 507 and 508 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the matters referred to have been the subject of a substantial volume of correspondence and communications over an extended period and the position of the Commissioners of Public works in relation to these matters has been set out very clearly and comprehensively.
The raised banks of the Auk Stream West existed prior to the Clonmel West flood relief works in Clonmel. There was no interference to the Auk Stream adjacent to or within landowner's property. I am advised that works were carried out along a short stretch of the Auk Stream West upstream of his lands. These particular works do not cause increased frequency or depth of flooding to the landowner's property. However, it has already been acknowledged that the scheme works, as a whole, will increase the likely depth of flooding during less frequent flood events, and the property owner was advised of his entitlement to claim compensation in respect of such loss under the relevant legislative provisions.
In relation to the demarcated flowpath, my officials advise that this is within the River Suir flood plain across which river waters flowed in the past and will flow during times of flood, and they are satisfied with the efficiency of the designed scheme.
The Commissioners of Public Works considered all feasible options for a flood relief scheme for Clonmel Town and the scheme, as designed and constructed, combines a number of flood relief measures which represent the most economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable solution to the flooding problems in Clonmel. I am advised that, while natural and historic conditions would be noted in the design of a flood relief scheme, the designers would deal with the existing topography of the area at the time of design.
I understand that the most likely route for flood water will depend on the topography of the area in question and that flood water does not necessarily flow in a straight line but will flow along the path of least resistance under the influence of gravity. I am advised that the embankments constructed at Green Lane and Greenane were constructed within the flood plain of the River Suir. They were built to protect existing properties in Clonmel from flooding and are part of the integrated design of the flood relief scheme and, as stated above, my officials are fully satisfied with the scheme design.
496. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action his Department intends to take in view of repeated flooding on Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16192/13]
View answerHeavy rainfall on 22 March 2013 resulted in overflow of the watercourse at this location. Addressing this particular flood event is a matter in the first instance for the relevant local authority and I understand, in this regard, that the underlying causes of this flood event is being investigated by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
The Office of Public Works funded Eastern Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) study is ongoing. This work will identify and examine in detail the causes of flooding throughout the eastern catchment (including Bray), and produce an integrated plan of specific measures to address the significant flood risk factors in a proactive and comprehensive manner. The output will be a flood risk management plan for the Eastern river basin catchment, taking into account economic, social and environmental factors.
The flood risk at the Old Connaught Avenue area is included in the Eastern CFRAMS.
497. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the guidelines and criteria in place in Government Departments and State agencies to ensure that people with a disability are given equal opportunities to access the public and Civil Service workforce; if conditions on the autistic spectrum specifically Asperger's syndrome are considered in relation to any such policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16223/13]
View answerThe civil and public service is an equal opportunities employer and all recruitment campaigns are conducted in strict compliance with the Codes of Practice set out by the Commission for Public Service Appointments. Codes include the Code of Practice governing the External and Internal Appointments of Persons with Disabilities to Positions in the Irish Civil Service and Certain Public Bodies, available at www.cpsa.ie.
Public service bodies are also subject to specific legal obligations in the Disability Act 2005. For example, Part 5 of the Act sets out the the requirement of public service bodies:
- to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities;
- to comply with any statutory Code of Practice;
- to meet a target of 3% of employees with disabilities;
- to report every year on achievement of these obligations.
The National Disability Authority (NDA) reports on compliance with this 3% target. In its latest published report in 2012, the NDA noted that in the civil service, the area of the public service for which I have direct responsibility, 4.2% of staff employed had disabilities. In relation to other areas of the public service, each Minister is responsible for compliance with and reporting on the target set in the Disability Act 2005 for the employment of persons with disabilities in public bodies under his or her aegis.
The 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities in the public service remains in place, notwithstanding the recruitment and promotion moratorium announced on 27 March, 2009.
You may also wish to note that a number of Departments and Offices in the civil service are participants in the Willing Able and Mentoring (WAM) Programme which is a paid mentored work placement programme aimed at graduates with disabilities. This programme is not subject to the moratorium.
The Disability Act defines "disability", in relation to a person, as a substantial restriction in the capacity of the person to carry on a profession, business or occupation in the State or to participate in social or cultural life in the State by reason of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment.
498. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the work that has been carried out on national monuments in Connacht and in County Clare in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, including ongoing maintenance and conservation projects; the amount spent on each project; the purpose, extent and other details in relation to the work; the work that he proposes to carry out in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16500/13]
View answerOPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of sites in approx 189 locations in Connaught (Counties Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo and Galway) and 37 locations in Co. Clare. A full schedule of the national Monuments in State care, including these counties, is available on website www.archaeology.ie. The Monuments for these Counties are managed by a direct labour force headquartered at 2 separate Works Depots, in Athenry, Co. Galway and Dromahaire, Co. Leitrim.
Works undertaken at these Monument sites fall into 2 broad categories:
- Ongoing light maintenance and small works undertaken by OPW's own direct labour force using materials and supplies taken from general stock on hands:
- Significant larger conservation projects undertaken over a period of years which have supplies of materials specifically provided.
Financial records of expenditures in relation to the management of the National Monuments portfolio, including ongoing maintenance works and other overheads such as vehicle fleet costs, consumables, caretaking and other inputs are kept globally only at a Depot level and are not broken down by National Monument site location. The cost of maintenance of the portfolio in these counties in the years in question is therefore not available on an individual County basis but is subsumed into the overall costs of the OPW National Monuments Service.
In respect of the second category (larger conservation projects), costs are recorded separately on a site location basis and include the following elements:
- Labour costs (OPW Direct Labour force);
- Materials costs;
- Services (outsourced professional inputs eg external specialist contractors, archaeological excavation, photography, technical surveys etc)
The following is the schedule of works carried out by OPW in the relevant Counties in the years in question:
|
Year |
Site |
Work |
Amount € |
|
2010 |
Boyle Abbey, Co. Roscommon |
Ongoing conservation works |
360,043.56 |
|
Ennis Friary, Ennis, Co. Clare |
Commencement of tomb conservation and presentation works |
325,122.33 |
|
|
Scattery Island, Co. Clare |
commencement of conservation works programme to monastic Monuments |
83,744.47 |
|
|
2011 |
Boyle Abbey, Co. Roscommon |
Ongoing conservation works |
333,659.41 |
|
Ennis Friary, Ennis, Co. Clare |
Continuation of conservation work to tomb |
378,557.02 |
|
|
Scattery Island, Co. Clare |
Ongoing conservation work |
76,788.68 |
|
|
2012 |
Boyle Abbey, Co. Roscommon |
Completion of North Aisle Wall conservation project |
217,149.11 |
|
Bunadobber Mill, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo |
Commencement of Mill Machinery repair project |
18,001.05 |
|
|
Ennis Friary, Ennis, Co. Clare |
Continuation of conservation work to tomb |
373,739.41 |
|
|
Scattery Island, Co. Clare |
Ongoing conservation works to monuments , including commencement of works to St.Senan`s church |
132,239.78 |
In respect of future works planned, the following projects are proposed for 2013 in the counties in question:
|
Site |
Work |
|
Boyle Abbey, Co. Roscommon |
Completion of miscellaneous minor works relative to the conservation project and provision of new Guide / Visitor service booth. |
|
Rockfleet Castle, Co. Mayo |
Access stair / safety works to first floor to facilitate reopening to the public |
|
Bunadobber Mill, Co. Mayo |
Continuation of project to repair Mill machinery. |
|
Portumna Castle, Co. Galway |
Reroofing of outbuildings |
|
Ennis Friary, Co. Clare |
Completion of conservation work to tomb |
|
Scattery Island, Co. Clare |
Ongoing works at St. Senan's Church |
499. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the delay in publishing the revised Estimate volume in view of the fact that three months of the year have elapsed; the date on which these Estimates will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17073/13]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, public service pay proposals were put forward by the Labour Relations Commission on 25 February last. The proposals contain many multifaceted measures and it has taken time to fully disaggregate the impact on Departmental pay and pension allocations.
I am happy to advise the Deputy that the Revised Estimates for all Government Departments will be published tomorrow, 17 April. This will provide additional details and information in relation to the allocations contained in the 2013 Estimates as published on 5 December 2012 in the “Expenditure Report 2013”. Furthermore, the REV will set out key performance information regarding the outputs and impacts of Programme Expenditure and this will complement the financial data in the Estimates.
500. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will support amendments to the national lotteries Bill, in particular section 41(1) as raised in correspondence (details supplied). [17407/13]
View answerThe categories for the disbursement of National Lottery funds provided for in section 41 of the National Lottery Bill 2012 include national culture and heritage (including the Irish language) and youth, welfare and amenities. These categories are quite wide and would not prohibit the funding of community projects which have an environmental dimension. Consequently, I am of the view that a specific category called “the Natural Environment” is not required.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a new category would inevitably lead to demands for the inclusion of other specific categories, thus leading to greater demands on the amount of funding available and the dilution of the effectiveness of those funds. Accordingly, I do not propose to alter the categories of good causes specified in the Bill.
501. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No 246 of 5 March 2013, if approval has been received for a project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; if approved, when will the work commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15977/13]
View answerThe revised estimate for painting works (external maintenance) at Keadue Garda Station is now agreed and works will proceed as soon as possible.
502. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of people who are on the payroll in his Department; the number of physical payslips that his Department processes each month; the percentage of these that are sent to payees in the post; the breakdown in the overall cost of physical payslips and postage per year for the years 2008 to 2012; if payees have the option of switching to online payslips; if he and his Department will implement online payslips in the near future; if he has considered the savings this would make; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16063/13]
View answerAll staff in my Department (which was established in July 2011) are on electronic payslips and hard copy payslips are only provided to staff who are on extended absences, for example, maternity leave. There are currently 482 staff (head count) on the payroll in my Department and of these 16 receive hard copy payslips all of which are sent out in the post. The monthly average number of hard copy payslips is 50. The approximate overall cost to produce and post these payslips is €180 per annum.
503. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number and total value of advertised contracts for supplies and general services of up to €125,000; and the number and total value of advertised contracts for works and work related services with a value up to €250,000 for each year from 2008 to present. [16117/13]
View answer504. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number and total value of advertised contracts for supplies and general services in excess of €125,000; and the number and total value of advertised contracts for works and work related services in excess of €250,000 for each year from 2008 to present. [16118/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 503 and 504 together.
Data on contract placement is currently available for the years 2008-2011 and relates to above-EU threshold contracts only and is contained in the tabular statement which will be sent to the Deputy under separate cover. The NPS does not collate data on below threshold tenders. The EU thresholds for 2008/2009 and for 2010/2011 are set out in the tables immediately below. Data in respect of 2012 will not be available until the third quarter 2013 as this data is collated a year in arrears.
The Deputy should be aware that the figures contained in the table relates to the number of contracts placed which were above the EU Threshold for the year in question and must not be interpreted as indicative statistics for the overall procurement spend. It must also be borne in mind that these statistics relate only to above threshold procurements, where contract award notices were published. The NPS does not collate figures on below threshold procurements.
Thresholds 2010/2011
|
Works: |
||
|
Contract Notice |
€4,845,000 |
Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices, Local and Regional Authorities and other public bodies. |
|
Supplies and Services: |
||
|
Contract Notice |
€125,000 |
Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices |
|
Contract Notice |
€193,000 |
Threshold applies to Local and Regional Authorities and public bodies outside the Utilities sector. |
|
Utilities: |
||
|
Works Contracts / Prior Indicative Notice |
€4,845,000 |
For entities in Utilities sectors covered by GPA |
|
Supplies and Services |
€ 387,000 |
For entities in Utilities sectors covered by GPA |
Thresholds 2008/2009
|
Works |
|
|
|
Contract Notice |
€5,150,000 |
Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices, Local and Regional Authorities and other public bodies. |
|
Supplies and Services |
|
|
|
Contract Notice |
€133,000 |
Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices |
|
Contract Notice |
€206,000 |
Threshold applies to Local and Regional Authorities and public bodies outside the Utilities sector. |
|
Utilities |
|
|
|
Works Contracts / Prior Indicative Notice* |
€5,150,000 |
For entities in Utilities sectors covered by GPA |
|
Supplies and Services |
€412,000 |
For entities in Utilities sectors covered by GPA |
505. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number and total value of framework agreements entered into for the provision of goods and services for each year from 2008 to present. [16119/13]
View answerPlease find below a table showing the number of contracts put in place by the National Procurement Service (NPS) and the total estimated value for the contracts for 2010, 2011 and 2012. As the NPS only came into existence in the middle of 2009, there are no centralised figures available prior to 2010.
