Written Answers Nos. 1 - 23
7. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he continues to remain satisfied with his ability to maintain prudent spending policies in the context of the 2016 budget while at the same time meeting the most urgently required expenditure requests likely to come from his and other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26387/15]
View answerThe fiscal adjustments implemented in order to successfully return sustainability to the public finances required the introduction of significant policy measures. Gross voted expenditure was reduced from its peak of just over €63 billion in 2009 to €54 billion in 2014.
Budget 2015 marked a turning point in our recovery when expenditure reductions were no longer required to meet our fiscal targets and we were in a position to provide targeted increases for frontline services.
As outlined in the Spring Economic Statement (SES) a number of key economic and fiscal variables have been revised, with these changes lowering our forecast deficit in 2015 to 2.3%. This will see Ireland exit the Excessive Deficit Procedure at the end of 2015.
Now as we look forward to 2016, it is important that we plan carefully to ensure that we invest public money in prudent ways that will be of maximum benefit to society.
The SES has outlined fiscal space of between €1.2 billion to €1.5 billion for 2016, half of which will be directed towards expenditure increases. This will allow spending pressures, including demographic pressures in key areas, to be addressed and allow for new measures to further enhance public services.
As the economy continues to recover, we will look to build on the significant and wide-ranging public service reforms implemented over recent years as these reforms will continue to play an important role in releasing further funds for reinvestment in key public services.
In relation to requests for increased capital investment, I will shortly be publishing a new capital envelope for the period to 2020. This will look to prioritise spending aimed at supporting and underpinning economic recovery and providing social infrastructure.
As the Deputy is aware, managing the delivery of public services within agreed budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and Department. My Department monitors voted expenditure throughout the year to compare drawdown of funds from the Exchequer against published expenditure profiles. At the end of May, total spending was €116 million (0.5%) below profile. As we move into the preventive arm of the Stability and Growth Pact in 2016, it will be important that Departments continue to prudently manage delivery of services within their expenditure ceilings.
8. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the procurement policies invoked in the process of awarding the contract for fuel cards for staff of the Office of Public Works to a company (details supplied). [26114/15]
View answerFuel card services are a mechanism by which organisations can leverage their buying power while also reducing their administrative costs and improving visibility and control on fleet costs. Drivers typically use the fuel card to buy fuel, oil and vehicle washing services through a network of filling stations, with detailed information on vehicle registration number, odometer reading and fuel used being provided by the service providers to the organisation electronically. Fuel cards are restricted to the use indicated.
A Request for Tender was issued on etenders and the OJEU on 20 Sept 2013 for the supply of Fuel Charge Card Services for the Irish public sector. This tender was initiated to replace an existing arrangement established in 2011 for fuel cards.
This competition was for a single supplier framework agreement and was held under the Open Procedure. The process was conducted in full compliance with all EU and Irish procurement law.
The tenders recieved were evaluated by a team with representation from Local Government, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and the Office of Government Procurement. The agreement was awarded on a 'most economically advantageous tender' basis to Topaz Ireland of 1st February 2014. The Fuel Card Framework Agreement is due to expire 31 January 2017, with an option to extend, for a further year, under the same terms and conditions, until 31 January 2018.
This is a single supplier framework agreement delivered through a network of Topaz petrol stations, SMEs operating under the Topaz brand, other competitor oil companies (negotiated arrangement between the oil companies), and other SMEs. The network has a significant footprint in every county in Ireland. The total number of service stations in the network is 657. Of the 657 service stations 100 are owned by Topaz. The vast majority of the remainder are owned by franchisees who are individual small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).
In summary, this agreement achieves value for money for the taxpayer while also supporting a large network of independent SMEs who operate filling stations across the country.
11. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any further consideration will be given to the possible use of Government bonds to fund areas of urgently required infrastructural expenditure which might otherwise negatively impact on the Government's balance sheet in 2016; if any consideration has been given to specific areas which might benefit from such strategic expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26388/15]
View answerAt a time when our economy is in recovery, investment for equitable and sustainable economic growth is vital. For this reason, the capital allocations published in Budget 2015 included increased investment for social housing in particular, reflecting the Government's prioritisation of investment in this area. They also provided for continued investment in Education, to meet demographic demands in our schools, and in Health to allow the HSE to progress a number of priority projects.
In relation to funding for Government expenditure, as the Deputy is aware, the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) issues Irish Government bonds which attract investment from institutions and individuals.
