Tuesday, 5 Nov 2013

Written Answers Nos. 360 - 379

Public Procurement Regulations

Questions (360)

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

360. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way an organisation can get on the list of preferred suppliers for the Office of Public Works; when the next round of applications will be accepted; the criteria for companies that wish to apply; if there are different criteria depending on the size of the companies; the size on the contracts they will be aiming for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46436/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works selects electrical contractors in a number of ways. For larger and medium sized works contractors are selected on a project-by-project basis. These projects are usually publicly advertised on etenders. The criteria for selection are appropriate to the size and scope of the work. For maintenance and minor work in the Dublin region a tender is run for a framework contract. A number of contractors are appointed to this framework. The tender for this framework contract is due to be advertised in the next month. Detailed criteria for selection will be published in the tender.

Local Authority Charges Review

Questions (361)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

361. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a rates revaluation will be carried out on a premises (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46550/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Valuation Act 2001 provides for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property and the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Act and the making of valuations for rating is his sole prerogative and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.

Under section 28 (4) of the Act, a Revision Officer of the Commissioner may carry out a revision of valuation in relation to a particular property only if a material change of circumstances (MCC) has occurred since the property was last revised. MCC is defined in section 3 of the Act as a change of circumstances, which consist of a new building, a change in value due to structural alterations of an existing building, total or partial demolition of a building or a sub-division or amalgamation of relevant property. The definition does not allow for a revision of valuation where the change in value is due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as roads or other infrastructural development in the vicinity of a property.

I am informed by the Valuation Office that an application for a revision of valuation has been received from the occupier of the subject property and the Commissioner will shortly appoint a Revision Officer to consider the case and issue a determination in relation to the valuation. A notice of the decision will issue to the applicant, who, if dissatisfied with the decision, will have the right to make representations in respect of the proposed revision and will have 28 days to do so, from the date of issue of the certificate.

The occupier will have a further statutory right to make an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, if dissatisfied with the outcome of their representations. The Valuation Tribunal is an independent body set up to settle disputed valuations between the Commissioner of Valuation and individual ratepayers.

Local Authority Charges Review

Questions (362)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

362. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a rates revaluation will be carried out on a premises (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46551/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Valuation act, 2001 provides for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property and the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Act and the making of valuations for rating is his sole prerogative and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.

Under section 28 (4) of the Act, a Revision Officer of the Commissioner may carry out a revision of valuation in relation to a particular property only if a material change of circumstances (MCC) has occurred since the property was last revised. MCC is defined in section 3 of the Act as a change of circumstances, which consist of a new building, a change in value due to structural alterations of an existing building, total or partial demolition of a building or a sub-division or amalgamation of relevant property. The definition does not allow for a revision of valuation where the change in value is due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as roads or other infrastructural development in the vicinity of a property.

I am informed by the Valuation Office that an application for a revision of valuation has been received from the occupier of the subject property and the Commissioner will shortly appoint a Revision Officer to consider the case and issue a determination in relation to the valuation. A notice of the decision will issue to the applicant, who, if dissatisfied with the decision, will have the right to make representations in respect of the proposed revision and will have 28 days to do so, from the date of issue of the certificate.

The occupier will have a further statutory right to make an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, if dissatisfied with the outcome of their representations. The Valuation Tribunal is an independent body set up to settle disputed valuations between the Commissioner of Valuation and individual ratepayers.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (363)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

363. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the legal obligations on farmers to keep drains and rivulets flowing through their land cleared to stop flooding on other people's land upstream; the agency with responsibility for enforcing such law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46555/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works understands that where watercourses or channels pass through private lands which are not part of arterial drainage schemes, maintained by the OPW, or not part of Drainage Districts, maintained by local authorities, the responsibility for the maintenance of those channels rests with the riparian owners.

OPW is aware of legal advice recently received by Cork County Council, which states that it would appear that where a natural watercourse or river is blocked with rubbish or debris, which caused or contributed to flooding of another person's lands, then the riparian owner in respect of such natural watercourse or river may potentially be liable for damages, where they failed to take reasonable steps to address such matter after having acquired knowledge or presumed knowledge of its existence. In such cases of dispute in relation to the responsibilities of private landowners, if it is not possible for the parties to resolve the matter amicably, it would be open to the aggrieved landowner to take appropriate legal action against the offending landowner.

