Written Answers Nos. 291 - 305
291. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff dedicated to managing Ireland's response to the decision of the United Kingdom to exit the European Union; the structure of this team; how it will work with teams in other Departments; who has overall responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20298/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government has adopted a Contingency Framework identifying key policy issues to be managed by Government Departments arising from the referendum vote in the UK to leave the EU.
The Contingency Framework is being co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach. It is based on preparation over many months including inputs by Government Departments to identify the key strategic and sectoral issues arising from the UK disengaging with the EU. This framework will ensure that the Government and its constituent Departments are able to focus on key policy/issues to be addressed in any exit negotiations with a view to minimising potential operational risks likely to arise.
Amongst the priority issues identified in the contingency planning process is Energy.
Under the Contingency Framework, Ministers, Departments and Agencies will track and adapt the detail of contingencies and risk management strategies arising in each of the key areas identified.
As part of the contingency planning for a UK EU exit, a number of existing structures are in place and will be used to manage the process on a whole-of-government basis. This includes:
- The Cabinet Committee on EU Affairs and the Senior Officials Group that supports it;
- The joint UK Permanent Secretaries/Irish Secretaries General group and its North-South equivalent;
- A senior official in every Government Department has already been identified to oversee this issue - in the case of my Department this is the Assistant Secretary over the Energy area;
- The Department of the Taoiseach chairs an Interdepartmental group of senior officials that has been meeting regularly to look specifically at the bilateral and national interests affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The work of this group will be scaled up and intensified;
- A wider consultative group of stakeholders chaired by Department of the Taoiseach comprising key business representative groups, ICTU and NGOs has also been meeting for some months now. The work of this group will also be scaled up and intensified;
- The work of the North-South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council will become more important as mechanisms to develop the detailed outworking of policy issues arising.
An internal group of senior officials in my department has been meeting since early 2015 to consider the implications of Brexit, to ensure that the impacts were identified and any that appropriate contingencies prepared. The work of this group will now be intensified and will focus on more detailed contingency planning. The Group, as indicated, will be chaired by the Assistant Secretary over the energy area who will in turn report into my Department’s Management Board chaired by the Secretary General.
As Minister, I will continue to ensure that the necessary political oversight is provided to the contingency planning process and to the development of negotiating positions insofar as issues related to my Department are concerned.
292. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to provide, per annum, all external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011, in tabular form; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report and the publication date. [20342/16]
View answerIn the time available it has not been possible to gather the information sought by the Deputy. My Department is compiling the information requested and I will write to the Deputy with the information sought as a matter of urgency.
293. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total photography costs per annum for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance in tabular form; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20372/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Photography Costs - 6th May to 7th July 2016 - Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
|||
|
Company |
Event Date |
Event |
Cost - € |
|
Maxwell Photography |
25/05/2016 |
Launch of EPA Guidelines, Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone |
602 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
31/05/2016 |
Launch of report on impacts of Online Trading Voucher scheme |
490 |
|
Total |
1092 |
Payments from Ministerial allowances are not a charge on the Vote of the Department and therefore my Department does not hold information on these payments.
Photographers are booked for the purpose of recording key events attended by Ministers, such as the launch of schemes and programmes, new initiatives and visits by various delegations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, following an EU-level advertised procurement process, has established a Framework Agreement comprising five firms for the provision of photography services. The Framework was established in February 2012 and is open for use by all Government Departments and Offices. My Department avails of this Framework Agreement for photography needs.
294. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to provide, broken down per annum, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming into office, in tabular form; the external public relations firm used; to outline the internal departmental policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20387/16]
View answerSince taking office on 6 May 2016, my Department has not used any external public relation firms.
My Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy and public broadcasting, and regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and address specific issues as they arise. The Department, therefore, may incur expenditure on public relations from time to time.
In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and to keep expenditure to the minimum necessary.
295. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his oversight of the tree felling and land clearance Irish Rail conducts in maintaining rail lines and infrastructure; the chemical agents it uses in this process; the potential environmental impact of this felling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20316/16]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
296. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can confirm the inclusion of the N52 Ardee bypass for consideration in the 2017 capital programme review. [20332/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Within its annual budget the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, such as the Ardee Bypass is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
As the Deputy is aware the Ardee Bypass was not included in the Capital Plan published in September 2015. Decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department’s Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. Based on the findings in that report it is envisaged that maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority over the next period and the bulk of the roads capital budget, over €4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for implementation of the PPP road programme which is already underway. In this context the Ardee bypass was one of the projects that it was not possible to include given the overall funding envelope available.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government proposes to undertake a Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan, which will take stock of progress and provide the Government with an opportunity to consider the scope for increased levels of investment, including in the transport sector, taking economic growth and fiscal progress into account.
297. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) concerning the number of wheelchair taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20170/16]
View answerSince 2010 the regulatory framework for Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) requires that new taxi or hackney licences may only be granted where the vehicle complies with the specifications for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).
