Written Answers Nos. 279 - 299
279. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce a competitive income-based tax regime for intellectual property, the Knowledge Development Box; the number of submissions received by his Department as part of the public consultation process; and when it is envisaged that the next steps on the introduction of this important initiative will be taken. [25158/15]
View answerIn Budget 2015, I introduced a new Road Map for Ireland's Tax Competitiveness which set out a comprehensive package of measures designed to reposition Ireland to reap the benefits of sustainable foreign direct investment in a changing international tax landscape.
The Knowledge Development Box ('KDB'), was one of the measures announced in the Road Map.
I view the Knowledge Development Box as a positive measure for Ireland. It is recognised internationally that investment and growth in OECD economies is increasingly driven by knowledge-based investment, which is related to research and development and intellectual property. Putting in place an attractive tax offering for developing and commercially exploiting intellectual property is therefore important to encourage companies to develop their knowledge-based capital in Ireland, and for our continued success in attracting foreign direct investment into Ireland.
A public consultation to gather views on how the KDB should operate was launched on 14th January and closed on the 8th April. The consultation paper invited submissions from interested parties on their views of how the KDB should be designed to ensure that it meets the key objective of being the most competitive in class, within the agreed international parameters for fair tax competition in this area. This consultation went well with active engagement from stakeholders. My officials met with a number of parties throughout this time and nearly 40 written submissions were received.
At the same time, Irish officials have continued to engage with the OECD on the internationally agreed parameters that will confirm what is acceptable tax competition for this area, and what may be viewed as an acceptable KDB regime. These discussions have been on-going at the OECD Forum on Harmful Tax Practices and a consensus on the topic is expected very shortly.
All of the above will feed into the overall design of the KDB which is being finalised over this summer and will be legislated for in Finance Bill 2015.
280. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the agri-taxation review and the measures contained therein, the progress at introducing the recommendations, such as increased land mobility, assisting with succession, new stock relief, and stamp duty exemption; and if further recommendations in the review are to be introduced. [25159/15]
View answerIn Budget 2014, I announced a review of the tax supports available to the agricultural sector in Ireland in conjunction with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD. The purpose of the review was to analyse the benefits of the various tax measures to the agriculture sector and the wider economy versus the costs and to ensure tax policy aligns with the objectives set out in Food Harvest 2020.
The Review was overseen by a working group made up of the Department of Finance, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Revenue Commissioners. The Review included an independent cost benefit analysis, an international benchmarking exercise and a public consultation process. Following a competitive tendering process, Indecon International Economic Consultants were appointed to carry out the independent cost benefit analysis and the international benchmarking exercise. The report of the Agri-Taxation working group was published with Budget 2015 and a number of the group's recommendations were enacted in the subsequent Finance Act. These measures in particular were selected as the ones most likely to help younger and qualified farmers, improve land usage and give farmers greater flexibility to allow them to smooth out their tax exposures arising from variability in farm incomes.
The recommendations in the Agri-Taxation Report which have not been implemented to date, are still under active consideration.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they do not yet have details on the success of the measures introduced in Finance Act 2014 on foot of the agri-tax review as the tax returns for the affected years of assessment are not yet due to be filed. In relation to the increased land mobility measures, final figures are again not yet available and I understand that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, along with Teagasc, are currently collecting data in this respect.
Finally, I am advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that they are still in discussions with the D-G Agriculture and Rural Development in relation to whether or not the relief from stamp duty on long term agricultural leases would constitute a legal State Aid. Until such confirmation is received from the European Commission no progress can be made on this point.
281. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of works completed at St. Enda's Park in Rathfarnham in Dublin 16 by the Office of Public Works, in the past five years; if he will provide a list of agreed future works and the schedule for agreed future works by the Office of Public Works. [24587/15]
View answerSt. Enda’s and the Pearse Museum are of significance to the history of the modern Irish Republic. In recognition of Patrick Pearse’s involvement in events leading up to the Rising, a number of capital works are being undertaken at the site to be completed for the centenary commemorations of the 1916 rising.
Over the past 5 years a programme of tree maintenance and replanting has been undertaken to improve tree safety in the park. The high winds of the winter of 2013/14 resulted in the park being closed on a number of occasions. During 2014, therefore, a number of Cupressus macrocarpa trees, damaged by the weather and disease, were removed.
