Written Answers Nos. 155-167
155. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of long-term jobseeker's allowance broken down by social protection office (details supplied); the number of these that have been referred to Seetec in the past year; the number available in each area to go on the Tús scheme and the community employment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31443/16]
View answerCommunity Employment (CE) and Tús are labour market activation programmes which help long-term unemployed people (those 12-months or more in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment) and other disadvantaged groups to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine. They are designed to be a temporary fixed-term activation intervention as a stepping stone back to employment. However, the work experience does not represent paid sustainable employment in the open labour market.
JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that supports people who are long-term unemployed and those most distant from the labour market to secure and sustain full-time paid employment. Participants on JobPath receive intensive individual support to help them tackle barriers to employment and to assist them in finding jobs. Each person is assigned to a personal adviser who assesses a person’s skills, experience, challenges and work goals. The personal adviser works with the jobseeker to agree a personal progression plan that includes a schedule of activities, actions and job focused targets. Participants are also provided with a range of training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills. They spend a year on JobPath and if they are placed into a job they will continue to receive support for at least three months and up to twelve months while in employment.
The following table sets out the number of people on the Live Register as at end September for the locations in question. It also shows the number of people who were in receipt of a jobseeker’s allowance (JA) payment for more than one year and it also shows the number of people who have been referred to Seetec.
|
Office |
Live Register |
JA> 1 year |
Referred to Seetec |
|
Ballinrobe |
570 |
280 |
75 |
|
Clifden |
772 |
450 |
197 |
|
Galway (includes Oughterard) |
7,580 |
4,045 |
2,470 |
|
Total |
8,922 |
4,775 |
2,742 |
It is not possible to provide figures for the number of people available in each area who might qualify for the community employment scheme as the range of eligibility criteria is very broad and data is not readily available. Having regard to the eligibility criteria for Tús, the number of people who are in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance for more than one year less the number of people on JobPath is indicative of the numbers who could be eligible for Tús i.e. c. 2000.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
156. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has applied for permission to engage outside public relations companies for the purposes of disseminating Government policy; the cost of each contract entered into; the name of the contractors; the duration of the contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31685/16]
View answerMy Department has not applied for permission to engage outside public relations companies for the purposes of disseminating government policy.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
157. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific criteria such as relevant academic qualifications, election-related professional experience which his Department uses in the selection of current members of the roster of international election observers; the way this roster compares with international best practice of standard-setting bodies for example UN, EU, OSCE, IFES; if he will describe the scoring system used to select an observer for a specific mission; and if he will confirm that those selected have had the most relevant academic qualifications or professional experience to observe that particular international election. [31336/16]
View answerFollowing a comprehensive review of the election observation roster in 2013, a call for applications was issued by the Department in January 2013, and the Information Note for Applicants which was published on the Department’s website set out the four criteria through which applicants would be appraised. They were: Language skills; Experience of election observation; Knowledge of human rights and / or governance issues; and Experience of living in challenging environments. Following the appraisal process, a new roster comprising of 200 individuals with a strong mix of skills and experience came into effect on 15th May 2013.
For each election observation mission, the EU or OSCE set out their specific requirements and, on the basis of expressions of interest from roster members, the Department draws up a list of applicants. In selecting nominees to be put forward, the specific criteria set by the EU or OSCE, including relevant local and regional experience, language proficiency, gender and length of time since serving on a mission, provide the main basis for decision-making. In many cases, the EU and OSCE also invite Member States to nominate new observers or observers with limited experience and this is also factored into the nomination process. Following consideration of the applicants, a draft list of nominees is submitted for Ministerial approval.
In the case of EU election missions, the final selection of observers from the list of approved nominees submitted by the Department rests with the European Commission. In the case of OSCE election missions, all the observers nominated by the Department are usually selected. Overall, Irish nominees have a high success rate and by the end of 2016, a total of more than 60 observers will have participated in Election Observation Missions, compared to 46 in 2015.
Ireland participates actively in the European Commission and European External Action Service-led Election Observation network, which brings together election observation Focal Points from all 28 EU Member States, together with Canada, Switzerland and Norway. The network facilitates exchange of information and best practice on all aspects of election observation monitoring, and helps to ensure that we are acting in accordance with that best practice.
I am confident that the Irish nominees who have a strong mix of skills and experience, are of the necessary standard to participate in international election observation missions.
158. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has applied for permission to engage outside public relations companies for the purposes of disseminating Government policy; the cost of each contract entered into; the name of the contractors; the duration of the contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31679/16]
View answerMy Department has not engaged outside public relations companies for the purposes of disseminating government policy.
My Department has from time to time commissioned companies with a public relations and communications background but this has been for the provision of other professional services such as project management, logistics and event management, particularly in relation to Irish Aid public outreach activities.
159. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made to date in addressing the long running issue of the provision of pensions for the community employment supervisors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31188/16]
View answerThe issue of pension entitlements for Community Employment Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors was the subject of a Labour Court recommendation in 2008. The position is that although the employing bodies concerned are mainly funded by public expenditure programmes, the State does not have any role as an employer in this sector and the employees of such bodies are not public servants.
This matter together with other related issues is the subject of discussion at the Community Sector High Level Forum (or Working Group) (previously the Informal Forum) which was convened to examine certain issues pertaining to the Community Employment sector. The forum met on 27 November 2015 and on 11 April 2016. Future meetings will be planned once a new Chair has been appointed.
160. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the definition of overtime as per the Haddington Road agreement and Lansdowne Road agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31269/16]
View answer161. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a difference in terms of overtime rates earned between those on salaries up to €35,000 plus and those working out doors on 39-hour contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31270/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.
Overtime generally relates to the compensation for extra attendance beyond normal working hours but the term is not defined in the Haddington Road Agreement. However, Sections 2.13 to 2.15 of the Haddington Road Agreement cover the revised arrangements in relation to overtime. Under the terms of the Agreement there is no difference in the rate of overtime for those on salaries up to €35,000.
For those who were required to work additional hours under the terms of the Agreement, the denominator for the calculation of overtime increased and the overtime rate reduced accordingly.
As there was no increase in hours for those who worked a 39 hour net week, as a compensating measure, an hour of overtime worked each week was unpaid until 31st March 2014.
Details of the revised overtime arrangements are available on my Departments website http://www.per.gov.ie/en/public-service-pay-policy/
162. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of Departments that have applied for permission to engage outside public relations companies for the purposes of disseminating Government policy; the cost of each contract entered into; the name of the contractors; and the duration of the contracts. [31332/16]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question, my Department has not engaged any outside public relations companies for the purposes of disseminating government policy.
163. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the nominal amount of capital expenditure, the capital expenditure as a percentage of GDP for each year since 2000 to 2015 and to include the estimates for 2017-2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31353/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table :-
|
Year |
Gross Voted Capital Expenditure €,000 |
Capital as a % of GDP |
|
2000 |
3,930,452 |
3.6% |
|
2001 |
4,975,673 |
4.1% |
|
2002 |
5,583,873 |
4.1% |
|
2003 |
5,360,805 |
3.7% |
|
2004 |
5,204,177 |
3.3% |
|
2005 |
5,882,879 |
3.5% |
|
2006 |
6,661,045 |
3.6% |
|
2007 |
7,819,137 |
4.0% |
|
2008 |
9,011,084 |
4.8% |
|
2009 |
7,332,611 |
4.3% |
|
2010 |
6,384,671 |
3.8% |
|
2011 |
4,514,782 |
2.6% |
|
2012 |
3,808,786 |
2.2% |
|
2013 |
3,386,884 |
1.9% |
|
2014 |
3,597,075 |
1.9% |
|
2015* |
3,718,997 |
1.5% |
|
2016** |
4,167,338 |
1.6% |
|
2017 (f) |
4,535,112 |
1.6% |
|
2018 (f) |
5,295,000 |
1.8% |
|
2019 (f) |
6,070,000 |
2.0% |
|
2020 (f) |
6,675,000 |
2.1% |
|
2021 (f) |
7,285,000 |
2.2% |
Source: CSO, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and Department of Finance
* 2015 Provisional Outturn
** 2016 Revised Estimate
In assessing both the level of and the trend in Gross Voted Capital Expenditure as a percentage of GDP over the period as set out in the table, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the recent report of the Dáil Committee on Budgetary Oversight - of which the Deputy is a member - which highlighted the limitations in key macroeconomic variables to accurately reflect developments in the economy in light of the scale of the CSO's revision to GDP for 2015 in the National Accounts.
