Jim Daly
Question:159. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance his plans to increase the stamp duty on farm transfers from 1% to 2% from January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45231/15]
View answerTax Reliefs Application
Questions (159)
Written answers
I announced in my last Budget speech that I was extending the relief from stamp duty on transfers of agricultural land (including farm houses and buildings) to those farmers who meet certain criteria in relation to age and educational qualifications, known as 'young trained farmers'. The relief was due to finish on 31 December 2015 but the current Finance Bill provides for an extension for a further three years until 31 December 2018.
I have no plans at this time in relation to rates of Stamp Duty.
VAT Exemptions
Questions (160)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:160. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Finance the recommendations the charities working group made in respect of the imposition of value added tax on charities; if he has accepted these and if they will be implemented. [45256/15]
View answerWritten answers
Earlier this year, I agreed to the establishment of a Working Group comprising representatives from the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners and the Irish Charities Taxation Reform (ICTR) group to examine options available to reduce the VAT burden of charities. A report from the group was provided to me in my deliberations ahead of Budget 2016 and is available on the Budget 2016 website.
Charities are exempt from VAT under the EU VAT Directive. This means that they do not register for VAT and cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services that they purchase. This non-entitlement to VAT deductibility is a general feature of VAT exemption.
While the Report acknowledged the additional burden the VAT exemption imposes on charities, I decided at this time not to introduce any new tax relief in this area.
Excise Duties
Questions (161)
Noel Harrington
Question:161. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Finance if he will assist small rural golf clubs (details supplied) which are finding it difficult to survive by reducing the value added tax limit or excise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45351/15]
View answerWritten answers
Alcohol is a controlled substance which can only be sold in a Club under licence. The Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008 provide for the grant and renewal of certificates of registration for clubs by the District Courts. Club registration, including the annual renewal of registration, is subject to an excise duty of €505. This rate was provided for under the Finance Act 1992 and has not been adjusted since. Overall, the licence fee is a relatively small percentage of the annual turnover. To reduce the rate of excise duty would send the wrong signal, particularly in the light of the recent public health proposals on alcohol approved by the Government. Licence fees are among the issues considered annually as part of the Budget and Finance Bill process. However, I am not convinced of the need to change the rate of this excise duty at this time.
Property Tax Yield
Questions (162)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:162. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of the local property tax revenue the Revenue Commissioners retain and the percentage passed on to the local authorities if a property is in arrears; the percentage of the local property tax, including arrears and penalties; when collected, that the Revenue Commissioners retain; and the percentage passed on to the local authorities. [45352/15]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that all Local Property Tax collected by Revenue, including arrears, interest and penalties is remitted by Revenue to the Central Fund.
Section 157 of the Finance (Local Property Tax Act) 2012 provides that the Minister for Finance shall, commencing in the year 2014, pay into the Local Government Fund an amount equivalent to the Local Property Tax (including interest paid thereupon) paid into the Central Fund that year.
Details of proposed expenditure from the Local Government Fund are set out in the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services as published annually by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In accordance with decisions taken by Government, Local Property Tax (LPT) proceeds are used to fund programmes and services provided by local authorities.
The LPT allocations to individual local authorities amounting to €459m for 2015 and €453m for 2016 are published on the website of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government at the following link http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/Administration/#d.en.35400.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics relating to Local Property Tax (LPT) can be found on the statistics webpage of the Revenue website at http://www.revenue.ie/en/about/statistics/index.html.
Specifically, LPT information including LPT collected by Local Authorities, is available at http://www.revenue.ie/en/about/statistics/lpt-compliance.html.
Property Tax Application
Questions (163)
Terence Flanagan
Question:163. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45412/15]
View answerWritten answers
The introduction of a local property tax is part of a broader approach to the taxation of property. The aim is to replace some of the revenue from transaction based taxes, which have proven to be an unstable source of Government revenue, with an annual recurring property tax, which international experience has shown to be a stable source of funding.
The Government decided that the LPT should be centred on the principles of equity, transparency and simplicity; and that a universal liability should apply to all owners of residential property with a limited number of exemptions and reliefs. Limiting the reliefs available allows the rate to be kept to a minimum for those liable persons who do not qualify for relief.