In the grounds of St. Enda’s Park a seminal Norse/Gaelic Revival garden was created during the early nineteenth century by constructing various follies to evoke and commemorate Ireland’s mythological past. A conservation plan for these was drawn up in 2007, and works began in August of 2013 to restore and consolidate these structures. This work was completed in 2014.
To date, the following individual works have been completed at St. Enda's:
- A replacement oak bridge was constructed and placed over Whitechurch stream;
- The Druid’s Glen was repointed and the surrounding walls rebuilt;
- Hermitage Arch, Triple Arch, Fort Arch and Niche were all consolidated and repointed;
- The Cromlech was reconstructed and pinned with stainless-steel dowels;
- Conservation works were undertaken on the Hermitage, which was cleared of vegetation and repointed, with new window and door grilles added;
- the Summerhouse was also conserved with new steel bracing, repointing, limewash and door and window grills removed to allow access;
- Emmet’s Fort was re-roofed and doors and windows made good;
- the Tower Stairs were fully excavated revealing a nineteenth century hydraulic ram in a subterranean chamber, the stairs were replaced and the entire building repointed and parapets rebuilt;
- Paths within the walled garden have been upgraded and flower beds enlarged to improve the amenity value of the garden.
Works being undertaken during 2015, with a completion date by year end include:
- Works on the Lake which include dredging the original pond area and building a boulder wall to redirect flow of the stream, due to commence in July 2015, anticipated period 4 weeks;
- Conservation work to be undertaken on the Weir and waterfall below the Tower stairs. The river walls have been undermined and the weir cills have been damaged and broken. A scope of works has been agreed and will be undertaken during August and September 2015;
- A permanent exhibition on the life and times of Patrick Pearse is being installed in the museum basement, cases are in position, refurbishment of doors, walls and electrical systems to be completed by November 2015;
- A model classroom is being constructed in one of the rooms surrounding the courtyard to demonstrate the original layout and position of classrooms;
Future works (subject to availability of resources) include:
- Refurbishment of the courtyard veranda roof;
- Universal accessibility works to the Halla Mor;
- Conservation work to the spillway at the northern end of the Whitechurch stream;
- Car park and entrance area redevelopment at Sarah Curran Avenue in collaboration with South Dublin County Council.
282. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to access the site at Durrow Church in County Offaly; if plans are in place for a car park and walkway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24766/15]
View answerThe Durrow Abbey site is an important National Monument which is owned by the State and is in the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). A significant conservation project was undertaken there in recent years, including relocating the vulnerable High Cross on the site into the Church and undertaking visitor presentation works. The site is therefore in good order currently from a preservation aspect.
As the Deputy is aware, although there is free access to the site, which is open to the public daily, there are difficulties in actively marketing the venue and encouraging larger numbers of visitors to the property because of safety issues relating to the nearby N52 road. It has not been feasible to mitigate this problem without incurring significant capital costs, and, in the current financial situation, the level of capital investment required is not available. This position has been confirmed recently following a reappraisal of the project options after further direct engagement with the National Roads Authority.
Understanding that road access is highly problematic, the OPW is currently working with other public partners locally (Offaly Co. Council and Coillte) to develop an alternative walking route which will link the National Monument property with the existing Coillte amenity forest trails nearby. The Coillte estate is served by a carpark on its property and the objective will be that visitors will therefore, once work is completed, be in a position to park locally and walk safely to the Durrow attraction. It would be the intention of the OPW to complete this work next year.
Given the importance of the Durrow site, it remains a priority for both the OPW and Offaly Co. Council to develop an economic solution to the access problem which will ensure that the visitor potential of the site is more fully realised. In the short term, the proposed footpath will provide visitors with a safe route into the site and this objective will remain the focus in the immediate term.
283. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the proposed new European Communities (Public Authorities’ Contracts) (Review Procedures) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 Bill and the European Communities (Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings) (Review Procedures) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 Bill, will enable mechanical and electrical contractors here to return to having nominated status, as was the case before 2007, as the current situation has made it very difficult for Irish registered contractors to remain sustainable while engaging in Government contracts; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been huge quality issues in the industry due to below cost tendering. [24886/15]
View answerThe Remedies Regulations: European Communities (Public Authorities' Contracts) (Review Procedures) Regulations 2010 and European Communities (Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings) (Review Procedures) Regulations 2010 (SI 130 and 131) allow tenderers or candidates who feel that a procurement process was not carried out in an open, fair and transparent manner the option of seeking recourse from the courts. The Regulations referred to by the Deputy amended those Regulations to give leave to contracting authorities to apply to the courts to lift the 'automatic suspension' and to give the High Court jurisdiction to rule on such issues.
