Written Answers Nos. 127-144
127. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Taoiseach the total cost of all media advertising in his Department for each of the past five years; the efforts his Department is making to ensure that local media both print and radio are being supported as well as national media by his Department's budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39118/13]
View answerThe table below details expenditure by my Department on Media Advertising from 2009 to end of August 2013.
Amount spent on Media Advertising from 2009 to Date, August 2013
|
Year |
Details |
Amount |
|
2009 |
Department |
€21,901 |
|
National Forum on Europe |
€2,406 |
|
|
Change Management Fund* |
€3,402 |
|
|
2010 |
Department |
€11,579 |
|
Change Management Fund* |
€9,372 |
|
|
2011 |
Department |
€101,062 |
|
2012 |
Department |
€6,192 |
|
Referendum on the EU Fiscal Stability Treaty |
€540,334 |
|
|
Constitutional Convention |
€16,048 |
|
|
2013 (end of August) |
Department |
€16,468 |
|
EU Presidency |
€51,660 |
* These amounts were recouped from the Change Management fund, Department of Finance
Expenditure by my Department relates to telephone directories as well as notices in newspapers in respect of the National Day of Commemoration and other such events. In 2011 the majority of expenditure related to public information notices for the public event held during the visit of President Barack Obama.
The Department of the Taoiseach's media advertisements relate largely to national events and therefore the majority of the advertising requires use of national media. As part of the Government's information campaign on the Stability Treaty referendum, information advertisements were placed on local radio and with local newspapers in May 2012. These were considered important outlets to ensure awareness and understanding across the country. The Department also managed media and press aspects of the 2013 EU Presidency and maintained strong contact with local/regional media, facilitating journalists at all high-level EU Presidency meetings. In addition, in May and June 2013 the Department facilitated a large number of local newspapers with profiles of Irish officials from their areas who held key roles in the Presidency in Brussels.
128. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach if he will discuss the re-configuration of the EU affairs and co-ordination division of his Department, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in view of the conclusion of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39119/13]
View answerIn October 2011, responsibility for the coordination of EU policy formally transferred from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to a newly created EU Affairs and Coordination Division in the Department of the Taoiseach. The new arrangements responded to the evolution of EU institutional structures and practices following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, in particular the increased role of the European Council. They also reflected the need to ensure effective coordination and strategic direction of Ireland's engagement with the EU across the whole of Government. Almost two years on, I am pleased to state that the arrangement is working very well. Systems are in place to ensure effective coordination and communication between the two Departments and our EU Missions on matters of EU policy. Officials from both Departments maintained close and regular contact in the lead up to, and throughout, the successful EU Presidency in the first half of this year and this contact will be maintained into the future.
129. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he has responded to a request from the British Government on the topic of a balance of competencies review of European Union law and regulatory regimes; if he will share the detail of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39122/13]
View answerThe Taoiseach has no official responsibility to the Dáil in relation to this matter, which is within the remit of the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. We consider that the ongoing review exercise is primarily a domestic political issue for the UK, although we are monitoring the matter very closely. While the UK government has invited submissions, the great majority of EU member states have not made any at this stage. I believe the UK's interests are best served by remaining an influential member of the EU. The EU as a whole is better and stronger with the EU in it. It is also in Ireland's interests that the UK remains a fully committed member. While we disagree on some EU issues, the UK remains an important ally on many aspects of EU policy, including areas such as trade liberalisation on which we collaborated during Ireland's recent EU Presidency term.
130. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the names of all consultants hired by his Department since he took office and the total cost to the State of these consultants in each case. [39126/13]
View answerThe table below provides details of all consultants hired by my Department and the total cost to the State since March 2011.
|
Name of Consultant |
Total Cost € |
|
2011 |
- |
|
QTS Limited |
€1,271 |
|
Tower Watson (Ireland) Ltd |
€12,100 |
|
2012 |
- |
|
QTS Limited |
€1,271 |
|
Caroline Erskine |
€25,830 |
|
2013 |
- |
|
Caroline Erskine |
€30,553 |
131. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach if he will outline in tabular form, each Internet domain that his Department or body under the aegis of his Department has registered online, from 2010 onwards in either .ie or other format since his Department first established an online presence; the date on which each domain was initially registered and for what intended purpose; the amount each domain and associated hosting has cost on a yearly basis from when each domain was first registered; the date on which each domain is expiring; if he intends to renew each domain when it comes up for renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39127/13]
View answer
132. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet committee on Social Policy has met since the formation of this Government; if it has met, the date on which those meetings have taken place. [39128/13]
View answerThe Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has met 13 times since the formation of this Government, the dates of which are set out in the table:
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
09 June 2011 21 Sept 2011 02 Nov 2011 |
04 April 2012 03 May 2012 19 June 2012 20 Sept 2012 15 Nov 2012 |
11 Feb 2013 12 Feb 2013 15 April 2013 24 June 2013 22 July 2013 |
133. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Taoiseach if there is a central registry of all persons who visit his Department, including those who may drive into his Department or access it through Leinster House; if he is concerned that there is no record of all those who may visit his Department rather than just those who sign the visitors' book and the implications this has for public policy and security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39130/13]
View answerThere are long standing arrangements in place to enable visitors access to Government Buildings. All visitors are required to be met by a member of staff of the Department and escorted to and from their destination.
Those visitors wishing to drive into my Department must give prior notification of their intention to do so. Car access to my Department is via an electronic gate monitored by service officers and there are security ramps in place. In relation to access to my Department via Leinster House, a swipe card system is in use.
Security in my Department is kept under continual review in conjunction with An Garda Síochána.
134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the programme for Government commitment to reduce the size of his Department; if he will provide details of the staffing allocation and organisational structure of his Department in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39131/13]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach has been substantially restructured in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government including the following changes:
- in 2011, 27 staff and functions relating to public service reform transferred from the Department to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform;
- a new Programme for Government Office and a new Office of the Tánaiste were established from within existing resources;
- a new integrated European Affairs Division has been established which involved the transfer of 18 staff and functions from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the Department;
- a new Cabinet Committee structure has been established, including the Economic Management Council;
- a number of staff have been seconded from NESC and Forfás, and staff have been recruited as part of the Government Economic and Evaluation Service, to enhance the Department's policy analysis capacity.
As a result of these changes, and further administrative efficiencies, the Department has reduced its size from (whole time equivalent) 191 staff in 2010 to 182 staff currently. There were 212 staff serving in the Department in 2008 - reduction of 10% notwithstanding the transfer of the EU Division from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
My Department is now engaged in the following core activities:
- the executive functions of the Taoiseach and the Government;
- the Government Secretariat,
- my Private Office and the offices of the Government Chief Whip and the Minister of State for European Affairs;
- the Office of the Tánaiste;
- the Government Press Office;
- support for me in carrying out my duties as Head of Government, including in relation to the Oireachtas, Constitutional issues, Protocol, the European Council, the North/South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council;
- engaging with the formulation and implementation of government policy, mainly through the system of Cabinet Committees, including the Economic Management Council, Senior Officials Groups and the new Programme for Government Office;
- Providing briefing and advice for me on the full range of domestic policy issues and on international affairs;
- Supporting the Government and I in the formulation and implementation of EU policy, including the coordination of EU policy interests across the whole of Government; and
- delivering support services through Corporate Affairs Division [HR, Finance, IT and other services].
135. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a progress report on an independent audit of the transposition and implementation of EU legislation; when he expects to achieve the programme for Government commitment to eliminating the practice of transposing EU law into Irish law by means of statutory instrument alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39132/13]
View answerI would draw the Deputy’s attention to our much-improved record in the transposition of EU Directives. Ireland achieved a zero% transposition deficit score in the December 2012 Internal Market Scoreboard, by transposing all Directives on time. We were only the second Member State to achieve this since the Scoreboard was first compiled in 1997. We achieved a score of 0.3%, which is half the 0.6% EU-wide average, in the May 2013 Internal Market Scoreboard. The ICEE will continue to monitor Departments’ progress to maintain the continued improvement in Ireland’s transposition record.