Under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 Sections 48 and 49 grant powers to the Commissioners Of Public Works in certain circumstances with regard to requiring landowners or occupiers of land to repair and restore to proper condition watercourses on the land in question.

Where the watercourse discharges into an existing Drainage District or Arterial Drainage Scheme, Section 48 allows OPW to issue a notice to a landowner to put it into proper repair and condition. If the landowner gives an undertaking to allow an affected occupier upstream to enter on their lands to maintain the channel at said affected occupier's own expense, then the notice to repair must be withdrawn. If the OPW undertakes the work, it is entitled to recoup the cost of work from the landowner.

Under Section 49, a Minister of State or a county council may make a representation to the Commissioners, where the Council or Minister is unreasonably being denied access to execute works to improve drainage of land. The Commissioners may make a compulsory drainage order, allowing such works to be undertaken, where funds are available to the Council or Minister to carry out such drainage works.

Under the two Sections, failure to comply with the notices or orders is deemed an offence and on summary conviction is liable to fines and/or imprisonment. The enforcement of the law in this regard is a matter for the Garda Síochána and/or the Courts.

Valuation Office

Questions (364)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

364. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is normal practice for the Valuation Office to charge a fee for the de-rating of a commercial property; if there is a mechanism in place for the waiver of such a fee to be applied to those businesses no longer in a position to pay due to financial circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46712/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Valuation Act, 2001 provides for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Act and the making of valuations for rating is his sole prerogative and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.

Under section 28 (4) of the Act, a Revision Officer of the Commissioner may carry out a revision of valuation in relation to a particular property only if a material change of circumstances (MCC) has occurred since the property was last revised. MCC is defined in section 3 of the Act as a change of circumstances, which consist of a new building, a change in value due to structural alterations of an existing building, total or partial demolition of a building or a sub-division or amalgamation of relevant property. The definition does not allow for a revision of valuation where the change in value is due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as roads or other infrastructural development in the vicinity of a property.

Under the Act, a prescribed fee of €250 is payable by the person making the application for revision of valuation, which may or may not result in a property being deemed to be non-rateable. It is normal practice to collect the fee and there is no discretion to exercise a waiver for which there is no provision in the legislation. The chargeable fee, which has not been increased since 2004 is considered to be appropriate in the present, albeit difficult, economic circumstances and given that there is almost universal payment compliance, the introduction of a waiver scheme is not an option which is under consideration at this time.

National Lottery Funding Disbursement

Questions (365)

Tom Barry

Question:

365. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the finances and plans for the proposed new convention centre in Cork. [46902/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

On Budget day this year, I announced additional investment of €200m from the proceeds of the National Lottery Licence transaction. This investment will be used to progress a number of additional projects and programmes in 2014 including the project to which the Deputy refers. The precise allocation of the proceeds to the Departments concerned is being determined at present and will be published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2014 which will be published in December. My Department will not have any involvement in the management and/or roll-out of this or any of the other projects to be funded from the Lottery Licence transaction. That will be a matter for the relevant Minister and his/her Department. Of course, Departments must ensure that, as with all capital projects, those to be funded through this additional investment are appraised in line with the processes set out in the Public Spending Code.

Register of Lobbyists Legislation

Questions (366)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

366. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure the IFSC Clearing House Group is covered under the regulation of lobbying Bill 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45703/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Regulation of Lobbying Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC). The General Scheme has been referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform for pre-legislative scrutiny and the views of the Committee will be taken into account in the drafting process.

The Deputy may wish to note that under the proposals for regulating lobbying activity approved by Government, a group - such as, for example, the one referred to in the Deputy’s question - established on the initiative of a Minister or Department comprising both public servants and external members will be obliged to comply with a Transparency Code which will be published in advance of the commencement of the legislation. The Code is intended to ensure that the work of any such group is carried out in a manner fully consistent with the objectives of the legislation by securing appropriate openness and transparency in relation to the group’s discussions and activities through, for example, publication of agendas and minutes of meetings on a timely basis.

