Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Written Answers Nos. 546 - 566

Legislative Reviews

Questions (546, 547)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

546. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to re-introduce the Statute Law Revision Bill 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12634/16]

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

547. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the statute law revision project; if it is proposed to continue with the project, in particular in respect of secondary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12635/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 547 together.

I can confirm that I have requested the Chief Whip to arrange to have the Statute Law Revision Bill 2016 restored to the Seanad Order Paper.

The Statute Law Revision Bill 2016 is one of series of legislative measures to repeal spent and obsolete primary and secondary legislation. It expressly repeals 42% of in force Acts enacted by the Oireachtas between 1922 and 1950 (295 of 707), resulting in a significant reduction in the size of the Statute Book for that period. Enactment will facilitate the process of regulatory reform; ensure that the Irish Statute Book is significantly more modern and enhance public accessibility to the Statute Book; and facilitate future legislative measures to repeal, re-enact where necessary with amendments, and consolidate the statute law of the State. When enacted this Bill, together with the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2015 Acts, will collectively be the most extensive set of repealing measures in the history of the State, and the most extensive set of statute law revision measures ever enacted anywhere in the world.

Consideration will be given to continuing with this project in the context of other priorities which I am progressing.

Pension Provisions

Questions (548)

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

548. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will re-instate pension entitlements for retired community employment supervisors, given the recommendation from the Labour Court to re-instate them. [12707/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I understand that 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. In this regard the position has been 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.

However, I believe the issue has remained under review and that my predecessor held a meeting with SIPTU and IMPACT trade unions in relation to this matter. The Community Sector High Level Forum has been reconvened in order to examine the matter fully, having regard to costs and precedent.

Commencement of Legislation

Questions (549)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

549. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will issue a commencement order in respect of section 11 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015, given that all other sections of the Act were commenced by Statutory Instrument No. 546 of 30 November 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12722/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy is aware, Section 11 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015 provides that pay scales will be introduced for members of the judiciary. The intention of this provision is that those judges appointed after January 1 2012, and hence subject to reduced remuneration, may gradually achieve parity with their peers. This is consistent with measures applying to new entrants across the public and civil service.

It is my intention to bring a recommendation on commencing Section 11 to Government shortly.

Public Private Partnerships

Questions (550)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

550. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has received a response from the European Commission to his predecessor's letter of 3 May 2016, expressing serious concerns at the changing approach taken by EUROSTAT to the balance sheet classification of public private partnership; his future strategy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12744/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As referred to in the Deputy's question, a detailed letter outlining serious concerns at the proposed new approach being taken by Eurostat to the balance sheet classification of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) was sent to the European Commission on the 3rd of May last. To date I have not received a response from the Commission to this letter.

The Deputy will, however, wish to note that on the 26th of May a letter was sent to Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission by an Taoiseach, which was also copied to the President of the European Council and all the other members of the Council. In this letter An Taoiseach echoed the concerns previously outlined and expressed the view that Eurostat's approach poses a significant threat to the ability of Governments to continue to use PPPs as a legitimate means of complementing direct Exchequer investment, thereby undermining the generally agreed objective of supporting greater investment in much needed infrastructure across Europe.

From discussions with colleagues from other Member States, I are aware that Ireland is just one of many Member States to have expressed these views to the Commission. We will, of course, continue to pursue this matter through appropriate channels, with a view to securing the necessary clarity and certainty in terms of how the ESA 2010 rules are to be applied by Eurostat when determining the balance sheet treatment of PPPs.

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Questions (551)

Robert Troy

Question:

551. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the stages involved in the process of applying for public employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12751/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Recruitment to the civil service is undertaken under the terms of the Public Service Management (Recruitment Appointments) Acts 2004-2014, and is subject to the Code of Practice set down by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) and is open to audit by them if they see fit.

Though Departments may obtain a recruitment licence from the CPSA and conduct their own recruitment competitions, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the independent centralised provider of professional recruitment, assessment and selection services for the Civil Service. It is understood that the services of PAS are also available to local authorities, the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána and other public bodies, where required.

