Written Answers Nos. 278-292
278. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains confident that public expenditure and reform expectations remain in line with previously identified targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23100/16]
View answerThe key focus of fiscal policy over the last number of years has been to reduce the General Government Deficit in line with the targets set under the Excessive Deficit Procedure. The management of public expenditure has played an important role in ensuring that these key fiscal targets have been achieved.
Managing the delivery of public services within Budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and their Department and 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.
As set out in the end-June 2016 Exchequer returns, total gross voted expenditure for the first half of the year amounted to €26.3. This was €7 million behind the published profiles based on the Estimates for 2016 published in December 2015. An additional €500 million was provided to the Department of Health in the June Estimates to deal with spending pressures including in the acute sector and to ensure service levels are maintained in relation to health and social care. Additional resources of €40 million have also been allocated to the Justice Group of Votes to support an intensified response by An Garda Síochána to the recent spate of serious crime related violence in Dublin.
As the Deputy suggests, Public Service Reform was a key element of the Government's response to the crisis and the strategy for recovery. The reforms implemented over the past five years enabled us to maintain and improve public services in the face of the necessary reduction in staff numbers and budgets, at a time of increased demand for public services.
Significant progress has been made since the publication of the first Public Service Reform Plan in 2011. The current Public Service Reform Plan was published in January 2014 and covers the period 2014-2016. While maintaining an emphasis on efficiency and reducing costs, this Plan puts a particular focus on improved service delivery and achieving better outcomes. The first Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 was published in March 2015 and can be seen on my Department's website. The second Annual Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-16 published in April 2016 sets out the significant progress that has been made over the last year in implementing the cross-cutting reform actions set out in the Plan.
279. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the projected European Union funding specifically for North-South projects; the amount of co-funding provided by the Irish State to these projects in each of the years from 2016 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23293/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Irish Government was successful in securing €150 million of EU funding (constant prices) towards a new cross-border PEACE Programme for the period 2014-2020. The UK Government subsequently decided to allocate an additional €50 million to the Programme from its overall EU allocation under the European Regional Development Fund.
The PEACE Programme has a total value of €270 million (current prices), with 85% being recouped from the European Regional Development Fund and the balance funded by the two Member States:
|
Projects |
Funding |
|
ERDF |
€229.17m |
|
Ireland |
€8.74m |
|
UK |
€31.70m |
|
Total |
€269.61m |
Calls for applications have opened for four elements of the Programme in the areas of Shared Education, Building Positive Relations, Local Authority Actions Plans, and Shared Spaces, and the assessment of proposed projects is underway. Until such time as this process is completed, however, additional detail on the funding categorisation by year is not available. Further project calls are planned for 2016 and 2017.
The INTERREG Programme has a total value of €283 million (current prices), with 85% being recouped from the European Regional Development Fund and the balance funded by the two Member States:
|
Projects |
Funding |
|
ERDF |
€240.35m |
|
Ireland |
€12.57m |
|
UK |
€29.84m |
|
Total |
€282.76m |
The INTERREG Programme has four key priority areas for investment, namely research and innovation, the environment, sustainable transport, and health. Funding calls have issued for all priorities and the assessment of proposed projects is underway. As with the PEACE Programme, until this process is completed it is not possible to provide detail on the funding categorisation by year. Further project calls will issue during 2016 and 2017.
280. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline per annum from 2017 to 2021 the projected increase in expenditure due to demographic demands and existing public service pay agreements; if this increase is already factored into the projected fiscal space for those years; the subsequent fiscal space per annum after these costs; a breakdown of the demographic and pay agreement related increase per Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23297/16]
View answerThe Summer Economic Statement (SES) published in June this year set out a baseline or pre-Budget fiscal forecast (Table A1) and also an ex-post forecast (Table 3) reflecting an indicative allocation of fiscal space between tax and expenditure.
As summarised below, the pre-Budget forecast shows an increase in gross voted current expenditure between 2016 and 2021 of €2.62 billion. This increase reflects certain expenditure pressures in Health, Education and Social Protection arising from demographics, additional expenditure in Agriculture arising from the roll-out of the Rural Development Programme, and the carry-over impact of certain Budget 2016 measures, including the Lansdowne Road Agreement. An adjustment is also included to take account of expected lower numbers on the Live Register. Further detail in relation to these amounts for the period 2017 to 2019 is set out in Table 1.7 on Page 8 of the Mid-Year Expenditure Report 2016 published by my Department this month.
The ex-post forecast in the SES shows an increase in gross voted current expenditure between 2016 and 2021 of €6.78 billion. The difference between the pre-Budget increase of €2.62 billion and the increase in the ex-post forecast represents the indicative allocation to gross voted current expenditure of fiscal space amounting to a cumulative €4.16 billion over the period 2017 to 2021. This indicative allocation by year is set out in Table 1.1 on page 2 of the Mid-Year Expenditure Report 2016.