The Budget Oversight Committee also highlighted in its report the case for greater public capital investment. As set out in the summary response to the Committee's report published last week on the Budget 2017 website www.budget.gov.ie , the Government is committed to increasing investment spending in a managed and sustainable manner that ensures value-for money from increased public investment. The Programme for a Partnership Government makes clear that the existing Capital Plan is the starting point for increased investment in priority areas over the coming period. The Mid-Year Expenditure Report set out the cumulative total additional capital of €5.14 billion over and above that allocated in the Capital Plan for the period to 2021. The review of the Capital Plan will assess how additional funding is to be allocated across Departments to meet investment priorities.
Finally, in light of the level and GDP share of capital spending in the period to 2009 set out in the table, I would also draw the Deputy's attention to Figure 6 on page 6 of the Expenditure Report which highlights that gross voted expenditure grew by 57 per cent, 26 per cent and 38 per cent over the three three-year intervals 1999-2002, 2002-2005 and 2005-2008 respectively. This highlights the extent to which growth in public expenditure growth was unsustainable over that period, culminating in the fiscal collapse that followed. This draws attention to the importance of ensuring, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Partnership Government, that growth in public spending - including both current and capital expenditure - is consistent with the requirements of the EU Fiscal Rules.
164. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full year effect of the spending measures announced in budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31423/16]
View answerAs set out on page 36 of the Expenditure Report 2017, there is an estimated carryover impact into 2018 of approximately €½ billion arising from certain of the increases in Departmental expenditure included in the Budget Estimates for 2017.
These estimates will be updated as the details in relation to implementation of Budget measures are further developed.
The spending review, scheduled to be carried out next year in advance of Budget 2018, will among other issues, consider the policy options for meeting the additional cost arising in 2018 of the Budget 2017 expenditure measures.
165. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the application made by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to his Department in February 2016 seeking to have the Civil Service grades of veterinary inspector and research officer listed as grades meriting professional, technical and specialist added years; the details of the consultations between the two Departments on this issue since February 2016; when it is expected to make a decision on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31438/16]
View answerThe matter in question relates to issues concerning incremental credit in respect of the starting salaries of Veterinary Inspectors and Research Officers recruited from open competition and who were appointed after 23 December 2010 at the first point of their incremental salary pay scale. It is the position that the matter will be addressed by way of third party resolution under the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme.
166. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé de rún aici reachtaíocht níos déine a thabhairt isteach chun cosaint níos fearr a thabhairt do shuímh ina bhfuil oidhreacht thógtha lonnaithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31307/16]
View answerTá mé sásta go bhfuil an tAcht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000, arna leasú, éifeachtach ó thaobh ár n-oidhreacht thógtha a chosaint. Tá athbhreithniú leanúnach á dhéanamh ag m'oifigigh ar fheidhmiú an Achta, a mhéid a bhaineann sé leis an gcosaint seo. Go ginearálta, bíonn athruithe ar an reachtaíocht pleanála faoi chaibidil leanúnach ag mo Roinnse agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Pleanála, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil.
167. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money allocated to the CLÁR scheme for 2016 and 2017; the measures it is proposed to roll out in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31100/16]
View answer211. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the measures it is intended to introduce under the CLÁR scheme in 2016 and 2017 respectively; the amount of money it is intended to expend by the end of 2016 under the scheme; if in 2016 or 2017 there will be a measure co-funded by the Department of Education and Skills or solely funded by her Department for the development of outdoor play facilities at primary schools in the CLÁR area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31441/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 211 together.
I announced the reopening of the CLÁR Programme on the 6th October 2016, with funding of €3 million available for this year. The programme will provide funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.
The reopening of CLÁR is part of the Government’s programme to support rural development, which has also recently seen the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, a new phase of the REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zones) initiative, and funding for rural recreation infrastructure under the Rural Recreation Scheme.
CLÁR 2016 will see funding provided for three measures: Safety Measures for Schools and Community/ Sports Facilities, Playgrounds (including in primary schools) and Multi-Use Games Areas, and Local Access Roads. All funding will be dependent on Local Authorities having the capacity to implement the proposed projects immediately. CLÁR funding can provide up to 80% of the funding for eligible activities, with the remainder provided by the Local Authority or through other local contributions.
I have secured an allocation of €5 million for CLÁR for 2017 as part of Budget 2017. This funding will build on the 2016 scheme and further support the development of areas of particular disadvantage in rural Ireland.
