Written Answers Nos. 304-28
304. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position is in relation to the Valuation Bill 2014 (details supplied) regarding sport clubs, community groups and voluntary organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29023/14]
View answerAs you are aware, the Private Members' Valuation Bill 2014 had its Second Stage debate in the Dáil last Friday, 4 July 2014 and the Bill was referred, for Committee Stage, to the Select Sub-Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform. Minister of State Paul Kehoe responded to the Bill on my behalf. The Bill was not opposed by the Government but technical, competition and other issues were highlighted which will have to be addressed at Committee Stage if the Bill is to progress. The full text of the debate, including the speech setting out the issues that need to be addressed, is available on the Oireachtas website at http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/dail2014070400003?opendocument#A00300.
305. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider extending the time for appeals of decisions regarding rateable valuations, facilitating all interested parties having a right to appeal; that such appeals should be considered by valuers not previously involved in the matter and, where an appeal is successful, if the new rateable valuation will be backdated to the initial decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29245/14]
View answerThe Government published the Valuation (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2012 on 3 August 2012 as part of its legislative programme and the Bill proceeded through its second stage in Seanad Éireann on 11 October 2012. The primary purpose of the Bill is to accelerate the national programme of revaluing every commercial and industrial property in the country which is being undertaken by the Valuation Office. In addition, the Bill proposes to amend valuation legislation in a number of areas including the appeal process.
Currently, there are three avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination made under the provisions of the Valuation Act 2001. However, before a determination is made, and therefore before any of the three avenues of redress are utilised, there is a right to make representations in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process there is a right of appeal to the Commissioner following the determination and publication of the valuation, which is known as the first appeal. This is followed by a right of appeal to the independent Valuation Tribunal where the occupier is dissatisfied with the Commissioner's decision on appeal. Finally, there is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law. As a streamlining exercise, the Bill proposes to remove a step from the appeal process (i.e. the first appeal to the Commissioner) but in recognition of this, more time will be given to occupiers of property to make representations before the determination is made. It is proposed to extend the period within which representations can be made in relation to a proposed valuation from 28 to 40 days.
The Valuation Act, 2001 specifies the persons who have a right to appeal a determination to the Commissioner and these include an occupier of the property under appeal; an occupier of relevant property situated in the same local authority area as the property under appeal; a rating authority in respect of any property in its area and a person, in respect of any property in relation to which he or she is an interest holder. The Bill proposes that the same parties will have a right to appeal a determination to the Valuation Tribunal.
Under the current legislative provisions, valuations are determined by "revision officers" appointed by the Commissioner in the case of revision applications and by a "valuation manager" also appointed by the Commissioner where a rating authority area is being revalued. In the event of these valuations being appealed as a first appeal to the Commissioner, the Commissioner (as distinct from a revision officer or an appeal manager) is required under the Valuation Act 2001 to consider each appeal and allow or disallow the appeal as appropriate.
Decisions on appeal have effect from the date of inclusion of the original valuation in the valuation list i.e. retrospection for rating applies to the date of the original determination of valuation which gave rise to the appeal.
Since the second stage debate on the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2012 was taken in Seanad Éireann, officials of my Department and the Valuation Office have engaged in an extensive consultation process on various aspects of the Bill with a range of stakeholders. I would hope to see the Bill returning to the Seanad for Committee stage shortly after the summer recess.
306. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider amending legislation on rateable valuation of commercial premises to enable a property occupier-owner to seek a review of the rateable valuation if at any time the value of a property changes, which would have the effect of restoring the situation regarding reviews to what it was prior to the Valuation Act 2001 and would assist in improving the lettability-viability of vacant commercial properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29246/14]
View answerIt is important to acknowledge that commercial rates, as a source of revenue, and the rating system generally, are deeply embedded in the local government system. Rates income is a very important contribution to the cost of services provided by local authorities such as roads, public lighting, development control, parks and open spaces. All rates collected within a local authority area are spent exclusively in delivering the public services which are required locally and help to create the environment in which businesses can prosper. Locally elected members adopt the annual rate on valuation (ARV) they consider necessary in order to provide the required services. Rates are a stable source of financing for local government which is not affected unduly by short-term changes in economic circumstances. A system having regard to economic factors such as fluctuations in supply and demand, inherent in the property letting market on an ongoing basis would create uncertainty by providing for continuous change to the valuation base. Such a system would not provide a stable basis for funding local government and would require significant additional resources to operate.
The levying of rates on commercial property by reference to movements in the letting market rather than valuation would be a significant change and a departure from the long-standing practice of levying rates by reference to property values. The introduction of such a system for rating purposes would not be suitable because supply and demand in the property market can vary significantly from year to year and within and between the various business sectors which would lead to an unstable and volatile valuation base. Therefore, I have no plans to change the method by which valuations are assessed for rating as such a radical move would represent a significant departure from the long-standing practice of levying rates solely by reference to property values.
