Niall Collins
Question:453. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied). [21161/16]
View answerCommunity Employment Schemes Supervisors
Questions (453)
Written answers
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, this 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 which represents the various interests has been reconvened in order to examine the matter fully, having regard to costs and precedent.
Lansdowne Road Agreement
Questions (454)
David Cullinane
Question:454. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the legal position of non-unionised public sector workers in relation to the 2015 amendment to section 7(1) of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013; if non-unionised public sector workers are covered by the collective agreements relating to the pay and pension restoration elements of the Lansdowne Road agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21187/16]
View answerWritten answers
Similar to their unionised colleagues who have subscribed to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, non-unionised public service workers who comply with the terms of that Collective Agreement will attract the benefits of the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
Trade Union Agreements
Questions (455)
David Cullinane
Question:455. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of public servants; the total number of public servants that are members of trade unions or representative associations; the public sector unions and representative associations that have members in the public sector; the total number of members that each trade union and representative association has in the public sector; the total number of public sector workers in trade unions and representative associations that have signed up to the Lansdowne Road agreement; the total number of public sector workers in trade unions and representative associations that have not signed up to the Lansdowne Road agreement; and the total number of public sector workers that are not members of a trade union or representative association, in tabular form in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21190/16]
View answerWritten answers
The number of public servants at Q1 2016 is 300,302. A detailed breakdown of public service employee numbers is available at: http://databank.per.gov.ie/Public_Service_Numbers.aspx?rep=SectorTrend.
Membership of trade unions or representative associations in the public service and their voting records as members is a matter between the trade union or representative association and the individual public servants and my Department does not hold such data in respect of the public service.
The Public Service Committee of ICTU provides a non-exhaustive list of Unions with membership in the public service at http://www.ictu.ie/about/committees/14/.
Flooding Data
Questions (456)
Catherine Connolly
Question:456. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he will take to deal with the ongoing flooding issues in Cong, County Mayo, with particular reference to Drumsheel Lower, Cregaree and Barna in relation to the Cong canal, given that no works have yet been undertaken by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21213/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has maintenance responsibility for those Catchment Drainage Schemes and Flood Relief Schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, including the Corrib-Mask-Robe Catchment Drainage Scheme which includes a channel in Cong. The OPW has no responsibility for the maintenance of channels which do not form part of OPW schemes, nor any authority to carry out any works there. The flooding issues in Cong are related to a number of sources, including underground channels.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources. The OPW operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme under which funding can be provided to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
I understand that Mayo County Council have retained consulting engineers to look at flooding issues in and around the village of Cong. OPW Regional Staff have met with the Council, its consultants, residents affected by flooding and Inland Fisheries Ireland, and have also carried out a number of surveys in the area. OPW staff are providing data to assist the Council in bringing forward a funding application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the overall availability of resources for flood risk management and the scheme's eligibility criteria.
Certain works on the OPW channel have been identified, and these are being put in hand. Plans are being developed for a tree management package in conjunction with Coillte who own the forestry on the right bank of the channel. It is hoped that work on this can commence at the end of the nesting season (1st September) subject to the required environmental assessments.
Interdepartmental Committee Membership
Questions (457)
Mary Butler
Question:457. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the members of the interdepartmental group on fuller working lives and when the group will publish its report. [21219/16]
View answerWritten answers
Membership of the Interdepartmental Group on Fuller Working Lives was as follows:
- Mr. David Moloney, Department of Public Expenditure & Reform (Chair)
- Mr. Colin Menton, Department of Public Expenditure & Reform
- Mr. Peter Brazel, Department of Public Expenditure & Reform
- Mr. Martin Shanagher, Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation
- Mr. Dermot Sheridan, Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation
- Ms. Simonetta Ryan, Department of Social Protection
- Mr. Niall Egan, Department of Social Protection
- Mr. Robert Nicholson, Department of Social Protection
- Ms. Teresa Cody, Department of Health
- Mr. Michael Keogh, Department of Education & Skills
- Mr. Deaglán Ó Briain, Department of Justice & Equality
I expect to bring the report to Cabinet shortly, following which I intend to publish it on my Department's website.
Community Employment Schemes Supervisors
Questions (458)
Mary Butler
Question:458. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he aware that his officials have cancelled meetings of the community high level forum on 8 June 2016 and again on 27 June 2016 with no reason provided; if this means that the forum is ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21223/16]
View answerWritten answers
The issue referred to in the Deputy's question concerns Community and Employment Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors who are seeking through their union representatives the allocation 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 notwithstanding the position that those companies are or were reliant on State funding.