Monies raised through Government borrowing are paid into the Central Fund and used to fund Government spending as approved by the Oireachtas and such spending is on the Government's balance sheet, regardless of where it is spent. It has never been the custom to link borrowing to specific projects as to do so would limit the flexibility of the Government in managing the State's finances.
The PPP programme provides a framework which allows the Government to supplement its traditional Exchequer capital programme by procuring private sector investment and risk sharing in the provision of specific public infrastructure projects. The use of private sector funding in the creation of the assets combined with the risk profile over the life of the project means that the upfront costs of these projects are not included in the calculations of General Government spending. Currently, there are 8 PPP projects either in construction or in procurement with a combined value of approximately €1.4 billion.
The Department of Finance and the NTMA - which lead on financing the State - have considered other possible approaches to increasing funding sources. One of the Government's recent initiatives in this regard has been the establishment of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund which will harness both public and private sector sources of funding to provide commercial investment, including in public infrastructure projects.
13. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide calculations as to the average effect of cost of living increases as calculated by the CPI since the advent of the economic crisis on the take home pay of public servants earning €30,000, €40,000 and €50,000; and the estimated impact of cost of living increases on the same categories of public servants during the lifetime of the Lansdowne Road agreement. [26130/15]
View answerTake home pay is subject to variable tax impacts depending on individual circumstances while future tax impacts are subject to budgetary and expenditure decisions by Government which have yet to arise or be considered by Government. Any changes in income tax provisions apply across the economy irrespective of whether a worker is employed in the public or private sector.
The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is the measure of price changes calculated by each Member State of the European Union. The index is based on a harmonisation and standardisation of practices within the EU and the purpose is to allow for the comparison of different consumer price trends in the different Member States. At present, just under 92% of the total Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket is included in the HICP. The HICP includes 626 of the 634 items in the CPI basket with the main difference being the treatment of owner-occupied housing and insurances. The HICP values in respect of the period 2008-2014 and the forecast values for the same index in respect of the period 2015-2018 are detailed in the following table.
|
Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Outturn |
3.1 |
-1.7 |
1.6 |
1.2 |
1.9 |
0.5 |
0.3 |
||||
|
Forecast |
0.2 |
1.1 |
1.5 |
1.7 |
I should also point out that under the recently agreed proposals for the Lansdowne Road Agreement public service employees including those on annualised remuneration rates of €30,000 to €50,000 will benefit up to €1,000 on a full year basis from two increases in 2016 (January and September) in the Pension-related Deduction (PRD) exemption threshold. In addition, those on annualised remuneration rates from €24,001 to €31,000 will benefit from a pay increase of 1% effective from January 2016. Subsequently, with effect from September 2017 all public servants on annualised salaries up to €65,000 will be increased by €1,000.
14. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will be making the promised capital expenditure statement; his key priorities for public capital expenditure over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26111/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, new multi-annual ministerial expenditure ceilings (both capital and current) for the years 2015 to 2017 were published in the Comprehensive Expenditure Report on Budget Day 2015. This Budget marked a move away from cuts to overall spending and allowed for some targeted increases in both capital and current expenditure. On the capital side, significant levels of Government investment were set out for the next three years to support Social Housing, Transport, Education, Health and the Enterprise Sector.
As I have indicated previously, my Department has undertaken a review of the public capital investment needs of the State for the five year period 2016-2020. The results of this review will be set out in the Medium Term Capital Investment Framework Report that will be published when approved by Government. It will outline the capital envelope for the period to 2020 and identify priority areas for investment and ensure that our limited resources are focused on the areas that can best support continued, sustainable and equitable growth.
15. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the approval of the marriage equality referendum, if he will revise the arrangements for the spouses and children's superannuation scheme for civil servants who opted not to avail of the scheme prior to August 1984 in view of the circumstances lesbian, gay and transgender persons faced at the time but who have subsequently entered civil partnerships or plan to marry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26380/15]
View answerAt the outset, I wish to make clear that neither persons in civil partnerships or those who will enter into same sex marriages in the future are discriminated under any aspect of the public service pension schemes. This view has been upheld in a recent Equality Tribunal hearing on this very subject in relation to a civil partnership.
The public service operates a Spouses' and Children's Contributory Pension Scheme. This provides benefits to Spouses or Children of deceased members. In summary, when a member dies after retirement, a spouse's pension of one-half of the former member's pension is payable. Dependent children are also entitled to a child's pension of one-third of the spouse's pension for each of the first three eligible children.