The assessment of the legislative measures necessary to give effect to a Directive is made by the relevant Department based upon the particular circumstances of each Directive and in the light of advice from the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel where required.
The Government has established an Interdepartmental Committee on EU Engagement (ICEE) to ensure rigorous and ongoing examination of transposition and implementation of EU legislation. The Committee is chaired by the Minister of State for European Affairs and is attended by senior official representatives of all Government Departments, the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The Committee’s terms of reference include to continually examining participation in the shaping of EU legislation, transposition of EU legislation, and promoting engagement of the Oireachtas in EU affairs.
The Deputy will also be aware of the mainstreaming of scrutiny of EU legislation across sectoral Committees, which enables Committees to have a greater engagement with and oversight of the respective Departments, including the transposition and implementation of EU legislation within their remit. With the considerable demand the Presidency placed on resources in Departments now behind us, I believe it is appropriate now to conduct a review of current scrutiny processes through the ICEE with a view to identifying areas for improvement.
136. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Taoiseach if he will detail by name, location and cost the number of capital projects funded by his Department for each of the past five years to date in tabular form in an area of County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39153/13]
View answer
137. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the contacts he has had in relation to the appointment of a new Clerk of Dáil Éireann; if a procedure has been agreed to process the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39159/13]
View answerThe existing legislation governing the appointment of the Clerk of the Dail dates back to 1959. I believe there is widespread support in the House for modernisation of that legislation to reflect the needs of a modern parliament. I have received correspondence from the Ceann Comhairle and from the Opposition on the matter.
This is a matter that needs to be resolved by agreement in the Oireachtas and I hope that a process for an appointment can be agreed shortly.
138. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the attendees of the weekly economic management council meetings; if there has been any change in the attendees since the EMC was first established; and his plans to broaden the membership of the EMC. [39193/13]
View answerThe Economic Management Council has four members: the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. There are no plans to broaden the membership of the EMC.
A Second Secretary General has been appointed in my Department whose responsibilities include managing support for the Council and who reports to the Tánaiste on matters relating to the Council.
Additional support for the Council is provided from within the existing resources of my Department, working in close conjunction with staff from the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Senior officials and advisers to each of the members of the Council attend meetings on a regular basis, in line with precedent .
139. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach if he will provide the main findings in the recent report on wider Irish and UK plans for closer economic co-operation in the fields of energy, agri-business, finance and research and development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36960/13]
View answerOn 18 July Prime Minister Cameron and I jointly welcomed the publication of the Joint (British-Irish) Economic Study ‘Evaluating the value of the economic relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland’. The aim of the Study was to identify areas where both jurisdictions could collaborate and I believe the Study successfully outlines a range of proposals in which collaboration could benefit both economies. PA Consulting Group and Cambridge Econometrics were commissioned to carry out the joint study. The findings and recommendations are set out in the report which is in the Oireachtas library and published on my Department’s website [http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Publications/Publications_2013/British-Irish_Relations_-_Joint_Economic_Study1.html].
The Prime Minister and I have asked our officials to work closely together to ensure that the benefits from cooperation identified in the report are realised.
140. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach the number of workers employed in the financial services sector; the number directly employed in retail banking and aircraft leasing for each year since 2005, [35951/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is available from 2006-2011. Data for 2012 is not yet available as it is dependent on the receipt of administrative data which are not filed until 2013 and are not fully available to CSO until 2014. The latest CSO Business Demography returns for 2011 were released on 25 July 2013. The primary purpose of Business Demography is to provide estimates of numbers of enterprises and numbers of persons engaged. The data for Business Demography is based on the CSO Central Business Register. The Business Register is a register of all enterprises that are active in the State. There is no lower size limit, but for practical reasons, Business Demography data is based on enterprises that are registered with the Revenue Commissioners. The first reference year covered is 2006.
