Written Answers Nos. 357-80
357. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has issued guidelines or instructions to commercial semi-State bodies in respect of the dividends they pay to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33593/14]
View answerMy Department is working with relevant Departments and NewEra (in respect of the companies for which NewEra has responsibility) to review shareholder management and oversight arrangements applying in the commercial State sector. Shareholder expectation letters have been, or will be, sent by parent Department Ministers to State companies. These letters set out the views and expectations of Ministers, as shareholders, of the companies' financial performance which includes the matter of an appropriate dividend policy. The Shareholder expectation letters also address the importance of striking the right balance between distribution of dividends and reinvestment in the business.
Up to now there has been no explicit guidelines to State companies regarding dividends. In recent years, dividends of approximately 30% of profits after tax have been sought from most commercial State companies. An additional €100m was also sought from the sector on foot of Budget 2013.
358. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will clarify a matter regarding coastal protection works in County Kerry (details supplied). [33668/14]
View answerThe Government Decision of 11 February, 2014 specifically addressed the allocation of funding for the repair of existing infrastructure damaged by storms in the period of 13 December to 6 January 2014. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DoECLG) wrote to Kerry County Council indicating, based on the estimate submitted by the Council to that Department, that up to €1,226,920 was being made available to the Council via the Office of Public Works (OPW) to undertake the necessary repair works to damaged coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure.
The estimates submitted by Kerry County Council to the DoECLG included for strengthening works at Incherea and both repair and strengthening works at Cromane Lower but, as stated in the parliamentary reply of 13 May, strengthening works fall outside of the scope of the Government Decision. Only the repair element of projects such as that at Cromane Lower are covered under the allocation. The programme of works the Council submitted to the OPW detailing how it proposes to spend the total allocation of €1,226,920 included for repairs to a coastal embankment at Cromane Lower. This programme is approved and it is now open to the Council to draw down this funding.
The Council will need to address their proposals for strengthening works at both Incherea and Cromane Lower separately and outside of the current process which is aimed at repairs and emergency works.
359. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flooding (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33760/14]
View answerI am advised that the flooding problem raised in the Deputy's question is due to problems with the surface water drainage infrastructure at this location. The Office of Public Works has no responsibility in this matter. It is a matter for Fingal County Council in the first instance.
360. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to hire general operatives for the greater Killarney area to work within the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33868/14]
View answerAll recruitment undertaken by the Office of Public Works is governed by the necessity to remain within the staffing limits directed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform through the Employment Control Framework (ECF), together with level of funding made available to meet payroll costs. Recruitment of additional permanent staff is subject to the sanction provided via that Department.
In relation to our State Industrial staff, there are no plans to recruit permanent general operative staff in the near future. Any such competitions that would arise would be advertised to the public via our website, in local newspapers and through SOLAS, as appropriate.
361. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servants, public servants and semi-State employees in his Department on career break at the time of the Haddington Road agreement who lost their right to return to their old positions; of these, the number who have since been offered redeployment opportunities; the number who availed of suitable redeployment opportunities; the number who terminated their employment; the number who have been accommodated with supernumerary positions after being on redeployment lists of over one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33931/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that, other than one staff member in the Valuation Office, no civil or public servant in my Department, or those under my remit, on career breaks at the time of the Haddington Road Agreement, lost their right to return to their old positions.
The following table outlines the position regarding the Valuation Office:
Valuation Office
Staff on Career Break at time of Haddington Road Agreement who could not be accommodated
|
Number of Staff |
Redeployment offered |
Redeployment Availed of |
Terminated Employment |
Accommodated with Supernumerary position |
|
One |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
362. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of administrative arrangements, as opposed to contracts for service, his Department is a party to; if he will provide in tabular form the party or parties to the administrative arrangement; the duration of these administrative arrangements; the cost recovery value of these administrative arrangements. [34008/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question I have limited the response to services received from, or provided to, other Government Departments for 2014.
Following its establishment in 2011 my Department entered into an administrative arrangement with the Department of Finance whereby the Department of Finance continued to organise all accommodation arrangements for the two departments and my Department took responsibility for the provision of IT services for the two departments. External costs are shared on a pro-rata basis and will vary from year-to-year but staff costs are not charged.