The original pre-1984 scheme, which was optional, did not allow for the payment of a pension to a spouse who married or had children post retirement. Thus, the scheme allowed a refund of contributions if the individual had not been married up to the point of retirement.
In 1984, a revised Scheme which extended eligibility for benefits to spouses who married or had children after retirement was introduced and membership was compulsory for all new appointees after that date. Members of the original scheme, certain retirees and those who had not joined the original scheme were given the option of transferring to the revised Scheme.
One of the benefits of the Revised Scheme was that the spouse of a post retirement marriage was eligible for a spouse's pension. The disadvantage of the Scheme was that there was no facility for repayment of contributions on retirement if the individual concerned did not have a spouse and would not therefore be in a position to avail of any benefit under the Scheme.
For members who remained in the original Scheme there was an entitlement to claim a refund of contributions in the event that the member remained unmarried at the date of retirement. Many members of the scheme availed of this option and received a refund.
Across the entire public service, approximately 30,000 staff who were not members and an unquantified number who had been members of the original scheme opted not to join the new scheme. Their reasons for doing so were presumably varied, including not expecting to get married, being in a relationship with a separated person who was not then able to divorce or that it was personally more beneficial to them not to join the scheme. For example, prior to 1984 women were not required to join the pension scheme and pay contributions; some of those in the older scheme may have decided that continuing that arrangement was better financially for them.
In recent years, some individuals have sought to reverse the decision they made at that point and have sought a new opt-in. More specifically, a number of people have argued that they could not have envisaged that same-sex civil partnerships would be legalised in the state.
A fundamental element of any new opt-in would have to be that it would have be open to all applicants regardless of their reasons for not opting-in in the first place. This would be required so as to avoid alternative claims of discrimination. Every then serving and retired public servant who opted to remain in the old scheme or chose not to join either scheme would have to be given the opportunity to opt into the new scheme.
Public service spouses' and children's schemes are structured on a group insurance basis and the member contribution rates take account of the fact that payment of benefits will not arise in respect of all members. Given the passage of time since 1984 and the greater clarity those who opted out then will now have about their lives, it is eminently foreseeable that only those persons whose partners would benefit would opt in. This would radically undermine the group insurance basis of the scheme.
This Department's position has always been that if decisions freely made about pensions or other matters could be reversed at any time this would have grave consequences for public administration. Where changes have been made to pension schemes, individuals have only been allowed to opt in to the new arrangements at the time of the introduction of the new scheme. This approach is in line with that of the Commission on Public Service Pensions.
16. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the criteria his Department utilises to anticipate and prepare for future human resource trends in the public service, including how the need to respond to imbalances in staffing resources per capita across geographical regions is measured and how these data are incorporated into policy; what he considers to be, based on available data projections for demographical trends, the most pressing concerns to the ability of the public service, including in particular local government; if he will provide an effective and generally equal service for all citizens in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26381/15]
View answerThe increasing complexity of the Public Service delivery means that new skills and ways of working are needed for the delivery of effective and efficient services to all citizens of the State. Workforce Planning plays a key role in identifying human resource trends and forecasting workforce gaps in the medium term across the Public Service.
The specific tools used for Workforce Planning in the public service are intended to encompass the main criteria that are relevant to anticipating and forecasting human resource requirements and also, where relevant, supply factors. Where service needs reflect demographic trends, these are integrated into workforce planning models. The information developed from the aggregation and analysis of data in the workforce plans contributes to the development of HR policies and strategies designed to address gaps that are identified.
Within a civil service context, the area for which I am primarily responsible, Workforce Planning was introduced in 2011 as a tool to assist Departments and Offices to achieve optimal impact in the deployment of their staffing resources. It is a continuous business planning process of identifying, shaping and structuring the workforce to maintain the workforce capability and capacity required by each Department and Office to effectively and efficiently deliver the organisation's objectives. Through the use of Workforce Planning, Departments seek to address imbalances and trends, including those arising on a geographic basis through the development of human resource policies in areas including recruitment and mobility.
Departments and Offices are currently in the process of developing their Workforce Plan for the next three years and this process has informed current recruitment policy. In Budget 2015 it was announced that there would be a targeted programme of recruitment into the Civil Service to address service needs and a shortfall in key skills and this commenced in late 2014 and continues during 2015. To this end recent competitions have been held for Executive Officer, Assistant Principal Officer, both open and inter-departmental and an open competition for Principal Officer.