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
||
|
Total number of NPS framework contracts in place |
27 |
38 |
65 |
|
|
Annual estimated value of NPS framework contracts |
€300m |
€500m |
€397m |
|
506. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of properties owned by the State that are leased to third party tenants, on a county basis; the number of same that have had a rental review since 2011; the number of these reviews that resulted in rents being reduced or rents increasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16330/13]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the information required to reply to his question is held by the individual Government Departments and State Agencies and the Deputy should submit his question to those Departments and agencies. In respect of properties under the aegis of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have asked the Office of Public Works to communicate with the Deputy.
509. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the rationalisation of State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16380/13]
View answer535. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of quangos that have been merged or abolished since he came to office; if he will provide a list of each of these quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17236/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 535 together.
My Department is currently monitoring the implementation of the agency rationalisation programme of the Public Service Reform Plan on a quarterly basis. The latest tables which detail this progress to end Quarter 1 2013 can be found at:
http://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Public-Service-Reform-Plan-Rationalisation-Measures-end-Q1-2013.pdf
In summary, the tables show that significant progress has been made by Departments on the implementation of agreed rationalisation measures. To date, rationalisation and amalgamation measures involving 25 bodies have been fully implemented, and measures involving a further 83 bodies are at advanced legislative or administrative stages.
The critical review process undertaken in 2012 also identified further measures, involving 107 bodies, the majority of which are to be implemented in 2013.
510. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will examine the serious concerns in respect of the Garda Síochána Retired Members Association regarding the continuous cuts to Garda pensions (details supplied); if he will urgently give due consideration to the plight of these retired members of an Garda Síochána who have served their country well and who now find their pensions targeted on a regular and unfair basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16397/13]
View answer513. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a retired member of the public service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16439/13]
View answer541. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the pensions of retired gardaí. [17711/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 510, 513 and 541 together.
The Government is fully aware that public servants and public service pensioners have made a significant contribution to the fiscal consolidation process to date. However the reality is that further measures are necessary to achieve a sustainable Pay and Pensions Bill in order to meet the budgetary targets of the Government and repair our public finances.
It is in this context that the Government decided that public service pensioners should be required to make a contribution to the proposed consolidation measures, with the largest reductions being borne by those on higher pension rates. I would like to take this opportunity point out that the proposed reductions will apply only to pensions in excess of €32,500; pensions below that level will not be affected. The proposed measure is a necessary step to address the economic crisis in the State and to restore domestic and international confidence.
511. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way commercial rates are determined for private houses that are used as businesses, for example doctor's surgeries. [16417/13]
View answerI should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Valuation Act, 2001 and the making of valuations for rating purposes is his sole prerogative and I, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, have no function in this regard.
The levying and collection of commercial rates is the responsibility of each local authority and the Valuation Office has no function in this regard. Private residential houses are exempt from rates, however, if there is a business undertaking located in a residential house, such as a medical surgery or other similar facility being operated on a commercial basis, the accommodation space used for that purpose is valued for rating in the same manner as a commercial property unconnected to a private house.
The basis of rateable valuation for all commercial property, whether it forms part of a private house or otherwise, is net annual value and is set out in Part 11 of the Valuation Act, 2001. Net annual value is the rental for which one year with another, the building might, in its actual state, be reasonably expected to let from year to year, on the assumption that the probable average annual cost of repairs, insurance and other expenses (if any) that would be necessary to maintain the property in that state, and all rates and other taxes and charges (if any) payable by or under any enactment in respect of the property, are borne by the tenant of the property.
Various methodologies may be used in estimating the net annual value (NAV/rental value) of a building. The most common methodology used is direct comparison with other similar buildings in the same rating area.
512. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way commercial rates are determined for units in surburban shopping centres. [16418/13]
View answerThe levying and collection of commercial rates is the responsibility of each local authority and the Valuation Office has no function in this regard. The basis of rateable valuation for all commercial property, including retail units in suburban shopping centres, is net annual value and is set out in Part 11 of the Valuation Act, 2001.
Net annual value is the rental for which one year with another, the building might, in its actual state, be reasonably expected to let from year to year, on the assumption that the probable average annual cost of repairs, insurance and other expenses (if any) that would be necessary to maintain the property in that state, and all rates and other taxes and charges (if any) payable by or under any enactment in respect of the property, are borne by the tenant of the property.
Various methodologies may be used in estimating the net annual value (NAV/rental value) of a building. The most common methodology used is direct comparison with other similar buildings in the same rating area. This is the method used to estimate the net annual value (NAV/rental value) of retail units in suburban shopping centres.
There are two provisions in the legislation governing the assessment of valuations, i.e. revision and revaluation.
Revision of valuation is the mechanism used to maintain existing local authority valuations lists. It is used to add new properties to the list, to amend the valuations of altered properties and to remove demolished or defunct properties from the list. The valuations of commercial properties at revision are determined by reference to the net annual values of comparable properties on the same valuation list. That is to say that they are compared with similar type properties in the same local authority area to ensure, in so far as it is possible, that they are all treated equally.
In a revaluation the entire commercial valuation list for a local authority is brought up-to-date by reference to values at a specific valuation date and the entire list is published on one date (usually 31 December) and comes into effect for rating purposes on 1 January the following year. To-date, revaluations of the commercial list have been completed in South Dublin, Fingal and Dun Laoghaire County Council areas and the revaluation programme for the Dublin City Council area is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 31st December, 2013.
The Commissioner of Valuation is responsible for the administration of the Valuation Act and is independent in the exercise of his duties under the act and I, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, have no function in decisions in this regard.
514. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will begin the review of the Government construction contracts which he committed to undertaking this year; the length of time the process will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16454/13]
View answer515. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the groups and persons that have contacted his Department with regard to the upcoming review of the Government construction contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16455/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.
Fixed-price lump-sum public works contracts were introduced in February 2007 as part of the Construction Procurement Reform Initiative the objectives of which are to achieve greater cost certainty, better value for money and timely and more efficient delivery of projects.
A commitment was given to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and the professional bodies in 2006 by the Minister for Finance at that time that a review would be conducted by the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC) at an appropriate time when adequate experience had been obtained in the use of the new contracts by contracting authorities. Consideration was given to a review in 2010 but at the time it was agreed that insufficient numbers of contracts had reached final account stage to provide material for a review.
I am satisfied that sufficient projects have now reached agreed final account stage to conduct a review of the performance of the contracts.
The CIF and Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland have contacted my Department about the review and the matter of the review has also been raised informally by other professional bodies and representative groups at various meetings and communications. We are considering the best means to carry out the review before we commit to a timescale and the arrangements about which the Deputy is enquiring will be decided shortly.
516. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the current public project procurement process held by architects, engineers, chartered surveyors, construction companies and legal experts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16456/13]
View answerActivity in the construction sector has fallen from almost 25% of GNP (€39bn) in 2006 to just 7% of GNP in 2011 (€8.7bn). This has resulted in an extremely competitive tendering environment. The public capital programme generates a substantial proportion (if not the majority) of activity in the sector currently and it is not surprising, therefore, to find that tenders for works or works-related service contracts are subject to heightened levels of scrutiny.
All policy, guidance and implementation measures relating to capital projects is published on the Construction Procurement Reform website www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie where the Capital Works Management Framework provides a suite of best practice guidance, standard contracts and generic template documents are available to download for all contracting authorities to provide a consistent approach to the management of public works projects.
The Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) was introduced on a phased basis from 2007 and became mandatory for all contracting authorities through the issue of Department of Finance Circular 06/10 on 5 May 2010. The documents are updated and augmented where appropriate to respond to new developments in the industry and changes in the regulatory environment.
Matters relating to the public procurement process which are raised from time to time by contracting authorities and industry representative bodies are considered by the Government Contracts Committee for Construction and, where appropriate, amendments are made to procedures.