The Valuation Act, 2001 provides for two key elements in the provision and maintenance of the valuation lists for rating - revision and revaluation. The revision process provides for the updating of valuation lists so that new properties can be valued and added to the list, improved and extended properties can have their valuations updated and properties that have been demolished in whole or in part can have their valuations amended or struck out as appropriate.
Under the current provisions of the Act, an owner/occupier of an individual business premises who has concerns about the valuation of their property or any part thereof, including its rateability or the method of calculation may apply to the Valuation Office for a revision of the valuation. A Revision Officer is then appointed, who 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, however, 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 road or other infrastructural development in the vicinity of a property.
The revaluation provisions in the Act provide for the revaluation of all rateable property within a rating authority area so as to reflect changes in value due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as road or other infrastructural development in the vicinity of a property. The purpose of revaluation is to bring more equity, fairness and transparency into the local authority rating system - distributing the commercial rates liability more equitably between ratepayers. Following revaluation, there will generally be a much closer and uniform relationship between rental values of property and their commercial rates liability. In essence, the exercise aims to ensure that each ratepayer bears a fair share of the rates burden relative to the value of the property that they occupy. It is not the purpose of revaluation to increase the total amount of rates collected by local authorities. In fact, the relevant legislation (Valuation Act, 2001 and the Local Government Business (Improvements Districts) Act, 2006 provides that the commercial rates income of local authorities in the year following revaluation is capped.
The Valuation Office is currently engaged in a national revaluation programme, the immediate objective of which is to ensure that the first revaluation of all rating authority areas is conducted as soon as possible.
307. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to reduce the pension levy on Dublin City Council fire brigade employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29503/14]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to the Public Service Pension-related Deduction (PRD) which applies to public servants.
The Pension-related Deduction is progressively structured so that better-paid staff pay proportionately more. The first €15,000 of annual earnings are free of PRD. Nevertheless, all measures are subject to ongoing review and as provided for in the Haddington Road Agreement, the rate of Pension Related Deduction on the €15,000 to €20,000 band of pay received by public servants fell from 5% to 2.5% on 1 January 2014. This rate cut is worth €125 annually in gross terms to most public servants, with those taxed at the standard rate enjoying the greater gain in terms of take-home pay boost.
Section 12 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013 also requires the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to conduct a review of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts. The review includes the measures introduced to provide for a Pension-related Deduction. I completed the statutory 2014 review on the 29 June 2014 and concluded that there is a need to continue to apply the Public Service Pension-related Deduction which applies to public service employees, including Local Authority staff.
308. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of quangos that have been abolished since March 2011; the total number of quangos there were before that date; the number now remaining; his intentions to abolish further quangos; the numbers of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29547/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, in 2011 the Government undertook a wide ranging and detailed review of State agencies across the public service, and this review process formed the basis of the State agency rationalisation programme. This unprecedented programme of reform has resulted in almost 190 fewer State agencies, and there are a number of further measures in the process of being implemented. More detailed information on the implementation of the rationalisation programme is available on my Department's website, at http://www.per.gov.ie/summary-of-agency-rationalisation.
Regarding the agencies that still exist, I refer the Deputy to information contained in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2014, Detailed Expenditure Information on Non-Commercial State Agencies (http://www.per.gov.ie/estpubexp2013, pages 193-196).
309. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on developing an economic model to measure the impact and who loses or gains most from public service spending cuts or tax increases as the UK Treasury has; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29639/14]
View answerThe necessary expenditure reductions which have taken place over the past number of years have seen Ireland emerge from the Troika programme and its economy return to growth. Throughout this difficult period of fiscal adjustment, this Government has at all times endeavoured to spread the burden fairly throughout the economy in order to protect the most vulnerable in society.
The Deputy will be aware that analysis of the impacts of tax measures and changes to some payments from the Department of Social Protection such as Family Income Supplement is published as part of the budgetary process over a wide distribution of income levels.
This material is also supplemented by the regular analysis and commentary which is provided by the Department of Social Protection and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), both of which use the SWITCH model for estimating the effects of social welfare and tax rate changes on Irish households. The results from this analysis feed into budgetary considerations.
These models are capable of analysing taxation and cash benefits only. The quantification of the benefits arising from public services more generally is more challenging. The Deputy can, however, be assured that decisions regarding the allocation of funds for public services undergo rigorous assessment and when making decisions on Budgetary matters, the Government is very much aware of issues in relation to equality, poverty and social exclusion.