Redeployment has been and continues to be used to deal with geographic imbalances where surplus staff have been identified due to rationalisations, reorganisations, reconfiguration and restructuring of Civil and Public Service organisations. Redeployment made a substantial contribution during the Moratorium to seeking to ensure that front line and essential services were maintained during a period of intense budgetary pressures. To the end of May 2015, a total of 960 staff have been redeployed across the Civil and Public Service.
A process of delegating sanction to Departments and Offices to make their own appointments, provided they remain under a designated pay ceiling, is currently underway. The multi-annual pay ceilings are binding and it will fall to the Departments to deliver services within these agreed allocations for the period 2015-17. This includes responding to emerging expenditure pressures over that period without recourse to additional Exchequer allocations. To do so will involve commitment to ongoing reform and efficiency measures and reprioritisation of expenditure as appropriate.
With regard to the Local Government sector, sanction in relation to staffing matters in local authorities has been delegated to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government within budgetary pay bill ceilings and the Department is supporting local authorities in completing their Workforce Plans. I would therefore direct the Deputy to my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for further information on the workforce planning process within the Local Government sector.
As a fundamental element of public service reform, workforce planning across the public service will continue to be prioritised to ensure that public services are delivered effectively and efficiently and on a sustainable fiscal basis. There will be a continued focus on the development of existing methodologies for workforce planning to ensure that key features of the process such as demographic developments and the balanced provision of public services on a geographic basis - consistent with appropriate standards of provision - remain central to the overall approach.
18. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide all new projects over €100,000 under the aegis of the Office of Public Works commencing in 2015; the estimated associated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26392/15]
View answerAs per Deputy Fleming's request, I have provided him with a list of works under the aegis of the Office of Public Works that satisfy the criteria outlined by him. Following clarification, this list comprises:
- Capital Works with an associated cost greater than €100,000;
- Commenced or expected to Commence in 2015;
- OPW funded or Client-funded Works carried out by OPW.
Where contracts have been placed, the associated costs are listed.
Where contracts have not yet placed, the associated costs are deemed to be commercially sensitive and are shown as such. The placing of these contracts will be subject to the availability of funding at the relevant time.
Other projects may commence arising from client demands during 2015.
|
Capital Projects commencing / likely to commence in 2015 with a value > €100,000 |
Contractually Committed:Yes / No |
Funding Source: OPW / Client |
Estimated Associated Cost of Works |
|
Wicklow Garda Station – Refurbishment of existing building |
Yes |
OPW |
€1,125,000 |
|
Dundrum Garda Station - Extension and Refurbishment |
Yes |
OPW |
€2,500,0000 |
|
Elphin Garda Station |
Yes |
OPW |
€152,000 |
|
Athlone Garda Water Unit |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Greystones GS – New Roof |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Kevin Street Garda Station |
Yes |
An Garda Síochána |
€27,500,000 |
|
Wexford Garda -Divisional Headquarters |
No |
An Garda Síochána |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Galway Garda Regional and Divisional Headquarters |
No |
An Garda Síochána |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Bridewell Garda Station Cork – Cell Upgrade |
Yes |
OPW |
€144,000 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station – Cell Upgrade & Public Office alterations |
Yes |
OPW |
€150,000 |
|
Macroom Garda Station – Cell Upgrade |
Yes |
OPW |
€103,000 |
|
Ballymun Garda Station – Cell Upgrade |
Yes |
OPW |
€340,000 |
|
Ennis Garda Station – Cell Upgrade |
Yes |
OPW |
€243,000 |
|
Lucan Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
Yes |
OPW |
€135,000 |
|
Mayfield Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
Yes |
OPW |
€194,000 |
|
Drogheda Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
Yes |
OPW |
€125,000 |
|
