Written Answers Nos. 334-356
334. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider abolishing commercial rates from struggling crèche facilities, pre schools and montessori type schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32969/14]
View answerThe Valuation Act, 2001 provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act. In general, the Act maintains the long-standing position that all commercial business properties, including those occupied and used for the provision of childcare facilities are liable for rates. Such rateable premises would ordinarily include playschools, pre-schools, crèches and Montessori schools.
The Act is quite specific in relation to the exemptions that can be implemented by the Commissioner of Valuation. These are set out in Schedule 4 of the Act and there is no discretion to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4. Buildings which qualify for exemption from rates under the provisions of Schedule 4 would principally include those used for public worship, education and health-care provided on a not-for-profit basis, and charitable purposes.
A property used for educational purposes is entitled to exemption from rates if all of the conditions detailed in paragraph 10 of Schedule 4 are met which in summary are;
1. It must be occupied by an educational institution
2. It must be used exclusively for the provision of educational services
3. Otherwise than for private profit;
(a) the institution must not be established or operated for the purposes of making a private profit or be financed wholly or mainly from State funds and
(b) The services in question must be available to the general public with or without a charge being levied.
The position regarding eligibility of operators of childcare facilities for exemption from rates is that in order for a property occupied by an organisation to be exempt under the terms of Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act, 2001, that organisation must be a charitable organisation, that uses its property exclusively for charitable purposes and otherwise than for private profit. The organisation claiming charitable status for the purpose of qualifying for exemption from rates must comply with the definition of "charitable organisation" as stated in PART 1 section 3 of the Valuation Act, 2001.
As a matter of course, the Valuation Office examines all claimant cases on their individual merits by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Valuation Act as it relates to child-care facilities and all other categories of properties.
Private childcare facilities form part of the rateable valuation base on a nationwide basis. I have no plans to provide for special treatment of these facilities by their exemption from rateability under the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2014 as such a change would be quickly followed by demands for similar treatment from other interests involved in the provision of other useful services, which in equity would be difficult to resist. The process could thus substantially reduce local authority revenues, which would have to be made good by imposing a corresponding increase on the remaining ratepayers.
335. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if previous experience in the position advertised or in a similar position will be taken into account in the recruitment process for clerical officers in the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33125/14]
View answerThe Public Appointments Service recently advertised a recruitment campaign for Clerical Officers in the Civil and Public Service.
Over 28,000 applications were received by the closing date and the competitive selection process is currently underway.
The selection process takes account of candidates' previous relevant experience. Should a candidate be invited to interview, due recognition will also be given at that stage to relevant work experience a candidate may have.
The Deputy may wish to note that the competition is not restricted to filling posts in any particular public service body.
336. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on commercial semi State bodies taking on additional borrowings to pay increased dividends to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33398/14]
View answerI presume that the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement by ESB that it no longer intends to proceed with the planned sale of its two peat-fired power plants under the State assets disposal programme, but instead will fund the remaining amount of the special dividend requirement for the Exchequer from borrowings drawn down within its existing banking facilities.
This decision of the ESB Board followed detailed analyses undertaken in preparation for the sale of the peat plants which indicated that it would be financially more beneficial, for both ESB and the shareholders, if ESB was to retain ownership of the peat plants and instead fund the payment of the remaining amount of the special dividend target by drawing down additional debt from ESB's existing bank facilities, with the future cashflows resulting from the retention of the assets available to support the additional funding requirements arising from payment of the special dividend.
In this way, rather than selling the physical assets and getting upfront proceeds to enable payment of the remaining special dividend, the cash-flows from the assets are now to be utilised in a different manner, to yield an overall better financial result, but with the substance of the approach being the same as if the assets had been sold. I am satisfied that this course of action is consistent with the Government's overriding objective of seeking to realise value from non-strategic assets of ESB, while ensuring that this is done in a manner that maximises the value achievable from the assets while also ensuring that the company's financial strength continues to be protected.
337. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flood damage to property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33552/14]
View answerIt is a matter for Kerry County Council, in the first instance, to investigate and address flooding issues in the County. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has no assets in Ballylongford and, therefore, has no direct responsibility in maintaining or improving existing flood defences. However, Ballylongford was identified through the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment as an area where the flood risk was potentially significant. It is therefore designated as an area for which detailed analysis is being carried out under the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study, which the OPW is currently undertaking in partnership with the relevant local authorities including Kerry County Council.
The analysis under the CFRAM project will enable flood maps to be produced in 2014 and the identification of flood risk management options for this area in 2015. There will be public consultation on the draft flood maps within the next couple of months and this will be advertised locally.
Following the significant flood events earlier this year, data collection was undertaken at Ballylongford on flood extents, levels and flood mechanism etc. This information will contribute to calibrating any flood modelling being produced for the town ensuring any future mitigating measures proposed are robust and effective.
If Kerry County Council considers that there are some interim flood protection measures that could be carried out pending the completion of the CFRAM process then it is open to the Council to develop proposals and to submit and application for funding to carry out any such measures under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding. It is also open to local authorities to carry out flood mitigation and coastal protection works using their own resources.
338. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding legislation designed to protect the financial interests of sub contractors on building projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33762/14]
View answerThe Construction Contracts Act 2013 was passed in order to help address the issue of non-payment to construction sector sub-contractors who have completed work on construction projects in accordance with their contract conditions.
The Act achieves this through two elements
It provides new statutory arrangements for payments under construction contracts, including providing for interim payments. This will reduce sub-contractors' exposure to non-payment; and
It introduces new mechanism for the swift resolution of payment disputes through adjudication. This will provide a route for sub-contractors to achieve redress in the event that non-payment occurs. The Act also sets out how a payment claim is to be handled and permits suspension under certain circumstances for non-payment.
The implementation of the Act requires the selection and appointment of a panel of adjudicators to effect the dispute resolution aspects of the legislation, and the development of a code of conduct for adjudicators of disputes, in consultation with stakeholders. These tasks are currently underway, and it is hoped that the Act will be implemented in full by Spring 2015.
339. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be approved for an application for works (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34077/14]
View answerIn February of this year, the Government decided, based on submissions and estimates provided by local authorities and other agencies to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, to make available a sum of up to €70 million for a programme of repair and remediation works in respect of damage caused by the winter storms.
Laois County Council was not allocated any funding as part of the Government decision as no submission or estimate of damage was received from the Council.
The Office of Public Works has no responsibility for the wall mentioned by the Deputy and has not received any application for funding for the works mentioned.
It is open to the Council to apply to the OPW for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The scheme generally applies where a solution to a localised flooding issue can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €500,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio, and to the availability of funds.
340. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans the Office of Public Works has to address flood risk (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are severe weather projections for this area for this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34102/14]
View answerIn 2010 Mayo County Council submitted an application for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for works to prevent water infiltration through the river walls on the left bank of the River Moy at the location referred to. The application was not approved as it is OPW's view that other factors may be contributing to flooding at this location. The identification of these factors is being addressed in the context of the ongoing Western Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study to ensure that any mitigation measures that are proposed will deal effectively with the flood problem.
Flood mapping, indicating the fluvial and coastal flood risk in Ballina, is at draft stage and is to be finalised shortly. A Public Consultation Day is scheduled for mid November 2014 and this event will be advertised locally. Interested parties and individuals will then have the opportunity make submissions on the draft flood maps and contribute their knowledge of flooding in Ballina to the Western CFRAM study team.
The next stage in the CFRAM process is an option assessment exercise to assess management options for any fluvial and coastal flood risk in Ballina. A Flood Risk Management Plan for the Moy catchment will then be completed by 2016.