Services provided by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Department |
- |
|
Department of Finance |
OGCIO ICT |
|
All Departments |
OPW - flood risk management services, construction works, maintenance services, rental payments, grants, unitary payments, loan repayment collections, architectural advice |
|
|
Office of the Chief Medical Officer providing occupational health advice |
|
|
The Office of Government Procurement commenced operations in 2014 assuming responsibility for procurement policy and procedures and for sourcing common goods and services on behalf of the public service. |
|
|
PeoplePoint HR, Payroll and Pensions Shared Services to 13 Departments / Offices |
Services provided to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Department |
- |
|
Department of Finance |
Facilities Management including maintenance, repairs, and cleaning |
|
|
Pay & Pensions |
|
|
File Management |
|
|
Printing |
|
|
Accounting and Financial Management services |
|
|
Banking/Funds Transfer service |
|
|
EU Council Travel Reimbursement Scheme |
363. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding repair works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34078/14]
View answerA short stretch of embankment which is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW) is used as an unofficial slipway at this location and hence the crest is slightly lower than the rest of the embankment. It is envisaged that the OPW will have an excavator in the locality in the near future and will address the matter that the Deputy refers to then. With regard to the sluice referred to, last year the OPW replaced the two main sluice structures for this polder. The structure referred to is a minor sluice and works were also undertaken to seal the pipe, install new hinges and fit a new door.
364. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will arrange in conjunction with Kerry County Council to undertake the necessary flood remedial measures to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the flooding of homes in an area (details supplied) in County Kerry which has occurred a number of times in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34131/14]
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 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.
365. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount allocated to Kerry County Council for coastal protection works and flood relief measures following the winter storms and flooding; the expenditure to date of this designated funding to County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34133/14]
View answerFollowing on the Government Decision of 11 February 2014, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DoECLG) wrote to Kerry County Council indicating that, based on the estimate submitted by the Council to that Department, up to €1,226,920 is available to the Council via the Office of Public Works (OPW) to undertake the necessary repair works to damaged coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure.
The Council submitted an overall programme of works to the DoECLG detailing how it proposes to spend the total allocation and submitted the relevant elements of its programme to the OPW. The OPW reviewed the programme having regard to related guidance issued by the DoECLG to the local authorities and notified the Council that it was approved.
Kerry County Council has not drawn down any of the allocated funding to date. The OPW understands that repair works are ongoing and that the Council expects to draw down most of the allocated funding before the end of the year.
366. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount of projects identified during January-February 2014 following the storms and flooding destruction; the locations of the projects; the position regarding the progress of work on these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34136/14]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is responsible only for the approval of programmes of works and the disbursement to local authorities of the funding allocated by Government for repair of damage to public coastal protection infrastructure. The Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Transport, Tourism and Sport and Agriculture, Food and the Marine are responsible for the approval of programmes of work and the disbursement of funding for repair of other damaged public infrastructure such as roads, piers, harbours and other community facilities and amenities.
The following table lists the locations of 176 projects included in the programmes of works submitted by local authorities to the Office of Public Works and approved by the OPW on foot of the Government Decision of 11 February, 2014, which allocated funding of up to €19.6 million for coastal protection repair works following the coastal storm flood damage from 13 December, 2013 to 6 January, 2014 based on estimates provided by the local authorities.
The prioritisation and progression of projects is entirely a matter for the local authorities concerned, and they would be best placed to provide the up to date position in relation to each project.