The Revised Estimates Volume has been expanded so that now each Department and Office also reports about key performance information relevant to their area of operation. The purpose of this is to show what services are being purchased with public money and the impacts of these services. This facilitates consideration of the benefits being delivered to citizens and society in general from the Voted expenditure allocations.
The Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) was established in 2012 to enhance the role of economics and value for money analysis in public policy making. This service is evidence of the commitment to ensure that sufficient analytical capacity is available to the Government to deliver a high standard of policy evaluation consistent with international best practice.
310. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29802/14]
View answer318. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will extend the consultation process on the Cork flood relief scheme to a three-day fully manned consultation period as requested by the Cork Chamber (details supplied) with the local business community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29228/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 318 together.
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the OPW is progressing the Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts. Under these statutory provisions, a 4-6 weeks consultation period will take place, through a formal Public Exhibition, which will be commenced before the end of 2014. There will be a number of days where members of the Design Team will be in attendance to deal directly with members of the public, all of which will be widely advertised. At that stage, the outline design of the proposed scheme will have been completed and will be displayed with full drawings to ascertain the views of the public and other stakeholders. Significant consultation is expected to take place with interested parties at this stage. All submissions made during the Exhibition period will be fully considered in the following months and any amendments arising from such submissions will be incorporated as appropriate in the detailed design stage of the Scheme.
In advance of the formal Public Exhibition stage, the OPW will hold a 2nd public information day in Cork City Council Offices for elected councillors and the public on 29 July, 2014 which will provide a brief outline of the emerging preferred scheme to be brought forward later in the year. This information day will be attended by members of the Design team to deal with queries from the public. It is also intended to keep all information on display for up to a further five days to facilitate those who might wish to comment at this stage. There will be a period afterwards for members of the public to submit their comments which can then be incorporated into documents for the Exhibition later in the year.
The purpose of the information day is to provide an overview of the emerging scheme. The full outline scheme documentation will not be available at that time as much work will still be required to complete all drawings and the Environmental Impact Statement. It is not proposed to extend the time period for this early information session as the main consultation period, at which more detailed information will be available, will commence within a few months thereafter. Committing the Design Team to be available for 3 full days at this point, as requested, would not be warranted.
311. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline in tabular form for each year from 2009 to date in 2014 the total number of FOI requests received by his Department; the total refused; the total granted; the total part-granted; the total appealed; the total of successful appeals; the total of part-successful appeals; the total of refusals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29073/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the following table outlines the Freedom of Information request details you are seeking concerning my Department since its formation in March 2011:
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Freedom of Information Request details - 2011 - 2014
|
Details |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Number of Requests received |
61 |
178 |
99 |
50 |
|
Number of Requests refused |
5 |
20 |
8 |
5 |
|
Number of Requests granted |
38 |
51 |
29 |
34 |
|
Number of Requests Part-Granted |
14 |
66 |
61 |
7 |
|
Number of Requests Withdrawn or Handled outside FOI |
4 |
37 |
1 |
3 |
|
Number of Requests transferred |
- |
4 |
- |
1 |
|
Number of Internal Reviews |
1 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
|
Number of Internal Reviews (partially successful) |
- |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Number of Appeals to the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
- |
|
Number of OIC Appeals (partially successful) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
312. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical and-or career break, broken down by timeframe, that is, less than six months, six to 12 months, one to two years, two to three years, four to five years, and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29090/14]
View answerThere are 10 staff in my Department who are currently on a sabbatical/career break. The duration of leave currently availed off can be broken down as follows:
|
Length of Leave of Absence |
Number of Staff |
|
0 - 6 months |
1 |
|
6 - 12 months |
0 |
|
1 - 2 years |
3 |
|
2 - 3 years |
4 |
|
3 - 4 years |
2 |
|
4 - 5 years |
0 |
|
5 years plus |
0 |
|
Total |
10 |
313. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion on which a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29107/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that the engagement of all service-providers by my Department is done within the parameters of value for money with every effort made to minimise costs. In line with stated Government policy, all public bodies must use a competitive process for the purchase of any goods and services, whatever the value.
The Office of Public Works has availed of the centralised framework agreement for photographic services established by the Department of Foreign Affairs (and made available to other Government Departments) where possible.