Phoenix Park GHQ - Technical Bureau – Fire Safety Works |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Phoenix Park GHQ - Technical Bureau – Stair Cores |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Henry Street Garda Station – Fire Safety Works |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Bailieborough Garda Station – refurbishment |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Special Victims Unit – Cavan |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Special Victims Unit – Galway |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Castlebar Garda Station – PEMS |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Ennis Garda Station – PEMS |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Athlone Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Castlebar Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Rathmines Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Tullamore Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Killarney Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Monaghan Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Togher Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Roxboro Rd. Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Bridewell Garda Station - Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Clifden Garda Station – Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Clondalkin Garda Station – Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Castlerea Garda Station – Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Cahir Garda Station – Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Tramore Garda Station – Cell Upgrade |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Revenue Commissioner: Cork - Revenue House. – Air-Conditioning Remedial Works |
Yes |
OPW |
€1,800,000 |
|
Reception Integration Agency – Athlone Asylum Centre – Remedial Works |
Yes |
OPW |
€420,000 |
|
Ennis Govt Offices - External Works |
Yes |
OPW |
€209,658 |
|
Newcastlewest Government Offices - Fire Safety Upgrade |
Yes |
OPW |
€160,582 |
|
Jamestown Regeneration |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Tuam DSP Offices |
No |
DSP & OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Clonskeagh Blk 5 Ph 4 |
Yes |
Shared Services |
€379,807 |
|
Jobs Enterprise & Innovation - Relocation of Comms Rm |
No |
DJEI |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Dublin Castle: Stamping Building - Toilet Upgrade |
No |
Revenue |
Commercially sensitive |
|
(M&E) Mechanical & Electrical Capital Works: Leinster House – Various |
Yes |
OPW |
€1,128,000 |
|
(M&E) Energy Conservation Programme – Government Buildings |
Yes |
OPW |
€477,000 |
|
(M&E) St. Stephens Green 52 – Various |
Yes |
OPW |
€339,000 |
|
(M&E) Energy Conservation Programme: St. Stephens Green 52 |
Yes |
OPW |
€257,000 |
|
(M&E) AG-Mullingar Gov. Off. |
Yes |
OPW |
€214,000 |
|
(M&E) National Museum |
Yes |
OPW |
€170,000 |
|
(M&E) Backweston Agri-labs |
Yes |
OPW |
€152,000 |
|
(M&E) Dublin Castle Conference Centre |
Yes |
OPW |
€121,000 |
|
(M&E) Backweston Farm Office Building |
Yes |
OPW |
€109,000 |
|
(M&E) Plant Upgrade – Various |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
(M&E) Lift Upgrade – Various |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
(M&E) Fire Alarm Upgrade – Various |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
(M&E) Security Systems Upgrade – Various |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
(M&E) Electrical Upgrade – Various |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
(M&E) Energy Conservation Programme – Various |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Fabric Upgrade Programme: Ballina Government Offices – Windows and Doors |
Yes |
OPW |
€440,000 |
|
Fabric Upgrade Programme: Tralee-Gov. Offices Spa Road – Roof Works |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Fabric Upgrade Programme: Carrick-on-Shannon Gov. Offices – Windows |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Fabric Upgrade Programme: Sligo Gov. Offices – Toilets |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Fabric Upgrade Programme: Nenagh Gov. Offices – Window Replacement Works |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Fabric Upgrade Programme: 52 St. Stephens Green – Roof & Window Works |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Fabric Upgrade Programme: Aras Mhic Diarmada – Windows |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Fabric Upgrade Programme: Kilkenny Gov. Offices, Block 1 – Windows |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Lease Surrender Programme: Spencer Dock fit-out for OGP and C&AG to facilitate surrender of Parnell Hse and 4-5 Harcourt Rd. |
Yes |
OPW |
€4,100,000 |
|
Lease Surrender Programme: Tara House, Limerick – Warehouse fit-out - Rhebogue – 2 leases Fit out to consolidate storage & facilitate other warehouse surrenders |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Lease Surrender Programme: ETE Lansdowne House refurbishment for WRC |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Lease Surrender Programme: Leeson Lane, D2 - Nurses Home refurbishment to facilitate Confederation House Surrender |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Lease Surrender Programme: Move to Block C, Earlsfort Terrace to facilitate surrender of Davitt House |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Lease Surrender Programme: Knockmaun House (Mount St) – fit-out for Passport House to facilitate surrender of Molesworth Building |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Lease Surrender Programme: Bloom House fit-out |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Leinster House: Relocation of Ushers |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Leinster House: Works to Ring Main (water) |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Heritage: Kilmainham Courthouse – Adaptation and Refurbishment |
Yes |
OPW |
€3,500,000 |
|
Heritage: Phoenix Park – Visitor Centre Car-park extension |
Yes |
OPW |
€184,000 |
|