Properties in managed estates, to which management fees apply, would have been purchased by their owners in the knowledge that they would be taking on commitments to partake in, and to fund, the management of the estate, and that it was the intention that many such estates would not be taken in charge by local authorities, nor would it be appropriate for local authorities to do so.
Management fees in these estates can include services such as refuse collection, maintenance of common areas as well as a sinking fund for certain repairs to the buildings, depending on circumstances. These are costs which homeowners in other households have to fund themselves for their own properties.
Revenue from the LPT accrues to local authorities and supports the provision of local services. Local authorities provide a broad range of services in the public realm, which benefit the wider community. The proper functioning of these services are important for the wellbeing of every community and household. These include: fire and emergency services; road maintenance and cleaning; street lighting; spatial and development planning and other similar services; regulatory and inspection functions and business support services, as well as libraries, parks, and other recreation and cultural public amenities. The benefits of these services accrue to all members of society.
A requirement to pay management fees is not relevant in determining whether a property is subject to the LPT. Accordingly, whilst those who are liable for management fees to property management companies may be exempt from LPT for another reason, or may be entitled to avail of a deferral arrangement under the provisions contained in the legislation, there is no specific exemption for the payment of management fees. There are no plans to change the basis of liability to LPT.
Flood Relief Schemes Funding
Questions (164)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will provide funding for flood prevention at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44934/15]
View answerWritten answers
No application has been received to date by the Office of Public Works (OPW) under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme from Kerry County Council (KCC) for Kenmare, Co Kerry.
However, it remains open to KCC to apply to the OPW for funding under this Scheme for mitigation measures that meet the Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that the works have a cost/benefit ratio of at least 1.5:1 and are estimated to cost not more that €500,000. The provision of funding by the OPW would also have regard to the OPW's overall allocation for flood risk management.
On 11th February, 2014 the Government allocated specific funding to local authorities for repair of public coastal defence infrastructure that was damaged in the Winter 2013/14 storms, of which €1.2m was allocated to County Kerry. KCC submitted to the OPW a programme of proposed works in relation to its allocation that included projects in the Kenmare area. All of this specific storm repairs funding has now been disbursed to Kerry County Council.
Flood Relief Schemes
Questions (165)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:165. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding flooding in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45136/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) carries out an annual programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500km of river channel and approximately 730km of embankments. This OPW programme maintains those arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945. The maintenance ensure the schemes are kept in proper repair and in an effective condition to the standard of the completed scheme. The annual maintenance programme typically involves some clearance of vegetation and removal of silt build-up on an average five-yearly cycle.
The property referred to by the Deputy is situated on the bank of a channel that forms part of the River Feale Catchment Drainage Scheme which was carried out by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. The maintenance of this Scheme forms part of the annual maintenance programme. The OPW South Western Drainage Maintenance Division continues to make extensive efforts within existing resources to maintain the River Feale Drainage Scheme as part of its overall maintenance programme.
Flood Relief Schemes
Questions (166)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:166. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he or Córas Iompair Éireann has been requested to give consent to the Foynes flood relief scheme in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45195/15]
View answerWritten answers
Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) developed a flood relief scheme for Foynes and received approval for the proposed scheme under Part viii of the Planning and Development Act. The Local Authority sought approval from the Office of Public Works to fund the scheme and this approval has been issued. LCCC is currently in discussions with Iarnród Éireann in relation to the proposed scheme works.
Coastal Protection
Questions (167)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:167. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works will grant temporary permission to carry out emergency coastal erosion preventative works in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45317/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works is not the competent authority under planning regulations or foreshore regulations/legislation to grant any sort of temporary permission to carry out emergency coastal erosion preventative works. This is a matter for the Local Authority or, in the case of Foreshore licences, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
The only approval that the OPW is authorised to grant in this context is for funding under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. I understand that officials from my Office have recently met with counterparts from Donegal County Council to advise on this option and, while I am advised that an application has recently been received from Donegal County Council for works at Lagg beach, no application has to date been received in this Office for works at Ballyliffin.
Flood Prevention Measures
Questions (168)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:168. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action the Office of Public Works will take following the serious flooding in County Donegal over the weekend and the recommendations it has provided to Donegal County Council to date; if he will expedite a number of reports on flooding that have already been commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44680/15]
View answerWritten answers
The core strategy for addressing the significant areas at significant risk and impact from flooding in Donegal, is the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. Donegal has 27 locations among the 300 locations nationwide that are being assessed under the Programme the purpose of which is to implement the EU Floods Directive and national flood policy.