The appointment of specialist sub-contractors by means of nomination was a feature of the public works contracts that were in use up until 2007. This practice was discontinued with the introduction of the new form of lump sum fixed price public works contract which was developed to ensure greater cost certainty in the delivery of public works. The rules governing public procurement, which include the Remedies Regulations, do not specifically describe the practice of nomination but the engagement of specialists must be undertaken in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner.
A review of the performance of the public works contracts which were introduced in 2007 has been carried out by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). A report on the review was published in December 2014 which sets out a series of interim recommendations to amend the current conditions of contract used to deliver public works projects. The second of the four interim amendments includes a provision for the direct tendering of specialist works contractors.
Under the current arrangements there is an option for contracting authorities to award contracts to specialists whose contract is then novated to a main contractor. However this is really only suitable where those specialists are engaged to carry out specific tasks in advance of the main contractor's appointment.
The new arrangements are intended to permit much greater oversight of the prices being tendered on projects to deal with the unsustainable pricing arising from the competitive tendering environment which followed the economic crisis. The provision for direct tendering to specialists will also allow much greater control of quality by the contracting authority for those projects with a significant requirement for specialist works.
The interim amendments being introduced will;
- Rebalance the risk currently transferred in recognition of the changed economic circumstances that pertain in the industry;
- Reduce the potential for costly disputes; and,
- Provide greater detail on the tendered price.
Under the new arrangements, the tendered price for the specialist works package(s) will be included in the Pricing Document in advance of the Main Contract tender where the specialist works tender(s) is concluded prior to the Main Contract tender. Alternatively, if the specialist tender is not concluded in advance of the main contract tender, the Main Contractor's Tender Sum will be adjusted in advance of finalising the Contract Sum by means of substituting the specialist works tender sum(s) in place of the pre-determined estimated sums for specialist works. The main contractor will then be required to appoint that specialist subject to certain conditions being met by the specialist. Whilst the procedure is similar in many respects, it does not represent a reintroduction of the nominated sub-contractor.
As part of the implementation of the interim measures, the OGP and members of the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC) are currently hosting a series of information sessions for public bodies, contractors and consultants on the amended forms of public works contracts as part of the implementation process.
Further details on the amendments may be found on the Construction Procurement Reform website under the news item dated 15 April 2015.
284. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an estimate for the cost of establishing a dedicated Department of housing, with a full Cabinet Member as Minister over such a Department. [25054/15]
View answerIn response to the Deputies question I can confirm that the allocation of responsibilities and the composition of Departments is a matter for the Taoiseach. The cost of a hypothetical Department of Housing would depend on the size and scope of such an organisation, as well as the role and functions that might be assigned. With regard to the current structures and costs for the housing function in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Minister for that Department might be best positioned to provide estimated costs for a new Department.
285. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which he and his Department continue to monitor the performance of all Government Departments and State or semi-State agencies, with a view to maximising their contribution toward economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25136/15]
View answerWhile my Department sets out Departmental expenditure ceilings and monitors spending on an ongoing basis, it is a matter for individual Ministers and their Departments to decide on the specific projects and programmes that will be delivered from within these allocations and to ensure adherence to Ministerial Expenditure Ceilings.
Expenditure profiles for all Departmental Vote Groups are published each year and set out expected expenditure trends for the year ahead. Each Department and Office reports current and capital expenditure figures on the basis of monies issued to them from the Central Fund, referred to as 'Issues', immediately prior to the end of each month. My Department monitors the expenditure issues figures against the published profiles. These figures are also included in the Exchequer Statement which is published on the second working day of the following month. I also report to Government on a monthly basis on the emerging trends in the public finances.
Under the NewERA initiative (whereby NewERA provides financial and commercial advisory services to relevant Ministers on the activities of certain commercial State companies) the Government has reformed the manner in which it manages its relationship with the Commercial State Sector. As part of the reform, NewERA has developed, in conjunction with the relevant Government Departments, a Shareholder Expectations Framework intended to provide clarity and guidance for each of the 6 commercial State entities within its remit in relation to the Government's strategic priorities, policy objectives, and financial performance and reporting requirements.
My Department has also been working with other relevant Departments, reviewing the shareholder management and oversight arrangements applying across the wider commercial state sector. The intention is to introduce a more structured and consistent approach to the management and oversight of these companies also, and the entire commercial State sector, modelled on the approach already adopted for the NewERA companies. This will include establishing a Shareholder Expectations Framework for each such company, which will include the development of a specific and appropriate dividend policy for each such company.