Head (4)(3)(xi) of the General Scheme of the Bill sets out the relevant provision published on my Department’s website http://per.gov.ie/the-general-scheme/.

Public Sector Staff Remuneration

Questions (367, 373, 374)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

367. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way tax relief on pension contributions applies to post and pre-1995 public servants, listing the names of each pension contribution, the respective rates at which they apply, the way in which tax relief applies to those pension contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45909/13]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

373. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the pension contributions a pre-1995 executive officer at the final point of the increment scale must make towards their pension every year; if he will explain the way in which tax relief on pension contributions applies to their pension contributions and the way in which gross pay is affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46489/13]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

374. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the pension contributions a post-1995 executive officer at the final point of the increment scale must make towards their pension every year; if he will explain the way in which tax relief on pension contributions applies to their pension contributions and the way in which gross pay is affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46490/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 367, 373 and 374 together.

Established Civil Servants appointed prior to 6 April 1995 are subject to a modified rate of PRSI (Class B) whereas those appointed on or after 6 April 1995 are subject to PRSI Class A rate. Officers appointed prior to 6 April 1995 do not pay an explicit employee contribution in respect of their “Main Scheme” pension (i.e. their own personal pension).

Officers appointed on or after that date pay the following contributions:

- 1.5% of gross remuneration (i.e. basic salary plus any pensionable allowances), plus

- 3.5% of net remuneration [i.e. gross remuneration (as defined above) less twice the maximum annual rate of the State Pension (Contributory) payable by the Department of Social Protection to a single person without dependants].

In addition, all officers who are members of the Spouses’ and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme (which was compulsory for all male officers appointed on or after 1 January 1969 and before 1st September 1984, and is compulsory for all officers appointed on or after 1st September 1984) pay contributions in respect of the benefits provided by that Scheme. The contribution rate is 1.5% of salary in respect of periods of pensionable service (e.g. they are not paid during periods of unpaid special leave, unpaid sick leave, etc.).

Contributions for members appointed before 6 April 1995 are levied on basic salary and acting up allowances only. Additional contributions have to be made at retirement if other pensionable allowances are taken into account when determining pension benefits at retirement. For members appointed on or after 6 April 1995, contributions are levied on basic salary and any pensionable emoluments in the nature of pay held from time to time during their career (irrespective of whether or not such emoluments are taken into account when determining the pension benefits at retirement).

The change of PRSI status in 1995 did not affect the position of non-Established State employees in the Civil Service. Such employees do not pay an explicit employee contribution in respect of their “Main Scheme” pension (i.e. their own personal pension). The contribution rate in respect of membership of the Spouses' and Children's Scheme is 1.5% of net salary [i.e. salary less twice the maximum annual rate of the State Pension (Contributory) payable to a single person without dependants].

Generally, the position in relation to Main Scheme and Spouses' and Children's Scheme contributions for pre and post 1995 Established Civil Servants also applies in the wider Public Service.

Income tax relief is provided on pension contributions made by both public sector and private sector employees at their marginal tax rate, subject to an annual earnings cap which operates in conjunction with age-related percentage limits. The maximum amount of annual tax-relieved pension contributions that an employee can make to pension arrangements is restricted on a graduated basis, rising from 15% of their annual earnings up to age 30 to 40% of annual earnings at age 60 and over. This is subject to an overall earnings cap of €115,000 per annum above which no relief on pension contributions as a percentage of earnings is given. The relief and the annual tax-relieved contribution limits apply across-the-board to all employees, regardless of whether they work in the public or private sectors.

Ministerial Staff

Questions (368)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

368. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the name, qualifications and current salary of each political staff member appointed by him. [46092/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The following table provides the information requested in respect of each political staff member appointed by me.