Potential applicants should be advised to register with PAS on www.publicjobs.ie in order that they receive job alert notifications of advertised positions.

Public Sector Pensions Data

Questions (552)

Dara Calleary

Question:

552. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons who have paid the public service pension reduction, PSPR, in each year since its introduction; the projected number who will pay it in 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12755/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Public service pensions which are affected by the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) are simply reduced in pay-out value, and as such there is no imposition of a levy, deduction or other stoppage for which a centralised collection system is required. However, based on available data sets and making reasonable projections as to future retirements and mortality rates, and factoring in the PSPR amelioration provided by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015, the numbers of pensioners impacted by PSPR over the period 2011 to 2017 are estimated as follows:

Year	Amount
2011	84,000
2012	90,000
2013	88,000
2014	88,000
2015	87,000
2016	70,000
2017	48,000

On 1 January 2016, increases in the annual pension thresholds before PSPR applies became effective. These exemption threshold increases remove PSPR entirely from a significant number of pensions with relatively lower values, while those pensions which continue to be impacted by PSPR receive a boost of €400 per year.

On 1 January 2017, additional PSPR amelioration, acting principally via further exemption threshold increases, will fully remove PSPR from another significant tranche of public service pensioners, while at the same time boosting those pensions which remain affected by PSPR by €500 per year.

On 1 January 2018, the third stage of PSPR amelioration will ensure that all PSPR-impacted pensions with values up to €34,132 will be fully restored, meaning that PSPR will no longer affect such pensions, while those pensions which continue to be impacted by PSPR will get a boost of, in most cases, €780 per year.

This pension restoration across the public service will cost an estimated €90 million on an annual basis and, when fully implemented, will ensure that only the top 20% higher value public service pensions will continue to be impacted by the PSPR.

Flood Relief Schemes Status

Questions (553)

Frank O'Rourke

Question:

553. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the flood relief scheme for the Morrell River, County Kildare, will be brought to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12790/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Lower Morrell River flood relief scheme is being progressed by Kildare County Council (KCC) as the Contracting Authority for the Scheme with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Following the carrying out of a full Feasibility Study, Cost Benefit Analysis and Environmental Impact Statement, KCC and its consultants are now proceeding with the detailed design of the Scheme and it is expected that KCC will be submitting the scheme for planning approval later this year.

It is not possible to indicate when works can be commenced until the scheme has been progressed through the planning process by the Council as outlined above. However, I can confirm that the Lower Morrell scheme remains a priority and the OPW has included provision for the cost of the proposed works in its financial profiles in the period up to 2018.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (554)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

554. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of money spent by his Department on media advertising from March 2011 to February 2016, showing the media organisation, newspaper, radio, television or any other forms of media to which advertisement fees were paid by his Department; and the amount of money paid per year to each individual media organisation in tabular form. [12891/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In response to the Deputy's question the following table outlines the annual cost of advertising in my Department from March 2011 to February, 2016.

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Media Advertising from 2011 to 2016

