Written Answers Nos. 256-272
256. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding drainage works in the River Clare, County Galway (details supplied); when the independent assessment will be available; when work will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2311/15]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works submitted the proposals for the River Clare (Claregalway) Flood relief scheme, which includes works at the location referred to by the Deputy, to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for statutory approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in accordance with the requirements of the Arterial Drainage Acts.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform engaged experts to carry out an independent review as part of its assessment of the Environmental Impact Statement of the Claregalway scheme that was submitted by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The review is nearing completion. It is not possible to say when construction works will commence. However, the OPW remains committed to carrying out the scheme and has provided for its cost in its multi-annual capital expenditure profiles to 2017.
257. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the ongoing work taking place at the former Whitehall Garda station; the timeline involved; if the Office of Public Works is considering the views of residents which it sought in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2703/15]
View answerThe Office of Public Works commenced a planning process in August 2014 to relocate the Dublin City Mortuary and the State Pathologist into newly refurbished premises at the former Whitehall Garda Station Dublin 9. Following full consideration of the views of local residents and local representatives the planning process was completed and a decision taken in late 2014 that the development, as proposed in the original published plans, should proceed.
Tenders for the main works will be sought later this month, with appointment of the Contractor expected by end Q1 2015. The works are programmed to take 8 months to complete, with handover expected towards the end of 2015.
258. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the application for flood relief funding at Askeaton and Ballysteen, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2705/15]
View answerLimerick City and County Council submitted applications for funding for projects at Askeaton and Ballysteen under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
With regard to Askeaton, the OPW last week requested additional information from the Council in relation to the application. When this information is received the application will be fully assessed under the eligibility criteria of the Scheme. I would point out also that Askeaton is an Area for Further Assessment (AFA) under the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study that is being carried out by the OPW to identify specific flood mitigation measures for the area. The OPW's assessment of the application for funding under the Minor Works scheme will also have regard to that fact.
In relation to Ballysteen, the application is currently being assessed and a decision should be reach shortly.
259. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 224 and 245 of 16 December 2014, the number of meetings between the Minister or Minister of State and the MAC for the years 2011 to 2014, inclusive; the number of meetings of the MAC for the years 2011 to 2014, inclusive; if he has attended any of these meetings; if his special advisers attended the MAC meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2458/15]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question all details regarding meetings of the Management Advisory Council in my Department since 2011 are currently available on our website at: www.per.gov.ie. Both Mr. Ronan O'Brien, my Special Adviser, and I have been present at meetings, on occasion. The Agenda and minutes taken at each meeting are also available on our Website which include those that attended.
The Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, has never attended the Management Advisory Council.
260. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details in tabular form of the independent Deputies and Senators who have received the leader's allowance each year from 1997 to 2014; the amounts per year of each member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2476/15]
View answerThe Parliamentary Activities Allowance (formerly known as the Party Leader's Allowance) is provided for in the Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 1938 as amended, most recently by the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices)(Amendment) Act 2014.
The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the payments made to each independent Member in the years 2001 to 2012 are contained in my reply to his question no. 310 on 25 June 2013 (ref. 30081/13). As advised previously, the current data systems in use do not permit detailing the payments prior to 2001. The amounts paid in 2013 and 2014 are set out in the following tables.
|
Independent TDs |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Catherine Murphy |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Finian McGrath |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
John Halligan |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Luke "Ming" Flanagan |
€41,151.96 |
€16,535.95 |
|
Mattie McGrath |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Maureen O Sullivan |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Michael Healy Rae |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Michael Lowry |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Michael Wallace |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Noel Grealish |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Shane Ross |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Seamus Healy |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Stephen Donnelly |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Thomas Pringle |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Tom Fleming |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
|
Michael Fitzmaurice |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Total |
€617,279.40 |
€563,858.95 |
|
Independent Senators |
2013 |
2014 |
|
David Norris |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Fergal Quinn |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Ronan Mullen |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
John Crown |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Sean Barrett |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Martin McAleese |
€3,897.16 |
€0.00 |
|
Fiach Mac Conghaill |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Eamon Coghlan |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Dr. Katherine Zappone |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Mary Ann O Brien |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Marie Louise O Donnell |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Jillian Van Turnhaut |
€23,382.96 |
€22,213.98 |
|
Gerard Craughwell |
€0.00 |
€4,775.97 |
|
Total |
€261,109.72 |
€249,129.75 |
261. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent by his Department on special advisers for each of the past four years; the way this compares with the four years from 2007 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2511/15]
View answerThe table sets out the amount spent on special advisors employed by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform since its establishment in July 2011.