|
Local Authority |
Project Location |
|
Clare County Council |
New Quay |
|
R477 Ballyvaughan |
|
|
Doolin |
|
|
Clahane, Liscannor |
|
|
Liscannor |
|
|
Lahinch |
|
|
White Strand, Miltown Malbay |
|
|
Spanish Point |
|
|
Seafield Pier |
|
|
Carrowmore |
|
|
Rhynnagonnaught, Doonbeg |
|
|
Whitestrand/ Doonmore, Doonbeg |
|
|
Baltard (south of Doonbeg) |
|
|
Kilkee |
|
|
Ross Bay |
|
|
Kilbaha |
|
|
Cloughansavan/Kilclogher |
|
|
Fodra |
|
|
Rinevella Beach |
|
|
Rinevella |
|
|
Kilcredaun Irish College |
|
|
Carrigaholt |
|
|
Cappagh, Kilrush |
|
|
Carrowdotia, N67 Moneypoint |
|
|
Knock |
|
|
Labasheeda |
|
|
- |
|
|
Cork County Council |
Durrus-Ahakista Road- Phase 1 |
|
Point Road, Crosshaven |
|
|
Belvelly, Cobh |
|
|
Summercove Kinsale |
|
|
Gerahies Sea Wall- Phase 1 |
|
|
Ballydonegan Beach |
|
|
Red Strand, Ardfield, Clonakilty |
|
|
Garryvoe, Midleton |
|
|
South Harbour, Cape Clear Island |
|
|
Pier Road, Rosscarbery |
|
|
Hare Island |
|
|
Cow Strand Wall Sherkin Island |
|
|
Saleen- East Ferry, Midleton |
|
|
Garrahies Sea Wall- Phase 2 |
|
|
Durrus- Ahakista Road- Phase 2 |
|
|
- |
|
|
Donegal County Council |
Inver |
|
Ards, Creeslough |
|
|
Shore Road, Mountcharles |
|
|
Shore Road, Killybegs |
|
|
Buncrana Shore Walk |
|
|
Creey Pier |
|
|
Bundoran West end Carpark |
|
|
Bundoran Main Beach |
|
|
Aranmore |
|
|
Tory Island |
|
|
Moville Shore Path |
|
|
Mill Bay, Inch Island |
|
|
Keadue Bridge |
|
|
Melmore |
|
|
Maghery/ Termon Road |
|
|
White Strand |
|
|
Rossbeg Pier Road |
|
|
- |
|
|
Fingal County Council |
Portmarnock Beach |
|
Strand Road, Sutton |
|
|
Portrane Beach |
|
|
Sea Wall Barnageera, Skerries |
|
|
South Strand Street, Skerries |
|
|
Burrow Beach, Portrane |
|
|
- |
|
|
Galway City Council |
Silverstrand/ Blackrock to Birdoo/ Blackrock to Southpark |
|
- |
|
|
Galway County Council |
Causeway at Lettermore, Gorumna, Béal an Daingean & Eanach Mheáin |
|
Trá Mor |
|
|
Trá Heuston, Lettermullen |
|
|
Ceann Golam, Lettermullen |
|
|
Aird Mhóir, Carna |
|
|
Duibhitir, Carna |
|
|
Ce Loughan Beag, Inverin |
|
|
Inish Mór, Killeany Road |
|
|
Foot causeway to Inis an Ghainnimh |
|
|
Mweenish Island |
|
|
Inisbofin |
|
|
Aillebrack |
|
|
Mainístir Kilmurvey, Inis Mór |
|
|
Frenchman's Strand, Inis Mór |
|
|
Ervallagh Roundstone |
|
|
South Facing Shore, Inishbofin |
|
|
Galway approach to An Spideal & Trá na mBan |
|
|
Inis Oirr |
|
|
Keerhaun North Errislannin |
|
|
Sky Road Loop, Clifden |
|
|
Sean Céibh Area, An Spideál |
|
|
Ardnagreeva, Clifden |
|
|
Renvyle Seafront Walk, Oranmore |
|
|
Beach Road, Cleggan |
|
|
Streamstown |
|
|
Ballyconeely, Clifton |
|
|
Dolan, Roundstone |
|
|
Dogs Bay, Roundstone |
|
|
Inis Mheain |
|
|
Errisbeg/Gurteen Graveyard, Roundstone |
|
|
Cloonisle Coastal Road |
|
|
Road at Church between piers, Inisboffin |
|
|
East End Inisboffin |
|
|
Mairos Graveyard at Cloch Mór, Baile na Habhain |
|
|
An Spideál linking Trá na mBan to An Ceabh Nua |
|
|
Access road to Loughan Beag Pier, Inverin |
|
|
- |
|
|
Kerry County Council |
Fahamore |
|
Bunanear |
|
|
Ceann Trá |
|
|
Kenmare |
|
|
Kenmare |
|
|
Cromane Lower |
|
|
Cockleshell Road |
|
|
Barrow |
|
|
Kells Beach |
|
|
Renard |
|
|
Valentia Island |
|
|
White Strand |
|
|
Waterville |
|
|
Coonanna |
|
|
Ballinskelligs |
|
|
Cooscrome |
|
|
Bunavalla |
|
|
Brackaharagh |
|
|
Cush |
|
|
Maulagullane |
|
|
R573 Coast Road |
|
|
Rossbeigh |
|
|
Fenit |
|
|
- |
|
|
Louth County Council |
Salterstown |
|
R172, Blackrock Sea Wall |
|
|
Giles Quay |
|
|
Cruisetown, Clogherhead |
|
|
Roadstown |
|
|
Ballagan, Greenore |
|
|
Corstown, Dunany |
|
|
Domor's Green, Drogheda |
|
|
- |
|
|
Mayo County Council |
L-1833 Bertra Beach |
|
Bertra Beach |
|
|
L-54462 Road to Dooagh Pier |
|
|
L-54442 Road at Dooagh |
|
|
L-5437 Road to Roigh Pier |
|
|
L 5283 Road to Fahy Graveyard |
|
|
L- 54398 Road to Mallaranny Pier |
|
|
Newport Quay Wall |
|
|
Innisbiggle |
|
|
Faulmore, Blacksod |
|
|
Cartron, Clogher |
|
|
Uisce |
|
|
Bayview, Binghamstown |
|
|
Bindoola on R313 at Belmullet |
|
|
School Road, Belmullet |
|
|
Shore Road, Belmullet Town |
|
|
Doohoma South Coast |
|
|
Carrowholly, Westport |
|
|
R335 at Deerpark, |
|
|
L-801 Quay Road, Westport |
|
|
L-5839 Rosbeg Road |