Mayo County Council submitted a programme of works on foot of the Government Decision of 11 February that allocated funding for repairs of coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure damaged in the period 13th December to 6th January. Repair works to parts of Ballina quay wall on the opposite, right bank of the river are included in the programme of works. These works are being progressed by the Council.
341. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has refused a request from the Revenue Commissioners to hire additional audit inspectors; his reasons for so doing in view that the return on such investment would be expected to be between 12:1 and 15:1, and in view of the need to demonstrate his commitment to tax compliance, equity and fairness. [34390/14]
View answerNo request from Revenue to hire additional audit inspectors has been received or refused. While Revenue's staffing levels have decreased in line with Government policy on Public Service Numbers, I have given delegated sanction to Revenue to fill critical posts within the Office's overall Employment Control Framework ceiling. This sanction provides the potential to hire staff to meet specific skills deficits, including replacing staff in the area of audit, investigation and compliance.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they continue to prioritise their available resources to achieve their strategic objective of a more tax and customs compliant society and a Revenue administration that fosters economic recovery and development.
342. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding equestrian centres which are clearly agri-based in their activities but are currently levied as commercial premises for the purposes of commercial rates/rateable valuation, his views on the reclassification of equestrian centres as agricultural premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34796/14]
View answerThe Valuation Act, 2001 provides in Schedule 3, Sections 1(a) and (b) that all buildings and lands used or developed for any purpose including constructions affixed thereto are rateable. The basic premise under the Act is that all interests (including buildings) and all developed land are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4.
None of the specific exemptions contained in Schedule 4, including those which refer to agricultural land and farm buildings, would encompass commercial equestrian centres. Equestrian centres are commercial enterprises and typically include stables for horses, a covered riding arena and ancillary buildings to support the enterprise.
While acknowledging the very important contribution which equestrian centres make to the economy, I have no plans at present to provide for special treatment of such centres under the Valuation Act, which maintains the long-standing position that all property occupied and used for commercial enterprises are liable for rates. Exceptions to this key principle would quickly be followed by demands for similar treatment from the providers of other useful services and products, which would be difficult in equity to resist. The process could thus substantially reduce Local Authority revenues, which would have to be made good by imposing corresponding increases on the remaining ratepayers.
343. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which ongoing action is planned in respect of areas that have previously suffered from flooding, coastal erosion or damage from storms and floods with particular reference to the need to carry out a proper drainage assessment thereby eliminating the potential for such flooding in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34846/14]
View answerThe matter raised by the Deputy is of the utmost importance and the problem of flooding in Ireland is being addressed through the Office of Public Work's Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. This is a major national programme under which the most comprehensive assessment of flood risk in the country to date is being undertaken.
The purpose of the CFRAM Programme is to:
- assess and map the existing and potential significant flood hazard and risk within the study areas,
- build the strategic information base necessary for making informed decisions in relation to managing flood risk,
- identify viable structural and non-structural measures and options for managing the flood risks for localised high-risk areas and within each river catchment as a whole.
- There are three main stages in the Programme; each involving public consultation:
- Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment - complete
- Flood Hazard Mapping (2013 - 2014)
- Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans (2015)
The CFRAM Programme will be used to determine national priorities for State investment in flood defences on a systematic and objective basis using Multi-Criteria Analysis. More information on the Programme is available on www.cfram.ie.
Pending the completion of the CFRAM Programme, the OPW is continuing with its programme of major flood relief schemes. These schemes are focused on locations throughout the country where significant flood events have occurred in the past. Cost benefit analysis is the standard methodology used to determine priorities and for selection of major schemes. Benefits are measured in terms of the damage and loss avoided. Details of major schemes are available on www.opw.ie under Flood Risk Management.
Identification and assessment of flood risk at local level within each county is a matter for the local authority concerned. It is open to local authorities to apply for funding under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme, introduced in 2009. The Scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Applications for funding are considered having regard to assessment criteria including a minimum benefit to cost ratio of 1.5:1 and the availability of funds.