Name/Title	Qualifications	Salary
Mr. Ronán O’Brien Special Adviser	Suitably qualified for the position.	€106,880
Ms. Anne Byrne Special Adviser	Suitably qualified for the position.	€84,706
Ms. Frances Kelly Parliamentary Assistant- Constituency Office	Suitably qualified for the position.	€54,490
Ms. Marion Doyle Constituency Secretary	Suitably qualified for the position.	€47,755
Mr. Eugene O’Sullivan Civilian Driver	Suitably qualified for the position.	€32,965
Mr. Tony Brennan Civilian Driver	Suitably qualified for the position.	€32,965

Office of Public Works Properties

Questions (369)

Ann Phelan

Question:

369. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of properties in counties Carlow and Kilkenny that are under the ownership of the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46183/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

There are 78 State owned properties managed by the Commissioners of Public Works in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny broken down as follows with full details supplied on Table 1.

-	Carlow	Kilkenny
Properties	11	28
National Monuments	10	28
Historic Properties	0	1

Table 1: List of State Owned Properties/Sites Managed by the OPW in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny

County	Property	Location	Land	Type
Carlow	St Mullins Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Site	St. Mullin's		National Monument
Carlow	Carlow Castle	Carlow Town		National Monument
Carlow	Cross Fragment	Lorum		National Monument
Carlow	Ballyloughan Castle	Ballyloughan		National Monument
Carlow	Nurney Cross	Nurney		National Monument
Carlow	Straboe Medieval Grave Slab	Straboe		National Monument
Carlow	Ballymoon Castle	Ballymoon	2 Acres	National Monument
Carlow	Baunogenasraid Burial Mound (Cist)	Baunogenasraid		National Monument
Carlow	Rathvilly Moat Burial Mound	Knockroe		National Monument
Carlow	Browneshill Portal Tomb	Kernanstown		National Monument
Carlow	Ballon Garda station and married quarters	Ballykealey		Property
Carlow	Borris Garda station and married quarters	Borris		Property
Carlow	Carlow Government Offices	Kennedy Avenue		Property
Carlow	Carlow Garda station	Athy Road		Property
Carlow	Carlow Social Protection Office	Strawhall Industrial Estate		Property
Carlow	Hacketstown Garda station and married quarters	Main Street		Property
Carlow	Leighlinbridge former Garda station and married quarters	Church Street		Property
Carlow	Muine Bheag Garda station and married quarters	Kilree Street		Property
Carlow	Myshall Garda station and married quarters	Myshall		Property
Carlow	Rathvilly Garda station and married quarters	The Green		Property
Carlow	Tullow Garda station and married quarters	Dublin Road		Property
Kilkenny	St. Francis Abbey (Franciscan Friary)	Kilkenny		National Monument
Kilkenny	Knocktopher Church	Knocktopher		National Monument
Kilkenny	Sheepstown Church	Sheepstown		National Monument
Kilkenny	Grangefertagh Round Tower and Church	Grangefertagh		National Monument
Kilkenny	Kilamery High Cross	Killamery		National Monument
Kilkenny	Kilree Church, Round Tower and Cross	Kilree		National Monument
Kilkenny	Clonamery Church	Clonamery		National Monument
Kilkenny	Ullard Church	Ullard		National Monument
Kilkenny	Kilkieran High Crosses	Castletown		National Monument
Kilkenny	Jerpoint Abbey (Cistercian Abbey)	Jerpoint		National Monument
Kilkenny	Tullaherin Round Tower	Tullaherin		National Monument