Year	Name of Media Organisation used	Purpose of Advertising	Amount €
-	-	-	-
2014	Emergency Services Ltd	Procurement Advertisement in Emergency Services Ireland	2,398.50
-	Tara Publishing	Procurement Advertisement and Editorial in the Irish Packaging and Print Directory 2014	2,453.85
-	Council Review	Procurement Advertisement in Council Review Magazine	2,398.50
-	Local Authority Journal	Procurement Advertisement in Local Authority / Council Review	2,398.50
-	J.P. Devlin Media LTD	Etenders Procurement Advertisement in Public Sector Times Magazine	1,045.50
-	Public Appointments Service	Recruitment notice in Irish Examiner	1,298.57
-	Public Appointments Service	Recruitment notice in Limerick Leader	767.30
-	Public Appointments Service	Recruitment notice in Sligo Champion	330.34
-	Media Vest	Consultation Process Advertisement in Irish Examiner regarding new Procurement Directives	834.80
-	Media Vest	Consultation Process Advertisement in the Irish Times regarding new Procurement Directives	1,280.02
-	Media Vest	Consultation Process Advertisement in the Irish Independent regarding new Procurement Directives	1,483.60
-	Media Vest	Statutory requirement for Advertisement in 'Seachtain' seeking comments from the public on proposed Department's Irish Language Scheme	344.28
-	-	Total for Year	17,033.76
2015	Iris Oifigiuil	Notice regarding ClareGalway Flood Relief Scheme	42.00
-	Galway Advertiser	Notice regarding ClareGalway Flood Relief Scheme	354.24
-	Tuam Herald	Notice regarding ClareGalway Flood Relief Scheme	167.28
-	-	Total for Year	563.52
2016	Irish Examiner	Notice regarding Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme	479.70
-	Southern Star	Notice regarding Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme	177.12
-	Iris Oifigiuil	Notice regarding Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme	31.00
-	Fiona Kearns	Flyer Design	580.00
-	Fiona Kearns	Flyer Design	480.00
-	Public Appointments Service	Recruitment notice in Irish Examiner	1,489.09
-	-	Total for Year	3,236.91

Public Sector Staff Data

Questions (555)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

555. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons currently suspended, with full pay, within the public service in its entirety currently; and the average length of this suspension and the cost to the State. [12897/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform I have overarching responsibility for the terms and conditions of public servants. However, specific policies relating to disciplinary procedures are dealt with by the appropriate responsible Minister in each of the sectors.

Broadly speaking, in an employment context, there are two types of suspension. The first is often referred to as a "holding suspension" which is normally part of what might be termed "protective measures". A holding suspension, or other protective measures, can be applied in specific circumstances pending the outcome of an investigation. This type of suspension is not a disciplinary sanction and the employee is paid during that process. Recent case law has established the circumstances under which this type of suspension is appropriate.

This holding suspension is very different to the second type of suspension, which is suspension as a disciplinary sanction. Suspension as a disciplinary sanction can be unpaid and should only be applied following a disciplinary process that has complied with appropriate fair procedures.

In relation to the Civil Service, my Department has responsibility for the design of disciplinary procedures. As the relevant employer, each Civil Service organisation is responsible for managing disciplinary cases in their own organisation and we do not collate that information centrally.

My Department has developed a new Disciplinary Code for the Civil Service which will be implemented later this year. This provides for a range of protective measures that can be used during a disciplinary process.

Public Sector Staff Sick Leave

Questions (556)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

556. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons on long-term sick leave within the public service; and the average length of same. [12898/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Information around the numbers of Full-Time Equivalents who are on continuous long-term sick leave across the Public Service is collected, where available, by my Department on an annual basis. Figures relating to long-term sick leave are not available in the Health Sector currently.

Long-term sick leave for the purposes of these figures are defined as 'continuous sick leave of over 28 calendar days' (i.e. 4 weeks).

In 2015, there were 9,423 Full-time Equivalents absent on periods of continuous long-term sick leave across the Public Service (excluding the Health Sector).

There is no data available on the average length of a long-term absence.

Public Expenditure Policy

Questions (557)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

557. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount accounted for by projected demographic pressures and by projected inflation in respect of the projected fiscal space to 2021; the space which remains beyond these requirements on a year by year basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10204/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Table 4 on page 31 of Expenditure Report 2016, published by my Department in October 2015, sets out the current expenditure ceilings across Government Departments for the three year period 2016 to 2018.

Excluding the impact of the Lansdowne Road Agreement, the gross current expenditure ceilings increase by €0.4 billion in 2017 and €0.3 billion in 2018. These increases take into account:

- projected expenditure pressures in Health, Education and Social Protection arising from demographics;

- projected additional expenditure in Agriculture arising from the roll-out of the Rural Development Programme; and

- the projected carry over impact of certain Budget 2016 measures.