The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the Local Authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans.
Twenty-six of the Donegal areas are being progressed under the North West – Neagh Bann Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) study, with Raphoe being progressed separately. The study is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW, working in partnership with the local authorities.
A national public consultation on the draft flood maps is currently on-going until 23 December 2015. Details are available at the local authority offices at County House, Lifford and Letterkenny Public Services Centre, Neil T Blaney Road, Letterkenny and on the consultation website http://maps.opw.ie/flood_draftmap_consult/.
The Programme involves the development of preliminary flood risk management options and flood risk management plans. In relation to assessment of flood risk in Raphoe, the flood risk management options report is nearing completion by consultants on behalf of the OPW. Public consultation on these options will be held early in 2016. Feedback received during the public consultation will then inform the relevant Flood Risk Management Plan to be prepared for consultation and completion by the end of 2016.
The Plans, which are scheduled for completion by the end of 2016, will include a prioritised list of measures, both structural and non-structural, to address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner.
Further information is available on the study website: www.northwestcframstudy.ie.
Investigation of flooding, in the first instance, is a matter for each local authority to investigate and address. Donegal County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The Council may also apply to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for funding of flood mitigation works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor works to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost no more than €500,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects, with the balance being funded by the local authority concerned. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management. Details are published on the OPW website www.opw.ie.
Flood Relief Schemes Funding
Questions (169)
Barry Cowen
Question:169. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the funding provided by the Office of Public Works to each county council to carry out drainage maintenance works for in each of the years 2011 to date, in tabular form. [44716/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) does not provide funding to Local Authorities to carry out drainage maintenance works.
The OPW carries out its own programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance. A total of 11,500km of river channel form part of the Arterial Drainage Schemes, and approximately 730km of embankments. While new Arterial Drainage Schemes are no longer being undertaken, the OPW has a statutory duty to maintain the completed schemes in proper repair and in an effective condition. The annual maintenance programme typically involves some clearance of vegetation and removal of silt build-up on an average five-yearly cycle. The location of the Schemes undertaken throughout the country is provided in the spreadsheet.
The purpose of the Arterial Drainage Schemes was primarily to improve the drainage of agricultural lands to enhance production. This typically involved lowering or widening river beds to facilitate the drainage and discharge of neighbouring lands and drainage channels. While not the primary purpose of the Schemes, they did also provide enhanced conveyance capacity where they passed through towns, villages and dispersed rural communities that in turn has reduced the flood risk to properties in these areas.
Drainage Districts are areas where drainage schemes to improve land for agricultural purposes were constructed under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925. 170 Drainage District Schemes were established, covering 4,600km of channel. The statutory duty of maintenance for these schemes lies with the Local Authorities concerned.
Arterial Drainage Schemes
|
Scheme |
Counties |
Benefitting Area (Acres) |
|
Brosna |
Offaly, Westmeath, Laois |
86,200 |
|
Glyde & Dee |
Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Cavan |
26,300 |
|
Feale |
Kerry |
26,500 |
|
Corrib-Clare |
Galway, Mayo, Roscommon |
74,900 |
|
Owenogarney1 |
Clare |
2,100 |
|
Nenagh |
Tipperary, Offaly |
6,500 |
|
Deel & Swillyburn |
Donegal |
3,500 |
|
Shannon1 |
Clare |
1,800 |
|
Ballyteigue/Kilmore |
Wexford |
2,300 |
|
Maine |
Kerry |
11,600 |
|
Fergus1 |
Clare |
5,400 |
|
Inny |
Westmeath, Longford, Meath, Cavan |
50,000 |
|
Moy |
Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon |
61,000 |
|
Broadmeadow & Ward |
Meath, Dublin |
7,400 |
|
Swilly, etc.1 |
Donegal |
3,200 |
|
Killimor/Cappagh |
Galway |
12,600 |
|
Deel |
Limerick, Cork |
11,900 |
|
Shannon1 |
Limerick |
12,100 |
|
Duff |
Leitrim, Sligo |
3,600 |
|
Corrib-Headford |
Galway, Mayo |
19,400 |
|
Owenavarragh |
Wexford |
2,600 |
|
Carrigahorrig |
Tipperary, Offaly |
3,800 |
|
Boyne |
Meath, Westmeath, Louth, Cavan, Kildare, Offaly |
119,000 |
|
Groody |
Limerick |
3,000 |
|
Maigue |
Limerick, Tipperary, Cork |
30,500 |
|
Corrib-Mask-Robe |
Mayo, Galway |
24,000 |
|
Boyle |
Roscommon, Sligo, Mayo |
26,800 |
|
Bonet |
Leitrim, Sligo |
3,200 |
|
Monaghan Blackwater |
Monaghan |
5,850 |
|
TOTAL |
647,050 |
Note 1: Estuarine Embankment Scheme
Sale of State Assets
Questions (170)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:170. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will list all State-owned companies or companies that the State has had shares in that have been sold in the past five years and in the past ten years, and list them in tabular form. [44740/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities, published by my Department in April 2011, listed the Irish State companies that had been sold since 1991. The only company in that list in which shares were sold in the past 10 years was Aer Lingus (2006).