There is a clear need to favour the issuing of licences to WAVs rather than for standard taxis or hackneys. The number of WAVs in Ireland compares very poorly by comparison with other jurisdictions. The effect of the low proportion of WAVs in the overall small public service fleet has translated into major difficulties for wheelchair users to obtain transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has introduced a number of initiatives to address the shortfall in WAVs including the introduction of new regulations permitting smaller vehicles to be used as wheelchair accessible taxis and a grant scheme to assist in the purchase of suitable vehicles.
I have referred your question to the NTA to provide some further detail on taxi licensing and the steps being taken to address the shortfall in WAVs. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
298. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the additional €10 million for regional airports provided for under the programme for Government will be made available; if this €10 million is spread over one or more years; the limitations that exist on the areas this money can be spent on; if the additional money is for capital spend; to outline precisely the capital spend allowed and not allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20217/16]
View answer299. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any of the additional €10 million for regional airports provided for under the programme for Government will be spent on extending the runway at Waterford Regional Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20218/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.
As I mentioned in my composite reply to Question Nos. 517, 567 and 568 on 21 June last, Waterford Airport receives substantial Exchequer support under the Regional Airports Programme that is administered by my Department. This Programme also supports the other three regional airports in Counties Donegal, Mayo and Kerry with funding but only in relation to the implementation of necessary safety and security related projects and activities.
Development projects at the airports which are designed to expand capacity are a commercial matter for the airports themselves and are outside the scope of the Programme. In the case of the proposed runway extension at Waterford, I understand that the airport authorities are pursuing local interests for funding in relation to that project.
The extra €10 million in the Programme for Government is for capital funding and will enhance my Department's ability to further support safety and security related investments by the four regional airports. This brings to €38 million (was €28m) the amount provided in the Capital Plan 2016-2022 for supporting the airports in these important areas and, as I said at the Select Committee last week, I would see these extra funds being allocated towards projects over that period, beginning in 2017.
For details of the grant support schemes under the current Regional Airports Programme, I previously referred the Deputy to my Department's website: http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/aviation/english/irelands-regional-airports-programme-2015-2019/irelands-regional-airports-programme-2015-2019.pdf.
300. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff dedicated to managing Ireland's response to the decision of the United Kingdom to exit the European Union; the structure of this team; how it will work with teams in other Departments; who has overall responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20309/16]
View answerThe coordination of my Department's response to the UK exit from the EU is led by the Principal Officer in the Policy and Governance Coordination Division of my Department. The Officer is assisted by the EU Coordination Unit within that Division consisting of three officers at Assistant Principal, Higher Executive Officer and Executive Officer level. The Principal Officer represents my Department on the high level Inter Departmental Group chaired by the Department of an Taoiseach and is also responsible for keeping myself and the senior management of the Department appraised of developments, evolving risks and contingency plans.
The Government Contingency Framework, published in the immediate aftermath of the UK referendum, is an iterative process and as issues emerge and recede in the course of negotiations, my Department will be monitoring the evolving situation and will work with the Department of the Taoiseach, with other Government Departments and with our agencies in identifying and preparing contingency plans and actions and inputting these into the overall Government Framework.
301. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide, per annum, all external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011 in tabular form; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report and the publication date. [20353/16]
View answer303. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide, broken down per annum, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming into office in tabular form; the external public relations firm used; to outline the internal departmental policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20398/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 303 together.
Details of external services, including consultancies and public relations firms as requested by the Deputy, are available from my Department's website at the following link www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services-2015. This document is updated twice each year and information relating to the first half of 2016 will be available later this month.
It is the policy of the Department in the exercise of its functions to use internal resources as far as possible. Consultants are hired occasionally in circumstances where particular expertise is not available internally and where it is deemed to add value and independence to the overall work of the Department.
302. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total photography costs per annum for his Department since coming to office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance in tabular form; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20383/16]
View answerPhotography costs incurred by my Department are on its website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/photography-costs.
However, I can confirm to the Deputy that no costs have been incurred since my appointment.
It is the policy of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport that photography costs are kept to a minimum and services are provided in-house by staff, where feasible.
304. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she will take to assist smaller businesses who trade between the United Kingdom and Ireland following the result of the United Kingdom's referendum to leave the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20111/16]
View answerIt is important to emphasise that the UK is still an EU member, therefore our businesses can continue to trade with the UK on the same terms as before. The precise implications of the UK vote will now depend on the period of negotiation ahead, involving the UK and our EU partners. The Government has undertaken careful planning in recent months for the contingency of this result. We will now take this work forward to ensure that we respond appropriately and that Ireland’s interests are represented fully in the negotiating process.