|
|
Carpark at the Point on Roman Island |
|
|
L-18012 Rosmalley Road |
|
|
L-5841 Sunnyside, Rosbeg |
|
|
L-1801 Quay Road, Ardmore |
|
|
Devlin |
|
|
Inishnakillew |
|
|
L-1802 Carrowholly, Rusheen |
|
|
Carrowholly Lower |
|
|
Dooagh Carpark |
|
|
Keel Sandybanks |
|
|
L-54443 Road at Dooega Pier |
|
|
Foxpoint |
|
|
Ballina Quay Wall |
|
|
Bull's Mouth Slipway, Achill |
|
|
- |
|
|
Meath County Council |
Laytown |
|
- |
|
|
Sligo County Council |
Enniscrone |
|
- |
|
|
Waterford County Council |
Back Strand, Tramore |
|
Sea Wall Dunmore East |
|
|
Cunnigar, Dungarvan |
|
|
- |
|
|
Wexford County Council |
Clones Road |
|
Ballyhack to Arthurstown |
|
|
Courtown |
|
|
Ballinamona Beach |
367. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the proposed remedial work to alleviate the flooding in an area (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34138/14]
View answerThe Office of Public Works received an application from Kerry County Council for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for flood alleviation works at this location. This application is currently being assessed having regard to the eligibility criteria for the Minor Works scheme which requires the proposed works to be cost beneficial and to the availability of funding. The OPW will notify Kerry County Council shortly regarding its decision on the application.
368. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for a programme of restoration to the historical Magazine Fort which occupies a commanding location within the Phoenix Park but which is empty, unused and derelict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34146/14]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that their primary focus is to protect and conserve the existing buildings and fortifications of the Magazine Fort, which is a protected structure. The Fort is regularly inspected for evidence of any unauthorised access and routine maintenance works are carried out when required. I recently inspected the site myself as part of a more general visit to the Phoenix Park.
It is planned to carry out certain limited refurbishment works that would facilitate public access to sections of the Fort as and when resources become available for this purpose. Anything like a full restoration programme is not a practical proposition in the current economic climate. However, the Office of Public Works is open to proposals or ideas for restoration of the Magazine Fort subject to their being suitable to the site and subject to appropriate funding being available.
369. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way the public sector recruitment moratorium is applied with regard to staff on maternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34152/14]
View answerThe Moratorium on Recruitment and Promotion in the Public Service as necessarily restricted the level of new recruitment and promotions in the Public Service in order to help reduce and control the Exchequer pay bill. Persons on maternity leave from the Public Service are, in general, deemed to be employees while on maternity leave and as such in the normal course of events return to employment in the same job on the completion of maternity leave.
370. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Cork city flood relief scheme, as recently announced, meets the insurance standard of 1:100 years which is the minimum if insurance is to be viable in a risk area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34281/14]
View answerProposals to deal with the flooding issue in Cork City were placed on display in the City Hall on 29 July 2014 at an Information Day undertaken to inform the public of the emerging Scheme for the City. Members of the Design Team were in attendance on the day to explain the proposals and to deal with queries from the public. Over two hundred people attended on the day. The public were invited to make submissions on the emerging proposals which will assist in completing the outline design of the Scheme. Once the outline design is completed it will then be brought forward to formal public exhibition in the next few months. At this stage detailed drawings and plans will be available for a period of 4-6 weeks.