In relation to the Commercial State sector, which comprises the companies for which I am primarily responsible, the additional companies in which shares were sold in more recent years, under the Government's State Assets Disposal Programme, were Bord Gáis Energy, ESB's shareholdings in two joint venture operations in the UK and Spain respectively, and the remaining State's shareholding in Aer Lingus.
Sale of State Assets
Questions (171)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:171. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will list, in tabular form, all State-owned companies and companies that the State has shares in. [44741/15]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, State-owned companies are used for a variety of reasons including, for example, not for profit companies established to achieve certain policy objectives or implement certain government policies via a separate and distinct implementation body, with its own appropriate corporate governance framework. At the other end of the scale, the State also owns a much smaller group of companies, generally referred to as commercial State bodies, which operate in the market place on a commercial basis. Some State companies, in turn, establish further subsidiary companies for commercial or operational reasons.
In the timeframe available to me for responding to the Deputy's question - in light of the detailed and extensive review and consultative process required - it would be very challenging for my Department to produce a definitive comprehensive list of every company which has been established by any Government Department or agency or State body.
However, a list and detailed examination of the companies in the commercial state sector - which is the area for which I am primarily responsible - was set out in the Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities published by my Department in April 2011. There has been some restructuring of the sector since that report was produced, notably in relation to Ervia (formerly Bord Gáis Éireann), Coillte and Bord na Móna, but the only significant addition since that report is the establishment of Irish Water in 2013.
Flood Relief Schemes Status
Questions (172)
Joe Carey
Question:172. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 1 December 2015, if he will outline the unresolved technical aspects of a flood relief scheme (details supplied) in County Clare and when these matters will be addressed allowing the project to move to tender and construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44779/15]
View answerWritten answers
As you are aware, the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by Clare County Council (CCC) as the contracting authority under its powers, and with funding and advice as appropriate from the Office of Public Works (OPW).
CCC and the OPW are working together to ensure that all possible options are examined to ensure maximum protection for properties along with maximum value for State funding. OPW and Council staff are working diligently to ensure the scheme progresses as quickly as possible.
The OPW remains committed to the progression of the works, and provision has been included in its multi-annual capital funding programme to this end.
Flood Relief Schemes Funding
Questions (173)
Michael Moynihan
Question:173. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all the funding required has been provided to carry out remedial flood prevention works in Mallow, Bandon, Clonakilty and Skibbereen in County Cork, and the progress on the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44840/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works is fully committed to progressing all the flood defence projects for County Cork as quickly as possible.
The Mallow North and Mallow South and West flood defence schemes are completed and are operational. Some additional works are being undertaken on the Mallow South and West Scheme.
The second stage of a tender competition for a civil works contractor for the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme is underway. Tender documentation has been issued to the shortlisted candidates and tenders are due back in early January.
The Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme has already been submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for Confirmation and is also subject to an independent review of the EIS. Cork County Council is the Contracting Authority for the Skibbereen Scheme and the Council is progressing the process to procure a civil works contractor. Approval for the contractor appointment by the OPW as the sponsoring and funding agency must await the formal Confirmation of the Scheme by the Minister. It is hoped that this process will be completed in January 2016, which will allow construction of the Scheme to be commenced in mid-2016.
