Brendan Smith
Question:267. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent report by the House of Lords EU committee on Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40923/16]
View answerBrexit Issues
Questions (267)
Written answers
The UK House of Lords EU Committee’s report on “Brexit: UK-Irish relations” is a welcome contribution to the debate. It highlights the significance of the issues the UK’s exit raises and the need for these to be addressed comprehensively and creatively. The report forms part of a body of parliamentary work being carried out both in Westminster and here in the Oireachtas, helping to inform administrations within Ireland and Britain as well as EU governments and institutions.
The Government contributed to the deliberations of this Committee through the appearance of the Ambassador of Ireland before them in London, while the report also benefitted from valuable contributions by senior figures from political, economic and social life across the island of Ireland.
In the negotiations relating to Brexit, this Government will work to ensure that the best possible outcomes will be achieved for our citizens, for the economy, for Northern Ireland and for the Common Travel Area. The Irish Government takes every opportunity to outline these priority issues at all of our meetings with EU counterparts – at both official and political level.
While exit negotiations will be between the UK on one side and the 27 EU Member States, including Ireland, on the other, it is an ongoing priority for this Government to also maintain and build on the strength of our bilateral relations with the UK Government. We have strong established frameworks to do this through the institutions of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which include the British Irish Council.
Northern Ireland
Questions (268)
Brendan Smith
Question:268. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the implementation of the Fresh Start agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40924/16]
View answerWritten answers
Full and timely implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement is a key priority for the Government and this is reflected by its inclusion in the new Programme for Government. The Government continues to work closely with all relevant stakeholders in this regard.
Progress on implementing the provisions of both the Fresh Start and Stormont House Agreements are considered at periodic review meetings. These are co convened by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I, who attend then along with the First and deputy First Ministers and, where relevant to her portfolio, the Northern Ireland Minister for Justice.
These review meetings are important in providing political direction and momentum for the full implementation of the Agreements. At the most recent review meeting, held yesterday, I am glad to report that is was clear that there has been sustained progress with the implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement over the last year, with each administration actively pursuing the necessary work to fulfil the respective commitments.
For instance the Joint Agency Task Force on cross border crime, launched in Dublin last year, has quickly become fully operational and is progressing its work to tackle cross-jurisdictional organised crime and bring to justice those involved in it. The Task Force builds on existing operational arrangements to tackle organised crime, including that linked to paramilitarism, on a cross-border basis. The Task Force reports on its work to the two Justice Ministers within the framework of their regular meetings under the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Criminal Justice Co-operation, as provided for in the Fresh Start Agreement.
The Government is also meeting its commitments as regards infrastructure projects under the Fresh Start Agreement. This includes a contribution of €25 million from the Irish Government in 2019 for the upgrading of the A5 Western Transport Corridor road project, which is in addition to the €50 million previously committed. The Government’s committed funding of €2.5 million to the North West Development Fund has been provided and is to be matched by the NI Executive. Discussions are continuing at senior official level with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding co-operation on other infrastructure projects, including the Narrow Water Bridge project and the Ulster Canal and exploring financing options for future border infrastructure projects.
A key provision on the Fresh Start Agreement relates to the ending of the legacy of paramilitarism and there have been significant developments on this since the last Review Meeting in June.
Following on from a report by an Expert Panel, the Northern Ireland Executive published its Action Plan on Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime in July.
On 13 September, I signed an international agreement with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to establish the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC). The IRC will report annually on progress towards ending continuing paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland. These reports will inform future Northern Ireland Executive Programme for Government commitments through to 2021. The Government will shortly bring forward legislative proposals before the Oireachtas to establish the IRC in law, with the aim of getting the IRC established and beginning its work as soon as possible.
Following yesterday’s review meeting both Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive announced the appointees to the Independent Reporting Commission. These Commissioners bring a wealth of experience and the broad range of skills necessary to allow as holistic an assessment of progress as possible.
The Government has appointed Mr. Tim O’Connor a former Secretary General to the President and former senior official of my Department. Mr. O’Connor is extremely well qualified to contribute to the work of the IRC and I am delighted that he has accepted this appointment. The other three appointees also bring a wealth of experience to the Commission. They are Mitchell Reiss - former US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland - and Monica McWilliams and John McBurney, both of whom served on the Expert Panel referenced above.
The NI Executive and the British Government are also proceeding with implementation of their respective commitments under the Fresh Start Agreement. The Executive signed off on the 2016-17 Budget last December and the Welfare Bill implementing the relevant provisions in the Agreement passed into UK law on 25 November 2015. The UK Treasury has also approved the release of monies from the Stormont House Agreement funding to support integrated education.
