Barry Cowen
Question:180. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of holding the marriage equality referendum on 22 May 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46099/15]
View answerReferendum Expenditure
Questions (180)
Written answers
The Marriage Equality Referendum was held on the same day, 22nd May 2015, as the Referendum on Age of Eligibility for election to the Office of President and the Bye-election in Carlow-Kilkenny.
Returning Officers are required to submit their accounts for these election events to the Minister for Finance not later than six months after the date on which the poll was taken. Final checks are being made on these returns and the costs below are not expected to change as a result of these checks. When two or more election events are held on the same day there are significant savings from the sharing of people and facilities and the breakdown of the costs below, except where indicated, relate to the combined costs of these three election events.
The cost of €13.8m for the Marriage Equality Referendum includes the combined costs of other election events held on the same day that cannot be disaggregated from this total. The breakdown of this cost is as follows:
|
- |
€ |
|
Returning Officer Costs for taking the poll and counting of votes |
€10.4m |
|
Postal Costs (primarily delivery of Polling Cards) |
€1.8m* |
|
Referendum Commission Costs |
€1.2m** |
|
Other Costs (including printing) |
€0.4m |
* This amount relates to both Referendums but not the bye-election.
** This amount relates to the Marriage Equality Referendum only.
Public Sector Pay
Questions (181)
Billy Timmins
Question:181. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the pay reductions and levies imposed on the public sector between 2008 and 2014; the changes that have taken place since 2014; the cost of reversing the cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45715/15]
View answerWritten answers
From 2009 to 2014, through a mix of direct reductions in pay, the moratorium on recruitment and productivity measures, the cost to the Exchequer of public service pay was reduced by €3.7 billion, or more than 21%. Pay reduction measures under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Acts included the imposition of the Pension Related Deduction introduced in March 2009 and a direct reduction in remuneration in January 2010 for all public servants. An additional pay reduction for public servants in receipt of annual remuneration in excess of €65,000 in July 2013 was also implemented under the FEMPI legislation. These measures together with the Public Service Pension Reduction implemented in January 2011 are estimated to give rise to in excess of €2.2bn in direct reductions in public service remuneration and pensions.
It is not possible within the fiscal space currently available to Government and the requirement to manage public expenditure in accordance with the EU's Stability and Growth Pact to fund the some €2.2bn cost of reversing the FEMPI measures on public servants. To do so would be to reverse the hard won progress made in rescuing the economy from the financial collapse which it so recently faced.
The Government has now, through the negotiation and agreement of a financially prudent public service agreement on pay and related issues, provided for a gradual unwinding of the FEMPI measures as they apply to public servants. The terms of this agreement, the Lansdowne Road Agreement are being implemented under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015 with effect from 1 January 2016 at a full year cost of €844m in 2018. Provision has also been made for an amelioration of the PSPR for public service pensioners at an additional full year cost of €90m in 2018. This approach has also enabled additional resources to be assigned for the ongoing recruitment of additional front line public service staff such as Gardaí, Teachers and Health professionals to support the delivery of our vital public services.
Public Sector Staff Recruitment
Questions (182)
Clare Daly
Question:182. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the process by which persons are short-listed and selected for posts as architectural advisers in the Office of Public Works is fully open and competitive; if there are sufficient safeguards to protect against any favouritism; and if any audit of the recruitment process for positions in the Office of Public Works has ever been conducted. [45726/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works does not recruit staff in the grade of Architectural Adviser. Open competitions for all Established grades are conducted by the Public Appointments Service.
Freedom of Information Fees
Questions (183)
Seán Fleming
Question:183. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount his Department has received in fees from freedom of information requests in 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45764/15]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Deputy's question the following table outlines the amount my Department has received in fees from Freedom of Information requests in 2014 and in 2015:
|
- |
2014 |
2015 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
Standard Fees |
840.00 |
- |
|
Search and Retrieval Fees |
659.91 |
123.16 |
|
Appeals |
180.00 |
- |
|
Total |
1,679.51 |
123.16 |
Ministerial Staff
Questions (184)
Róisín Shortall
Question:184. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of political staff working in his Department and the role and salary of each staff member. [45791/15]
View answerWritten answers
There are two Special Advisers working in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - Ms. Anne Byrne and Mr. Ronan O'Brien whose salaries in 2015 are €84,706 and €106,880 respectively.