In relation to the Clonakilty Flood Relief Scheme, a preferred scheme design option was presented at a statutory Public Exhibition which took place from 15th December 2014 to 20th January 2015. All the observations received from concerned parties have been answered. Detailed design of the scheme is underway which will be followed by a procurement process for a civil works contractor and the formal Confirmation of the Scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts. Subject to successful completion of the tender and Confirmation processes, it is hoped that construction will start in late 2016 or early 2017.
Once the contractors are appointed to undertake the construction of these schemes and the works are underway, it is expected that they will take up to two and a half years to complete.
The OPW has made provision for the cost of implementing these Schemes in its financial profiles over the years 2016-2019.
Flood Relief Schemes Status
Questions (174)
Michael Moynihan
Question:174. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the flood relief schemes in County Cork at planning, construction and post-construction phases; the commencement and completion dates for each scheme; the funding envisaged for all such schemes and the funding for such schemes in the years 2011 to 2015 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44841/15]
View answerWritten answers
The table sets out the details for all major flood relief schemes in County Cork at planning, construction and post-construction phase, the period of construction, a breakdown of the annual funding for such schemes over the 2011-2015 period.
|
Scheme |
Stage |
Period of Construction |
Cost €000 2011 |
Cost €000 2012 |
Cost €000 2013 |
Cost €000 2014 |
Cost €000 2015 * |
|
Co Cork |
|||||||
|
Mallow North |
Construction completed |
2008 - 2010 |
472 |
285 |
400 |
211 |
24 |
|
Mallow South & West |
Construction completed |
2011 - 2014 |
4185 |
3108 |
987 |
609 |
837 |
|
Fermoy North |
Construction completed |
2009 -2011 |
1021 |
537 |
1015 |
250 |
79 |
|
Fermoy South |
Construction completed |
2012 - 2015 |
193 |
5315 |
8748 |
4190 |
347 |
|
Bandon |
Tender/Confirmation** |
Expected 2016-2018 |
187 |
114 |
562 |
441 |
197 |
|
Skibbereen |
Confirmation** |
Expected 2016-2018 |
- |
8 |
321 |
- |
310 |
|
Lower Lee (Cork City) |
Design |
Expected 2017 - 2021 |
|||||
|
Blackpool |
Design/Public Exhibition |
Expected 2017 - 2019 |
6 |
0 |
93 |
478 |
296 |
|
Glashaboy (Glanmire) |
Design |
Expected 2017 - 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
90 |
- |
|
Douglas/Togher |
Design |
Expected 2017 - 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
146 |
- |
|
Crookstown |
Design |
Expected 2017 - 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Ballymakeera |
Design |
Expected 2017 - 2018 |
5 |
11 |
41 |
3 |
- |
|
Clonakilty |
Detailed Design following Public Exhibition |
Expected 2017 - 2018 |
- |
- |
3 |
163 |
319 |
|
Midleton |
Appointment of consultants |
Expected 2017 - 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
*Expenditure to end November 2015
**Confirmation = Approval under Arterial Drainage Acts by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
The expected construction periods indicated are based on current best estimates having regard to the fact that many schemes are at a very early stage.
In relation to the funding of schemes, the Government has provided a total capital allocation of €430 million for flood risk management over the years 2016-2021 and this will be sufficient to meet the funding requirements of all the above indicated scheme yet to commence construction.
In addition to the above major schemes, Cork city and county councils have carried out more localised minor flood relief works either using their own funding or with funding provided through the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation and Coastal Protection Scheme.
Sports Facilities Provision
Questions (175)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:175. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 299 of 17 November 2015, if he or the Office of Public Works have received correspondence from South Dublin County Council regarding the acquisition of lands (details supplied) by way of a deed of waiver and assistance in expediting this request as a matter of urgency to assist the council in providing a sports facilities for the local community. [44849/15]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Commissioners that the position remains unchanged from the response provided to the Deputy on 17 November last (PQ 229), in that the Commissioners of Public Works have no record of receiving an application from South Dublin County Council seeking a waiver of a parcel of land at Knockmitten Park, Clondalkin arising from the dissolution of Western Investments Ltd.