This issue has, however, remained under review and in this context the Community Sector High Level Forum which represents the various interests has been reconvened in order to examine the matter fully, having regard to the implications for costs and precedent.
The Forum meeting scheduled for 27 June 2016 will now be reconvened at a later date.
Community Employment Schemes Supervisors
Questions (459)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:459. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on community employment supervisors who have retired with no pension (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21303/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 notwithstanding that those companies are or were reliant on State funding.
However, this 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 which represents the various interests has been reconvened in order to examine the matter fully, having regard to costs and precedent.
National Museum
Questions (460, 461)
Denise Mitchell
Question:460. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason for choosing the National Museum of Ireland for sittings of Seanad Éireann; and if the possible impact on educational programmes, is accounted for in this selection. [21337/16]
View answer
Peadar Tóibín
Question:461. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if space in the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology has been temporarily given to Seanad Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20548/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 461 together.
My Department is liaising with the OPW and the National Museum of Ireland regarding a request by the Oireachtas to use some space in the National Museum premises on Kildare Street on a temporary basis while essential works are being carried out to the Seanad Chamber in Leinster House. This request is being considered by the Board of the National Museum.
With regard to any potential inconvenience for the Museum in terms of its lecture programme/education and outreach services, my Department has assured the Museum that it will take all necessary steps, in conjunction with the OPW, to ensure that these services can be continued with the minimum of disruption.
EU Funding
Questions (462)
Pearse Doherty
Question:462. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of pre-financing by programme her Department has applied for with regard to the current phase of EU funding programmes; the amount that is likely to be reimbursed to the European Commission; the reasons this money will be reimbursed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20573/16]
View answerWritten answers
In terms of Programme expenditure, my Department received €3.923 million in pre-financing for the LEADER programme in December 2015. None of this amount will be reimbursed to the EU Commission and further funding will be drawn down based on actual expenditure (at the rate of 63%) over the course of the programme which is due to run until 2020. My Department also received €2.969 million in pre-financing from the EU Commission under the EU LIFE programme for a number of projects between 2013 and 2015. None of this funding will be reimbursed to the EU Commission.
Departmental Agencies
Questions (463)
Dara Calleary
Question:463. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of positions on the boards of bodies and agencies under the aegis of her Department; the number of vacant positions; when each vacancy occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20678/16]
View answerWritten answers
The information sought by the Deputy is provided in the following Table. It may be noted that the National Archives of Ireland has an Advisory Council, rather than a Board. The Public Appointments Service operates a dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, through which it advertises vacancies on State Boards. Arrangements are currently in train in co-operation with the Public Appointments Service to fill the vacancies listed in the Table, other than in relation to An Foras Teanga.
In the case of appointments to the boards of Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, being agencies of the North South Implementation Body, An Foras Teanga, these are made by the North South Ministerial Council, arising from nominations on a 50:50 basis by each jurisdiction.
|
Body |
No of Positions |
No of Vacancies |
Date of Vacancies |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
16 |
0 |
|
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
17 |
6 |
1 (07/06/16) 1 (03/03/16) 2 (21/02/15) 1 (07/05/14) 1 (15/02/14) |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
12 |
7 |
7 (05/12/15) |
|
Arts Council |
13 |
3 |
2 (14/02/16) 1 (21/02/16) |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Heritage Council |
15 |
14 |
4 (22/07/2013) 4 (31/10/2015) 6 (25/01/2016) |
|
Irish Film Board |
7 |
1 |
1 (26/05/2015) |
|
Irish Manuscripts Commission |
20 |
0 |
|
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
12 |
0 |
|
|
National Concert Hall |
9 |
0 |
|
|
National Library of Ireland |
12 |
0 |
|
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
16 |
5* |
1 (6/01/2016) 1 (11/03/2016) 1(20/05/2016) |
|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
8 |
0 |
|
|
Western Development Commission |
8 |
0 |
|
|
National Archives of Ireland Advisory Council |
12 |
10 |
4 (01/05/16) 4 (01/02/16) 2 (30/04/13) |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
12 |
0 |
*3 of the vacancies relate to nominations from this jurisdiction
Leader Programmes Funding
Questions (464)
Peter Burke
Question:464. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the Leader programme will be approved for County Longford and contracts signed for delivery of programmes, considering the long delays already suffered and the large number of groups who are waiting for funding as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20757/16]
View answerWritten answers
Last Friday 8th July 2016, I launched the LEADER programme in Virginia, Co Cavan, where I signed funding agreements with 20 local action groups. The delivery of LEADER may commence immediately in those areas where funding agreements have been signed and the local action groups can now receive applications for funding.