Heritage: Four Courts – Repair Works to Dome |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Heritage: Phoenix Park – Repair / Refurbishment of Lodge |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Heritage: Altamont – Works to main house |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Heritage: Doneraile Court – Ground Floor Restoration |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Commemoration Works: Arbour Hill – Improvement Works |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Commemoration Works: Phoenix Park – Tree avenue |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Commemoration Works: Garden of Remembrance - Upgrade Works |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Castles – Safety Upgrades: Ormond Castle |
Yes |
OPW |
€305,000 |
|
Castles – Safety Upgrades: Cahir Castle |
Yes |
OPW |
€802,000 |
|
Culture: National Concert Hall – North Wing Development (Exploration Station) |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Culture: National Concert Hall – Recitals Room Development - the total floor area relating to the proposed development of existing buildings is 1116 sqm. approx over 2 floors. |
No |
D/AHG |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Culture: National Archives, Bishop Street – Redevelopment Works to enhance extent and quality of storage facilities. |
No |
D/AHG |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Culture: National Archives, Bishop Street - Repairs to Façade of National Archives HQ Building |
NO |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Universal Access Works: Garden of Remembrance – UA/Lighting |
Yes |
OPW |
€325,000 |
|
Universal Access Works: North Cumberland Street – Lift |
Yes |
OPW |
€350,000 |
|
Universal Access Works: Government Buildings Letterkenny |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Universal Access Works: Changing Places Programme |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Mullingar Courthouse-Enabling Works |
Yes |
Courts Service |
€113,000 |
|
Wexford Courthouse- Enabling Works |
Yes |
Courts Service |
€108,000 |
|
Portlaoise Courthouse – Custody Suite |
No |
Courts Service |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Glasnevin Educate Together National School |
No |
D/Ed & Skills |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Griffith Barracks National School |
No |
D/Ed & Skills |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Cruaghwell National School |
No |
D/Ed & Skills |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Kanturk National School |
No |
D/Ed & Skills |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
INTREO Balbriggan Fitout works |
Yes |
D/Social Protection |
€3,330,000 |
|
INTREO Newbridge phase 2 Fitout works |
Yes |
D/Social Protection |
€363,000 |
|
INTREO Swords Mainscourt Fitout works |
Yes |
D/Social Protection |
€1,231,000 |
|
INTREO Mullingar Blackhall Fitout works |
Yes |
D/Social Protection |
€696,000 |
|
INTREO Navan Abbey Mall fit-out |
Yes |
D/Social Protection |
€1,487,000 |
|
INTREO Letterkenny, Oliver Plunkett Road – fit-out |
Yes |
DSP / OPW |
€1,594,399 |
|
INTREO Carrigaline – fit-out |
Yes |
DSP |
€924,585 |
|
INTREO Navan Kennedy Road Fitout works |
No |
D/Social Protection |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
INTREO Thurles Fitout works |
No |
D/Social Protection |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Greystones Coast Guard Station |
No |
OPW |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
Waterville Coastguard Project |
No |
Dept Transport |
Commercially Sensitive |
|
DAFM Virology Labs- Backweston |
Yes |
D/Agriculture |
€4,970,999 |
|
Dublin City Mortuary and Office of the State Pathologist |
Yes |
D/Justice |
€2,428,219 |
|
Special Olympics Ireland at Abbotstown |
No |
D/Tourism, Transport & Sport |
Commercially Sensitive |
19. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of the rationalisation, merging or abolition of over 180 State agencies to maximise the value for taxpayers, if his Department seeks to establish merged or new agencies in locations outside of Dublin which would promote balanced regional development and in view of the fact that agencies are more suited to being established away from Departments in view of their often autonomous nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26121/15]
View answerThe purpose of the Government's Agency Rationalisation programme which was initiated in 2011 was to reduce the overall number of State agencies and to make efficiency savings, as part of the wider Public Service reform agenda. As for the final geographic location of the bodies affected by the Rationalisation programme, that was and remains a matter for the relevant Government Minister and Department to determine in the first instance, guided by the need to make savings and other administrative efficiencies of course.
For further detailed information, I refer the Deputy to a report on the Implementation of the Agency Rationalisation Programme, which is published on my Department's web site. This Report shows that recurring annual savings of over €15 million are accruing to Central Government, with a further €2.8m in once-off revenue arising from the disposal of property. It also shows that further annual savings of the order of €9m will be achieved by 2018, as the full year efficiency savings from some of the measures are realised, and additional net savings worth some €40 million will accrue annually to the Local Authority sector on foot of the reform and rationalisation measures in Local Authority structures.