The following tables outline the total amount spent on photography costs by my Department and the Office of Public Works since coming to office.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - Photography Costs since 2011
|
Event / Occasion |
Name of Photographer |
Breakdown of Costs |
Total Cost |
|
Irish Presidency EUPAN HRWG/IPSG meeting |
Fennell Photography |
Event Photographer per hour: €75 Medium Resolution Image: €10 VAT@ 13.50%: €19.55 |
€104.55 |
|
Irish Presidency EUPAN Directors General meeting |
Fennell Photography |
Event Photographer per hour: €75 Medium Resolution Image: €10 VAT@ 13.50%: €19.55 |
€104.55 |
|
Public Service Excellence Awards 2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
Photographer hired to take photographs of the award recipients and provide copies for them |
€811.52 |
|
Total |
- |
- |
€1,020.62 |
Office of Public Works Photography Costs 2011
|
Date |
Photographer |
Amount (Inclusive VAT) € |
Event |
|
17/06/2011 |
Maxwell Photography |
501.54 |
Public Procurement and the SME sector |
|
12/07/2011 |
Robert Allen Photography |
1,675.85 |
Battle of the Boyne site Garden opening |
|
28/011/2011 |
Dylan Vaughan |
726.00 |
Kilkenny Castle Christmas programme |
|
01/12//2011 |
Dave Kenny Photography |
295.00 |
Joint OPW/DFP Art Exhibition opening in Claremorris Town Hall |
|
09/12/2011 |
Robert Allen Photography |
986.15 |
Farmleigh Christmas launch |
|
Total |
- |
€4,184.54 |
- |
Office of Public Works Photography Costs 2012
|
Date |
Photographer |
Amount (Inclusive VAT) € |
Event |
|
30/12/2011 |
Robert Allen Photography |
502.15 |
Castletown House, East wing opening |
|
29/03/2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
885.60 |
ICT consumables contract signing |
|
03/04/2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
658.05 |
SME meeting with Minister tendering for Public contracts |
|
30/04/2012 |
Harvey Rogers Photography |
419.95 |
Re-opening of Durrow Castle |
|
22/05/2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
774.90 |
Community Initiative launch |
|
23/05/2012 |
Robert Allen Photography |
762.60 |
"Wandering Methods" exhibition Rathfarnham Castle |
|
28/09/2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
535.05 |
National Art Competition - Newgrange |
|
Total |
- |
€4,583.30 |
- |
Office of Public Works Photography Costs 2013
|
Date |
Photographer |
Amount (Inclusive VAT) € |
Event |
|
28/01/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
520.29 |
Procurement card initiative |
|
25/01/2013 |
Browne's Photography |
344.40 |
Kennedy Homestead |
|
19/03/2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
38.78 |
Castletown House |
|
28/04/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
420.66 |
DNA Sculpture, Botanic Gardens |
|
30/04/2013 |
Photocall Ireland |
566.97 |
Kaleidescope Exhibition |
|
03/05/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
794.58 |
Winter Solstice Art Competition n |
|
03/05/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
378.84 |
Botanic Gardens- Glasnevin link |
|
15/05/2013 |
MacMonagle Photography |
461.25 |
Derrynane House |
|
15/05/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
501.84 |
Friends of Irish Heritage |
|
20/05/2013 |
Maxwwell Photography |
482.16 |
"Wandering Methods" Exhibition Rathfarnham Castle |
|
07/06/2013 |
Peter Cavanagh Photographer |
116.85 |
Fontenot, Belguim |
|
22/06/2013 |
Brownes Photography |
240.00 |
JFK 50th Photo CD |
|
22/06/2013 |
Brownes Photography |
959.40 |
JFK 50th |
|
27//07/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
477.24 |
Ceramics Ireland -Rathfarnham Castle |
|
29/07/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
533.82 |
Kilmainham Courthouse - handover |
|
29/08/2013 |
Maxwell photography |
541.20 |
40/40/40 Rathfarnham Castle |
|
11/07/2013 |
John D Kelly |
215.25 |
Morpeth Roll exhibition, Clonmel |
|
04/09/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
494.46 |
Sculpture in Context - Botanic Gardens |
|
19/09/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
344.40 |
Newgrange Art Competition - Launch |
|
24/10/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
413.28 |
Botanic Gdns/Glasnvein link opening |
|
30/10/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
425.58 |
Farmleigh - Sean O'Casey opening |
|
27/11/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
447.72 |
Dublin Castle - Christmas Programme launch |
|
TOTAL |
- |
€9,718.97 |
- |
Office of Public Works Photography Costs 2014
|
Date |
Photographer |
Amount (Inclusive VAT) € |
OPW Event |
|
03/01/2014 |
Brownes Photography |
307.50 |
National Historic Property - JFK wreath laying |
|
17/01/2014 |
Karl McDonough, Photographer |
414.28 |
Visit to Altamonut, Heywood Gardens & Emo Court |
|
17/02/2014 |
Dylan Vaughan, Photographer |
393.60 |
Kilkenny Castle - Tapestries launch |
|
24/02/2014 |
Brownes Photography |
40.00 |
National Historic Property - JFK CDs |
|
24/02/2014 |
Joe Travers |
90.00 |
Intreo Offices, Galway |
|
10/04/2014 |
Maxwells Photography |
309.96 |
National Flood Conference |
|
15/05/2014 |
Karl McDonough, Photographer |
340.50 |
Emo Walkway Announcement |
|
Total |
- |
1,895.84 |
- |
314. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming to office; the list of uses of each external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29124/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that no external public relations firm was availed of by my Department since its formation. However the engagement of all service-providers by my Department is done within the parameters of value for money with every effort made to minimise costs. In line with stated Government policy, all public bodies must use a competitive process for the purchase of any goods and services, whatever the value.
