Written Answers Nos. 381-400
381. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures or new initiatives being taken at a national and European level to address the persecution of women and the abuse of female human rights across the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23566/16]
View answer‘The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World’ and ‘One World, One Future: Ireland’s Policy for International Development' reaffirm Ireland’s commitment to advancing gender equality globally through our international engagement and development assistance programmes. In line with these policies Ireland is actively engaged in the strengthening of international standards aimed at addressing gender inequality and promoting women’s empowerment at the United Nations and other regional organisations.
Our participation in discussions at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) and the Third Committee of the General Assembly enable us to influence and express our support for resolutions on such issues including: the elimination of discrimination against women; violence against women; female genital mutilation; the right to education by every girl; and strengthening efforts to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage. We also raise our concerns regarding the situation of women in specific countries through our interventions at the HRC’s Universal Periodic Review where the human rights records of individual states are reviewed by other UN Member States.
Ireland has also played an important part in supporting UN bodies specifically aimed at addressing gender equality and played a key role in the establishment of UN Women. During the 60th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March 2016, Ireland supported side events on: prostitution and the role of men and youth in mobilising its abolition; preventative approaches to Gender Based Violence; the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women; and on Women, Peace and Security, as part of our longstanding advocacy on this issue. Our election to serve on the CSW from 2017 to 2021 provides an opportunity to enhance our contribution to the promotion of gender equality.
Discrimination against women is a central driver of extreme poverty and food insecurity and addressing this is an integral part of our international development policy. The OCED has commended Ireland for having, “consistently played an important agenda-setting role on gender equality and women's empowerment” and ensuring that gender equality and women’s empowerment are a significant objective of our bilateral overseas development assistance. Both bilaterally and at the UN, we consistently emphasise the importance of gender mainstreaming as a key aspect of ending poverty, hunger and discrimination. During the 30th session of the UN Human Rights Council in September 2015 Ireland addressed the issue of gender and mainstreaming and called for the full and equal participation of women at all decision-making levels in UN bodies.
At the annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women at the 32nd session of the Council in June 2016, Ireland’s statement focused on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, highlighting the importance of implementation of the Agenda to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable women and girls are not left behind.
Ireland supports EU engagement to promote and protect women’s human rights as part of its external actions. In June 2016, the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) adopted the report on the implementation of the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy (2015-2019) which outlines the actions taken by the EU to promote the human rights of women in 2015. These include the adoption of a Gender Action Plan (2016-2020) and the policy for Strategic Engagement for Gender Equality (2016 – 2019) as well as a commitment to provide €100 million over the next seven years to support gender equality and women's and girls' empowerment projects.
382. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role Ireland will play as a member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 2017 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24064/16]
View answerThe Commission on the Status of Women is the principal global policy-making body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. Ireland will, for the first time, serve as a member of the Commission from 2017 to 2021. Our membership of the Commission provides an opportunity for Ireland to further enhance our commitment to the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
This commitment is set out in our statement of foreign policy, ‘The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World’ and is also a central objective of ‘One World, One Future: Ireland’s Policy for International Development’. It is implemented through the mainstreaming of gender equality across our foreign policy, including our policy for international development, as well as providing direct support to programmes aimed at achieving women’s empowerment.
The negotiations on the 2030 Agenda, which Ireland had the honour of co-facilitating, have resulted in a broad consensus across the entire UN membership on the critical importance of empowering women and girls for sustainable development. Ireland’s work towards the empowerment of women and girls in conflict-resolution and peace-building is pursued through our second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, launched in January 2015, which implements United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. We have also played a key role in the establishment of UN Women, the UN body to promote gender equality. Through our engagement at the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council, Ireland also works to promote gender equality, to combat all forms of discrimination against women and prevent gender-based violence.
As a member of the Commission on the Status of Women, Ireland will continue to strengthen our international engagement in support of gender equality and women’s empowerment. We have pledged to work to strengthen the voice and functioning of the Commission, support its contribution to the wider 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promote the participation of civil society in its work. We will also continue to support and contribute to the EU’s engagement at the Commission.
383. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps taken to date to rebuild Gaza following pledges made at a conference in Cairo in 2014; the aid committed by the Government to this project; the actual expenditure by the Government on this project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24065/16]
View answerThe conflict in Gaza two years ago compounded an already serious humanitarian situation, with a high level of civilian casualties, large scale internal displacement and massive damage to the already fragile infrastructure. At the International Gaza Reconstruction Conference, held in Cairo in October 2014, donors pledged USD3.5 billion to support recovery efforts in Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict.
The World Bank is taking the lead on monitoring pledges made at the Conference and its most recent report of 19 April 2016 indicates that USD1.409 billion has been disbursed, which represents 40% of the funding pledged. I am aware that the current rate of disbursement is less than expected, contributing to a pace of reconstruction much slower than needed. According to the report, only 9% of totally damaged houses and 45% of partially damaged houses have so far been rebuilt, and 14,800 families continue to be displaced. While recent indications are that residential reconstruction is picking up momentum, the amount of construction material imported into Gaza continues to be lower than needed.
As an immediate response to the Gaza crisis, Ireland provided €500,000 in July 2014 to the Emergency Appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to help provide urgently needed food, shelter and medical aid to thousands of families many of whom had to flee their homes.
At the International Gaza Reconstruction Conference, I pledged a further €2.5 million towards urgent immediate needs and long term recovery efforts. €2 million of this has been provided to UNRWA’s Gaza Emergency Appeal. During my visit to the Middle East last month, I met with UNRWA’s Deputy Commissioner General, Sandra Mitchell, who provided me with a detailed briefing on the very significant progress made in rebuilding UNRWA’s educational and medical facilities. I was pleased to announce at that time, a further €500,000 for UNRWA’s response in Gaza. This fulfils our pledge of €2.5 million made at the International Gaza Reconstruction Conference in 2014 and brings our total support to the Gaza crisis to €3 million.
Ireland has met its pledge in full in the timeframe specified and I would urge all countries to fulfil their pledges. It should be recalled, of course, that many of the pledges made, like Ireland’s, were to be phased over a period of time. Many States also made clear that their willingness to donate was linked to progress in discussions to ensure that this type of conflict did not happen again. Unfortunately there has been little progress in this regard.
Ireland will continue to press, at EU level and elsewhere, to maintain focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza and for an end to the continuing blockade.
384. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on the peace and reconciliation fund and the estimated full-year cost in 2017 of increasing funding by 5%; 10%; 15% and 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24129/16]
View answerThe Reconciliation Fund, which is administered by my Department, was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations create better understanding between the people and traditions of the island of Ireland, and also between Ireland and Britain. Between 1982 and the end of 2015 approximately €44 million in funding has been allocated.
The signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 committed parties to “positively examine the case for enhanced financial assistance for the work of reconciliation”, leading to a significant increase in funding for the Reconciliation Fund by the Government at the time. As part of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the Government committed itself to guaranteeing the continued allocation of €2.7 million annually to the Reconciliation Fund.
If funding were increased in 2017 by the percentages indicated by the Deputy, the allocation would amount to:
|
% |
€ |
|
Plus 5 per cent |
€2.835 million |
|
Plus 10 per cent |
€2.97 million |
|
Plus 15 per cent |
€3.105 million |
|
Plus 20 per cent |
€3.24 million |
Funding is currently awarded twice a year, and applications for the second round of this year’s funding will be accepted until 16 September 2016. Details of the application process are available on the Reconciliation Fund’s website: https://www.dfa.ie/about-us/funding/reconciliation-fund/.
386. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed by his Department or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24162/16]
View answerThe remuneration of the staff of my Department is as sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in line with Government policy.
It is very difficult to estimate the potential cost of introducing an hourly rate of €11.50 per hour for all employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is largely dependent on the number of temporary clerical staff employed in the Passport Service during the peak season which can vary from year to year. A rough estimate of the cost per annum would be in the region of €500,000 to €750,000.
There are no State Agencies funded by my Department.
387. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions his Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to his Department or to agencies of his Department to ensure that employees of such suppliers and contractors are paid the living wage of €11.50 per hour; the cost of implementing this wage for these employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24177/16]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s public procurement activity involves the acquisition of services, supplies, goods and works in accordance with the Government’s procurement policies. There are no State Agencies reporting to my Department. Open public procurement procedures are used to engage external contractors to provide non-core services involving ICT, programme administration and general services.
The Department meets its statutory obligations relating to minimum pay by complying with the European Procurement Directives and the Government’s procurement rules by utilising the standardised set of Government public procurement documents.
The use of Government model templates of request for tenders for supplies, services and goods, which incorporate model template contracts, outline the legal and procedural obligations placed on both the Department and tenderers regarding employment protection.
When issuing tenders, the Department publishes provisions of the contract and request for tenders simultaneously. The contracts clearly outline the terms and conditions, specifications and special conditions relating to the operation of the contract in an open and transparent manner.
Compliance with standard employment protection provisions is confirmed by the tenderer in her/his acceptance of the terms and conditions of the tender competition on contract completion.
In view of the foregoing, there have not been any discussions with suppliers or service contractors to the Department regarding the possible payment of an hourly rate of €11.50 per hour to their employees.
The cost in implementing any such wage level for suppliers/service contractor employees would be a matter for the suppliers/contractors and we would not be in a position to quantify the cost of any such change.
388. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department to date in 2016; the number of requests fully refused; and the number of requests partially refused. [24283/16]
View answerBreakdown of Freedom of Information Requests to date
|
Number of FOI requests received* |
Number of completed requests part-granted |
Number of completed requests refused |
|
107 |
21 |
7 |
*Total requests received includes requests still under consideration, requests subsequently withdrawn and those withdrawn and answered outside of the FOI Act.
389. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of miles claimed for and the amount of travel expenses paid to him and each Minister of State in his Department in respect of their functions as Ministers in his Department between 1 January 2016 and 10 March 2016; between 11 March 2016 and 6 May 2016; and since 7 May 2016. [24298/16]
View answerMileage expenses are paid in accordance with rates and regulations set down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Mileage expenses are a monthly total and reflect business related travel across Ireland during the respective month, and incorporate deductions for any personal related travel.
Listed in the following table are the details of travel expenses, including mileage, paid to me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and to the Ministers of State at the Department since 1 January 2016.
The information provided to the Deputy refers to payments made during the three periods which are the subject of his Question. Some of the payments made in 2016 cover trips and mileage for the period 13 July to 31 December 2015.
The latest period for which claims were paid to individual Ministers relates to 3 June 2016, in my own case, 30 April 2016 in the case of Minister of State Deenihan, 30 June 2016 in the case of Minister of State Murphy and 6 May 2016 in the case of Minister of State Sherlock.
Travel Expenses paid to the Minister and Ministers of State from January 2016 to date.
|
1 January 2016 to 10 March 2016 |
Total mileage |
Total paid |
|
Minister Charles Flanagan T.D. |
15,751 |
€8,059.58 |
|
MoS Dara Murphy T.D. |
11,464 |
€6,199.27 |
|
MoS Jimmy Deenihan T.D. |
10,639 |
€5,278.80 |
|
MoS Sean Sherlock T.D. |
5,182 |
€3,840.71 |
|
11 March 2016 to 6 May 2016 |
||
|
Minister Charles Flanagan T.D. |
4,363 |
€2,259.32 |
|
MoS Dara Murphy T.D. |
9,240 |
€3,959.42 |
|
MoS Jimmy Deenihan T.D. |
4,591 |
€2,287.20 |
|
MoS Sean Sherlock T.D. |
4,355 |
€2,498.27 |
|
7 May 2016 to date |
||
|
Minister Charles Flanagan T.D. |
10,947 |
€3,590.65 |
|
MoS Dara Murphy T.D. |
18,572 |
€6,057.16 |
|
MoS Jimmy Deenihan T.D. |
5,542 |
€1,892.59 |
|
MoS Sean Sherlock T.D. |
3,921 |
€1,796.40 |
|
MoS Joe Mc Hugh |
Nil |
Nil |
390. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to his special advisers; to provide details of requests, if any, for an increase above the special advisers pay cap as set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24315/16]
View answerThe following are the details of the Special Advisers who have been appointed to my Department under the Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices for the 32nd Dáil.
|
Minister |
Name |
Annual Salary Scale € |
|
Minister Charlie Flanagan |
Sarah Kavanagh Tom Fabozzi |
79,401 – 97,194 79,401 – 97,194 |
I can confirm that no request has been received to date for an increase above the special advisers’ salary cap.
391. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his Department hope to be in a position to pursue and secure new markets for Irish exports with particular reference to the challenges arising from Brexit; if he expects to utilise a multi-faceted approach in this endeavour regardless of deadlines associated with Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24322/16]
View answerA number of challenges and uncertainties lie ahead given the outcome of the UK Referendum on EU Membership, not least insofar as our trading relationships are concerned. Whatever shape new trade arrangements emerging from a UK exit from the European Union might take, the deep-rooted and longstanding economic relationship between Ireland and the UK will undoubtedly remain important to us. At the same time, it is important to recognise that Ireland has long been working to deepen its market penetration and market diversification, a strategy that can only continue to reap significant dividends in terms of safeguarding our long-term economic prosperity.
For example, while growing in volume terms, the percentage of exports to the UK as a percentage of total global exports has declined over the period 2005 to 2015; the majority of Irish services and merchandise exports are, in fact, to the European and US markets. This trend is consistent with the ambition outlined in the Government’s Enterprise 2025 Strategy, setting as a target a 50% increase in exports to non-UK markets.
While we must and will continue to cultivate these more traditional markets, the Government recognises that ongoing and indeed intensified market diversification is crucial for Ireland’s long term economic resilience.
Currently, Local Market Teams are chaired by the relevant Ambassador in our twenty-seven priority markets. They comprise the representatives of the Embassy and relevant State agencies. These teams submit annual market plans as well as six-monthly reports of activity. In the course of a 2014 review of the Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, seven additional high-potential and exploratory markets were identified to increase our engagement with high-growth markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
Guided by this, new Embassies have been opened in Bangkok (Thailand), Jakarta (Indonesia), Nairobi (Kenya) and Zagreb (Croatia) as well as Consulates-General in Hong Kong (China), Austin (Texas, USA) and Sao Paulo (Brazil). The opening of these new Embassies and Consulates strengthens Ireland’s capacity to take advantage of emerging market opportunities.
In January this year, I launched an Economic Diplomacy Strategy that seeks to build on the consolidation of the Department’s trade role in recent years by establishing a network of locally hired Commercial Attachés to extend the range and impact of our Embassies’ activities in support of trade. Our Embassies in Mexico, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Bucharest, and Jakarta have all provided a firm and immediate basis for the appointment of a locally hired, term-limited, Commercial Attaché and it is proposed to appoint such officers to these locations in the coming months. In addition, provision is already made for the appointment of an Economic Development Officer (EDO) in Abuja, funded from the Irish Aid budget, whose role would be analogous to that of a Commercial Attaché. There is potential to make similar appointments in other locations.
Within the context of our already very successful Local Market Teams, this initiative will equip Embassies with the resources and autonomy to become active and open business hubs for Ireland’s exporters, thereby strengthening the work of promoting Irish business undertaken by the State agencies and their networks overseas.
Through our Mission network, the Department will also be supporting Enterprise Ireland’s international trade mission schedule for the rest of 2016, to include trade missions to Northern Europe, USA, China, India and other high-growth markets. With regard to the UK Referendum in particular, IDA Ireland is liaising directly with its 1200+ client companies and potential investors in order to work with them on the implications of the result in order to identify new opportunities for Ireland in certain sectors, many of which already form part of the IDA’s marketing strategy.