|
Salary Cost |
Employer PRSI |
Other (Allowances etc) |
Total Cost |
|
|
2011 (July-Dec.) |
98,327 |
9621 |
0 |
107,948 |
|
2012 |
199,215 |
19,507 |
0 |
218,722 |
|
2013 |
196,684 |
19,364 |
0 |
216,048 |
|
2014 |
190,925 |
18,837 |
0 |
209,762 |
|
Total |
685,151 |
67,329 |
0 |
752,480 |
The deputy may wish to note that my Department employs two special advisors, Mr. Ronán O'Brien and Ms. Anne Byrne. In accordance with Instructions to Personnel Officers Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dail, dated 24 March 2011, Mr. O'Brien was appointed at a single point salary having regard to his previous earnings, while Ms. Byrne's salary has progressed on the basis of incremental payments and may continue to do so in accordance with the terms of the Haddington Road Agreement.
Given that my Department was only established in July 2011, it is not possible to provide a historical comparison for the years 2007-2010.
262. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent by his Department on ministerial drivers and associated travel expenses for each of the past four years; the way this compares with similar expenditure for the four years from 2007 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2527/15]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the following table outlines the cost of Ministerial drivers and associated travel expenses in my Department since its inception in 2011:
Ministerial Drivers Costs and associated travel expenses for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform since 2011
|
- |
2011 € |
2012 € |
2013 € |
2014 € |
|
Minister's Drivers Travel & Subsistence |
16,767.23 |
24,171.01 |
24,985.45 |
23,992.30 |
|
Drivers Salary Costs |
46,208.00 |
71,062.85 |
68,499.75 |
73,534.25 |
|
Total |
62,975.23 |
95,233.86 |
93,485.20 |
97,526.55 |
I understand that the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works will be contacting you directly with his response.
263. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update regarding the tendering process for the Bandon flood prevention scheme; when a contractor will be awarded the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2674/15]
View answerThe current position with regard to the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme is that the procurement process to appoint a civil works contractor has been delayed due to a legal challenge at the pre-qualifying first stage by a contractor who has not been placed on the list of contractors from whom bids will be invited. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently taking legal advice on this matter and, as such, is not in a position to provide an update at this stage on the timescale for the appointment of a contractor.
I and the Government remain fully committed to the provision of this important scheme for the people of Bandon. I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they are confident that the current legal issue will be resolved as quickly as possible and that the project can then progress to the construction stage. It is expected that construction of the scheme will take approximately two years to complete from appointment of a successful contractor.
264. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress to date in relation to overhauling the system of appointments to State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2732/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that in September 2014 the Government agreed to introduce a new system for State Board Appointments. The Decision, building on the earlier 2011 Decision, required my Department to prepare Guidelines on a new process to be agreed by Government.
The Guidelines were approved by Government in November 2014 and seek to provide good practice rules around the implementation of the Decision, which has at its core three key principles:
- promote wider access to opportunities on State Boards;
- put in place detailed and comprehensive criteria for those roles; and
- introduce transparent and rigorous assessment of candidates against these criteria.
The Guidelines clarify which positions on Boards they apply to and change the process around Ministerial appointments of individuals to State Boards.
The new arrangements provide for a robust selection system operated independently by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) with selection being based on objective criteria. The new arrangements will ensure that candidates recommended for appointment have the skills and competencies required to carry out their duties on a State board.
Under the new system for appointments to State Boards, the specific requirements identified for board roles will be published as well as information illustrating the knowledge, skills, experience and expertise possessed by appointees conforming to those requirements.
Applications are welcome from people who believe they have the relevant skills and experience to join a State Board, barring any disqualifications that may apply under legislative provision. Persons interested in serving on a board should apply via the State Boards portal run by PAS at www.stateboards.ie.
The Guidelines are at http://hr.per.gov.ie/state-boards/.
265. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to extend the retirement grace period beyond June 2015 for teachers who cannot retire during the academic year (details supplied). [2822/15]
View answerI refer to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 44305 of 18 November 2014. The position remains unchanged.
266. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide in tabular form the number of applications received by the microenterprise loan fund in each year since its establishment; the number of loans approved; the total amount drawn down; the number of jobs supported by the fund; his plans for its future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2233/15]
View answerAs of 9 January 2015 Microfinance Ireland (MFI) has approved 418 applications to the value of €6.4m supporting 947 jobs. All the figures that the Deputy has requested are available in the quarterly and yearly progress reports which are published on my Department’s website www.enterprise.gov.ie. The progress report detailing the analysis and performance up to the quarterly period ending 30 September 2014 is available on the Department’s website. I intend to publish the report for the period 31 December 2014, once this report has been finalised. My officials are currently undertaking a review of MFI and this will be finalised in Q1 of 2015.
267. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of research funding drawn down by Irish entities in each year of the operation of the seventh framework programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2234/15]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows:
|
Year |
€M |
|
2007 |
33.2 |
|
2008 |
54.3 |
|
2009 |
68.9 |
|
2010 |
72 |
|
2011 |
72.3 |
|
2012 |
103.7 |
|
2013 |
109.5 |
|
TOTAL |
513.9 |
The above figures are for payments made during the years in question under grant awards to Irish entities under the Seventh Framework Programme. In the period from commencement of FP7 in January 2007 to its completion in December 2013 Irish entities were awarded €625m. under the programme thus significantly surpassing the national target of €600m. Due to the multi-annual nature of projects under the Framework programmes, payments continue to be made after the end of the Framework Programme period in respect of projects still in progress. Full drawdown will not be finalised until after completion of the remaining projects funded under FP7.
268. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide in tabular form the total funding Enterprise Ireland has provided from the high potential start-up funding scheme for each year from 2010 to 2014; if he will provide for each of these years the total number of companies which have received funding from this specific scheme; the cumulative total number of jobs that have been created after this form of funding has been provided to these companies; the cumulative amount of additional exports in euro that have been generated by these companies after they have received this form of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2235/15]
View answerIn its End of Year Statement published on 12 January 2015, Enterprise Ireland reported that client companies created 19,705 new jobs in 2014. This resulted in a net increase of 8,476 in the number of people employed by Enterprise Ireland supported companies, the highest net gain in the history of the agency. This increase in employment reinforces Enterprise Ireland’s strategy of driving innovation, scale and leadership positions in international markets and new sectors. This continuation of employment growth demonstrates clearly the direct impact that increasing exports has on jobs in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland supported companies now, directly and indirectly, account for more than 300,000 jobs in the Irish economy - 16% of total workforce.
These full-time employment and total employment levels are the highest recorded in the history of the agency.
Enterprise Ireland offers a range of financial and non-financial supports to assist clients to win business and sustain and create jobs through all stages of the business development cycle.
Start-ups remain a key source of employment for the Irish economy and over time many start-ups will develop and grow and emerge as the medium and large sized companies of the future. Supporting Start-ups through feasibility funding, Competitive Start Funds, High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) supports and the LEO network is critical to job creation now and in the future.
As part of the Enterprise Ireland’s offering in the Start-Up space the agency looks to develop and target HPSUs. HPSU companies are defined as start-up ventures that are:
- Introducing a new or innovative product or service to international markets.
- Involved in manufacturing or internationally traded services.
- Capable of creating 10 jobs in Ireland and realising €1 million in sales within three to four years of starting up.
- Led by an experienced management team.
- Headquartered and controlled in Ireland.
- Less than six years old.
The tabular statement shows the number of HPSUs approved from 2010 to 2014 and the total amount paid to these companies in relation to all approvals from the year they became a HPSU.
These companies have created 3,706 jobs (3,287 full-time and 419 part-time) between 2010 and 2014.
The most recent export data available is from the 2013 Annual Business Review survey. The 2014 survey results will be available in April 2015. Of the 374 HPSUs approved between 2010 and 2013 182 participated in the 2013 ABR and reported total sales of €144.3 million inclusive of €85.8 million in exports.
Number of HPSUs 2010 to 2014 and total amount of funding* paid as at 15 January 2015.
|
Year |
No of HPSUs approved |
Total Payments from year approved as HPSU to 15/01/2015 |
|
2010 |
80 |
21,800,025 |
|
2011 |
93 |
23,706,416 |
|
2012 |
97 |
20,141,363 |
|
2013 |
104 |
17,840,160 |
|
2014 |
102 |
11,644,509 |
|
Total |
476 |
95,132,473 |
*Payments are in relation to all approvals from the full suite of Enterprise Ireland client offers.
269. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent by his Department on special advisers for each of the past four years; the way this compares with the four years from 2007 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2509/15]
View answerThe number of special advisors in the employment of my Department at the end of each of the years 2007 to 2014 is set out in tabular format. Within the time allowed for reply, it has not been possible to precisely calculate the cumulative salary, travel, and other costs for each of the years in question to reflect changes arising from the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013 and the relevant provisions of the Haddington Road Agreement. This exercise is currently being undertaken in my Department and the required information will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
|
Year |
Special Advisors |
|
2007 |
4 |
|
2008 |
3 |
|
2009 |
3 |
|
2010 |
2 |
|
2011 |
2 |
|
2012 |
2 |
|
2013 |
2 |
|
2014 |
4 |
270. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent by his Department on ministerial drivers and associated travel expenses for each of the past four years; the way this compares with similar expenditure for the four years from 2007 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2525/15]
View answerDetails of the Ministerial drivers costs as requested by the Deputy since 2011 are as set out below in tabular format.
As the costs of the salaries and allowances of Garda drivers under the scheme previously in place were paid by the Department of Justice my Department does not have those details and I, therefore, cannot provide a comparison of the cost of the two schemes. I will ask my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, to revert to you with a response.
|
Year |
Drivers Gross Salary Costs |
Drivers Employer PRSI |
Drivers Subsistence Costs |
Total Costs |
|
2011* |
€245,361.18 |
€20,564.07 |
€33,120.83 |
€299,046.08 |
|
2012 |
€211,383.70 |
€21,548.97 |
€29,045.84 |
€261,978.51 |
|
2013 |
€213,531.50 |
€21,730.66 |
€30,019.66 |
€265,281.82 |
|
2014* |
€185,541.29 |
€18,477.70 |
€15,735.72 |
€219,754.71 |
*inclusive of individual severance payments
271. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the funding allocated to Longford and Westmeath local enterprise offices since their establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2618/15]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) were established on 15 April 2014 on foot of the County Enterprise Boards (Dissolution) Act 2014. Upon dissolution, each LEO retained the individual allocations that were made to them as City and County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) at the start of 2014. In the case of the Longford and Westmeath CEBs, the initial current and capital allocations made are set out in the table.
Longford and Westmeath CEBs / LEOs – 2014 Allocations
|
CEB / LEO |
Current Allocation |
Capital Allocation |
|
Longford |
€257,661 |
€333,769 |
|
Westmeath |
€324,269 |
€379,310 |
These amounts were supplemented in October 2014 by a further capital allocation of €20,000 and €40,000 to the LEOs in Longford and Westmeath, respectively, while the LEO Longford received an additional current allocation of €1,599.
272. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to assist small businesses in 2015; his proposals in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2635/15]
View answerSince coming into office this Government has had a clear focus on assisting SMEs, which make up over 99% of businesses in the enterprise economy in Ireland and account for almost 70% of people employed, to establish, expand and export, with a view to driving economic recovery and creating jobs across the country.
The 2015 Action Plan for Jobs, which will be published shortly, will again be the Government’s main focus for delivering for the SME community and will place the needs of small business at its core. This year’s Plan is strongly influenced by my discussions with small businesses and will include a commitment around the work of the Advisory Group on Small Business.
The objectives and actions set out in the Plan are designed to achieve specific impacts in terms of jobs, exports and startups, market penetration and innovation, efficiency of public sector interaction with business, finance and access to talent.
There will also be a new suite of Disruptive Reforms which will consist of significant projects requiring cross Government collaboration that can make a real difference to enterprise and jobs in a short space of time, for all businesses - small, medium and large. Areas for consideration for such disruptive reforms include talent, regional development, energy, finance, and intellectual property.
In addition, the various actions set out in the National Entrepreneurship Policy Statement, published in October 2014 will also be implemented. The Policy Statement contains 96 cross-Governmental targeted actions to drive improvements in the overall environment for entrepreneurship, thereby demonstrating our commitment to increasing the prevalence of successful, globally competitive and job creating startups.
Overall the reforms and initiatives included in the Action Plan for Jobs 2015 will focus on making it easier to do business and to create jobs in every part of the country. As a Government we will continue to maintain its focus on assisting SMEs to establish, scale and export in order to ensure that they continue to drive our economic recovery and create further jobs.