It should be noted that the ceilings for the Department of Social Protection reflect an adjustment to take account of expected lower numbers on the Live Register.

Ministerial Expenditure Ceilings in respect of current expenditure have not been set for periods after 2018. Consequently, the figures in respect of demographic pressures for periods post 2018 included in Table A9 of the Budget book published by the Department of Finance, use the aggregate overall amount of €0.3 billion included for 2018, adjusted for a lower amount being available for reallocation within expenditure from Live Register savings.

In addition to the costs outlined above, the ceilings in the Expenditure Report, and the voted expenditure projections in the Budget Book, include costs relating to the Lansdowne Road Agreement and the increased investment set out in the Capital Plan published in September 2015. The expenditure projections do not take into account the impact of general inflationary increases.

As outlined by the Minister for Finance, at the time of the publication of the April 2016 Stability Programme Update the estimated fiscal space was quantified as being of the order of €10 billion to €11 billion over the period 2017 to 2021. It was made clear that these estimates represented work in progress by the Department of Finance and are subject to change, with the calculations requiring various technical inputs. It is proposed that the Government will publish a revised estimate of fiscal space next month in conjunction with the Summer Economic Statement.

Office of Public Works Expenditure

Questions (558)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

558. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will review the amount of capital funding allocated to the Office of Public Works in 2016 and redirect some of this to the maintenance budget, which is drastically insufficient; if he will approach this issue with a prevention is better than cure mentality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13119/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I assume that the Deputy is referring in his question to the maintenance budget for flood risk management. The total Capital allocation on the 2016 Vote of the Office of Public Works (OPW) is €133.9m of which €51.1m is allocated for the Flood Risk Management area. This allows primarily for costs related to the design, planning and construction of major flood relief schemes and the funding of minor flood relief and coastal erosion works undertaken by local authorities. Provision is also included for the progression of certain strategic studies and programmes including the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme, Flood Studies Update and Flood Risk Data Management. There are almost 40 major schemes currently at various stage of advancement and it is hoped to commence construction on up to eight major schemes this year. It is therefore envisaged that the full allocation under the Capital Programme will be expended in the current year.

The OPW has responsibility for maintenance of works completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts (1945 & 1995). The OPW maintenance programme and funding nationally, including the South West, is fully committed for 2016 in any event. However, the OPW continuously monitors the projected outturn on each of the Subheads of expenditure on the OPW Vote. In the event of possible savings or excesses the OPW may apply to the Department of PER to vire funding between Programmes or Subheads.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (559)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

559. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is aware of the serious constraints that Office of Public Works staff are under relating to more stringent interpretation of the habitats directive; if he is further aware that urgently needed repair and flood prevention works in special areas of conservation cannot now proceed without appropriate assessment and other bureaucratic processes; if he is concerned that the Arterial Drainage Act now seems to be in complete conflict with the habitats directive, thus preventing the OPW from carrying out necessary flood prevention works; if he will seek to have this impasse breached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13120/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats of wild fauna and flora, commonly known as the Habitats Directive, is designed to ensure the survival of Europe’s most endangered and vulnerable species. Together with the Birds Directive, it sets the standard for nature conservation across the European Union and enables all 27 Member States to work together within the same strong legislative framework in order to protect the most vulnerable species and habitat types across their entire natural range within the EU. The Directive aims to promote the maintenance of biodiversity, taking account of economic, social, cultural and regional requirements.

Rivers by their nature are a particularly sensitive ecosystem within the broader environment, with many freshwater habitats and species showing higher rates of decline compared to other ecosystems, both nationally and internationally. In its drainage and flood risk management operations, the Office of Public Works (OPW) must have due regard to an array of applicable legislation and policy such as Environmental Assessment Directives, Habitats & Birds Directives, the Water Framework Directive, the Wildlife Acts, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) and the National Biodiversity Plan. All works in rivers are required to comply with this ever increasing matrix of environmental requirements. Authorities proposing works, typically carry out a whole series of investigations and assessments to design the proposed works to minimise any environmental impact ranging from flora & fauna through to archaeology. In addition, for certain scenarios, third parties have a right for judicial review of environmental decisions or can lodge a complaint to the European Commission where they judge that an Irish authority has not complied with the relevant European legislation.