The Office of Public Works, following a public procurement process, engaged Q4 consultants for the public consultation phase of the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme in October 2013 at a cost of €43,750 (exclusive of VAT).
315. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount spent on external IT consultants by his Department in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29159/14]
View answerThe total amount spent on external IT consultants by my Department each year since its establishment in June 2011 is as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2011 |
€0 |
|
2012 |
€30,750 |
|
2013 |
€164,608.44 |
|
2014 |
290,394.37 |
316. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has renegotiated external IT consultancy contracts and costs since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29178/14]
View answerMy Department awards contracts for IT consultancy following requests for tenders advertised on the public procurement website, www.etenders.gov.ie. These are typically awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous of the tenders received. My Department was established in June 2011. While no contracts for external IT consultants have been re-negotiated since then, all new contracts have been negotiated with a view to achieving best value for money and are kept under ongoing review to ensure this is maintained.
317. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the number of appointments to State boards under his Department's remit from March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under his Department's remit from March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under his Department's remit publically advertised from March 2011 to date; and the number of appointments to State boards under his remit drawn directly from the public advertisement process. [29196/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware in 2011 the Government introduced new arrangements for the appointment of State board members. Under the new arrangements Departments now invite expressions of interest on their websites from the public in vacancies on the boards of bodies under their aegis. It is open to all members of the public regardless of gender, political affiliations or geographical location to apply for appointment to these vacancies.
I am satisfied that the new arrangements introduced by the Government in 2011 have significantly improved transparency in the making of appointments to State Boards compared with the making of appointments in previous years.
Since the formation of this Government 22 members have been nominated to State Boards under my remit. In the context of the sale of the National Lottery licence, I have considered it appropriate to re-appoint two of the Ministerial nominees to the An Post National Lottery Board; Mr. Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh has been re-appointed twice and Mr. Oliver Wilkinson has been re-appointed once. Consequently, recourse to advertising the positions publicly did not arise.
The Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004 states that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (in consultation with Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice and Equality) should appoint members of the Board of the Public Appointments Service.
The Public Appointments Service Board is meant to be representative of our client base. The majority of the board are therefore civil or public servants, nominated by the relevant Minister. There is also a union representative nominated by ICTU. The two external members were appointed by me because of their expertise in strategic change and public service recruitment respectively.
In view of these statutory procedures for the appointment of members of the Boards, there is limited scope for me to use the Publicjobs.ie website. The following table give a breakdown of positions filled on State boards under my remit since March 2011:
|
Board Name |
Year |
No. of Appointments made |
No. of Positions Advertised |
|
An Post National Lottery Board |
2011 |
0 |
0 |
|
2012 |
2 |
- |
|
|
2013 |
6 |
- |
|
|
Public Appointments Service Board |
2011 |
9 |
0 |
|
2012 |
2 |
- |
|
|
2013 |
3 |
- |
|
|
Total |
- |
22 |
0 |
319. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following the storms of late last year and early this year, the assessment that has been conducted of the storm damage caused to coastal farmlands; the outcome of the assessment; the remedial work and flood defences which are proposed and the estimated costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29271/14]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they have not undertaken any assessment of storm damage caused to coastal farmlands. The carrying out of such an assessment would be a matter for the relevant Local Authority in the first instance. As indicated in the reply of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to the Deputy's identical question on this subject on 17 June, 2014, that Department makes every effort to take account of such exceptional circumstances for the purposes of the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme and other area based schemes that it administers.
The Government decided on 11 February to allocate up to €69.5 million for repair and remediation of public infrastructure that was damaged by severe weather in the period 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014.
Of the figure of €69.5 million, up to €19.6 million was allocated for repair by local authorities of existing built coastal protection and flood defences in the affected areas, based on estimates submitted by the local authorities to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. This funding is being made available to the local authorities through the OPW on the basis of approved programmes of works. The commencement and progression of the works is a matter for the local authorities.
320. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of Bills his Department has published since March 2011; the number of regulatory impact assessments that his Department has published since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29298/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question my Department has published twenty-one Bills since I was appointed Minister with five Bills requiring a Regulatory Impact Assessment. The following is a list of the five Regulatory Impact Assessments carried out:
|
Name of Act / Bill |
Regulatory Impact Assessment carried out |
|
Construction Contracts Act |
RIA published on 27 September 2011. Signed into law on 29 July 2013 (subject to a Commencement Order). |
|
Statute Law Revision Act 2012 |
Screening RIA conducted |
|
Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 |
RIA published alongside the Bill on 3 July 2013. |
|
Freedom of Information Bill 2013 |
RIA published in September 2013. |
|
Registration of Lobbying Bill 2014 |
RIA published 30 April 2013 |
321. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department or agencies under its auspices have engaged the services of a debt collection agency in pursuing moneys owed to them; if his Department has guidelines regarding hiring such agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29335/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that neither Department, nor any agency under my remit have engaged the services of a debt collection agency in pursuing money owed. My Department does not have any guidelines in this regard.
322. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form details of increments paid since 2008 in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29484/14]
View answerMy Department was established in July 2011 and the following table contains details of increments paid for July 11 to date. The payment of increments is conducted in accordance with centrally agreed arrangements and in line with Government pay policy. Changes arising from the Haddington Road Agreement are also now applied as appropriate.
|
Grade/Level |
July 2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Principal Officer |
7 |
14 |
17 |
4 |
|
Assistant Principal |
12 |
38 |
33 |
14 |
|
Administrative Officer |
6 |
5 |
29 |
3 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
14 |
23 |
29 |
14 |
|
Executive Officer |
8 |
18 |
20 |
8 |
|
Staff Officer |
3 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
6 |
11 |
61 |
50 |
|
Total |
57 |
116 |
195 |
94 |
323. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an dtabharfaidh sé sonrú ar na céatadáin sábhála éifeachtúla a d’aontaigh na Ranna airgeadais sa dá dhlinse do na forais trasteorann sna blianta 2012, 2013 agus 2014 agus cén laghdú iarbhír a cuireadh i bhfeidhm i ngach ceann de na forais trasteorann sna blianta céanna; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [29530/14]
View answerEisíonn mo Roinn agus an Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra i dTuaisceart Éireann doiciméad comhaontaithe Treoir Pleanála Gnó chuig na ForaisThuaidh Theas gach bliain. San áireamh sa Treoir Pleanála Gnó bíonn treoir maidir leis an íos-sábháil éifeachtúlachta a bhíonn le cur i gcrích ag na Forais an bhliain dár gcionn. Ba iad 3% do 2012, 3% do 2013 agus 4% do 2014, na riachtanais sábhála chomhaontaithe.
Seo a leanas an gearradh céatadáin a cuireadh i bhfeidhm ar vótaí na Ranna Éireannacha ábhartha.
|
Eagras |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
An Foras Forbartha Trádála agus Gn . (InterTrade Ireland) |
-3% |
+1%* |
-4% |
|
Uiscebhealaí Éireann (Waterways Ireland) |
-10% |
-6% |
-5% |
|
An Foras Teanga (The Language Body) |
-6% |
-5% |
-7% |
|
Foras Um Chláir Speisialta (Special EU Programmes Body) |
-4% |
+2%* |
-4% |
|
Turasóireacht Éireann (Tourism Ireland) |
-3% |
-3% |
-4% |
|
An Bord um Chur Chun Cinn Sabháilteachta Bia (SafeFood) |
0%** |
0% |
-3% |
|
Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna (Loughs Agency) |
-3% |
-3% |
-4% |
* Tá buiséad steirlinge ag na Forais seo a laghdaíodh faoi 3% in 2012, 3% in 2013 agus 4% in 2014. Léiríonn buiséid vótáilte na Ranna Éireannacha na laghduithe seo agus na rátaí malartaithe pleanála euro/steirling sa tréimhse luaite.
** Bhí an meastachán don bhliain 2011 don Bhord um Chur Chun Cinn Sabháilteachta Bia 11% níos ísle ná an bhliain 2010.
324. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of capital investment spending in each year since 2000; the percentage of GDP this was in each year; the EU average currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29585/14]
View answerThe following table sets out the levels of Exchequer voted gross capital expenditure in each year from 2000 to 2013 in nominal terms and expressed as a percentage of GDP.
Figures for investment at EU level are available on the Eurostat website (http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/tgm/refreshTableAction.do?tab=table&plugin=0&pcode=teina210&language=en ).
The Eurostat estimate for average levels of Central Government fixed investment in 2013 was 2.2% of GDP for the Euro 28.
It is important to note that reporting investment as a percentage of GDP does not reflect either the existing level of capital endowment in the State or the level of maturity of the economy. For example, in a more mature economy, the economic return for additional investment may be lower and the opportunity cost of diverting additional resources towards investment may be high.
