Written Answers Nos. 179-196
179. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set down the due date for the return of tender packages for the Skibbereen flood relief scheme; when he will confirm the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2214/16]
View answerCork County Council is the Contracting Authority for the Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme and the Council is progressing the tender process for the project. The due date for the return of tenders for the procurement of a civil works contractor is 5 February, 2016.
The Scheme has been submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for Confirmation. The Minister must have the Scheme’s Environmental Impact Statement independently reviewed before the Scheme can be confirmed. Approval for the contractor appointment by the OPW as the sponsoring and funding agent must await the formal confirmation of the scheme by the Minister. It is hoped that this process will be completed in the next few months, which would allow construction of the scheme to commence in mid-2016.
It is expected that construction of the Skibbereen scheme will take approximately 24-30 months to complete.
The Government remains fully committed to the provision of the flood relief scheme for the people of Skibbereen. Funding for the scheme is available and the OPW has made provision for the cost of implementing the scheme in its financial profiles over the years 2016-2019.
180. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the measures in place to alleviate the losses to local businesses in County Dublin, in particular, in the Dublin 2 and 4 areas, should these areas experience flooding in the future. [2231/16]
View answerThe risk of flooding in the specific areas mentioned is being addressed currently by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Dublin City Council (DCC) working in partnership. There are currently two major flood relief schemes being undertaken in the specific areas mentioned, the largest being the scheme on the River Dodder where works have been completed on the tidal section and works are ongoing on the section at risk from fluvial flooding. Significant works and investment have been undertaken to date on this scheme with further works continuing into 2017. Another scheme on the South Campshires (Sir John Rogerson’s Quay) in the City commenced in 2014 and will be completed later this year. Both these schemes are being undertaken with DCC acting as the Contracting Authority and the OPW acting as the funding agency and undertaking the works using its direct labour force.
Other schemes have been completed in recent years on the River Tolka and on a section of the River Wad. There are also a number of Schemes in the early stages of planning for the City and County which involve a partnership with all the relevant local authorities and these include the Rivers Poddle and Camac in the City and projects for Portmarnock and Skerries on which Fingal County Council will take the lead.
The details of the flood defence scheme works already completed in the areas in question have been provided to insurance companies as part of the arrangements agreed between the OPW and Insurance Ireland under a Memorandum of Understanding of March 2014. The insurance companies have agreed to take these works into account in the provision of flood insurance cover in the areas benefitting from the works. This should allow businesses in the areas in question to obtain flood insurance cover at affordable rates. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the details of the flood relief schemes currently under construction and those yet to commence, will, when completed, be provided to the insurance companies also.
The management of flood risk in Dublin city and county is being addressed also in a comprehensive way under the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme for the East Region. Good progress is being made on the East CFRAM Project which is a part of the overall national CFRAM Programme which, in turn, is the principal vehicle for implementing the EU Floods Directive and forms the strategic focus of national flood risk management policy. The national Programme is focusing on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs), including 90 coastal areas, identified as being at potentially significant risk from flooding. The CFRAM Programme, which includes the assessment of a number of river catchment areas within Co. Dublin, involves the production of predictive flood hazard and risk mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans containing a prioritised list of measures to address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risks identified. The Plans will be used to determine national priorities for State Investment in flood defences, on a systematic and objective basis taking into account social, environmental and economic factors.
Under the CFRAM Programme to date, Flood Risk Management Plans have been produced for the Fingal-East Meath and River Dodder catchment Study areas. The Eastern CFRAM Study is assessing the remaining identified significant flood risk areas in Co. Dublin. Draft mapping is now being finalised following conclusion of the national statutory public consultation on 23 December 2015. Work on the development of preliminary options to address the significant flood risks identified is underway. Following the finalisation of the flood mapping and the identification of flood risk management options, the Eastern CFRAM Flood Risk Management Plans are scheduled to be published for public consultation during summer 2016 and completed at end 2016. Further information on the Programme is available on www.cfram.ie. Considerable work is being undertaken therefore to protect businesses in Dublin city and county from future flooding and associated losses. Should a future flooding event result in the question of financial assistance for businesses affected arising, this will be a matter for consideration by Government at that time.
181. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the steps he took in advertising for an available and suitable building to house the Department of Social Protection offices, which the Government intends on moving from Ballybay, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2260/16]
View answer182. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the tendering process in obtaining alternative office space for the Department of Social Protection offices which are currently located in Ballybay, County Monagahan; the replies he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2261/16]
View answer183. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the square footage of the building he has chosen in Monaghan town to re-locate the Department of Social Protection offices currently in Ballybay, County Monaghan; the square footage of the existing building in Ballybay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2262/16]
View answer184. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the annual rent agreed on the building which he has chosen in Monaghan town to re-locate the Department of Social Protection offices, which are currently located in Ballybay; if this rent equates with rents for similar buildings in Monaghan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2263/16]
View answer185. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any public representatives, and in particular public representatives in County Monaghan or County Cavan, asked him, whether in verbal, written or electronic communication, to take into consideration the building that he has chosen to relocate the Department of Social Protection Offices, which are currently located in Ballybay, County Monaghan; the person who first brought this building to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2264/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 181 to 185, inclusive, together.
The Commissioners have recently signed a lease for part of a building in Monaghan town for the Department of Social Protection following an extensive search of marketed properties. The building was selected having regard to a number of key criteria including location, size, accessibility, condition and rent. The leased buildings in Ballybay amount to 7,062 sq ft while the lease in Monaghan Town is 5,045 sq ft which includes nearly 1,200 sq ft of basement storage space. Having regard to rent, the annual rent for the lease in Monaghan town is €39,500. This is materially less than the current rents, €53,427, in Ballybay, and will result in an ongoing annual saving to the Exchequer. The Commissioners are also of the view that the new rent in Monaghan is at a competitive market level having regard to the quality and location of the building. The Commissioners have confirmed that no representations were received from any elected representatives in relation to the building in Monaghan Town.
186. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the status of the examination by the community sector high-level forum on the provision of Exchequer funding to implement a Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme dating back to 2008 for supervisors and assistant supervisors in community employment schemes; when the final report will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2317/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware unions representing CE Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors have sought the provision of Exchequer funding to implement a Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme dating back to 2008. However the position has remained that it is not possible for the State to provide funding for such a scheme to employees of private companies, even if those companies are or were reliant on State funding.
Notwithstanding this the matter has remained under review and I recently held a constructive meeting with SIPTU and IMPACT trade unions in relation to this matter. Having listened to their respective positions I have reconvened the Community Sector High Level Forum, which ceased operation some years ago, in order that this matter is fully examined, having regard to costs and precedent.
The forum commenced its work on 27 November 2015. I would anticipate that it would be in a position to report to the Government on its work this year.
187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the extent to which the principles of public expenditure monitoring and reform remain part of and a requirement of Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2353/16]
View answer188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Government expenditure remains on target with budgetary projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2354/16]
View answer191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the extent to which specific provisions will be required to trigger area warnings in the event of a departure from good practice in respect of spending or departure from reform principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2357/16]
View answer192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the extent to which he has observed tendencies by Departments or bodies under their aegis to exceed expenditure guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2358/16]
View answer193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if particular tendencies or issues relating to over-expenditure by Departments have been brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2359/16]
View answer194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the extent to which he can incentivise all Departments and public bodies to follow good or best practice in respect of public expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2360/16]
View answer195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the savings directly and through the principle of reform achieved by his Department over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2361/16]
View answer196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the extent to which he has achieved the targets set in respect of public expenditure and reform five years ago; if future targets will be met in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2362/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 187, 188 and 191 to 196, inclusive, together.
My Department has played a key role in ensuring Ireland met or exceeded its key fiscal targets in each year of the EU/IMF programme of financial support resulting in a successful exit from the programme in December 2013. Furthermore, Ireland is on track to exit the corrective arm of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) with a general government deficit of close to 1½% of GDP for 2015.
In 2016, Ireland will become subject to the preventive arm of the SGP. Adherence to the rules of the preventive arm will regulate the growth in public expenditure in line with the medium term potential growth rate of the economy, thereby making sure that the level of spending is sustainable and can continue to be supported by the economy.
Managing the delivery of public services within Budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and their Department, and important measures are in place to help ensure that these budgetary targets continue to be met. My Department is in regular communication with all Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against the published expenditure profiles. There is regular reporting to Government on these matters, and information is published monthly, as part of the Exchequer Statement. With the move to the preventive arm of the SGP in 2016 it is important that Departments manage expenditure within their allocations as set out in Revised Estimated Volume ('REV') 2016.
In relation to fiscal targets for 2015, end-year Exchequer returns indicate that the General Government Deficit will be close to 1½% of GDP, well below the 2.1% forecast at the time of Budget 2016. Overall voted expenditure for the year has come in below the amount approved by the Dáil by way of original estimate and supplementary estimate.
With 2015 tax revenues exceeding forecast by over €3 billion, the Government was in a position to provide additional funding to a number of Departments by way of supplementary estimate. The additional expenditure represents a responsible approach towards ensuring that public services are adequately funded to meet social and economic objectives both in 2015 and in 2016. The allocation of additional resources should also be viewed in the context of the significant fiscal consolidation implemented in order to return sustainability to the public finances.