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Pre-Budget Forecast |
€ bn |
€ bn |
€ bn |
€ bn |
€ bn |
€ bn |
|
Gross Voted Current Expenditure |
51.87 |
52.58 |
53.20 |
53.60 |
54.03 |
54.49 |
|
year on year change |
0.71 |
0.62 |
0.41 |
0.43 |
0.46 |
|
|
Ex Post Forecast |
||||||
|
Gross Voted Current Expenditure |
51.87 |
53.18 |
54.41 |
55.76 |
57.21 |
58.65 |
|
year on year change |
1.31 |
1.23 |
1.36 |
1.45 |
1.44 |
Turning to capital investment, the pre-Budget forecast in the SES includes the increases set out in the Public Capital Plan published in September last year. Table 1.1 in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report 2016 summarises the indicative allocation by year of the cumulative additional €5.14 billion in capital expenditure included in the ex-post forecast in the SES.
Tables 1.5 and 1.6 in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report 2016 set out the pre-Budget current and capital expenditure ceilings by Ministerial Vote Group for the period 2017 to 2019. The costs relating to the Lansdowne Road Agreement are included in a central provision and will be allocated by Department as part of the Budget 2017 Estimates process. Further detail in relation to expenditure on a Departmental basis is also set out in the Annex to the Report. Pre-Budget ceilings in respect of current expenditure have not been set on a Departmental basis for periods after 2019. Consequently, the figures included in the pre-Budget forecast in the SES use the aggregate overall increase of c. €0.4 billion in respect of demographic related costs for 2019, adjusted for a lower amount being available for reallocation within expenditure from Live Register savings in subsequent years.
281. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if or when his Department will utilise section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939 to confirm a new title for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23353/16]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question my department will not utilise Section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939 as the title of my Department has not changed.
282. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff employed by Waterways Ireland in 2008; the number of staff currently employed, specifying the number of office-based staff and operational staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23011/16]
View answer283. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she considers that the numbers employed by Waterways Ireland are still representative of the 85:15 split in funding; and the measures in place to provide permanent employment in each of the areas where the employment levels have fallen since 2008. [23012/16]
View answer284. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if moves towards part-time or casual employment is in the best interests of Waterways Ireland employees and staff. [23013/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 to 284, inclusive, together.
As of 31 December 2008 Waterways Ireland employed 335 staff, comprised of 118 Professional, Technical and Administration staff (who are primarily office based although Waterways Ireland does not classify staff by such a category) and 217 Operational (Industrial) staff, including 9 fixed term operational (industrial) staff and 15 agency Professional, Technical and Administration staff.
Waterways Ireland currently employs a total of 336 staff, comprised of 130 Professional, Technical and Administration staff (primarily office based), and 206 Operational (Industrial) staff, including 38 fixed term operational (industrial) contract staff and 9 Professional, Technical and Administration staff.
The 85:15 ratio referred to by the Deputy does not relate to the staff within the organisation. It is a reflection of the kilometres of navigation in each jurisdiction, 85% in this jurisdiction and 15% in the North.
Having regard to the budgetary resources available to the organisation, Waterways Ireland continuously reviews its staffing arrangements in order to prioritise the delivery of front-line services. In this context, Waterways Ireland has moved to a model of recruiting fixed term staff. This reflects the fact that as some elements of the organisation’s work are seasonal in nature, permanent appointments would not offer value for money.
285. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Killarney National Park; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23016/16]
View answerBetween 2011 and 2015, my Department invested almost €400,000 on works on roads within Killarney National Park. This represented almost 6% of all capital expenditure on Ireland’s National Parks and Nature Reserves between 2011 and 2015. These works included:
- €26,666 on repairs to a roadway in the Killarney Demesne area, from the Deenagh Lodge to the White Bridge; and
- €175,000 on repairs to roadways in Muckross and in the Reen area of the Demesne.
To date in 2016, a further €174,500 has been expended on works to the internal roadway opposite the Muckross House entrance to the National Park. This roadway is now complete and the project was co-funded by the Department and the Trustees of Muckross House. In recent weeks, Departmental staff at Killarney National Park have also carried out emergency repairs on the most damaged stretches of roadway in the Park. This work involved the use of tar and chips to fill in the worst of the potholes.
My Department has recently engaged an engineering consultant to oversee a programme of road works in Killarney National Park going forward. This work will include the filling of potholes, the repair of road centres, and more comprehensive resurfacing work, with priority given to those roadways which require the greatest repairs.
The national road running through the National Park is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, in conjunction with Kerry County Council, as provided for by the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015.
286. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if or when her Department will utilise section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939 to confirm a new title for her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23342/16]
View answerThe Government, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939 (No. 36 of 1939), made the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2016 - Statutory Instrument No. 357 of 2016 - on 5 July 2016.
The Order came into effect on 7 July 2016 and provides that the title of my Department is, in the Irish language an Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta and in the English language the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in “Iris Oifigiúil” of 12 July, 2016.
287. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23049/16]
View answerAs the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to you. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
288. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a request by a person (details supplied) for equipment from the HSE. [23051/16]
View answerAs the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to you. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
289. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a motorised wheelchair for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23299/16]
View answerAs the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to you. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
290. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a specialised chair for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23339/16]
View answerAs the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to you. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
291. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of persons of 18 years of age who are accommodated in institutions across the State overseen by his Department and the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22924/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, the Deputy can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
292. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse: National Policy and Procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22931/16]
View answerThe particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