My Department is currently conducting a review of capital expenditure priorities. This will inform Government decisions on capital allocations for the medium term, and will form part of the forthcoming Budget deliberations.
|
Year |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
Amount €m |
3,931 |
4,976 |
5,584 |
5,361 |
5,204 |
5,883 |
6,661 |
7,819 |
9,011 |
7,333 |
6,384 |
4,515 |
3,809 |
3,287 |
|
As % of GDP |
3.7% |
4.2% |
4.3% |
3.8% |
3.5% |
3.6% |
3.8% |
4.1% |
4.8% |
4.4% |
3.90% |
2.6% |
2.2% |
1.9% |
325. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework, the deviations that have occurred from that plan since its publication; the Departments that have seen increases or decreases on an annual basis since; if he will provide the amounts for 2013 and 2014, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29586/14]
View answerThe original allocations for the present five year capital envelope are set out in "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework". The annual capital allocations for the Ministerial Vote Groups are published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services each year (Appendix 9 for 2012 and 2013, Appendix 8 for 2014). A table showing both the original and revised allocations at Vote Group level and any variance arising is set out as follows.
It is important to note that the allocations set out in the five year capital plan represent the proposed investment levels for that five year period. However, revisions to Departmental ceilings are to be expected in the annual estimates process for reasons such as transfer of functions between Departments, establishment of new functions and Votes, policy decisions which lead to a re-prioritisation of spend, changes to project timelines and revision of project costs caused by inflation or other supply chain factors. In addition, over the last two years I have made a number of additional Stimulus investment announcements which have increased the allocations to Departments. The 2014 figures in the following table show the allocations published in the Revised Estimates Volume 2014 (published in December 2013) and, therefore, do not include the further Stimulus investment of €194 million that I announced in May of this year and about half of which will be spent by Departments and agencies on the specified projects during the present year.
In facilitating flexibility within the envelope we have been able to meet the changing priorities and pressures without putting the achievement of budgetary targets at risk.
Gross Voted Expenditure
|
€million |
- |
2012 |
- |
- |
2013 |
- |
- |
2014# |
- |
|
Ministerial Vote Group |
Original Allocation |
Revised Allocation |
Variance |
Original Allocation |
Revised Allocation |
Variance |
Original Allocation |
Revised Allocation |
Variance |
|
Finance |
5 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
|
Public Expenditure and Reform |
101 |
105 |
4 |
101 |
111 |
11 |
101 |
117 |
16.5 |
|
Justice |
56 |
57 |
1 |
56 |
61 |
5 |
60 |
64 |
4 |
|
Environment |
861 |
861 |
0 |
726 |
726 |
0 |
575 |
361* |
-214* |
|
Education |
430 |
430 |
0 |
415 |
414 |
-1 |
475 |
546 |
71 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
4 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
|
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
104 |
104 |
0 |
85 |
85 |
0 |
80 |
110 |
30 |
|
Agriculture |
168 |
168 |
0 |
168 |
187 |
19 |
168 |
184 |
16 |
|
Transport |
1231 |
1245 |
14 |
900 |
900 |
0 |
879 |
983 |
104 |
|
Jobs Enterprise and Innovation |
514 |
514 |
0 |
458 |
455 |
-3 |
457 |
442 |
-15 |
|
Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
44 |
44 |
0 |
38 |
40 |
2 |
36 |
66 |
30 |
|
Defence |
9 |
9 |
0 |
9 |
9 |
0 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
|
Social Protection |
11 |
11 |
0.5 |
11 |
11 |
0.5 |
9.5 |
19 |
9.5 |
|
Health |
390 |
398 |
8 |
390 |
397 |
7 |
390 |
390 |
0 |
|
Children and Youth Affairs |
8 |
8 |
0 |
8 |
26 |
18 |
8 |
42 |
34 |
|
Total |
3935 |
3963 |
28 |
3373 |
3433 |
60 |
3253 |
3342*# |
89*# |
* In 2014, the Exchequer is also making a direct equity investment of €240m in Irish Water. As is normal for equity investments, this is part of non-voted expenditure of the Central Fund and, therefore, is not included in the above table which only shows Voted expenditure.
# The 2014 figures show the allocations published in the Revised Estimates Volume 2014 and do not include allocations for expenditure on the further Stimulus projects announced in May 2014.
326. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a new round of a comprehensive review of expenditure is under way; the work that has been done to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29587/14]
View answerI announced at the time of the 2014 Budget, last October, that a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure would be carried out during this year to help inform the multi-annual expenditure ceilings for the three years 2015 to 2017. This review process is now under way, and the outcome will help inform the decisions that Government will take when framing the 2015 Budget.