The institutional reforms provided for under the Fresh Start Agreement have also been implemented, including the reduction in the number of Executive Ministries from 12 to 9 and the option for parties entitled to a place in the Executive to instead designate as part of the formal opposition in the Assembly. This option was taken up by both the UUP and SDLP following the Assembly election last May.
In June, the Co-Chairs and members of the Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition Commission were appointed by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Commission is now progressing its work, as foreseen in the Stormont House Agreement and reiterated in Fresh Start.
On 6 December, the First and deputy First Minister announced the formation of a civic advisory panel, which was provided for under the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements. The 6-person panel will consider specific issues relevant to the Executive’s Programme for Government and engage with civic society stakeholders. Reporting to the Executive, the panel may also propose subjects it wishes to consider.
With regard to the establishment of a framework for dealing with the legacy of the past, as envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement but on which final agreement could not be reached during the Fresh Start Agreement talks, the Government remains committed to the full implementation of these commitments.
I am continuing to engage with the Secretary of State and with the Northern Ireland Executive and other parties in Northern Ireland, to see how we can to find a route to a final agreement on legacy issues. While there remain a number of outstanding issues, there is an urgent need to achieve progress - so that the institutions can be established and start working to meet the needs of victims and survivors and support broader societal healing and reconciliation. I am therefore working to secure the necessary political agreement to get the legacy bodies established and up and running as soon as possible.
Northern Ireland
Questions (269)
Brendan Smith
Question:269. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress on the establishment of a civic forum in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40925/16]
View answerWritten answers
On 6 December, the First and deputy First Minister announced the formation of a civic advisory panel, which was provided for under the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements. The 6-person panel will consider specific issues relevant to the Executive’s Programme for Government and engage with civic society stakeholders. Reporting to the Executive, the panel may also propose subjects it wishes to consider.
I welcome the establishment of the civic advisory panel by the Northern Ireland Executive which fulfils a commitment under both the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements.
Passport Services
Questions (270)
Brendan Smith
Question:270. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will give consideration to a request made to an Oireachtas committee (details supplied); his views on whether the provision of such a service would be particularly beneficial for a sizeable proportion of the population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40926/16]
View answerWritten answers
The vast majority of passport applications from both sides of the border are made through the post office networks on this island. This remains the most efficient and cost-effective way to apply and applications can be submitted at some seventy post offices in Northern Ireland and at over one thousand post offices in the state.
To accommodate a relatively small number of people with urgent or sudden travel needs, an appointment service is in operation in the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. This on-line service provides flexibility in allowing customers to book guaranteed time slots, Monday to Friday. It removes the necessity for the small number of citizens who need their passports for urgent travel reasons to queue and ensures that waiting times at public counters are minimised.
The passport reform programme, which is well underway, will deliver further significant customer service improvements in the coming years. From early next year an on-line option for passport renewal for adults will be offered to citizens, whether they are based on the island of Ireland or abroad. I expect that the efficiencies generated by the online passport application system will result in lower turnaround times, fewer demands on the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork and an increase in customer satisfaction.
Overall, I am satisfied that the range of service options meets the current needs of passport applicants and that the service improvements on the way will allow the Passport Service to cope with future challenges. This includes further increases in the number of applications from Northern Ireland.
My Department will continue to keep service levels under careful review and adjustments will be made to the deployment of current resources as needed.
Flood Risk Insurance Cover Provision
Questions (271)
Michael McGrath
Question:271. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has reached agreement with the insurance industry on the use of demountable defences; if the insurance industry has given any assurance that flood cover will be reinstated once a flood defence scheme involving demountable defences has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40645/16]
View answerWritten answers
I met with Insurance Ireland in July this year, shortly after taking office. During our meeting, I highlighted that for the four completed schemes where demountable defences are involved, each are built to the required 1 in 100 year standard and, as witnessed last Winter, each successfully provided levels of flood protection to properties. I have secured a commitment from the industry to consider the risk it currently associates with demountable defences and the OPW will in the coming weeks be providing the detailed information sought by the industry to that end.
The OPW and the Department of Finance are continuing to engage, now on a quarterly basis, with Insurance Ireland through the Memorandum of Understanding between Insurance Ireland and the Office of Public Works that was signed on 24 March 2014.
At the most recent meeting on 8 December 2016, it was decided that a sub group would be created to focus and accelerate the exchange of data and information with the aim of increasing levels of flood cover in areas where demountable defences are in use.