Departmental Staff Remuneration
Questions (176, 191)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:176. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full-year cost of the full restoration of financial emergency measures in the public interest reductions, pension-related deductions and pay deductions in respect of employees earning €65,000 or less in pay bands of €5,000. [44920/15]
View answerMary Lou McDonald
Question:191. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full-year cost of the full restoration of financial emergency measures in the public interest reductions, pension-related deductions and pay deductions in respect of employees earning €110,000 or less in pay bands of €5,000 to €65,001. [45418/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 191 together.
The nearest data currently available within the Department to that sought by the Deputy are based on the estimated breakdown of public service employee numbers on a whole time equivalent basis by mid-point of salary range up to €112,500 at end September 2014. Numbers of public servants have since increased on foot of Government decisions to recruit additional staff in certain key front line public services. The pay ranges employed reflect the pay reductions effected under the FEMPI Acts, in January 2010 and July 2013.
It should also be noted that the measures applied under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation were applied in a different way. Progressive pay reductions were applied to gross remuneration in 2010 and 2013; in contrast, the pension related deduction has been applied, also on a progressive basis, as an ongoing annual deduction affecting net pay, following those pay reductions.
These estimates set out in the table do not include the effect of the measures that will apply to salaries of public servants under the recent FEMPI Act 2015, which implements the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement. Costs have been rounded to the nearest €m.
|
Salary Range |
Current Average Pay (Post FEMPI Pay Reductions) |
Numbers at end September 2014 |
Estimated Cost of Reversing FEMPI Pay Reduction (Including Employer PRSI) €m |
Estimated Cost of Reversing FEMPI Pension Related Deduction (Including Employer PRSI) €m |
|
0- 25,000 |
22,500 |
18,939 |
25 |
9 |
|
25,000 to 30,000 |
27,500 |
22,247 |
36 |
25 |
|
30000-35000 |
32,500 |
38,875 |
79 |
70 |
|
35000-40000 |
37,500 |
37,284 |
92 |
91 |
|
40000-45000 |
42,500 |
47,715 |
139 |
147 |
|
45000-50000 |
47,500 |
26,601 |
90 |
99 |
|
50000-55000 |
52,500 |
21,169 |
81 |
93 |
|
55000-60000 |
57,500 |
22,540 |
96 |
114 |
|
60000-65000 |
62,500 |
14,781 |
70 |
84 |
|
65000-70000 |
67,500 |
10,314 |
104 |
66 |
|
70000-75000 |
72,500 |
9,233 |
102 |
65 |
|
75000-80000 |
77,500 |
6,746 |
81 |
52 |
|
80000-85000 |
82,500 |
3,016 |
40 |
25 |
|
85000-90000 |
87,500 |
2,101 |
30 |
19 |
|
90000-95000 |
92,500 |
1,223 |
19 |
12 |
|
95000-100000 |
97,500 |
1,031 |
17 |
11 |
|
100000-125000 |
112,500 |
1,583 |
32 |
20 |
|
285,399 |
1,133 |
1,002 |
Flood Relief Schemes Status
Questions (177)
John McGuinness
Question:177. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will indicate the nature of the legal challenges that have to be overcome in relation to flood prevention works in Bandon, County Cork; how these challenges may delay the works if their resolution will incur an expense by the taxpayer; the details of this expense; when the works will proceed to tender; when the works will proceed, and the amount of money budgeted for the works. [44931/15]
View answerWritten answers
In November 2013, the first stage of the procurement process for a civil works contractor to undertake the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme was commenced. This involved submission of a suitability assessment questionnaire by interested contractors. Following completion of this first stage assessment the process was challenged by an unsuccessful applicant on the grounds that they considered their application was not properly assessed by reference to the stated criteria. Following legal correspondence it was decided to terminate the process in April 2014. The process was started again in July 2014 but was again challenged at the first stage suitability assessment in December 2014 by unsuccessful candidates similarly on the grounds that they considered their applications were not properly assessed. Formal legal proceedings were initiated by one of the unsuccessful candidates and following lengthy legal correspondence matters were resolved and a shortlist was confirmed in March 2015. Relatively minor legal and consultants' fees were incurred as a result of these legal challenges. There were no payments to prospective contractors involved.
The contract is currently at tender stage with tenders due back in early January 2016.