Public Service Reform was a key element of the Government's response to the crisis and continues to be an essential part of our strategy for recovery. Significant progress has been made since the publication of the Government's first Public Service Reform Plan in 2011 that has helped improve productivity and deliver benefits across a range of specific areas such as greater openness and transparency, digital government, shared services, procurement reform and property management.
A second Public Service Reform Plan (2014-2016) was published in January 2014. While maintaining an emphasis on efficiency and reducing costs, this Plan puts a particular focus on improved service delivery and achieving better outcomes. The actions set out in the Reform Plan address areas such as: greater use of shared services and innovative approaches to service delivery; increased use of technology and improved engagement with service users; more efficient and effective public procurement; increased accountability and transparency in public decision making; enhanced leadership and performance management; and a continued focus on building the required capacity to deliver reform. A comprehensive Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 was published in March of last year.
189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the extent to which financial provision can be made for off-balance sheet funding of vital infrastructural projects that may be necessary, such as arterial drainage, flood relief, emergency housing or other vital and unforeseen issues meeting expenditure; if Government bonds may be a resolution in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2355/16]
View answerThe key issue faced by the Government in seeking to deliver infrastructural projects continues to be the fiscal space available to Government under the fiscal rules of the Stability and Growth Pact, which impacts on the Government's ability to increase expenditure, including on capital projects. Any funding that would be raised through the issuing of new Government Bonds, as suggested in the question, would not be off-balance sheet and therefore any such funding raised would have no impact on the fiscal space available to the Government, nor would it provide any additional capacity for further Exchequer expenditure without equivalent spending cuts in other areas or tax increases.
In terms of the ability to deliver additional public infrastructure on an off-balance sheet basis, in General Government terms, the scope to do so under Eurostat rules is constrained. Public Private Partnerships are the only recognised mechanism by which this can be done at present, and the Government has already agreed to a new €500 m third phase of the PPP programme which was announced in the Capital Plan. However, PPPs impose long term financial commitments over a very long period of time (up to 40 years), which increase over time as new PPPs come on stream thus absorbing an increasing amount of the Government's discretionary capital expenditure allocation on an annual basis. Accordingly, the use of PPPs must be carefully planned, and controlled, in a manner that is sustainable in the long term and which the public finances can afford.
The possibility of identifying other options to assist in delivering key public infrastructure on an off-balance sheet basis continues to be explored, in particular in the context of delivering on the commitments in the Government's Social Housing Strategy and the potential to use the €400 m earmarked for this purpose from the proceeds of the sale of Bord Gáis Energy. However, identifying a suitable mechanism that is capable of meeting the Eurostat requirements for classification as off-balance sheet is proving challenging. The Government remains open to the possibility of using such off-balance sheet options, if suitable options can be identified, to supplement direct Exchequer investment and assist with the delivery of critical national infrastructure on a timely basis, provided that this can be done on a sustainable and affordable basis.
The Deputy will recognise that maintaining fiscal sustainability and economic stability under the Government's fiscal framework will ensure that Ireland retains the hard-won restored confidence of international financial markets to meet its ongoing funding needs. This is central to the continuance of Ireland's economic recovery, securing further reductions in unemployment, achieving further gains in living standards and ensuring the continued development of our public services.
190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the extent to which reform will remain central to Government policy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/16]
View answerPublic Service Reform was a key element of the Government's response to the crisis and continues to be an essential part of our strategy for recovery. The reforms we have implemented over the past five years have enabled us to maintain and improve public services in the face of necessary reductions in staff numbers and budgets, and at a time of increased demand for public services.
Following on from strong progress on the implementation of the Government's first Public Service Reform Plan (2011), our second 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 this Reform Plan. This includes, for example, more digital 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 last 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. It is intended to publish the second Annual Progress Report on Public Service Reform in the coming months.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Taoiseach and I published the Civil Service Renewal Plan in October 2014 which sets out a three year action plan and is leading to major changes right across the Civil Service. A Progress Report on achievements in the 'first 200 days' was published last July and is also available on my Department's website. Since then, work has continued on the remaining actions in the Plan and a further Progress Report detailing the progress made during the second phase of implementation will be published in early summer.
Overall, I am satisfied that we have made very strong progress on Public Service Reform. A focus on reform and continuous improvement must be an essential element in the strategy of all Departments and Offices. Therefore, I believe that reform should continue to be a key element of any future strategy.
Questions Nos. 191 to 196, inclusive, answered with Question No. 187.