The measures taken by this Government, combined with the effective prioritisation and allocation of resources to vital areas, has ensured our success in restoring stability to the public finances. This stability is a necessary pre-requisite to creating an environment that encourages economic growth. The Deputy will note that in 2014 the economy expanded by 4.8% to become the fastest growing economy in Europe, with domestic demand and personal consumption now contributing to economic growth. Unemployment at the end of May was at 9.8% down from its peak of over 15% in 2011.
As outlined in the Spring Economic Statement, Ireland is on track to exit the Excessive Deficit Procedure at the end of this year with a projected general government balance of 2.3% of GDP. The improved economic and fiscal outlook will allow the Government to build on the progress made in supporting economic growth and job creation.
286. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current status of the report of the Moriarty tribunal; the actions his Department is taking further to the findings of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24502/15]
View answer287. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the actions his Department has taken following the publication of the report of the Moriarty tribunal to prevent the malpractices outlined from occurring again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24503/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 287 together.
The Deputy may wish to note that one recommendation (62.15) of the Moriarty Tribunal falls within my remit. This recommendation seeks that consideration be given to the introduction of a discretionary or voluntary system to be assumed by positive election on the part of Office Holders within the meaning of the Ethics in Public Office Acts, 1995 and 2001, whereby they would permit their financial affairs to be audited by an inspector appointed by the Standards in Public Office Commission at any time during their period in office and for a defined period thereafter.
As the Deputy may be aware, a detailed review of the current statutory framework for ethics has recently been completed by my Department. This included examination of the recommendations of the Mahon and Moriarty Tribunals and other relevant recommendations, as well as international best practice. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that on 16th June the Government approved the priority drafting of a Public Sector Standards Bill 2015, which will provide for a reformed and modernised statutory framework governing the disclosure of interests for public officials.
The approach adopted in the General Scheme aims to secure the relevant objectives of the Tribunals to significantly strengthen the regulatory framework for the effective management of conflicts of interest and for minimising corruption risks. It is strongly guided by the analysis and findings contained in the Tribunal reports. In this context the proposed legislative reforms include, for example, a significant broadening of the material and personal scope of declarations of interest, increased frequency of declarations where changes have taken place and broadening and significantly enhancing the powers of the regulator for the ethics system. The proposals draw on the Moriarty recommendation and make provision for the regulator to carry out "own initiative" investigations which would encompass the Moriarty recommendation relating to voluntary audits.
288. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider a grant scheme for minor flood defence products, such as door blockers and so on, for householders at risk of flooding, as a short-term emergency measure in places where flood threat has not been dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24553/15]
View answerMy Department currently has no grant scheme for minor flood defence products. Consideration, as appropriate, of such a scheme is part of the Whole of Government's approach to implementing Flood Management Plans that are being developed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the CFRAM (Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management) Programme.
These Flood Risk Management Plans are due to be available in 2016 and will prioritise the most feasible structural and non structural solutions to manage fluvial flood risks in line with the Government's 2004 Flood Risk Management Policy.
289. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the legal expenses incurred by the Commission for Public Service Appointments, for each of the years 2012 to 2014 and for 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24671/15]
View answerThe Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) is responsible for overseeing the conduct of appointment processes to a wide range of positions in the Civil and Public Service. In carrying out its independent statutory functions, the CPSA must, on occasions, seek independent legal advice on issues that come to light in the course of its examination of appointment processes. In addition, expenditure has been incurred by the CPSA in successfully defending a legal challenge. The following legal fees were incurred by the CPSA for each of the last four years.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2012 |
1,000 |
|
2013 |
35,000 |
|
2014 |
132,000 |
|
2015 |
2,000 |
290. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the mechanisms in place for questioning a decision of the Ombudsman; his views on whether or not the process is sufficiently transparent and accountable; the number of cases that the mechanisms have dealt with in each of the years 2012 to 2014, and to date in 2015, including detailing the number of cases where the complaints were upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24672/15]
View answerThe Ombudsman Act 1980 established the Office of the Ombudsman and provided a legislative mandate for the Ombudsman to monitor administrative accountability by ensuring that public service activities are carried out properly, fairly and in accordance with good administrative practice.