OPW has carried out a significant volume of environmental research to increase knowledge and identify methods of operation that are both environmentally sensitive and effective for drainage and flood relief purposes. A significant volume of research has been completed in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland in addition to other research completed with environmental non-government organisations and environmental consultancies. OPW’s Arterial Drainage Maintenance service has developed a suite of Environmental Management Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures which minimise the potential environmental impact of operations.

While it is acknowledged that the provisions of the Habitats Directive have imposed constraints on the OPW's flood relief and drainage activities in or near Special Areas of Conservation, the Office has altered its procedures and protocols to deal with these constraints in the discharge of its statutory duties under the Arterial Drainage Acts. It is not envisaged that any work planned for the current year on the schemes under OPW’s care will be prevented by issues raised by the provisions of the Habitats Directive.

Flood Relief Schemes Status

Questions (560)

Joe Carey

Question:

560. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 15 December 2015 and Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 1 December 2015, if he will confirm if the unresolved technical matters which had been delaying a flood relief scheme (details supplied) in County Clare have since been resolved; if not, the reason these matters have not been addressed; when is it expected that this project will move to tender and construction phases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13125/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by Clare County Council (CCC) as the contracting authority with funding and advice as appropriate from the Office of Public Works (OPW),

I am advised that the OPW's consideration of the proposals from CCC and its consultants which includes consideration of hydrological elements of the proposed Scheme is effectively concluded and the OPW will be writing to the Council in the near future.

The OPW has made provision for the cost of the works in its multi-annual capital programme.

Teachers' Remuneration

Questions (561)

Mary Butler

Question:

561. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will end the pay inequality for teachers who qualify after 2011, so that they are on a parity with their colleagues who qualified before 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13172/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The issue of addressing the difference in incremental salary scales between those public servants, including Teachers, who entered public service employment since 2011 and those who entered before that date was addressed with the relevant union interests under the provisions of the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA). Any further consideration of remuneration for any group of public servants, including issues relating to more recently recruited public servants, will fall to be examined within the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013 -2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement). Any such consideration will also of course have to comply with the terms of the Financial Emergency in the Public Interest Acts 2009 - 2013 (FEMPI), as well as its affordability being underpinned through delivering enhanced work place practices and productivity.

It is particularly worth noting that under the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA) the process of restoring public service pay is commencing. An important feature of this process is the flat rate increases which are being implemented and which are proportionately more valuable to those public servants including Teachers who are at an early stage in their careers. Furthermore and specifically in respect of Teachers the restoration of the Supervision and Substitution payment is also provided for under the LRA subject to there being compliance on the part of the relevant unions with the provisions of that Agreement.

The Programme for Government also states that Government will establish a Public Service Pay Commission to examine pay levels across the public service. The precise structure of such a commission and the technical aspects as to how it would operate have yet to be decided upon and would require broad consultation, including engagement with staff representatives as was committed to in the Lansdowne Road Agreement. My officials have begun to review international best practice in respect of public service pay determination models. This will help frame the Government's thinking on how to establish a fair, transparent and accountable process for determining public service pay, taking into account the views of all stakeholders.

Garda Stations

Questions (562)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

562. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of Glenfarn Garda station in County Leitrim, which is managed by the Office of Public Works; if the property is being considered for sale given local interest in purchasing the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13440/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW) with regard to non-operational (vacant) properties and sites including former Garda stations is to:

1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by Government departments or the wider public sector.

2. If there is no other State use identified 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 revenue for the Exchequer.

3. If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property the OPW may consider community involvement subject to detailed written submission 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.

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they are currently assessing the options for the former Garda station at Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim in line with the above policy. On completion of this process a final decision will be taken on the future of the property.