I am happy with the work of the Group thus far and am confident that it will continue to progress the issue of flood insurance.
Flood Relief Schemes Status
Questions (272)
Michael McGrath
Question:272. 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 which has been spent to date and a breakdown of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40651/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) appointed consultants in 2013 to develop proposals for a flood relief scheme for the Lower Lee as it affected Cork City and for the River Bride as it affected the Blackpool area of the City.
Since that time the Blackpool element has been separated into its own Scheme and has been advanced earlier as it is a less complex and smaller Scheme. The Blackpool Scheme was formally exhibited under the Arterial Drainage Acts in November and December 2015 and has since undergone detailed design. The Scheme will be submitted shortly for Confirmation, as required under the Arterial Drainage Acts, to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform while a tender process for a civil works contractor will take place at the same time. It is hoped that construction will commence in mid 2017.
The main Lower Lee flood relief scheme for Cork City and the Ballincollig area has now been advanced to outline design and the proposals have this week been placed on formal Public Exhibition. The Exhibition will last for six weeks after which all submissions will be considered before the full detailed design is completed. It is hoped to complete the detailed design and submit the Scheme to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the second half of 2017 with a tender process for a civil works contractor taking place for the first phase of the Scheme at the same time. This would allow a contractor to be appointed early in 2018. The Scheme is being advanced on a phased basis due to its size and the need to minimise disruption to the City and will be implemented over the following 5-6 years.
The OPW and Cork City Council have sought ways to advance early implementation of the Scheme and the first flood defence elements will be incorporated into a public realm project which is being advanced by the City Council. This element involves the Morrison's Island area and will go a long way to dealing with the regular tidal flooding which affects the City. The public realm project incorporating the flood defence elements is expected to be advanced through planning by the City Council shortly with the expectation that works will be commenced in the second half of 2017.
Since the commencement of the design process in 2013, a total of €2.55m has been spent so far on both these Schemes. The following table provides a breakdown of the costs incurred:
|
- |
€ |
|
Design and Environmental Consultants |
€1.61m |
|
Surveys, Geotechnical Investigations |
€0.91m |
|
Statutory advertising |
€30k |
Both these Schemes, when completed, will provide the standard 100 year fluvial and, where applicable, 200 tidal level of protection to approximately 2,400 properties around the City. The overall total project cost of the Lower Lee scheme is approximately €140m in current prices while the project cost of the Blackpool Scheme is €16m. The OPW has included for the cost of both these schemes in its multi annual budgets.
Flood Relief Schemes Expenditure
Questions (273)
Michael McGrath
Question:273. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of funding budgeting in the current year for flood relief works; the amount actually spent to date; the budget for such works in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40659/16]
View answerWritten answers
The total allocation for the Flood Risk Management Programme in the Vote of the Office of Public Works in the 2016 Revised Estimates Volume is €73.746 million. Within this overall total the allocation for flood relief scheme works is €45.561 million. An additional capital amount of €7 million in Deferred Surrender was also applied to the Flood Risk Management Programme budget allocation in 2016 bringing the total allocation for flood relief works in 2016 to €52.561 million. This allows primarily for costs related to the design, planning and construction of major flood relief schemes and the funding of minor flood relief and coastal erosion works undertaken by local authorities. Provision is also included for the progression of certain strategic studies and programmes including the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme, Flood Studies Update and Flood Risk Data Management.
There are 35 major flood relief schemes currently at various stages of advancement and seven major schemes have commenced construction this year bringing to twelve the total number of schemes at construction stage currently. It is hoped to commence construction of at least five further schemes over the next 12 months.
The nature of expenditure on flood relief projects in common with many other capital projects often means that significant payments fall to be met late in the year. I am advised however that the OPW is on target to spend its full allocation for flood relief works in 2016.
The allocation for 2017 for flood relief scheme works is €45.019 million. As part of the Government's commitment to Flood Risk Management in its Capital Investment Plan 2016 to 2021 this allocation is projected to increase incrementally to €100m per year by 2021. I am satisfied that the overall allocation over this period will allow all of the major schemes currently being designed to commence construction during this time and for work to commence also on some of the structural measures included in the Flood Risk Management Plans under the CFRAM Programme due to be finalised in Spring 2017.