The Scheme will be submitted very shortly to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for Confirmation under the Arterial Drainage Acts. The Minister is required under environmental legislation to carry out an independent assessment of the Scheme's Environmental Impact Statement and this will run in tandem with the tender assessment process. Works are expected to commence in mid 2016.
The Bandon Flood Relief Scheme is a major urban scheme and has a budget commensurate to the scale and complexity of the works. Given that the project is at tender stage it would not be appropriate to indicate the project budget figure as this could compromise the tender process. Provision for expenditure on the scheme is included in the OPW's multi-annual budget profiles for the period 2015–2019.
Departmental Properties
Questions (178)
Michael Ring
Question:178. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will be made as to whether the former Department of Social Protection property (details supplied) in County Mayo is available for reallocation or disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44952/15]
View answerWritten answers
The OPW's policy relating to non-operational properties is, firstly, to identify alternative State use. If there is no other State use for a property the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market, if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate much needed revenue for the Exchequer. If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property the OPW would consider community involvement subject to the receipt of an appropriate business case which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer.
The property at Prospect Avenue was vacated by the Department of Social Protection when it relocated to the Intreo Office on James Street, Westport. The OPW has been in the process of considering the future of the vacated property and the applications received from interested parties in line with the above policy.
However, recent flooding events in the area has meant that the Department of Social Protection now require the property at Prospect Avenue on a temporary basis while issues relating to flooding are addressed. At the end of this time, the OPW will re-consider the applications by interested parties.
Appointments to State Boards Advertisements
Questions (179)
Willie Penrose
Question:179. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he operates an age restriction policy in terms of board appointments whereby persons who reach 70 years of age while still serving have to resign from their particular board notwithstanding their wish to continue to serve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45044/15]
View answerWritten answers
Notwithstanding any practice that may apply in the case of an individual board and of which, in the absence of further details from the Deputy, I am currently unaware, I can assure him that the Government has no policy of age restrictions in regard to service on State boards.
Under the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards that I issued in November 2014, detailed specifications for such roles are to be drawn up by the Department of the Minister making the appointment in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service. The 2014 Guidelines make no reference to an upper age limit, and while positions have been filled on 70 boards to-date under these Guidelines, my understanding is that none of the specifications for these appointments provided for an upper age-limit for board service.
Flood Prevention Measures
Questions (180)
Pat Breen
Question:180. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will arrange for the Office of Public Works to carry out an assessment of all rivers in County Clare with a view to introducing a programme of river dredging and maintenance through the provision of multi-annual funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45066/15]
View answerWritten answers
Drainage Districts are areas where drainage schemes to improve land for agricultural purposes were constructed under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925. 170 Drainage District Schemes were established, covering 4,600km of channel. The statutory duty of maintenance for these schemes lies with the Local Authorities concerned.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) carries out its own programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500km of river channel and approximately 730km of embankments. These are arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, whose purpose was primarily to improve the drainage of agricultural lands to enhance production. This typically involved lowering or widening river beds to facilitate the drainage and discharge of neighbouring lands and drainage channels. While not the primary purpose of the Schemes, they did also provide enhanced conveyance capacity where they passed through towns, villages and dispersed rural communities that in turn has reduced the amount of flooding that could occur in these areas.
While new Arterial Drainage Schemes are no longer being undertaken, the OPW has a statutory duty to maintain the completed schemes in proper repair and in an effective condition. The annual maintenance programme typically involves some clearance of vegetation and removal of silt build-up on an average five-yearly cycle.
The term dredging is sometimes used to describe such channel maintenance operations. Maintenance of channels is carried out using suitably rigged hydraulic excavators which remove the build up of water entrained silt and vegetation from the channel bed thus restoring the original channel conveyance capacity to the standard of the completed scheme. It does not involve any further deepening or widening of the existing channel.
For channels impinging on or within Natura 2000 Sites assessments under the Habitat Regulations are undertaken in advance of the works and for many schemes a five yearly environmental assessment is now place. OPW maintenance operations are carried out in accordance with OPW Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and County Councils may carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources. The OPW operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
The Government's core strategy for addressing those areas at most significant risk and impact from flooding is the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. There are 300 locations nationwide being assessed under the Programme and Plans that will consider all feasible options to manage the flood risk in each area are due to be available for public consultation in mid 2016 and completed by the end of 2016.