The Government decided on 11th February 2014 to allocate up to €69.5 million for repair and remediation of public infrastructure that was damaged by severe weather in the period 13th December 2013 to 6th 2014 January.
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 them 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.
OPW has been allocated a total of €225m for Flood Risk Management for the period 2012 - 2016. This allocation will allow OPW to continue to progress its current programmes including major flood relief schemes, the Minor Works & Coastal Protection Scheme and the CFRAM Programme.
344. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update regarding flood relief works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34857/14]
View answerRepair works to 15m of collapsed sea wall at Strand Road, Sutton were included in the programme of works Fingal County Council submitted to the Office of Public Works on foot of the Government Decision of 11 February that allocated funding for repairs of coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure damaged in the period 13th December to 6th January. The Council has indicated that these works are now completed.
The flood defence works on the River Wad at Donnycarney, which are being undertaken and managed by Dublin City Council as the Contracting Authority with funding provided by the OPW, commenced in late 2013 and are currently approximately 90% complete. The main elements of the works are being carried out on behalf of the Council by the OPW using its own labour force. It is expected that the works will be completed before the end of this year, weather permitting.
Dublin City Council is the lead authority in relation to the development of any flood relief proposals for Clontarf and the OPW understands that the Council is currently exploring possible options in this regard. Should a viable, cost beneficial flood relief scheme emerge which meets with the acceptance of the relevant stakeholders, including the public, it will be open to the Council to apply for funding from the OPW to undertake such a scheme.
345. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department is responsible for a directive (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34864/14]
View answerOn 28 March, 2014, the European Commission published three new Directives as a collective reform of the existing EU regime for public procurement under the existing provisions of Directive 2004/17/EU - coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and Directive 2004/18/EU - on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts.
The three new Directives, including the Directive referred to by the Deputy are:
- 2014/23/EU - on the award of concession contracts
- 2014/24/EU- on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EU
- 2014/25/EU - on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC
The three Directives require to be transposed into national law by all EU Member States by April 2016. In this regard, the Office of Government Procurement, which is under the aegis of my Department, is coordinating the process of transposition into Irish law.
346. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to address flooding problems at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34978/14]
View answerIt is a matter for Kerry County Council, in the first instance, to investigate and address flooding issues in the County. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has no assets in Ballylongford and, therefore, has no direct responsibility in maintaining or improving existing flood defences. However, Ballylongford was identified through the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment as an area where the flood risk was potentially significant. It is therefore designated as an area for which detailed analysis is being carried out under the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study, which the OPW is currently undertaking in partnership with the relevant local authorities including Kerry County Council.
The analysis under the CFRAM project will enable flood maps to be produced in 2014 and the identification of flood risk management options for this area in 2015. There will be public consultation on the draft flood maps within the next couple of months and this will be advertised locally.
Following the significant flood events earlier this year, data collection was undertaken at Ballylongford on flood extents, levels and flood mechanism etc. This information will contribute to calibrating any flood modelling being produced for the town ensuring any future mitigating measures proposed are robust and effective.
If Kerry County Council considers that there are some interim flood protection measures that could be carried out pending the completion of the CFRAM process then it is open to the Council to develop proposals and to submit and application for funding to carry out any such measures under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding. It is also open to local authorities to carry out flood mitigation and coastal protection works using their own resources.
347. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of work under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment Management Systems in respect of rivers (details supplied) in County Laois; when updated plans will be available and published that the public can act upon in view of the fact that many of the areas listed as liable to flooding are not based on scientific or accurate information; when this matter will be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33173/14]
View answerMountrath was identified through the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) as a location where flood risk was potentially significant. It is therefore designated as an Area for Further Assessment (AFA) and a detailed assessment is being carried out under the South Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study. The Office of Public Works is currently undertaking this in partnership with the relevant local authorities including Laois County Council.