Small and Medium Enterprises Supports
Questions (274)
Niall Collins
Question:274. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of quarterly meetings of the SME advisory group facilitated in 2016 by the Government; and the number of meetings chaired by a Minister. [40837/16]
View answerWritten answers
The SME Advisory (Working) Group was established to address issues affecting SME participation in public procurement and to ensure that the voice of Irish SMEs can be heard by Government and the Office of Government Procurement. The Working Group consists of officials from the Office of Government Procurement, Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, InterTradeIreland and Enterprise Ireland. SMEs are represented by industry representative groups such as the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (IBEC), the Small Firms Association (SFA), the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Chambers Ireland and the Irish Small and Median Enterprises Association (ISME). This Group is chaired by Minister of State Murphy in accordance with the Programme for Government and meets on a quarterly basis. Minister Murphy chaired the meetings of the Group on the 11th July and 27th October of 2016. Further meetings will take place on a quarterly basis in 2017.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Questions (275)
Michael McGrath
Question:275. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has sought or intends to seek any flexibility from the European Commission in terms of the application of the fiscal rules to capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40638/16]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for Ireland's commitments under the EU Stability and Growth Pact, including compliance with the fiscal rules and any engagement with other Member States and the European Commission on issues relating to the design and application of the rules, such as for example the matter referred to in the Deputy's question, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance and his Department.
Flood Relief Schemes
Questions (276)
Eugene Murphy
Question:276. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to launch a new scheme to dredge the River Shannon; the timeframe for such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40673/16]
View answerWritten answers
Last winter, the Government took decisive action to support the existing plans in place to address flooding on the Shannon and established the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group to enhance ongoing co-operation of all State agencies involved with the River Shannon.
The Group is focused on ensuring the best possible level of co-ordination between all statutory bodies involved in flood risk management on the Shannon. It is solutions focused and designed to deliver the highest level of efficiencies to add value to the catchment flood risk assessment and management programme.
Through the course of its work, the Group has decided to trial the lowering of the lake levels in Lough Allen, and most recently on 2 December in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim the Group took a major decision to consider developing a plan for a strategic maintenance programme on the River Shannon. It intends to bring together all of the relevant stakeholders to discuss, initiate and manage the development of this programme.
I am delighted that the Group, which is chaired by the OPW, has taken the decision to develop a plan for strategic maintenance works on the River Shannon. There have been many calls for a maintenance programme to be put in place for the Shannon. A planned maintenance programme for the Shannon would complement the Group’s Work Programme and the specific measures that are identified for the areas at risk in the Draft Shannon Flood Risk Management Plan.
The decisions taken by the Group to date clearly demonstrate that it is working well and is firmly focussed on finding practical solutions that will help reduce flood risk on the Shannon to the benefit of the communities along our largest river.
Ministerial Travel
Questions (277)
Niall Collins
Question:277. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total use his Department has made of the Government jet since coming into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40686/16]
View answerWritten answers
Since my appointment as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have not made use of the Government Jet.
Ministerial Travel
Questions (278)
Niall Collins
Question:278. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total use his Department has made of the Government jet per annum from March 2011 to February 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40703/16]
View answerWritten answers
I draw the Deputy's attention to the Department of Defence's website where full details of Ministerial use of the Government Jet Service since 2008 are set out and accessible at the link hereunder: http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/Document+ID/FFF14F42B7DA240280257632003D5C94?OpenDocument.
Expenditure Reviews
Questions (279)
Dara Calleary
Question:279. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if as part of the 2017 spending review, a comprehensive review of expenditure ceilings will take place that will include the process of assigning expenditure ceilings and applying penalties for breaking the ceilings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40718/16]
View answerWritten answers
In my speech accompanying the publication of the Estimates for 2017, I announced that a spending review will be undertaken prior to Budget 2018. As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform I have consistently reiterated the need to consider the totality of government spending when examining expenditure priorities. Spending reviews previously played an important role in our successful efforts to reverse unsustainable expenditure growth that was a major contributor to the fiscal crisis.
The proposed spending review to be undertaken next year is an integral part of the reformed public expenditure architecture drawing on the lessons learned from previous spending reviews. The purpose of future spending reviews will be to ensure that all expenditure is examined when Government is deciding on its spending priorities for the Estimates. Better information and stronger evaluations should also guide and inform those decisions examining the effectiveness of spending in terms of its objectives and the efficiency with which these objectives are secured.
I have also previously indicated that my Department would also examine proposals on the options available for reinforcing the role of three-year expenditure ceilings in restoring stability to Ireland's public finances and for sustaining this stability over the medium-term period. It is appropriate to review this design of the medium-term expenditure framework in parallel to the spending review process to assess its continued appropriateness in the changed fiscal, economic and political context. As such, the approach to setting medium-term ceilings remains under consideration and will continue to be examined in parallel to the spending review process.