The protection to be provided by the Scheme is the 1:200 year standard for tidal events and 1:100 year for fluvial (river) events. These are the current standards to which the Office of Public Works completes all of its flood relief schemes.
371. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter regarding a reduction in the public sector pension liability (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34284/14]
View answerAn actuarial valuation was carried out earlier this year by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to update the accrued liability in respect of Public Service occupational pensions.
The key result of the exercise is that the total accrued liability in respect of Public Service occupational pensions is now estimated at €98bn as at December 2012. This compares with the previous estimate of €116bn for 2009 which was arrived at by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG). Therefore, over the three years from 2009 to 2012 the liability has fallen by €18bn or by 16%. The main reasons for the reduction were the pay and pension cuts since 2009 and the freeze in pay and pension rates until after the Haddington Road Agreement.
This figure of €98bn represents the present value of all expected future superannuation payments to current staff and their spouses in respect of service to December 2012, plus the liability for all future payments to current and preserved pensioners and to their spouses. The pension payments to discharge this liability will therefore be spread over the next 70 years or so.
A report on the actuarial exercise is contained on the Department of Public Expenditure web site at http://www.per.gov.ie/public-service-pensions-accrued-liability/
372. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the categories of employees in the public sector that were not included in the recent changes to sick leave arrangements; the total number of public sector employees affected and not affected by the changes; the reason for excluding certain groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34660/14]
View answerThe new sick leave arrangements apply to approximately 278,800 FTE in the public service. This includes public servants in the education sector, the health sector, the local government sector, the civil service, An Garda Síochána, and the non-commercial semi-state bodies.
The main category of public servant to which the new sick leave arrangements do not apply are the Members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). There are factors which distinguish the PDF from the rest of the public service. In particular the absence of an occupational injury scheme, the high risk environment in which the PDF operates and the low rates of absenteeism in that sector meant that the new scheme was not directly applied to them. Notwithstanding this, access to paid sick leave in the PDF is being reduced. There are approximately 9,670 FTE in the PDF who are excluded from the new sick leave arrangements.
There are other groups who are excluded from the Regulations on the basis that the definition of a public servant is very broad in the legislation that provides for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to regulate sick leave in the public service - the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004.
Members of the Judiciary are excluded as there was no sick leave scheme applicable to the judiciary prior to the introduction of the new arrangements. In any event, Article 35 of the Constitution provides that the remuneration of judges must not be reduced except in the specific circumstances approved of in the 2011 Referendum on Judges' Pay. That referendum amendment allowed reductions under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act to be applied to the remuneration of the judiciary. There are approximately 151 FTE in the judiciary.
Staff of the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) are excluded from the new arrangements as changes to their terms and conditions of employment require the consent of the European Central Bank. However, the CBI has agreed to reduce access to sick leave in line with the Regulations on a voluntary basis. There are approximately 1,384 FTE in the CBI.
Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, comprising TDs and Senators, are excluded from the new arrangements. As elected representatives they have no sick leave scheme - they continue to hold their positions until such time as they resign or there is a general election regardless of health, maternity etc. There are approximately 226 Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
373. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of administrative officers recruited to the public service since March 2011 on an annual basis, with a breakdown of the Departments in which the AOs have been assigned. [34783/14]
View answerCompetitions to select candidates for appointment to posts as Administrative Officers in the Civil Service took place in 2012 and 2013. In 2012 there were six specialist streams - Banking and Finance; Tax Policy; Law; Human Resources; Economics; and Accountancy. In 2013 there were five streams with no recruitment to Accountancy from the 2013 competition. The following tables set out details of appointments from the 2012 and 2013 competitions. No competition was held in 2011.
The figures provided are for the Civil Service only as my Department does not track the number of graduate recruits in other areas of the public services.