Building on impressive growth in the agrifood sector, our Mission network also supports the opening of new markets for Irish food and food products, which is of critical importance and plays a key role in helping to achieve the sustainable growth targets set out in the Food Wise 2025 industry development strategy. This strategy includes overall growth projections for the agrifood sector for the next decade, including an increase in exports of 85% to €19 billion by 2025. Exports in this sector in 2014 amounted to €10.45 billion. Non-EU markets accounted for 28% of total Irish agrifood exports that year, with significant potential for further growth. These new markets, with growing middle class populations and increasing levels of disposable income, will provide significant growth opportunities for Ireland’s agrifood and drinks sectors in the coming years.
All of these efforts by our Embassies and Local Market Teams abroad will be guided by the Export Trade Council, which I chair, and the associated parent Departments, including Trade Division within my Department. In the period leading up to the Referendum, I consulted with the Export Trade Council on a number of occasions and convened a further meeting only yesterday, at which Government Ministers, State agency heads and private sector representatives with proven business expertise had a productive discussion of the strategy and tactics outlined above, reaffirming market diversification as a key mitigating factor in alleviating Ireland’s exposure to economic uncertainty.
Furthermore, it has been decided that the formulation of a new successor policy to the Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy will be accelerated. “Trading Better” will set out a coherent medium term plan to enhance and improve how we support Irish exports and investment.
392. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects the flood risk management plans for the Wad, Santry, Moyne and other rivers and streams of Dublin Bay North to be available for public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23757/16]
View answerThe rivers in question are contained in the Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.
Good progress is being made on the CFRAM Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the Office of Public Works (OPW) working in partnership with the local authorities. The Programme involves the production of predictive flood mapping for 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs), the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans. The CFRAM flood risk and hazard mapping is being finalised following the conclusion of the national statutory public consultation process on 23rd December, 2015.
Following the finalisation of the flood mapping and the preliminary flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated Flood Risk Management Plans containing specific measures that can address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risks identified.
The draft Plans are being made available for Statutory Public Consultation on a rolling basis from Friday 15th July, 2016. The public consultation for the draft Plans for the Eastern River Basin Districts is scheduled to commence towards the end of August 2016. This public consultation will run for ten weeks. Further details are available on the dedicated consultation website www.opw.ie/FloodPlans. Copies of the draft Plans, related Environmental Assessments and an information leaflet will be available at the principal offices of each local authority.
Following the public consultation process, the draft Plans will be finalised taking on board the comments received. The finalised Plans will include a prioritised list of measures, both structural and non-structural, that can address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner. The Plans, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016, will then be sent to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for his approval.
393. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the figures for his Department on the percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through certified leave and uncertified leave in each year from 2011 to 2015 inclusive. [23417/16]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the following table outlines the percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through certified leave and uncertified leave in each year from 2011 to 2015 inclusive.
|
Year |
- |
% of Working Days lost (Lost Time Rate) - Uncertified Leave |
% of Working Days lost (Lost Time Rate) - Certified Leave |
|
2015 |
DPER |
0.22% |
2.08% |
|
|
OGP |
0.25% |
1.55% |
|
|
SS |
0.51% |
4.09% |
|
2014 |
DPER |
0.21% |
1.69% |
|
|
OGP |
0.77% |
2.43% |
|
|
SS |
0.60% |
5.5% |
|
2013 |
DPER |
0.17% |
2.7% |
|
|
OGP |
- |
- |
|
|
SS |
0.53% |
3.69% |
|
2012 |
DPER |
0.17% |
1.62% |
|
2011 |
DPER |
0.25% |
2.25% |
Note:
Data for OGP included since its establishment in 2014.
Data for Shared Services included since its establishment in 2013.
394. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to carry out major drainage work on the River Erne system in County Cavan due to the ongoing problems with flooding in that catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23467/16]
View answer395. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans, if any, to carry out drainage work on the Dromore River system in County Monaghan due to ongoing problems with flooding in that catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23468/16]
View answer396. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the outcome of recent discussions, if any, he has had with the Northern Ireland authorities relating to flooding problems caused by the River Erne in County Fermanagh and County Cavan; if there have been any discussions regarding the need to carry out the appropriate drainage and remedial works to alleviate the serious flooding problems that are caused in part by the restrictions to water flow through the River Erne at the channel between the Upper and Lower Lough Erne and at the channel between the Lower Lough Erne and the Cliff Dam near Belleek; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23469/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 394 to 396, inclusive, together.