In 2011, the Government introduced a new medium term budgetary framework, which among other things introduced three-year expenditure ceilings for all Government Departments. To inform this new multi-annual approach to expenditure planning and management, the Government also agreed to carry out a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure once every three years, to focus on overall value for money and the efficiency and effectiveness of Government programmes. Under the current Comprehensive Review, which follows on from the last one in 2011, Government Departments are conducting a focused examination of each of their programme areas.
As with the review in 2011, the analysis carried out by each Department will help Government determine expenditure priorities for the next three years up to 2017. The Review will be published in conjunction with Budget 2015, and the supporting detailed analysis will be made available via my Department's web site at the same time, as was the case with the 2011 Review.
327. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to each of his special advisers; and if he will provide details of any request made for an increase above the special adviser pay cap set by his Department and the amount of the increase sought. [29608/14]
View answerThe Department of Finance issued "Instructions to Personnel Officers Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dail', dated 24 March 2011, which states the following in relation to Special Advisers and Increments: "Where a Special Adviser is placed on a salary point below the maximum of the scale he or she may be paid an annual increment until the maximum of that scale is reached". The following table sets out the salary for both Advisors. One Special Adviser in my Department, Mr Ronán O'Brien, was appointed at a single point salary, currently at €106,880, having regard to his previous earnings immediately before taking up this position. Ms Byrne is in receipt of annual increments. Accordingly Ms Byrne progressed to the next point of the scale with effect from 10 March 2012, 2013 and 2014.
|
Name |
Title |
Salary (per annum) |
(Increments) |
|
Anne Byrne |
Special Adviser (D/PER) |
€84,706 with effect from March 2014 |
€86,604 with effect from March 2012. €89,898 with effect from March 2013. €84,706 with effect from March 2014 (includes Haddington Road adjustment) |
|
Ronan O'Brien |
Special Adviser (D/PER) |
€106,880 with effect May 2014 (reduced as a result of the Haddington Road adjustment) |
Nil |
328. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of retired civil and public servants rehired on temporary contracts or as consultants under his remit; if he will provide a breakdown of those figures in tabular form, providing associated costs of such rehiring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29521/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the following table gives a breakdown of retired civil and public servants that have been re-hired on temporary contracts or as consultants under my remit.
Retired staff rehired on temporary contracts under the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Department / Office |
Year |
No. of Staff |
Associated Costs |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
2013 |
1 |
€3,000 |
|
- |
2014 |
2 |
1 Staff member with a Salary range from €23,177 p.a. - €37,341 1 Staff member contracted for €26,900 |
|
Institute of Public Administration * |
2011 |
4 |
€28,545 |
|
- |
2012 |
3 |
€12,769 |
|
- |
2013 |
3 |
€9,834 |
|
- |
2014 to date |
1 |
€2,450 |
|
Valuation Office |
2011 |
4 |
€26,044 |
|
- |
2012 |
4 |
€1,540 |
|
- |
2013 |
4 |
€12,420 |
|
- |
2014 |
4 |
€2,700 |
|
Office of Public Works |
2011 |
6 |
€136,840 |
|
- |
2012 |
11 |
€194,351 |
|
- |
2013 |
1 |
€28,842 |
* The IPA has occasionally contracted retired staff with specialist knowledge/skills on a per diem basis to support delivery of education, training or consultancy services delivered to clients.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS), in the course of running recruitment competitions for the public service, avails of trained and experienced individuals from the private and public sectors. Those assisting in this that are in receipt of a public or private sector salary receive no payment whatsoever. A fee per day is paid to retired individuals and to those from the private sector (e.g. self employed) who forego earnings in order to facilitate PAS. The list of individuals who assist PAS in undertaking its task is constantly changing but would number several hundred. It would include retired public servants who act as interviewers, assessors or as decisions arbitrators. At any given time, there would be approximately 60 active who would be used from time to time for short periods. For this work, retired individuals are paid on a fee-per-day basis and are subject to tax and other relevant deductions. The fees are linked to pre-retirement grades and take account of the principle of pension abatement.
The fee structure for the Public Appointments Service is as follows:
|
Type of Retired Public Sector Worker re-employed |
Fee Range From |
Fee Range To |
|
Retired Public Sector Worker |
€130 per day. |
€377 per day. |
|
Self-Employed Private Sector Worker |
€334 per day. |
€500 per day. |
|
Retired Private Sector Worker |
€130 per day. |
€400 per day. |
These positions are not advertised but any trained professionals can apply to PAS to be placed on the data base for our selection boards.
The outgoing Chairman of the Public Appointments Service Board, who is a former Civil Servant, was reappointed by me in September 2011 and is paid a stipend €11,970 per annum.
The Chairperson of the PAS Internal Audit Committee is also a former Public Servant and was paid a fee of €2,137.50 in 2012. She was appointed by the former Chief Executive of PAS on the basis of her experience in the area of corporate governance.