Kilkenny	Thomastown Church	Thomastown		National Monument
Kilkenny	Gowran Church	Gowran		National Monument
Kilkenny	Granny Castle	Granny		National Monument
Kilkenny	Clara Castle	Clara Upper		National Monument
Kilkenny	Ballylarkin Church	Ballylarkin Upper		National Monument
Kilkenny	Burnchurch Castle and Tower	Burnchurch		National Monument
Kilkenny	Aghaviller Church and Round Tower	Aghaviller		National Monument
Kilkenny	Callan Motte	Westcourt Demesne		National Monument
Kilkenny	Rathealy Ringfort	Rathealy		National Monument
Kilkenny	Dunmore Cave	Mohil		National Monument
Kilkenny	Callan Church	Callan		National Monument
Kilkenny	Magdalen Castle	Kilkenny		National Monument
Kilkenny	Ballyboodan Ogham Stone	Ballyboodan		National Monument
Kilkenny	Graiguenamanagh Abbey (Duiske) (Cistercian Abbey)	Graiguenamanagh		National Monument
Kilkenny	Coolhill Castle	Coolhill		National Monument
Kilkenny	Knockroe Passage Tomb	Knockroe		National Monument
Kilkenny	Tullaroan Church	Tullaroan		National Monument
Kilkenny	Ballyhale Garda station and married quarters	Main Street		Property
Kilkenny	Ballyragget former Garda station and married quarters	Patrick Street		Property
Kilkenny	Bennetsbridge Garda station and married quarters	Thomastown Road		Property
Kilkenny	Callan Garda station and married quarters	Green Street		Property
Kilkenny	Castlecomer Former Garda station and married quarters	Ballyragget - Castlecomer Road		Property
Kilkenny	Castlecomer Garda station	Kilkenny Street		Property
Kilkenny	Freshford Garda station and married quarters	Freshford		Property
Kilkenny	Glenmore Garda station and married quarters	Waterford Road		Property
Kilkenny	Goresbridge Garda station and married quarters	Barrack Street		Property
Kilkenny	Graiguenamanagh Garda station	Thomastown Road		Property
Kilkenny	Inistioge former Garda station and married quarters	New Ross Road		Property
Kilkenny	Johnstown former Garda station and married quarters	Church Street		Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny Castle	Castle Road	70 acres	Historic Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny Government Office	Hebron Road		Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny Garda station	Lower Dominic Street		Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny Monuments Depot	Hebron Industrial Estate		Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny Meteorological Statio	Freshford Road		Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny OPW Hydrometric	New Building Lane		Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny National Rehab Board	4 The Parade		Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny Veterinary Laboratory	Leggetsrath		Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny Monuments Rothe Hse	Rothe House		Property
Kilkenny	Kilkenny EPA Site	Seville Lodge		4.5 acre site
Kilkenny	Kilmacow Garda station	Kilmacow		Property
Kilkenny	Kilmoganny Garda station	Carrig Road		Property
Kilkenny	Mooncoin Garda station and married quarters	Waterford Road		Property
Kilkenny	Mullinavat Garda station and married quarters	Waterford Road		Property
Kilkenny	Piltown Garda station and married quarters	Main Street		Property
Kilkenny	Stoneyford Garda station and married quarters	Waterford - Kilkenny Road		Property
Kilkenny	Thomastown Garda station	Fair Green		Property
Kilkenny	Thomastown HSA Decent Site	Ladyswell Street		3.06 acre site
Kilkenny	New Urlingford Garda station	Main Street		Property