The Ombudsman is independent of Government and is appointed by the President. The Ombudsman is accountable to the Oireachtas and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions provides a formal channel of consultation and collaboration between the Oireachtas and the Ombudsman. The Joint Committee is responsible for receiving and debating the Ombudsman's annual and special reports, and for ensuring that his findings and recommendations are acted upon. Under the 1980 Act the Ombudsman is also obliged to report annually to each House of the Oireachtas on the performance of his functions.
In view of the statutory independence of the Ombudsman, it would not be appropriate to put a mechanism in place for questioning a decision of the Ombudsman. The establishment of such a mechanism would not be in line with the fully independent status granted to Ombudsman offices in other jurisdictions.
However, it should be noted that the Office of the Ombudsman has a non-statutory internal appeals procedure to cater for persons who are not satisfied with the outcome of their complaint to the Ombudsman and wish the Office to re-examine their complaint. Such appeals are dealt with by a caseworker who has had no previous involvement in the case and who is in a more senior position than the original caseworker. In 2014, 157 appeals were received under this procedure; this represents about 4% of all cases received. In the case of four appeals, the Ombudsman decided to re-examine the complaint.
291. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a charity (details supplied) in County Limerick is exempted from the payment of commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24695/15]
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. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Act and the making of valuations is his sole prerogative and I, as Minister, have no role in decisions in this regard.
The position under the Valuation Acts regarding claims for exemption on charitable grounds is that in order for a property occupied by an organisation to be exempt from rates under the terms of Schedule 4 - paragraph 16 of the Act, that organisation must be a charitable organisation that uses the land, buildings or part thereof exclusively for charitable purposes and otherwise than for private profit.
However, where a property which is occupied by a registered charity is used for retail purposes, it is considered that such a property is not being used exclusively for charitable purposes. Therefore, a charitable organisation in occupation of and using a property for retail purposes is rateable under the Valuation Acts.
I have been informed by the Valuation Office that in relation to this specific case there is no extant application to the Valuation Office for an exemption from commercial rates.
In general, if an occupier of property is dissatisfied with a decision not to exempt a property under Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001, there are extensive appeal avenues provided for in the Valuation Acts. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations in relation to a proposed valuation to the Revision Manager in the Valuation Office. Following consideration of the representations and determination of the valuation, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, an independent body set up for such purposes and finally there is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
292. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress being made on the flood relief scheme for Douglas in County Cork; when each stage of the scheme is expected to be completed; the funding that has been allocated to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24745/15]
View answerThe Douglas Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by Cork County Council as the Contracting Authority for the project as part of an overall scheme for Douglas and Togher, with funding being provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). It is expected that the Scheme will be brought though Planning in the third quarter of this year. Subject to the proposed scheme being accepted, the detailed design will be commenced and it is anticipated that this will take until the middle of 2016. Procurement of a civil works contractor will then be undertaken by Cork County Council.
The Council expects construction to commence in the second half of 2016, subject to satisfactory completion of the necessary procurement and approval processes.
The OPW is fully supporting the Council in the progression of this Scheme and has made provision for the cost of implementing the scheme in its financial profiles to 2017.
293. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the sectoral parts of the new social partnership deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24777/15]
View answer294. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if recent reports on the sectoral parts of the new social partnership deal are accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24778/15]
View answer295. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there will be any increase in specialist allowances in the new social partnership deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24779/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 293 to 295, inclusive, together.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the recent Labour Relations Commission proposals for the extension to the existing Public Service Stability Agreement (Haddington Road Agreement) out to 2018, under the title of the 'Lansdowne Road Agreement'. Like the previous Haddington Road Agreement, the current proposals for agreement represent the outcome of an engagement between public service employers and the Unions and Associations representing public servants across the public service. This process represents the standard industrial relations processes followed across the economy seeking agreement, known as a "Collective Agreement", on terms and conditions of employees and is underpinned by the Industrial Relations Acts. As they do not include any other actors other than representatives of the employer and employees, it does not form part of a wider social dialogue process or constitute a social partnership deal.
Following the conclusion of discussions on 29 May last, the negotiators on both sides, with the expert assistance of the LRC who oversaw the talks' process, have come forward with a set of proposals to form the basis of a single new agreement, the Lansdowne Road Agreement, which will extend the terms of the Haddington Road Agreement to September 2018. The proposals have been published in full and can be accessed at http://www.per.gov.ie/public-service-pay-policy/. It is now a matter for Union and Association members representing the public service workforce to consider and ballot on those proposals. The proposals, should they be ratified by the Unions and Associations, will secure an Industrial Relations framework that will foster and support further productivity and change at the level of the workplace. The proposals also provide for the commencement of the gradual unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest legislation, which was put in place in response to the financial crisis.