Appointments to State Boards
Questions (280)
Dara Calleary
Question:280. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the gender balance on each of the State boards under his remit. [40731/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Board of the Public Appointments Service is the only State Board under the aegis of my Department.
Currently, there are nine members of the Board of PAS, with no vacancies. There are 5 female board members (55.5%) and 4 male board members (4.5%).
Small and Medium Enterprises Supports
Questions (281)
Niall Collins
Question:281. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the programme for Government commitment (details supplied) and each measure adopted to date. [40834/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for a Partnership Government recognises the importance of the SME Sector to the economy and has tasked the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) to continue to develop measures to support SMEs in accessing the public procurement market.
In this regard, the OGP engages industry representative bodies ISME, IBEC, SFA, CIF and Chambers Ireland through the SME Working Group to exchange views and identify solutions to obstacles. The meetings, in accordance with the Programme for Government, are chaired by Minister of State Eoghan Murphy. Other government bodies which attend are the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
The OGP also works with industry representative bodies in relation to supporting "Meet the Buyer" events. These events attract significant interest from suppliers and buyers from across the public sector, North and South, and focus on the opportunities for SMEs with major public sector buyers across the island. In 2016 there were two events, one in Belfast and one in Cork, which were attended by over 900 businesses and buyers from across the public sector, North and South, which focused on the opportunities for SMEs with major public sector buyers across the island.
It should also be pointed out that the OGP transposed the EU Public Sector Procurement Directive which amongst other things is aimed at opening up opportunities for small businesses, including micro business, that want to tender for public contracts by, for example, encouraging more on-line open tendering, reducing bidders' turnover requirements, promoting the use of proportional and reasonable insurance requirements, and breaking larger contracts into lots. Many of these measures had been fast tracked by Circular 10/14, issued by the OGP in April 2014.
The Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis Report for 2014, published by the OGP and launched by Minister of State Murphy in September, indicates that 95% of the analysed expenditure is with firms with a base in the State and the majority of the spend analysed is with SMEs. In addition the OGP conducted an analysis of the 94 Framework Agreements it has in place which shows that 68% of Framework members are SMEs and 63% of the Frameworks had multiple lots, facilitating SME access.
The OGP is continuing to work with industry to ensure that winning government business is done in a fair, transparent and accessible way and to ensure that government procurement policies are SME friendly.
Public Procurement Regulations
Questions (282)
Niall Collins
Question:282. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the programme for Government commitment to conduct a consultation on the merits of establishing a procurement ombudsman. [40835/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government has a number of objectives in relation to public procurement including supporting SME access, conducting a consultation on the merits of establishing a Procurement Ombudsman, conducting an independent review of the Tender Advisory Service (TAS), refining the new procurement structures, such as the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), as they bed down and making adjustments according to best international practice and in conjunction with Irish businesses
My colleague, Minister of State Eoghan Murphy, who has responsibility for public procurement, presented his proposed holistic approach to meeting these commitments to the SME Working Group in October. Minister of State Murphy has asked the OGP to evaluate the existing review and appeal mechanisms in place in public procurement and assess if they are sufficient, appropriate and proportionate. The experience in other jurisdictions will inform the evaluation. Consultation will be conducted through the SME Higher Level and Working Groups to ensure input from industry representatives and public sector practitioners. It is important to balance the need for appropriate appeal mechanisms with the onus on the State to deliver projects in a timely, efficient and effective manner that delivers value for money for the taxpayer.
Public Procurement Regulations
Questions (283)
Niall Collins
Question:283. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the programme for Government commitment to refine the new procurement structures in place, such as the OGP; and the action taken to date. [40836/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government contains a number of objectives in relation to procurement; one of which is to refine the new procurement structures in place, such as the OGP, as they bed down and make adjustments according to best international practice and in conjunction with Irish businesses.
Public procurement is a key part of my portfolio and an integral part of the Government's overall reform agenda. Given the €12bn quantum of annual spend, it is essential that a strategic approach is adopted and value for money is achieved. Since OGP commenced operations in 2014, it has engaged with stakeholders both nationally and internationally to seek and implement new and innovative approaches to procurement. Most recently these reforms would include:
- the transposition and implementation of a revised suite of EU Procurement Directives;
- informed consideration of SME issues through the establishment of the SME Higher Level Group and Advisory Groups;
- Progress Report of the High Level Group on SME Access to Public Procurement;
- Commitments in the Action Plan for Jobs in relation to SME access to procurement and developing further strategies to improve SMEs access and innovation;
- Improving how SMEs can access public procurement opportunities via the OGP Published Schedule, the national portal, eTenders and OGP's Helpdesk;
- Participation in training opportunities to assist SMEs in developing the necessary tendering skills and where necessary to build consortia.