In addition, I have three Constituency Office staff, two of whom are paid directly by my Department. The salaries of those two individuals in 2015 are €54,490 and €47,755.
Flood Prevention Measures
Questions (185)
Willie Penrose
Question:185. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has had discussion with a company (details supplied), which has designed and manufactured a flexible and adaptable barrier-type solution to deal with flooding and which has been adapted and utilised in other countries; if he will ensure that appropriate discussions are held with a view to examining this as a solution to protecting homes and properties, given the ongoing annual flooding difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45799/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works is aware of the company as well as a range of other companies that supply similar types of products and other flood defence solutions.
The products offered by this company would be more suitable for deployment in an emergency response to a flood. As Local Authorities are the primary response agencies in flood situations, this company's products would, more likely, be deployed by such bodies rather than the OPW.
In July 2015 I reconvened the Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group to report to Government, by Spring 2016, on possible non-structural measures, that will support the Flood Risk Management Plans being developed by the OPW under its ongoing Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.
This Whole of Government approach to Flood Risk Management is actively considering all possible measures, including individual property protection, that can feasibly support communities, households and businesses, to protect and mitigate their properties from flood risks.
OPW's “Plan Prepare Protect” booklet contains information on flood protection measures for householders and businesses and further information is also available on www.flooding.ie.
Legislative Process RIA
Questions (186)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:186. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of Bills his Department has published since 9 March 2011; the number and Title of those Bills that included a regulatory impact assessment in advance of publication; the regulatory impact assessments published; the number of promised Bills for publication; the Bills that will include a regulatory impact assessment; the regulatory impact assessments that will be published before publication of the relevant Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45813/15]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Deputy's question my Department has published twenty-five Bills since I was appointed Minister with six Bills requiring a Regulatory Impact Assessment. The following is a list of the seven Regulatory Impact Assessments carried out:
|
Name of Act/Bill |
- |
|
Statute Law Revision Bill 2012 |
RIA published by the Attorney General |
|
Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 |
RIA published alongside the Bill on 3 July 2013 |
|
Freedom of Information Bill 2013 |
RIA published in September 2013 |
|
Registration of Lobbying Bill 2014 |
RIA published 30 April 2013 |
|
Statute Law Revision Bill 2015 |
Screening RIA conducted |
|
Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015 |
RIA completed but not published |
I intend to publish a further seven Bills before the end of this Government with one Bill requiring a Regulatory Impact Assessment called the Public Sector Standards Bill. The Regulatory Impact Assessment has already been published for this Bill and is currently available on my Department's website.
State Properties
Questions (187)
Dan Neville
Question:187. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a housing development (details supplied) in County Limerick that is currently vested to the Minister for Finance via the offices of the Office of Public Works and the procedure involved to release these lands to Limerick City and County Council. [45842/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy may be aware that Section 28(2) of the State Property Act, 1954 provides for the personal property and land vested in or held in trust by a body corporate immediately prior to its dissolution (other than personal property or land held by such body upon trust for another person) to become the property of the State, until such time as the company is restored to the Register or the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform waives the interest vested in him. The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland administer applications for waivers under the 1954 Act.
I understand from my officials that the company involved in the development of the housing estate at Cois na Féile was dissolved prior to the completion of the project. A previous application was received by the Commissioners from Clúid Housing, who own 12 units in the development, seeking a waiver of the common areas of the site to enable completion of the site works and related services. The waiver was granted to Clúid Housing in June 2015.
My officials inform me that Limerick City and County Council are engaging with them on the waiver process in relation to the remaining nine vacant properties, with a view to informing the most appropriate approach to be taken. The Chief State Solicitor's Office is being consulted on the matter.