In addition a further two land banks are in existence in County Kilkenny and were identified in a reply to a previous Parliamentary Question (Question No. 114, 23 October 2013).

Office of Public Works Properties

Questions (370, 375)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

370. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the transfer of lands from the Office of Public Works to Kerry County Council for the purpose of a graveyard at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46412/13]

Tom Fleming

Question:

375. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will expedite the transaction with Kerry County Council regarding the provision of a site for the proposed new cemetery on the grounds of Derrynane Abbey, Derrynane, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46822/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 375 together.

The matter remains unchanged from my previous reply in June. The CSSO has written to Kerry County Council on the 14th of October to address any outstanding issues and are awaiting the return of signed contracts from the Council solicitors in order to progress the matter.

Office of Public Works Properties

Questions (371)

Anne Ferris

Question:

371. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans that have been put in place for the conservation and future replacement of historic trees in the grounds of Leinster House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46475/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The trees at Leinster House are regularly monitored and maintained and are in good health. Some pruning of the four trees on the Kildare Street side of Leinster house will be undertaken over the coming weeks as recommended in the most recent survey report (September 2013).

There is scope to replace some of the Ash trees on the Merrion Square side of Leinster House along with remedial pruning of other trees. All replanting would be subject to the agreement of the Houses of the Oireachtas. There are no plans to replace any of these trees in the immediate future.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (372)

Anne Ferris

Question:

372. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reasons behind the substantial two year mid-contract delay to the construction of the Bray flood protection works, a delay which is increasing the flood risk in Bray, County Wickow. [46476/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The contractors for the Bray flood relief scheme, SIAC Construction Limited, were appointed by Bray Town Council, as Contracting Authority under a design-build arrangement whereby aspects of the detailed design of the works are undertaken by the contractor.

Substantial elements of the works have been completed by the contractors, including the construction of the new culvert and the underpinning of Bray Bridge and river regrading, soil nailing and erosion protection in Area 5. I understand that these works will be of considerable benefit in reducing flood risk.

However, a dispute arose between the Town Council and the contractor in relation to the latter's design proposals for the principal remaining elements of the works, which differed fundamentally from those contained in the contract. The contractor referred the dispute to formal third party conciliation, as provided for in the contract. The parties subsequently agreed to extend the ambit of the conciliation to encompass other outstanding issues on the contract. The conciliation process, which is conducted on a confidential and without prejudice basis, has been ongoing for some time and in this period the contractor has been making very little progress on the scheme. The outcome of the conciliation, which is expected to conclude shortly, will determine how the remainder of the scheme will be progressed.

While the delay in the project is regrettable, the works completed to date have reduced the flood risk considerably and Bray Town Council and the Office of Public Works remain committed to completing the Bray flood relief scheme as quickly as possible, having regard to seasonal constraints on works in the channel due to environmental factors.

Questions Nos. 373 and 374 answered with Question No. 367.

Question No. 375 answered with Question No. 370.

Office of the Ombudsman Staff

Questions (376)

Denis Naughten

Question:

376. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the information he has regarding the earliest possible date of commencement of his nominee for the position of Ombudsman; the position, in the meantime, of complaints and appeals awaiting decision in the Ombudsman's Office, the Office of the Information Commissioner and the Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47005/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The appointment of a new Ombudsman/Information Commissioner/Commissioner for Environmental Information by the President is dependent on approval by the Oireachtas of a resolution to that effect. The appointment may be made in the second half of this month. On the premise that such approval will be forthcoming, it is envisaged that the appointment will be made in the course of the current month.

The management team (Management Advisory Committee) in the Office of the Ombudsman, which has responsibility for the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Information Commissioner and the Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information, has reviewed the situation from customer service and risk management perspectives. It has indicated to staff the cases that may be progressed before the appointment of an Ombudsman/Information Commissioner/Commissioner for Environmental Information and those which must await the appointment.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (377)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

377. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the partial year and the full year monetary effect of his Department's budget 2014 reductions to expenditure. [47082/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As indicated in a previous response PQ 215 of 22 October 2013, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s budget and staffing allocation reflects its strategy of delivering well managed and well-targeted public spending, delivered through modernised, effective and accountable public services. While savings have accrued due to the transfer of certain functions and pay reductions across the group, these are offset due to the significant start-up costs of the shared services and the transfer of maintenance service costs to OPW.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, together with the Shared Services and Office of Government Procurement functions, continues to deliver key outputs set out in the Public Service Reform Plan which was published in November 2011. This investment in the Government’s reform agenda will yield longer term cost savings and facilitate service continuity in a smaller and leaner Public Service. When these centres are fully operational, annual savings targets are estimated as follows:

- Office of Government Procurement - The procurement reform programme is targeting up to €500m of much needed savings for tax payers over the next 3 years;

- Peoplepoint (transactional HR) - €12.5m;

- Payroll Shared Services (transactional payroll and pension services) - €5.6m.

My Department has also collaborated with the Department of Finance to achieve administrative efficiencies within our shared facilities, particularly in the accommodation footprint.

My Department is targeted with driving a very ambitious Public Service Reform Plan, which requires initial investment in order to achieve longer term efficiencies and cost savings. Notwithstanding this, my Department continues to seek savings and, in 2014, we will fund a number of new projects while achieving a 4% reduction in Gross Expenditure. The details on the funding reductions by Programme and Administrative Budget subhead are set out in tabular format in the Budget publication.