National Monuments

Questions (563)

Robert Troy

Question:

563. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the budget that has been allocated to the Office of Public Works for the maintenance and repair of national monuments for the years 2008 to 2015; if he will provide a list of moneys spent for minor repairs on each of the 780 national monuments for the same years. [13464/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Heritage Services of the Office of Public Works is responsible for the conservation, care and management of approximately 1,000 National Monuments structures at 780 locations that are in State ownership or guardianship. The conservation and presentation of these monuments involves a mixture of activities including major and minor conservation projects, works to facilitate or improve the presentation and interpretation of sites and ongoing maintenance. The budget allocation for these works from 2008 to 2015 is detailed in Table A.

Table A

-	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Allocation €m	18.502	17.549	15.222	14.678	14.731	14.163	14.067	15.17

In general terms, these works are intended to consolidate National Monument structures in place and, where appropriate and feasible, to carry out certain elective conservation works to enhance the historic value. Given the antiquity of the fabric in the portfolio, a considerable amount of effort is required overall to maintain Monuments in a structurally-stable condition and this consideration demands a significant amount of ongoing effort, often continuing over a period of years.

Apart from fabric issues, there are also general maintenance requirements involving seasonal issues such as grasscutting, weed spraying and bramble removal, painting and whitewashing, small general repairs and preventive maintenance etc. It also involves servicing the guided visitor sites ensuring that they have adequate supplies, maintaining access, signage, fencing etc to required standards and addressing general visitor wear and tear issues.

Table B details the total of all such expenditure each year for the period in question.

Table B

-	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Expenditure €m	18.795	17.34	15.557	14.566	14.425	14.312	14.844	15.422

National Monuments

Questions (564)

Robert Troy

Question:

564. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of visitors to each of the 780 national monuments that are open to visitors managed by the OPW for the most recent year available and to provide a breakdown of the list by visits to each site. [13465/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the day-to-day running of all National Monuments and National Historic Properties (i.e. those in State ownership or guardianship). It has a conservation remit to maintain the National Monuments in State care and an active role in facilitating presentation and public access under the terms of the National Monuments Act 1930 which makes provision for the protection and preservation of National Monuments including the admission of the public to National Monuments.

The approach of the OPW Heritage Services is essentially conservation oriented with the bulk of resources dedicated to this end. The vast majority of properties in State care are presented to the public without specific visitor facilities such as a guide service. Public access to heritage attractions has a high priority and much effort has been made to improve access and information at all built heritage sites.

There are a total of almost 1,000 individual National Monuments in State care at approximately 768 locations around the country. These are managed and maintained by the OPW and include both sites which are in full State ownership and others which are privately-owned but where Guardianship arrangements exist and where the OPW provides maintenance services. A small number of sites have National Monuments which are State owned and others which are privately held at the same location.

As a general policy, the OPW facilitates visitor access to as many National Monument sites as possible. However, access is not always feasible because of a range of issues including physical location, risks associated with dangerous structures and restrictions imposed in some cases by landowners who may wish to limit access, either temporarily or more longer term, by reason of accident risk, livestock etc. The OPW would estimate that approximately 10% of the National Monument sites in its care are not accessible at any given time.

As part of its remit, the OPW also provides enhanced visitor access, together with guide facilities in some cases, at approx. 70 of the more prominent visitor locations nationally. These include many of the most iconic heritage sites in the country such as Kilmainham Gaol, the Rock of Cashel, Newgrange etc as well as a number of smaller, less well known properties. In general visitor numbers are only recorded at those sites where there is a guide service. However, there are a small number of sites where footfall counters have been installed. The following table shows all visitor numbers available for 2015.