Harbours and Piers Maintenance
Questions (188)
Brendan Griffin
Question:188. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of works to improve landing facilities between Dún Chaoin and An Blascaod Mór; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45857/15]
View answerWritten answers
Repair works to the storm-damaged slipway on the Island were completed earlier this year.
Longer-term proposals for the provision of a new pier are dependent on the provision of capital funding from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
Public Sector Staff Recruitment
Questions (189)
Brendan Griffin
Question:189. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of plans to replace the full-time managerial position at Ionad an Blascaod following the retirement of the previous manager; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45858/15]
View answerWritten answers
The retirement of the former manager will be considered in the context of overall staffing requirements within the Office of Public Works. Following a separate recruitment process a new supervisory position of Foreman has recently been filled.
Flood Prevention Measures
Questions (190)
Brendan Griffin
Question:190. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has examined flood prevention measures for a premises (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45875/15]
View answerWritten answers
It is a matter for Kerry County Council (KCC) in the first instance to investigate and address localised flooding problems. If, following assessment, viable measures to address the flooding problem are identified then the Council may implement such measures using its own resources. The Hotel, as a commercial enterprise, may also be in a position to invest in protective measures.
It is open to the Council to submit an application for funding if necessary under the Office of Public Works (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation and Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the scheme's eligibility criteria which includes a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding. Application forms and related guidelines are available on the OPW website under Flood Risk Management. http://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/
No application has been received to date by the OPW from KCC under the Minor Works Scheme for a project at this location in Killarney, Co Kerry.
This location is not within the Killarney Area For Further Assessment (AFA) being assessed under the South West Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) study.
Flood Risk Assessments
Questions (191, 192, 193)
Brendan Griffin
Question:191. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a flood risk at the Glosha Bank in Cromane in County Kerry; the level of contact the Office of Public Works has had with Kerry County Council regarding this location since his visit to County Kerry in May 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45878/15]
View answerBrendan Griffin
Question:192. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a flood risk at Incherea in Glenbeigh in County Kerry; the level of contact the Office of Public Works has had with Kerry County Council regarding this location since his visit to County Kerry in May 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45879/15]
View answerBrendan Griffin
Question:193. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a flood risk at Cromane Lower in County Kerry; the level of contact the Office of Public Works has had with Kerry County Council regarding this location since his visit to County Kerry in May 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45880/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 to 193, inclusive, together.
It is a matter for Kerry County Council (KCC) in the first instance to investigate and address issues of coastal protection at the locations indicated.
Following my visit to County Kerry in May 2015, there have been ongoing contacts between Kerry County Council staff and staff of the Office of Public Works (OPW) in relation to various flooding and coastal protection matters in the County including at Incherea and Cromane. A meeting took place on 5 October, 2015 between the OPW and KCC at which these matters were discussed.
It was explained by the OPW at this meeting that at both of these locations old Land Commission embankments protect private dwellings, some constructed in relatively recent times. It was confirmed to the Council that OPW is not responsible for the upkeep of these embankments. Funding of €80,000 and €100,000 for both of these locations was granted to KCC in 2012 under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation And Coastal Protection Scheme and these were the maximum possible amounts that could be approved under the Scheme's criteria having regard to the information submitted by KCC in its application.
Also, following the coastal storms which affected the western seaboard in December 2013 and January 2014, KCC requested funding for strengthening works at Incherea, Glenbeigh and both repair and strengthening works at Cromane Lower. The Council was advised by the OPW that strengthening works were outside of the scope of the Government Decision allocating funding for storm damage repairs and that only the repair element of projects, such as that at Cromane Lower, were covered under the allocation. The OPW approved KCC's programme of repair works, which included €30,000 for Cromane Lower which amount has been drawn down by KCC.
If, following assessment, the Council considers that economically and technically viable measures and works are possible at the locations in question then it may undertake such works using its own resources or, if necessary, it may submit applications under the OPW's Minor Works Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding for flood risk management. Application forms and related guidelines are available on the OPW website under Flood Risk Management.
No application under the Minor Works scheme from KCC is currently in hands in the OPW for any projects at the locations referred to.