2013 Administrative Officer Competition To date a total of 56 assignments have been made from the 2013 competition, all of which were to Dublin based posts.
|
Dept/Office |
Banking & Finance |
Tax Policy |
Law |
Human Resources |
Economics |
Total |
|
Finance |
5 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
|
12 |
|
PER |
2 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
10 |
19 |
|
Revenue |
|
2 |
|
1 |
|
3 |
|
Ombudsman |
|
|
5 |
1 |
|
6 |
|
Health |
|
|
1 |
3 |
|
4 |
|
PAS |
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Children & Youth Affairs |
|
|
2 |
|
|
2 |
|
Comm, Marine & NR |
|
|
3 |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Oireachtas |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
5 |
|
TOTAL |
8 |
7 |
19 |
12 |
10 |
56 |
2012 Administrative Officer Competition
|
Dept/Office |
Banking & Finance |
Tax Policy |
Law |
Human Resources |
Economics |
Accountancy |
Total |
|
Finance |
17 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
12 |
5 |
49 |
|
PER |
|
|
4 |
6 |
15 |
4 |
29 |
|
Taoiseachs |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
5 |
|
Agriculture |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
CENR |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
Revenue |
|
1 |
4 |
|
1 |
4 |
10 |
|
AG's |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
TOTAL |
17 |
7 |
15 |
10 |
37 |
13 |
99 |
374. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of new appointments made in his Department since March 2011 to date in 2014, with a breakdown of the number of staff appointed and the grade to which they were appointed during the period. [34786/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the following tables outline the total number of new appointments with a breakdown of grade, made in my Department, and those under my aegis, from July 2011 to date in 2014 as the Deputy will be aware that my Department was only formally established on 6 July 2011.
I would also like clarify that as part of the roll-out of our essential reform agenda, my Department numbers now include staff in the Office of Government Procurement and the National Shared Services Office which includes PeoplePoint, Payroll Shared Services Offices and Financial Management Shared Service.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
New Appointments from March 2011 to date
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
|
Principal Officer |
12 |
|
Assistant Principal |
27 |
|
Administrative Officer / Higher Executive Officer |
61 |
|
Executive Officer |
11 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer / Temporary Clerical Officer |
2 |
|
Total |
117 |
National Shared Services Office (NSSO)
New Appointments from March 2011 to date
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
3 |
|
Assistant Principal |
14 |
|
Administrative Officer / Higher Executive Officer |
28 |
|
Executive Officer |
58 |
|
Staff Officer |
8 |
|
Clerical Officer / Temporary Clerical Officer |
308 |
|
Total |
420 |
Office of Government Procurement (OGP)
New Appointments from March 2011 to date
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
|
Director |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
11 |
|
Assistant Principal |
21 |
|
Administrative Officer / Higher Executive Officer |
18 |
|
Executive Officer |
13 |
|
Staff Officer |
2 |
|
Clerical Officer / Temporary Clerical Officer |
23 |
|
Total |
90 |
Public Appointments Service
New Appointments from March 2011 to date
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Chief Executive |
1 |
|
Psychologist |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Assistant Principal |
3 |
|
Administrative Officer / Higher Executive Officer |
4 |
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
|
Clerical Officer / Temporary Clerical Officer |
7 |
|
Total |
21 |
State Laboratory
New Appointments from March 2011 to date
|
Grade |
Number |
|
State Chemist |
1 |
|
Principal Chemist |
2 |
|
Senior Chemist |
3 |
|
Chemist 11 |
6 |
|
Chemist 111 |
4 |
|
Senior Laboratory Analysts |
3 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Temporary Laboratory Analysts |
3 |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
4 |
|
Total |
27 |
Office of the Ombudsman
New Appointments from March 2011 to date
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Director General |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
3 |
|
Assistant Principal |
10 |
|
Administrative Officer / Higher Executive Officer |
8 |
|
Executive Officer |
5 |
|
Clerical Officer |
4 |
|
Total |
31 |
Valuation Office
New Appointments from March 2011 to date
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
|
Temporary Student Valuer |
8 |
|
Temporary Student Archivist |
1 |
|
Total |
12 |
Office of Public Works
New Appointments from March 2011 to date
|
Grade |
Number |
|
District Inspectors |
3 |
|
GO Band 2 (Country) |
7 |
|
GO Band 3 (Country) |
1 |
|
Engineering Technician Grade 2 |
3 |
|
Engineer Grade 2 |
1 |
|
Foreperson Grade 2 |
1 |
|
Procurement Managers (HEO equivalent) |
6 |
|
Procurement Buyers (EO equivalent) |
6 |
|
Park Superintendents |
2 |
|
Craft Carpenter |
1 |
|
Supervisor Guide |
2 |
|
Service Manager |
1 |
|
Guide |
2 |
|
Storekeeper Clerk Grade 1 |
2 |
|
Total |
38 |
375. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the grades of public servants who are permitted to apply for the post of private secretary to a Minister. [34788/14]
View answerThe Department of the Public Service Circular 6/1984 - Private Secretaries and Confidential Clerical Assistants sets out instructions concerning private secretaries and confidential clerical assistants. The circular provides that the persons selected to act as Private Secretary should be drawn from the grades of Executive Officer, Higher Executive Officer or Administrative Officer.