I am also confident that funding agreements will shortly be in place in all LEADER sub-regional areas. This includes Longford, in respect of which additional information and clarifications have been requested by the Independent Selection Committee established to review and select the strategies submitted in each area. The Committee will meet again in early August to facilitate the finalisation of the remaining strategies, including the strategy for Co Longford.
EU Directives
Questions (465)
Clare Daly
Question:465. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to tackle an issue (details supplied) which is impacting on residents' quality of life and on the trade of local businesses. [20828/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will appreciate the constraints applying in the case of a ‘details supplied’ Question. Ireland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the relevant Directive in this case. There are circumstances under which Member States can derogate from certain provisions of the Directive in cases where there is no other satisfactory solution. Such circumstances include where action is being taken in the interests of public health and safety.
My Department has received correspondence from businesses and individuals in the location concerned relating to the issue referred to by the Deputy. My Department will consider any application for derogation but can only do so in compliance with European law. However, my Department has not received any such application to date.
Natural Heritage Areas Designation
Questions (466)
Robert Troy
Question:466. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the bogs she has recently designated as natural heritage areas. [21023/16]
View answerWritten answers
There are currently 155 natural heritage areas. 75 raised bogs, which are located mainly in the midlands, and 73 blanket bogs, mostly in western areas, have been designated as natural heritage areas. In addition 7 natural heritage areas, identified as of particular importance to birds, have also been designated. I have not recently made an order designating land as a natural heritage area.
The Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network was published in January 2014. The review concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. This will entail:
- The phasing out by 1 January 2017 of turf-cutting on 36 existing natural heritage areas, which will remain designated - this includes 7 sites to be divided, with part to be conserved and part de-designated;
- The complete de-designation of 46 natural heritage areas - including the relevant areas of the 7 sites to be divided; and
- The designation as natural heritage areas of 25 currently undesignated raised bogs, which are in public ownership or where there is reduced turf cutting pressure, so as to compensate for the loss of habitat within the sites where it is proposed that turf cutting can be allowed to continue. I do not propose to identify these sites until I am in a position to apply the relevant legal protections to them. Compensation will be made available to affected turf cutters from these sites.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (467)
Brendan Griffin
Question:467. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, in the context of turf cutting, she plans to amend the 1976 Act to authorise suitable authorities to arrest or search persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21203/16]
View answerWritten answers
Powers of search and arrest already exist in both the Wildlife Acts and in the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. These powers may be exercised in a broad range of circumstances where offences are being committed.
VAT Rebates
Questions (468)
Paul Kehoe
Question:468. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her position regarding VAT refunds on the expenditure of moneys received through the 1916 fund; if a registered charity set up as a company limited by guarantee, that is VAT registered, is entitled to apply for a VAT refund on the expenditure of such funds when any such rebate would be re-invested in the same project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21253/16]
View answerWritten answers
VAT refunds and other taxation related issues are a matter for individual grantees and the Revenue Commissioners. However, it is a standard condition of grant allocations from my Department that all monies provided by my Department are spent on the agreed project.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (469)
James Lawless
Question:469. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the Heritage Bill 2016, including when it will proceed to the next stage of the legislative process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21333/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Heritage Bill 2016 passed its Second Stage reading in Seanad Éireann on 20 January 2016 and is included in the Government Legislation Programme, which was published on 8 June 2016. I have requested that this Bill would proceed to the Committee Stage in the Seanad as soon as possible.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (470)
James Lawless
Question:470. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will examine the representations of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland relating to its call to have a new separate and distinct canal Bill which is separate and distinct from the Heritage Bill in order to secure the best interests of all canal users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21334/16]
View answerWritten answers
Provisions to amend the Canals Act 1986 in order to allow for the subsequent making of bye-laws to regulate boating on the canals and to manage the use of the canals are contained in the Heritage Bill 2016. This Bill passed its Second Stage reading in Seanad Éireann on 20 January 2016 and is included in the Government Legislation Programme, which was published on 8 June 2016. I have requested that this Bill would proceed to the Committee Stage in the Seanad as soon as possible.