Draft flood maps are currently being produced and there will be public consultation days in Mountrath and other AFAs in the South Eastern CFRAM Study area during the coming months to allow interested parties and members of the public to provide their observations. These will be advertised locally and on the Study website. The next phase in the CFRAM Study will be the options assessment process. Following that, Flood Risk Management Plans will be prepared. Further information and updates on the South Eastern CFRAM Study are available on www.southeastcframstudy.ie.
348. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff who retired, left or otherwise departed from their employment from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013, and the expected annual savings arising therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2014, and the annual expected savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2015, and the annual savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2016, and the annual savings therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33209/14]
View answerThe number of staff, in my Department, who retired, left or otherwise departed from their employment from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013 and the number to date in 2014 are set out in the following table.
|
- |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
15 |
20 |
|
Shared Services |
9 |
20 |
|
Office of Government Procurement |
1 |
2 |
The following table reflects the number of staff who will be over 60 in 2015 and 2016 and may be in a position to retire.
|
- |
2015/2016 |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
25 |
|
Shared Services |
19 |
|
Office of Government Procurement |
4 |
There are of course likely to be other exits from my Department in 2015-16 as staff decide to pursue other opportunities that may arise. Although difficult to accurately estimate, as the economy improves, it can be expected staff may leave for reasons other than retirement. Payroll savings arising from staff exits were incorporated into the budgetary arithmetic in 2013 and 2014, and any future savings arising in 2015 and 2016 will similarly be reflected in the Vote allocations in the context of the overall Estimates process.
Alongside the implementation of the various measures and reforms provided for in the Haddington Road Agreement, staff exits are a contributing factor in helping my Department to meet its paybill objectives and, in so doing, contribute to the achievement of the Government's overall fiscal and public service numbers targets.
349. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of new staff employed since 1 July 2013 up to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual costs arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2014 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2015 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2016 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33226/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department has been engaged in an extensive recruitment exercise over the past two years and this will continue into 2015 as progress continues to be made in establishing and resourcing the Shared Services Offices, the Office of Government Procurement and the OGCIO. Although redeployment is being utilised wherever possible, these new offices also require an initial investment in targeted, strategic recruitment in order to ensure that the necessary skillsets are available to realise significant savings in the future through more efficient and innovative ways of service delivery.
The following table gives the number of new staff employed from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013 and to date in 2014, in respect of all the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Votes.
|
- |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
6 |
19 |
|
Shared Services |
50 |
189 |
|
Office of Government Procurement |
3 |
80 |
Any additional costs arising from staff recruitment were incorporated into the Department's Revised Estimates for 2013 and 2014. Decisions around future staffing and pay ceilings will, as normally is the case, be a matter for Government in the context of forthcoming Budgets and any additional costs will be reflected in my Department's Vote allocation.
350. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest legislation that are due to expire at the end of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33321/14]
View answerUnder section 12 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013, I am required as Minister to review the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009-2013 annually and cause a written report of my findings to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. As part of that review I am required to consider whether the various measures provided for under the legislation continue to be necessary, having regard to the purposes of the legislation. My last such report was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in June 2014. In that report I concluded that the measures continued to be necessary and will continue to apply. Accordingly, there are no provisions within the legislation that are due to expire at the end of 2014.
351. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding works on land (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33344/14]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is continuing to carry out repair works on damaged flood defences on the River Maine Scheme following the serious storms that took place in the region in January and February of this year. Given the extent of works required and the limitations of available resources, works are prioritised and carried out on a planned phased basis.
I am advised that OPW engineers have visited Ballmacpierce but not, as yet, the property of the Flemmings. An inspection of this property will take place as soon as possible and, should repair works be required to flood defences, they will be carried out as soon as is practicable.
352. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works will provide the necessary funding to provide proper coastal protection at the area at Kilshannig in Castlegregory, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33422/14]
View answerThe Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DoECLG) informed Kerry County Council, based on the estimate submitted by the Council to that Department, that up to €1,226,920 is available to the Council via the Office of Public Works (OPW) to undertake the necessary repair works to coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure damaged during the Winter storms.
The Council submitted overall programmes of works to the DoECLG detailing how it proposed to spend the total allocation and submitted the relevant elements of its programme to the OPW. Separately, the Council submitted a funding application for €500,000 under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for coastal repair works at Kilshannig. However, as these works were not included in the Council's programme, there is no specific provision for them in the Council's allocation of €1,226,920.
The funding application for Kilshannig and other applications submitted by the Council that fall outside of the storm damage funding envelope will be considered having regard to the relevant eligibility criteria of the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme and the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
353. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding plans to create a central debt collection agency for the Health Service Executive, the Courts Service, local authorities and the Departments of Social Protection and Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33489/14]
View answerMy Department commissioned a review of debt management across five sectors: the HSE, Local Government, Department of Social Protection, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Courts Service. The review was conducted by BearingPoint, following a competitive tender process, and has been published on my Department's website.
This review identifies the challenges facing these sectors in terms of debt collection and notes that these organisations are currently working to improve their debt collection performance. The BearingPoint review contains a number of cross-departmental recommendations, one of which is the establishment of a Central Collection Agency.
There has been no decision made by Government to establish a Central Collection Agency. A project manager will shortly be engaged, via the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to further investigate and explore the potential impacts and practicalities of each measure and detailed proposals will then be brought to Government, if the case merits it.
354. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servants who are subject to a freeze on their increment payment in 2014; the number of public service employees under his remit who are subject to a freeze on their increment payment in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33491/14]
View answerThe Haddington Road Agreement provides for a range of increment and related balancing measures depending on relevant earnings. Under the terms of the Agreement, those earning under €35,000 will have a three month increment pause during the lifetime of the Agreement. For those on salaries between €35,000 and €65,000, two three month increment pauses will apply (a total of a six month pause), and for those earning above €65,000 to the maximum of the Principal (Higher) scale or equivalent, two six month pauses will apply over the course of the Agreement. Finally, incremental progression is suspended for three years for those on salary scales starting over €100,000. Based on the best available data available to my Department, the number of civil servants who will have an increment paused or frozen in 2014, including those under the remit of my Department, is estimated at some 3,900 (on a head count basis).
355. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form the percentage of all civil servants who are aged under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and over 60 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33492/14]
View answerThe information contained in the following table sets out as at end-June, 2014 the percentage of Civil Servants serving in the age ranges requested by the Deputy.
|
Age range (as at end-June, 2014)* |
% of Civil Servants in the range |
|
20 |
0.2 |
|
20-29 |
4.1 |
|
30-39 |
22.7 |
|
40-49 |
28.2 |
|
50-59 |
37.2 |
|
60 |
7.6 |
* For technical data management reasons this information excludes staff serving in the Irish Prison Service and National Gallery.
356. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funds that his Department has approved in 2013 for Inquiries, Commissions of Investigation, Tribunals or other forms of public interest investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33493/14]
View answerSimilar to all expenditure, annual allocations for Tribunals and Commissions are agreed with Departments as part of the Estimates campaign. In addition, this Department receives reports on expenditure on Tribunals and Commissions on a bi-monthly basis. Expenditure, as reported for 2013, is detailed in the following table.
|
Tribunal/Commission |
Department |
Total |
|
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse |
D/Education |
2,815,834 |
|
Commission of Investigation into the Death of Gary Douch |
D/Justice |
496,114 |
|
Morris Tribunal |
D/Justice |
2,331,715 |
|
Smithwick (Breen and Buchanon) |
D/Justice |
1,082,566 |
|
Moriarty Tribunal |
D/Taoiseach |
2,513,055 |
|
Mahon Tribunal |
D/Environment |
5,320,611 |
|
- |
- |
14,559,895 |