Following the announcement of the referendum result on Friday June 24th, as part of my own contingency plans, I instituted a Coordination Group consisting of the Chief Executive Officers of both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland and relevant enterprise, single market, and trade officials, to oversee the management of our immediate response and the messaging to businesses both overseas and domestically. I will continue to chair this Group as part my Department’s ongoing response as developments unfold. I have also met with the Director General and CEOs of IBEC, SFA, ISME, and the Irish Exporters Association, to hear at first hand the reactions and concerns of business.
In addition, I have met with the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and will meet them again shortly. Given the importance of the North-South economic relationship I am also meeting this week with Inter-Trade Ireland and recently met bilaterally with my Northern Ireland Counterpart and the Referendum result was discussed.
Enterprise Ireland, as the enterprise agency under the remit of my Department with responsibility for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets, including many smaller businesses who trade between the UK and Ireland, has already put in place a dedicated team to address issues of concern to clients. It has also provided a dedicated phone line and published an Information Guide for clients, detailing ‘5 pillars of support’ and FAQs on its website.
Since the referendum result on 24 June, Enterprise Ireland has:
- Communicated with more than 1,500 clients who export to the UK, with a statement of reassurance and pointing them to the resources available.
- Initiated direct engagement with clients most impacted (more than 200 to date) both in Ireland, and overseas, to hear their concerns.
- Led a pro-active communications campaign in the national media, supporting Enterprise Ireland’s ability to respond to client needs for information and assurance.
The most immediate impact for Enterprise Ireland clients is currency fluctuation. To address this, Enterprise Ireland have conducted a survey of clients exporting to the UK markets to ascertain their currency management status and developed a webinar, which is now live on the Enterprise Ireland website.
This week, Enterprise Ireland will publish a new ‘Guide to Exporting to the UK, post EU Referendum’ which will include expert advice and commentary as well as practical supports on LEAN business, business models, legal, tax, currency risk and supply chain management.
In the period ahead, Enterprise Ireland will pursue a dual strategy of market diversification, beyond the UK markets, while at the same time, supporting Irish companies to maintain and grow existing exports in the UK market (€7.5bn in 2015.)
I have asked Enterprise Ireland to accelerate the finalisation of their plans for increasing the number of trade missions both within the EU, to include France, Germany and Scandinavia, and to intensify our programme of missions in non-EU markets.
More generally, with trade in goods and services across the Irish sea amounting to approx. €1.2 bn per week, I will be lending my support to deepening bilateral trading relations, and in this regard I will lead a trade mission to the Farnborough International Air Show on 12/13 July.
The network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), which are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business, will continue to provide assistance to the small business sector via their suite of support measures.
The LEOs also offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities.
My Department is fully committed to supporting business in this period of heightened uncertainty and we will continue to work closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, the enterprise agencies and other Departments to monitor the impact of the UK referendum result both on indigenous and international companies.
305. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the studies her Department has previously, is currently, or plans to carry out to develop a skills profile of workers needed in the technology sector; if any of this information will come from the findings of census 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20114/16]
View answerIn 2013, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published a report on “Addressing Future Demand for High-Level ICT Skills” in Ireland. This report indicated a strong on-going demand for people with high-level ICT skills across many sectors of the economy – not just the ICT sector itself. The Export Group’s report suggested that 44,500 new job openings could arise in Ireland from expansion and replacement demand over the period to 2018.
A main recommendation in the Expert Group’s report was that the quantity and quality of ICT graduates should be boosted. The report also recommended that enterprises should move further towards the development of experienced employees and providing career pathways for new graduate entrants.
The Government’s ICT Skills Action Plan provides an integrated education system response to increasing the supply of high-level ICT skills.
The current Plan, which covers the period 2014-2018 focuses on actions under three Priority areas:
1. Increasing output of high-level graduates;
2. Enhancing ICT capacity and awareness in the education system; and
3. Ensuring Ireland maintains a strong ICT talent pool and promoting Ireland as a centre for high-level ICT Skills
Actions being taken to increase skills supply include the funding of additional places at Third Level, the provision of targeted reskilling/skills conversion opportunities, and marketing Ireland as a location of choice for international tech professionals looking to work on challenging and interesting projects.
The implementation of the ICT Skills Action Plan is driven by a High Level Steering Group under the auspices of my Department and the Department of Education and Skills. The Steering Group includes industry representatives. A key aspect of the success in progressing the ICT Skills Action Plan process to date has been the close engagement of industry with Government Departments and education and training providers.
The 2016 Action Plan for Jobs includes a commitment to review the implementation of the ICT Skills Action Plan and identify additional measures that might be taken to boost the supply of skilled workers in this area. My Department will work closely with the Department of Education and Skills on this review.
The profile of the specific ICT/Tech occupations used in the EGFSN’s previous work was derived from a special tabulation of occupational codes produced by the CSO from the Census 2011.
Similar findings from the Census 2016 will be valuable in updating this ICT/Tech occupational profiles information.