Table 1 contains the number of Persons Engaged in NACE Rev 2 sector 64 (less 64.20, Activities of Holding Companies) “Financial service activities excluding activities of holding companies” (including retail banking), and sector 77.35 “Renting and leasing of air transport equipment.”
Persons Engaged includes employees, proprietors and family members. The number of employees is calculated on an annualized equivalent basis for the reference year. The total number of weeks worked by an employee over the course of the year is divided by 52 to get the fraction of their full annual employment. So for example, a person who has worked for 52 weeks in the year will contribute 1 to the employment figures, while a person who has worked 26 weeks of the year will contribute 0.5. No distinction is made between full time and part time employment, so an employee who works on a part time basis for a full year is still counted as 1 employee.
Table1: Number of Persons Engaged in Ireland in selected activities by Sector, 2006-2011
|
Number of Persons Engaged |
Year |
|||||
|
Sector |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
Financial service activities excluding activities of holding companies |
45,161 |
51,812 |
53,236 |
50,289 |
48,369 |
48,402 |
|
Renting and leasing of air transport equipment |
373 |
511 |
635 |
713 |
754 |
843 |
Business Demography figures are based purely on administrative data. This results in some differences with survey based Structural Business Statistics (SBS) releases, like the Census of Industrial Production, Building and Construction Inquiry, and Annual Services Inquiry.
1) Administrative data sources allow better coverage of small enterprises, which do not show up using survey methods.
2) Administrative data counts active Revenue registrations as active enterprises. This generally lines up with the definition of an enterprise in survey areas, but there can be some differences, especially in enterprise groups.
3) Business Demography counts employment data based on P35 employer returns, while other SBS releases measure employment based on survey returns. This is particularly significant for enterprise groups, where the whole group may make one P35 return, which results in all its employees being counted against the overall enterprise group NACE code. Survey based releases may divide this employment across different enterprises, and therefore different NACE codes.
Further information is available from recent CSO Business Statistics releases.
The Business Demography Press Release of 25 July 2013 is available at;
http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/bd/businessdemography2011/
The Business in Ireland Release of November 2012 is available at;
http://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/multisectoral/2010/businessinireland2010.pdf
141. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the full year saving to the Exchequer if all State agency board members' fees, non-commercial State sponsored bodies and commercial semi-State companies, under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39285/13]
View answer142. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the full year saving to the Exchequer if all non-commercial State sponsored bodies CEO salaries under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39286/13]
View answer143. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the full year saving to the Exchequer if all commercial semi-State CEOs' pay under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39287/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 to 143, inclusive, together.
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) comes under the aegis of my Department. The savings that would arise in a full year from a 10% reduction in the salary of the NESC Director would be €17,635. As no fees are payable to members of the NESC Board, no savings would arise. Although the National Statistics Board (NSB) is not classified as an agency under my aegis, I am providing the following for the information of the Deputy. Under the Statistics Act, 1993, the National Statistics Board comprises a Chairperson and seven Board members. Appointments to the NSB are made in line with the provisions of Section 18 of the Statistics Act 1993. The Chairperson is entitled to an annual stipend of €8,978 and those Board members entitled to a stipend receive €5,985. The costs of the Board are met from the CSO Vote.
The following table shows the potential saving to the exchequer if the amount of the stipend was reduced by 25%. This figure is indicative only, and would vary depending on the make up of the board and the number of members entitled to stipends.
|
% Reduction |
Potential saving |
|
25% |
€8,229.50 |
144. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach the steps he intends to take to ensure semi-State bodies and other organisations and bodies under the remit of his Department advertise vacant positions through the Public Appointments Service and publicjobs.ie that is in a clear and transparent manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39288/13]
View answer