It is my understanding that most, if not all, officials appointed as Private Secretary to a Minister are appointed by way of a lateral transfer of a serving civil servant within the Minister's Department. The Commissioners for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) do not consider the post of Private Secretary to be an appointment as described in the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. The CPSA plays no role in overseeing the appointments to the post of Private Secretary.
Selection processes for such appointments are usually confined to staff in the Department where the appointment is to be made and run by the Human Resources Unit of that Department. Applications are sought from Higher Executive Officer, Administrative Officer, or Executive Officers who wish to be considered and a shortlist based on a CV or letter of application is drawn up. In general, those who are shortlisted are interviewed by the Minister or Minister of State, as appropriate, and who may be supported in the interview process by the HR Unit. The final decision on appointment will rest with the Minister or Minister of State.
376. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the percentage of GDP spent on research and development during each of the past four years. [33707/14]
View answerThe following table outlines the percentage of GDP spent on research and development during each of the past four years.
|
Year |
Percentage of GDP spent on R&D |
|
2010 |
1.62% |
|
2011 |
1.53% |
|
2012 |
1.58% |
|
2013 |
1.65% |
377. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the application process for casual trading permits; if a person is awarded a licence, the length of time it is valid; if it has to be re-advertised annually; if the licences are open to competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33945/14]
View answerThe selling of goods in public places is governed by the Casual Trading Act, 1995. Under this legislation the regulation of selling goods in public places is devolved to the 88 local authorities entitled to make bye laws under the Act. Any person selling goods in a public place covered by local authority bye laws must be the holder of a casual trading licence issued by the local authority.
Directive 2006/123/EC [“the Services Directive”] on services in the internal market was transposed into Irish law by way of S. I. No. 533 of 2010, European Communities (Provision of Services) Regulations 2010 and S. I. No. 555, European Communities (Court Orders for the Protection of Consumer Interests) Regulations, 2010. The Directive is not concerned specifically with casual trading but with the provision of services in general. The service in this context is the regulation of casual trading by local authorities which results in the provision of casual trading licences to traders to sell goods in public places.
On the 17 December 2009 my Department issued a detailed Notice to all 88 local authorities entitled to make bye laws under the Casual Trading Act, 1995 outlining the obligations arising for them under the Services Directive. This Notice was drawn up in my Department following consultations with the Office of the Attorney General. Arising from this Notice a number of issues emerged in respect of the local authorities’ obligations under the Services Directive, including the validity period for licences and aspects surrounding the application process. My Department is engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in an attempt to resolve these issues. When these issues have been clarified, my Department will write to all 88 local authorities informing them of the position.
378. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the negotiations between Canada and the EU on a comprehensive economic and trade agreement are almost complete; his views on including investor-state dispute settlement, ISDS, provisions in the agreement and that the EU's sustainability impact assessment on CETA recommended against including an investor-state dispute mechanism; and if he will raise concerns and objections about the inclusion of any ISDS provisions in the CETA at EU level. [34179/14]
View answerPolitical agreement on the key elements of a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada was announced in October last year, and it is expected that the conclusion of negotiations will be announced at the EU-Canada Summit on 26 September, 2014.
The Agreement will cover virtually every aspect of economic activity, and is an extremely important one for Ireland. It is the first comprehensive trade agreement with an historically close trade and economic partner of the EU and is a landmark deal between our two transatlantic economies. It is estimated that the opportunities presented by this agreement could add well over €200 million to Ireland’s current €2.7 billion bilateral trade with Canada, thus creating more jobs and contributing to our economic recovery.