2015 Visitor Numbers

Site Name	Total
-	-
Altamont	58,435
Arás	4,343
Ardfert Cathedral	7,802
Athenry Castle	10,848
Aughnanure Castle	36,929
Ballyhack Castle	2,613
Battle of the Boyne/ Oldbridge Estate	58,053
Blasket Centre	48,261
Boyle Abbey	6,919
Brú na Bóinne	44,705
Newgrange	150,125
Knowth	69,057
Cahir Castle	68,532
Carrowmore	37,566
Casino Marino	18,141
Castletown House & Parklands	297,691
Céide Fields	32,821
Charles Fort	86,849
Clonmacnoise	157,660
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre	5,331
Derrynane House	26,961
Desmond Castle	9,493
Desmond Hall	11,150
Donegal Castle	47,136
Dublin Castle	231,178
Dún Aonghasa	120,104
Dungarvan Castle	17,280
Dunmore Cave	43,767
Durrow Abbey*	5,264
Emo Court	13,244
Ennis Friary	11,377
Famine War House*	2,825
Farmleigh Estate	410,076
Ferns Castle	9,440
Gallarus Castle	51,816
Garinish Island	58,557
Glebe House and Gallery	23,085
Glendalough Visitor Centre	79,182
Grianan of Aileach*	107,968
Hill of Tara*	159,686
J F Kennedy Arboretum	96,910
Jerpoint Abbey	23,442
Kilkenny Castle	282,588
Kilmacurragh Gardens	67,083
Kilmainham Gaol	326,635
Listowel	8,110
Loughcrew	14,416
Main Guard	7,951
Maynooth Castle	21,843
Mellifont Abbey	12,493
National Botanic Gardens	553,348
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills	4,173
Parke's Castle	16,620
Pearse Museum	35,418
Pearse's Cottage	8,946
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre	141,582
Portumna Castle	14,237
Rathfarnham Castle	3,737
Reginald's Tower	30,818
Reginald's Tower - French Church	3,212
Rock of Cashel	300,749
Roscrea Heritage	25,715
Ross Castle	95,785
Scattery Island	1,750
Skellig Michael	12,560
Sligo Abbey	15,592
St. Audoen's Church	33,092
St. Mary's Church, Gowran	2,634
Swiss Cottage	24,146
Tintern Abbey	15,227
Trim Castle	86,972
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* New passive footfall counter installed	-

National Monuments

Questions (565)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

565. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure steps are taken to protect St. Laurence's Gate in Drogheda, County Louth, from being further damaged by vehicular traffic (details supplied); if he will consult with Drogheda Borough Council and have a proper traffic management system in place which will afford full protection to this national monument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13497/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

As I indicated last week to the Deputy, steps are being taken to meet with Louth Co. Council, the Roads Authority for Drogheda, in the near future to discuss the traffic management issues surrounding the St. Laurence’s Gate and officials from my Office and the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be available to participate in those discussions.

OPW staff have already examined the structure and have established that the fabric has not been damaged by the recent incident.

Departmental Policy Reviews

Questions (566)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

566. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will encourage reform or policy initiatives with a view to maximising the potential for economic recovery and development in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13615/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Service Reform was a central element of the response to the challenges of recent years and remains an essential part of building for the future. Since the first Public Service Reform Plan was published in 2011, a comprehensive programme of reform has been implemented and this continues to be a key priority. This is important as the performance of the Public Service has major implications for the management of the State's finances, and for economic development and employment creation.

The final year of the implementation of the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-16 commenced in January and work is also continuing on implementing the Civil Service Renewal and other sectoral reform programmes. The Government has also committed to further reforms in the Programme for a Partnership Government.

A comprehensive Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-16 was published in April. The report was sent to all Deputies and is also available at www.reformplan.per.gov.ie. We must build on this progress and maintain a focus on Public Service Reform over the coming years. It is essential that targeted recruitment and investment in public services is done in tandem with further Public Service reform measures, not least as current and future demographic trends will continue to place demands on public service delivery.

In addition to overseeing the final phase of the implementation of the current Reform Plan, I have asked my Department to initiate the development of the next phase of Public Service Reform. In this context, I can assure the Deputy that Public Service Reform will continue to be a key priority.