Subject to agreement by the Unions and Associations on the proposals made, I will bring forward the necessary legislative amendments to enable the terms of the Agreement to be implemented from 1 January 2016.
It is a normal part of the complex industrial relations processes within the Irish public service that sectoral industrial relations issues are discussed between sectoral management and trade unions, with or without the assistance of the LRC and/or involvement of my Department. These discussions take place at all times within the public service and do not as such form part of any broader pay settlement applicable to the entire public service.
The proposals from the LRC do not address any issues regarding the payment, or the rate of payment, of any allowances. However, where an allowance is calculated as a percentage of the base pay rate, then any increase in base pay rates provided for under the proposals will have a consequential impact on the value of the allowance.
296. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, for each appointee to State Boards, the persons reappointed who did not apply under the new system of appointments to State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24991/15]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question there are currently two state boards under my remit, these are the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
As the Deputy will be aware during the tendering process for the National Lottery licence I considered it appropriate to reappoint two of the Ministerial nominees to the An Post National Lottery Board; Mr. Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh has been re-appointed twice and Mr. Oliver Wilkinson has been re-appointed once. Consequently recourse to advertising the positions publicly did not arise.
The Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004 states that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (in consultation with Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice and Equality) should appoint members of the Board of the Public Appointments Service.
The Public Appointments Service Board is meant to be representative of our client base. The majority of the board are therefore civil or public servants, nominated by the relevant Minister. There is also a union representative nominated by ICTU. The two external members were appointed by me because of their expertise in strategic change and public service recruitment respectively. In view of these statutory procedures for the appointment of members of the Boards, there is limited scope for me to use the Publicjobs.ie website.
As per the Memorandum and Articles of Association governing the IPA, each of the nominating bodies/sectors is invited by letter to nominate its representative to the Board on a two-yearly basis. As a limited company by guarantee, the IPA is obliged to state its approach to the appointment of board members in its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Section 16(1) of same refers to the board make-up and the sectoral nominations. In effect it would contravene the M&A if Board positions were to be advertised.
297. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of money received from the National Lottery Fund in each of the years 2009 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the way this was divided between Government Departments in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25013/15]
View answer298. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the way moneys received from the National Lottery Fund in 2013 were spent on each project to which they were directed, including projects that were part-funded and wholly-funded from the fund; if he will indicate, for each such part-funded project, where the balance of funding was sourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25032/15]
View answer299. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of money that was received by his Department from the National Lottery Fund in each of the years 2009 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; if he will provide a detailed breakdown indicating the way this money was spent, or otherwise directed, for each of these years; if any moneys are held in reserve arising from funds received over this period or before; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25048/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 297 to 299, inclusive, together.
The National Lottery Fund was established under the National Lottery Act 1986 and continues in being by virtue of Section 44 of the National Lottery Act 2013. The fund is now managed by the National Lottery Regulator. Prior to his appointment last November it was managed by my Department. The fund receives the proceeds of the sales of National Lottery Tickets after deduction of commission paid to sellers. The fund provides for prizes for winning tickets, funding for good causes and for the annual levy for the operating costs of the regulator. The accounts of the Fund are submitted annually to the Comptroller and Auditor General for audit and the Regulator is required to publish a copy of an abstract of the accounts including the C&AG report.
Appendix 1 of the annual Revised Estimates for Public Services gives a breakdown by Department of all the expenditure areas that are supported by the proceeds of the National Lottery. This is available on my Department's website (http://www.per.gov.ie/estpubexp2013/ ). A table outlining the aggregate amounts available from the Lottery Fund for Good Causes in each year from 2009 to 2015 is set out below:
Funds for Good Causes
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2009 |
€275m |
|
2010 |
€250m |
|
2011 |
€230m |
|
2012 |
€220m |
|
2013 |
€210m |
|
2014 |
€200m |
|
2015 |
€200m |
For approximately a decade, the total allocation for the relevant subheads has exceeded the amount available from the National Lottery. Therefore, these subheads are now described as being part-funded by the National Lottery and the balance of the expenditure allocation for the subheads comes from normal Exchequer sources. For example, for 2015, overall expenditure under these subheads is estimated at €412 million while the proceeds of the National Lottery are estimated at just over €200 million. Individual Government Departments with responsibility for expenditure that is part-funded by the National Lottery can provide details of such expenditure, including lists of recipient organisations and amounts involved.