The River Erne and Dromore River do not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. The OPW therefore has no responsibility for maintenance, nor any authority to carry out any works there.
Local flooding issues are, in the first instance, a matter for each local authority to investigate and address, and they may carry out flood alleviation works from their own resources. Local Authorities may also apply to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for funding of flood mitigation works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor works to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management. Details are published on the OPW website www.opw.ie.
The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding, is the OPW's Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. 300 locations nationwide are being assessed under the Programme. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans.
In relation to the River Erne system, Cavan Town; and in relation to the Dromore River system, Ballybay are Areas of Further Assessment (AFA) being assessed as part of the North Western-Neagh Bann CFRAM Study, one of six study areas.
The draft flood mapping is now being finalised, work on the development of preliminary options to address flood risk is significantly advanced leading to the development of integrated Flood Risk Management Plans containing specific measures that can address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risks identified. The OPW works in close co-operation with the Rivers Agency of Northern Ireland on the North Western-Neagh Bann CFRAM Study.
A public consultation day was held in Cavan Town on the draft flood mapping on 19th February, 2015 and a further event was held on 17th February, 2016 on the preliminary options.
A Public Consultation Day was held in Ballybay on the draft flood mapping on 18th February, 2015 and a further event was held on 15th February, 2016 in relation to the preliminary options.
In addition, a national statutory public consultation on draft flood maps concluded on 23rd December, 2015.
The draft Plans are being made available for Statutory Public Consultation on a rolling basis from Friday 15th July, 2016. The draft Plans for the North Western-Neagh Bann River Basin District will be available in the second phase of the roll out, scheduled to commence in August 2016. This public consultation will run for ten weeks. Further details are available on the dedicated consultation website www.opw.ie/FloodPlans. Copies of the draft Plans, related Environmental Assessments and an information leaflet will be available at the principal offices of each local authority.
Following this public consultation process, the draft Plans will be finalised taking on board the comments received. The finalised Plans will include a prioritised list of measures, both structural and non-structural, that can address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner. The Plans, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016, will be sent to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for his approval.
The Government recently announced increased levels of annual investment to €100m for flood relief as part of the overall Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021.
397. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding that has been allocated to Cavan County Council to date in 2016 to carry out essential drainage work; if it is proposed to allocate further funding to the council and, if so, if he will outline the drainage work to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23476/16]
View answer398. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding that has been allocated to Monaghan County Council to date in 2016 to carry out essential drainage work; if it is proposed to allocate further funding to the council and, if so, if he will outline the drainage work to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23477/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 398 together.
It is a matter for Cavan and Monaghan County Councils in the first instance to identify and address localised flooding issues in their counties. It is open to the Councils to undertake any local flood mitigation works using their own resources or, if necessary, to submit an application for funding under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection scheme.
To date in 2016, the OPW has approved funding of €200,130 to Monaghan County Council under the above scheme in respect of proposed projects at Drummillard/Lakeview, Castleblaney (€37,530), Corleck/Annahaia (€15,000 for study), Donaghmoyne (€85,500), Bunnoe River (€40,500 for study) and Edengilrevy (€21,600).
Applications for funding from Monaghan County Council in respect of two other proposed projects at Cornawall, Doohat and at Munmurry, Glaslough are currently being assessed by OPW engineering staff. No applications for funding from Cavan County Council are currently to hand in the OPW.
All applications for funding under the Minor Works administrative scheme are assessed in accordance with the eligibility criteria for the scheme which includes a requirement that all proposed works are cost beneficial and subject to the availability of funding for flood risk management. The eligibility criteria for the scheme are published on the OPW's website www.opw.ie.
The OPW only funds drainage works related to fluvial or river flooding. Any necessary works to address flooding caused by pluvial or inadequate surface water drainage systems are the responsibility of the local authority. The local authority is responsible also for the ongoing maintenance of certain watercourses within Drainage Districts in the county.