The Agreement is intended to cover flows of both trade and investment. So in addition to providing protection to investors, the Agreement also seeks to address the modalities for addressing any disputes which might arise. Such Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions will be part of any final Agreement. The EU’s Sustainability Impact Assessment made a number of policy recommendations on the matters of investment, investment protection, and ISDS. The EU Council agreed that ISDS would be included in the negotiations on the Agreement. A document published by the EU Commission on its website explains the safeguards in place in the ISDS provisions. This document can be found at:
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2013/november/tradoc_151918.pdf
379. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the EU, Colombia, Peru free trade agreement requires ratification by all member state parliaments before it is transposed into law; if so, when it will be brought before the Dáil for final ratification into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34348/14]
View answerThe Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Peru, is an Agreement within the meaning of Article 29.5.2° of the Constitution. Ratification by Ireland is therefore subject to prior approval of Dáil Éireann. It is my intention to seek the necessary approval of Dáil Éireann before the end of 2014. The organisation of Dáil business is a matter for the whips.
According to the EU Council website - http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/agreements/ - 17 member states have notified the completion of national ratification procedures. Once all member states have notified the completion of national ratification procedures, the Agreement will be formally concluded.
It is relevant to note that the Agreement provides under Article 330 for provisional application, and it has been provisionally applied since 1 March 2013 in the case of Peru and since 1 August 2013 in the case of Colombia.
380. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline in tabular form, by county, the number of industrial development agency created jobs and the number of IDA Ireland led visits by investors from 1 January to 30 June 2014; the number of IDA Ireland created jobs currently in each county; the initiatives he is taking to address the jobless situation in County Kerry regarding providing sustainable full-time jobs for the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32907/14]
View answerDetails of the total number of IDA Ireland jobs by county along with the number of jobs created for 2013 and the number of site visits from 1 January to the end of June 2014 are outlined in the following tabular statement. Job figures for 2014 will not be available until early next year.
There are many complex factors influencing investor location decision-making such as the increasing preference of investors globally for cities of scale with 1 million plus population, significant challenges from lower cost locations in the UK and Eastern Europe and attractive regional aid.
At the end of 2013 there were 12 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kerry employing 1,638 people. IDA Ireland has strong relationships with all these companies and works closely with them to ensure their long term sustainability and to encourage their growth, development and continuing re-investment in their sites. The primary opportunity for regional locations is in respect of the existing client base and potential further investment opportunities from same. Approximately 70% of all FDI investments won by IDA Ireland is from the existing client base. IDA Ireland works closely with third level educational institutions in the region so that the skill-sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the Region are being developed.
When marketing Kerry for new inward investment IDA Ireland particularly focuses on the ICT (incl. software), International Financial Services and Globally Traded Business sectors.
The Action Plan for Jobs 2014 includes a commitment to develop a framework for a Regional Enterprise Strategy to better integrate the efforts of the enterprise development agencies and other regional stakeholders in supporting enterprises. My intention is that the framework will be developed on a pilot basis initially, focusing on the Midlands region, and involving the agencies under the remit of my own Department – Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. The objective is to enhance synergies between the agencies and their client companies and build on the competitive strengths of the region to maximise the potential for job creation. The role which other public bodies in the region can play in working towards this objective will also be examined as the project develops. The aim is that this framework will serve as a model for other regions of the country.
IDA Ireland has assured me that it will continue to promote Kerry as part of its marketing efforts, in response to specific client queries and also on an opportunistic basis for the purpose of winning FDI projects for the county. We must also remember that it is the investor in all cases who decides where to invest and an investment win for Ireland regardless of the location has to be seen as a plus for the country as a whole.
Table shows employment data by County during 2013 and the number of site visits for from 1 January to 30 June 2014
|
County |
Site Visits 2014 to end June |
Total No of Jobs by County 2013 |
No of Jobs created by County 2013 |
|
Carlow |
0 |
735 |
91 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
1,135 |
15 |
|
Clare |
9 |
1,340 |
15 |
|
Cork |
26 |
27,354 |
2,143 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
2,381 |
177 |
|
Dublin |
144 |
66,323 |
6,862 |
|
Galway |
13 |
13,615 |
1,098 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
1,638 |
101 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
10,172 |
276 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
617 |
80 |
|
Laois |
0 |
84 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
688 |
31 |
|
Limerick |
15 |
7,284 |
560 |
|
Longford |
0 |
701 |
25 |
|
Louth |
5 |
2,299 |
595 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
3,728 |
242 |
|
Meath |
2 |
1,077 |
137 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
365 |
29 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
896 |
21 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
906 |
28 |
|
Sligo |
8 |
2,090 |
184 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
3,367 |
201 |
|
Waterford |
5 |
5,075 |
172 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
2,225 |
132 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
2,437 |
149 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
2,443 |
72 |
|
Shannon Transfers |
5,072 |
185 |