-	-	2013 Estimate	-	-	2014 Estimate	-	-	Change 2014 over 2013
		Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
Programme Expenditure		€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	%
A - Public Expenditure and Sectoral Policy		20,37		20,375	17,986		17,986	-12%
B - Public Service Management and Reform		20,051	500	20,551	20,784	500	21,284	4%
	Gross Total	40,426	500	40,926	38,770	500	39,270	-4%
C - Appropriations in Aid		5,189		5,189	4,000		4,000	-23%
	Net Total	35,237	500	35,737	34,770	500	35,270	-1%

Costs
Exchequer pay included in above net total	19,882	20,235	2%
Associated public service employees	374	373	-
Exchequer pensions included in above net total	4	4	-
Associated public service pensioners	3	4	33%

Administration	-	2013 Estimate	-	-	2014 Estimate	-	-	Change 2014 over 2013
Functional split of administrative budgets, which are included in the above programme allocations		Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
		€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	%
(i) Salaries, wages and allowances		19,220		19,220	18,810	-	18,810	-2%
(ii) Travel and sussitence		157		157	163	-	163	4%
(iii) Training and development and incidental expenses		512		512	516	-	516	1%
(iv) Postal and telecommunications services		314		314	340	-	340	8%
(v) Office equipment and external IT services		669	100	769	485	100	585	-24%
(vi) Office premises expenses		400		400	368		368	-8%
(vii) Consultancy and other services		20		20	50		50	150%
(viii) EU presidency		396		396
	Gross Total	21,688	100	21,788	30,732	100	20,832	-4%

Trade Agreements

Questions (378, 379)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

378. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the trade agreements that are in place between Ireland and Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46697/13]

Brendan Ryan

Question:

379. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the trade agreements that exist between the European Union and Colombia; when these agreements were signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46698/13]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 379 together.

The competence for trade negotiations lies with the European Union. The trade agreement between the European Union and its Member States and Colombia and Peru, was signed in June, 2012. The agreement with Peru was provisionally applied from 1 March, 2013, and following Colombia’s internal procedures for ratification, the agreement with Colombia was provisionally applied from 1 August 2013.

Provisional application means that businesses have been able to benefit from all of the agreed trade preferences set out in the Agreement with Peru and Colombia as of 1 March 2013 and 1 August 2013 respectively. Once all EU Member States have ratified the Agreement, it can fully enter into force.

Ireland’s trade with Colombia is relatively small. In 2012 trade in goods and services with Colombia amounted to €216 million, compared with €175 million in 2011. In 2012 Colombia was ranked in 71st place in terms of our goods exports and in 42nd place in terms of our services exports. Our main exports to Colombia are medical devices, ICT equipment, food and drink products. Total trade with Peru is considerably smaller at less than €50 million in 2012.

While trade with both countries is small, Irish exporters are increasingly globalising their sales. Consequently, free trade agreements such as these are important in helping our ambitious and innovative exporters build new markets and especially where there is longer term potential for higher economic and product sector growth.

The Agreement will open up markets for products traded between the EU, Colombia and Peru. At the end of the transition period, (ranging from 3 to 15 years depending on the sensitivity of the products to Colombian producers), there will be no customs duties at all on industrial and fisheries products and trade in agricultural products will become considerably more open. As a result, EU exporters could save as much as €500 million annually in tariffs alone.

The main benefit of the new trade regime will come from a more transparent, predictable and enforceable business environment. Better conditions for creating business links should lead to more integrated value chains and make it easier to transfer technology.

The EU-Colombia deal includes far-reaching provisions on the respect of human rights, the rule of law and effective implementation of international conventions on labour rights and environmental protection. Civil society organisations will be systematically involved to monitor the implementation of these commitments.

The EU is Colombia’s third largest source of imports. Imports from the EU are mostly machinery and transport equipment. At the same time, the EU is Colombia's the second biggest export market. EU demand for Colombian products is mostly in the agricultural, fuel and mining sectors. The Agreement should allow Colombia to diversify its exports to the EU, not only for agriculture and fisheries, but also for Colombian industrial products. EU-Colombia trade has grown significantly in recent years and reached more than €14 billion in 2012. The EU remains also one of the largest investors in Colombia.