The OPW carries out its own programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500 km of river channel and approximately 730 km of embankments nationally. These maintenance works relate to arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945, whose purpose was primarily to improve the drainage of agricultural lands. The OPW has a statutory duty to maintain the completed schemes in proper repair and in an effective condition. The annual maintenance programme typically involves some clearance of vegetation and removal of silt build-up on an average five-yearly cycle.
The planned OPW maintenance programme in Co Cavan in 2016 includes work on some 18 km on the Inny scheme, approximately 7 km on the Boyne scheme and 3 km of the Glyde and Dee scheme.
The planned OPW maintenance programme in Co Monaghan in 2016 includes work on approximately 65 km of the Monaghan Blackwater Arterial Drainage Scheme and some 35 km of the Glyde and Dee scheme.
399. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the dates on which the OPW carried out works on Durrow Abbey House, Tullamore, County Offaly; if he will intervene in the escalating dispute between his Department and the Arts for Peace Foundation; the funds or grants that were committed to the foundation and the Ministers who were involved in leasing the house to the project; if he will consider the use of an independent mediator, agreed by both sides, in the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23657/16]
View answerDurrow Abbey House is held by the Arts for Peace Foundation (AFP) on a full repairing and insuring lease. I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland that they undertook emergency remedial works to prevent water ingress to Durrow Abbey in May/June 2016. In January 2012 the sum of €250,000 was allocated for essential works to the fabric of the property subject to standard governance and financial criteria being applied. The Ministers involved in leasing this property were Minister John Gormley T.D., and Minister of State, Mr. Tom Parlon, T.D.
My officials are available to meet with AFP at any time to discuss how the matter might be resolved. However, as this matter is under legal consideration I am not in a position to make any further statement at this time.
400. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current position regarding the planned flood relief scheme in Cork city; the estimated timeline in the delivery of the project; the level of funding that has been committed to the project; the amount of money spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23852/16]
View answerThe Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme is at design stage, with the outline design currently being finalised in tandem with an Environmental Impact Statement. It is expected to hold a formal, statutory Public Exhibition later this year, when statutory consultees, affected landowners and the public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed scheme. Following this, work on the detailed design will be progressed with the aim of enabling the Office of Public Works (OPW) to submit the Scheme for Ministerial Confirmation under the Arterial Drainage Acts as early as possible in 2017.
Subject to Confirmation of the Scheme by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the OPW will aim to appoint a civil works contractor and commence construction within a short period thereafter. Due to the likely scale and complexity of the proposed Scheme, it is likely that the Scheme will be undertaken on a phased basis under a number of contracts. The design consultants have commenced work on a Phasing Report which will assist a structured implementation of the Scheme. This will be a very significant scheme with commensurate costs estimated at €60-€80m, though this figure is to be finalised at construction stage, and it is anticipated that the works will take at least 4-5 years to complete.
Both the OPW and Cork City Council are anxious that works would commence at the earliest possible date and investigations are underway to see if some advance works at Morrisons Island could be undertaken by the City Council under its own powers. Should this prove feasible, then funding would be provided to the Council by OPW to enable it to progress such works in early 2017. This work, once complete, will significantly reduce the frequency of tidal flooding in Cork City.
Detailed design and confirmation of the remaining phases of the scheme will follow on after Public Exhibition and it is likely to take approximately 12 to 18 months to complete these phases. It is envisaged that the subsequent construction phases of the scheme will follow on immediately.
€1.795 million has been spent on the Lower Lee project to date on fees, surveys etc.
As the outline design for Blackpool has been completed, it has been decided to separate this and make it a scheme in its own right. The proposals for Blackpool were on display during the Public Exhibition period late last year and it is hoped to complete the detailed design of the Scheme and proceed to the tender process for a civil works contractor before the end of the year. The Scheme will also be sent for Confirmation to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform at the same time and subject to no issues arising, a contractor could be appointed in quarter two 2017.
The Government remains fully committed to the provision of a flood relief scheme for the people of Cork City and the OPW has made provision for the cost of implementing both schemes in its Multi Annual Budget Profiles over the period 2016-2021.