Regarding the formation of new bodies, which may from time to time be established by Government, location would typically be one of a number of factors to inform a business case. I am sure the Deputy is aware, for instance, that in the case of my own Department, the new Civil Service Payroll Shared Service - which provides payroll, pensions and travel and subsistence payments to nearly 31,000 Civil and Public Servants - is located in three centres: in Galway, Tullamore and Killarney. Indeed, I visited the Galway centre only last week to congratulate the staff on their work in bringing together into one place payroll administration that had previously been carried out in 18 individual pay centres. This Reform initiative will generate considerable administrative efficiencies and is a good example of the type of positive change that is being embraced across the Civil Service and Public Service under the Government's Public Service Reform Agenda.
20. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to reform the performance measurement system in the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26116/15]
View answerThe Civil Service Management Board (CSMB) composed of Secretaries-General of Government Departments and Heads of Civil Service Offices has been assigned a central role under the Civil Service Renewal Plan for reforming performance management in the civil service and for strengthening the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS). The Deputy may wish to note that management of staff performance in the wider public service is a matter for each individual sector.
Action 11 in the Civil Service Renewal Plan, launched in October 2014, is to 'strengthen the performance management process'. This action, which is strongly related to a range of other critical HR objectives in the Plan, is aimed at fulfilling the commitment to 'maximising the performance and potential of all Civil Service employees and organisations' and includes, in particular, the following:
- replacement of the current performance ratings scheme for the 2016 PMDS cycle with a new model of performance assessment that is focussed on identifying excellent performance, leadership potential and underperformance and that encourages regular and constructive feedback;
- development of the integration of PMDS with learning and development through, for example, focussed training for managers on the effective management of performance;
- continuation of the simplification of the performance management process by building on the ePMDS electronic system deployed in 2014 through the development and rollout of an eProbation system to manage the performance of new entrants.
A key challenge across the civil service is the delivery of high performance and to fully engage staff and managers in the management and improvement of performance. The Civil Service Management Board will in responding to this challenge continue to focus on seeking to enhance how performance is managed in the civil service. In this context, the CSMB will - consistent with the appropriate action in the Renewal Plan - also oversee the introduction of a specific performance management system for Assistant Secretary grade in the civil service.
21. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied with his Department's reform process to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26395/15]
View answerPublic Service Reform is a key element of the Government's overall strategy for recovery. Led by my Department, the reforms delivered over the past four years have enabled us to maintain and improve public services in the face of the necessary reduction in staff numbers and budgets, at a time of increased demand for public services.
The Government's second Public Service Reform Plan was published in January 2014 and sets out the priorities for reform for the period 2014 to 2016. While maintaining an emphasis on efficiency and reducing costs, this Plan puts a particular focus on improved service delivery and achieving better outcomes for service users.
We are implementing a broad range of reforms, with over 230 specific actions set out in the Public Service Reform Plan. This includes, for example, more online delivery of services and improved engagement with service users; implementation of shared services and alternative models of service delivery; more efficient and effective public procurement and property management; and increased accountability and transparency in public decision making.
Good progress is being made on the implementation of the Reform Plan, as outlined in the Annual Progress Report on Public Service Reform, which I published in March this year. A copy of the report was sent to all Members of the Oireachtas and it is also available at www.reformplan.per.gov.ie.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Taoiseach and I published the Civil Service Renewal Plan at the end of October last year. The implementation of this ambitious three year plan will lead to major changes right across the Civil Service. The programme is on target to achieve the 6 priorities that are for delivery in the first 200 days of implementation.
Overall, I am satisfied that we have made very strong progress on Public Service Reform to date and that this progress will continue over the coming years. The level of reform that we have delivered could not have happened without the efforts and commitment of our public servants and I commend them for their contribution to date.
22. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current status of flood relief works on the River Suck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26109/15]
View answerAs I advised in responses to previous Questions on this matter, responsibility for maintenance of the River Suck, which is the main tributary of the River Shannon, rests jointly with Galway County Council and Roscommon County Council. The Councils have heretofore discharged their responsibility through the River Suck Joint Drainage District Committee.
The most recent formal report submitted by the Committee to the Office of Public Works (OPW) shows that it expended almost €142,000 in 2011. This expenditure comprised routine maintenance works including the cleaning of drains and river bed, cutting back trees or other obstructions, weed control and, where possible, improving water flow. The OPW has been advised that the Committee has since expended €136,000 in 2012, €149,310 in 2013 and €150,891 in 2014 on further maintenance works.
I am advised that the River Suck Joint Drainage Committee was disbanded with effect from 1st January, 2015 on foot of Ministerial Order by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. However, as I have indicated, the ongoing maintenance of the channel and the funding of that work remains the joint responsibility of Roscommon County Council and Galway County Council.
Since the introduction of its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme in 2009, the OPW has provided significant funding under the scheme to Galway and Roscommon County Councils to enable them to undertake flood alleviation projects identified by the Councils within the River Suck catchment to address localised flood problems.
To date, nearly €2.1 million has been approved to Galway County Council and over €550,000 to Roscommon County Council for minor flood projects within this catchment. Details of all the projects for which funding has been approved to local authorities under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are available on the OPW website www.opw.ie.
The OPW's core strategy for addressing flood risk in the River Suck area, as part of the larger River Shannon Basin, is the River Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study. The output of this important project will be an integrated plan of specific measures to address, in a comprehensive and sustainable way, the significant flood risk factors in the Shannon Basin. Draft predictive flood maps are currently being produced by engineering consultants undertaking the Shannon CFRAM Study, on behalf of the OPW, in partnership with the relevant local authorities. Public consultation days in relation to the draft flood maps for the study areas were held earlier this year and I am pleased to say that these were generally well attended. National consultation on the flood maps is to take place in late summer/early autumn of this year, following which the flood maps will be finalised.
The next phase in the CFRAM Study will then be the identification of appropriate flood risk management options for each significant risk area, following which Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) are scheduled to be prepared in late 2015/early 2016. The draft FRMPs will then be the subject of public consultation before being finalised. Updates on the study are available on the Study website www.shannoncframstudy.ie.
The FRMPs, when finalised following a public consultation process, will provide the basis for decisions regarding future investment by the State in flood risk management in significant risk areas, including those in the River Suck catchment area. I would therefore strongly urge members of the public and other stakeholders to take part fully in the consultation process.
23. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the changes that have been made to the rules for the tendering process for public contracts in order that small sole traders and small and medium enterprises are able to compete and offer tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26131/15]
View answerThe reform of the public procurement infrastructure is a key element of the reform programme for the public service. Such reform enables public service organisations deliver much needed services within the tighter budgets that they must now operate. However, I would point out that reforms in this area are being carried out in a manner that recognises the importance of SMEs.
The Government acknowledges the significant role that SMEs play in the Irish economy and is committed to ensuring that SMEs are fully engaged with public sector procurement and the opportunities presenting. Circular 10/14 issued in 2014 by my Department is aimed at opening up opportunities for small businesses that want to tender for public contracts and also to ensure that engaging with government procurement is easy and low cost. This guidance set out positive measures that contracting authorities are to take to promote the involvement of smaller enterprises as well as highlighting practices that are to be avoided because they can hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts.
The main thrust of the circular is as follows:
- buyers are advised to undertake market analysis prior to tendering in order to better understand the range of goods and services on offer, the competitive landscape, including the specific capabilities of SMEs, etc;
- the circular promotes transparency in procurement by requiring supplies and general services contracts with an estimated value of €25,000 be advertised on the Government's electronic tendering portal, e-Tenders;
- it encourages suppliers including SMEs to fully use e-Tenders and avail of its facilities in relation to registration, e-tendering and automatic alerts in relation to future tendering opportunities;
- buyers are encouraged not to set turnover thresholds at more than twice the estimated contract value and puts limits on insurance levels for suppliers where possible;
- promotes greater use of "open" tendering and less use of "restrictive" tendering;
- it encourages SMEs to consider using consortia where they are not of sufficient scale to tender in their own right or where they may lack certain capabilities necessary to provide a compelling proposition; and,
- it encourages Contracting Authorities to break large contracts down into lots where reasonable to do so and where it does not expose the State to undue risk or significant management overheads.
Recent analysis carried out by the OGP indicates that 93% of government procurement expenditure is within the State and that 66% of this is directly with Irish SMEs. The OGP will continue to work with suppliers and business representatives to ensure that winning government business is done in a fair, transparent and accessible way and to ensure that Government procurement policies are business friendly.