- The introduction of the Tender Advisory Service;
The Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis Report for 2014, published by the OGP and launched by Minister of State Murphy in September, indicates that 95% of the analysed expenditure is with firms with a base in the State and the majority of the spend analysed is with SMEs. In addition the OGP conducted an analysis of the 94 Framework Agreements it has in place which shows that 68% of Framework members are SMEs and 63% of the Frameworks had multiple lots, facilitating SME access.
Ireland's procurement reform programme has been successful in establishing new structures and building momentum but, of course, more needs to be done and the OGP, in line with the Programme for Government Commitments, will continue to refine the model.
Finally, I would point out that while the main driving force behind the establishment of the OGP has been the need to deliver better value and sustainable savings for citizens, great care has been taken to ensure this is achieved in a manner that fully recognises the important role SMEs play in the Irish economy and also taking account of wider societal concerns.
EU Programmes
Questions (284, 285)
Brendan Smith
Question:284. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total funding allocated for the INTERREG programme; the breakdown of the funding allocated by the EU and the Irish and British Governments; if all this funding is secure following the referendum on British membership of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40942/16]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:285. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total funding allocated for the PEACE IV programme; the breakdown of funding allocated by the EU and the Irish and British Governments; if all this funding is secure following the referendum on British membership of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40943/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
The PEACE IV and INTERREG IVA Programmes are co-funded by the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and the European Commission through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The breakdown of funding for the two programmes is as follows:
|
Programme |
Programme Total |
Ireland ERDF |
UK ERDF |
Ireland Match Funding |
UK Match Funding |
|
INTERREG VA |
€282.76m |
€71.23m |
€169.12m |
€12.57m |
€29.84m |
|
PEACE IV |
€269.61m |
€49.55m |
€179.62m |
€8.74m |
€31.69m |
The outcome of the UK Referendum on EU membership obviously has implications for two programmes that are 85% funded by the EU. But the Irish Government has been clear about its commitment to the successful implementation of the programmes and its ambition to see successor programmes post-2020.
As part of the Government's contingency planning for Brexit, my Department identified the implications for the two programmes as an issue that would have to be addressed in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Executive and the European Commission, and that process commenced immediately following the referendum result.
On 27 October 2016 I was pleased to be able to announce that agreement had been reached between my officials and their Northern Ireland counterparts on the terms of Letters of Offer to programme beneficiaries. My objective was to Brexit-proof Letters of Offer to the greatest extent possible and to give programme beneficiaries assurance as to the legal and financial commitments they are entering into so they can plan for the future with confidence. I believe that we have achieved that, and that it will be possible to proceed with the full implementation of the programmes on a firmer basis than would otherwise have been the case.
My objective now is to see the current programmes implemented fully and to secure agreement from the EU and the UK for successor programmes post-2020.
Dormant Accounts Fund Administration
Questions (286)
Róisín Shortall
Question:286. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the resource allocation model for the allocation of funds under the Dormant Accounts Fund at the last round; and for the location, model and criteria to be published in detail. [40982/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Dormant Accounts Act 2001, together with the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003 and the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Acts 2005-2012, provide a framework for the administration of unclaimed accounts in credit institutions (i.e. banks, building societies and An Post) and unclaimed life assurance policies in insurance undertakings.
The Acts provide for the disbursement of funds for the purposes of programmes or projects to assist:
- the personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged;
- the educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged, or
- persons with a disability.
The Act provides for Disbursement Schemes and Action Plans to be prepared by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in consultation with relevant Government colleagues and others.
A Disbursement Scheme is prepared every three years and sets out the objectives to be achieved by making disbursements from the Fund, and the programmes or projects for which moneys may be disbursed. The Scheme is approved by Government and is required to be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. The current Disbursement Scheme covers the three year period from December 2013 and is available on my Department's website at http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/rural/rural-publications/page/5.
My Department is currently carrying out a consultation process seeking proposals for inclusion in the new 2017-2019 Scheme.
Action Plans under the multi-annual Disbursement Scheme are drawn up each year by my Department following consultation with the Minister for Health, the Minister for Education and Skills, the Minister for Social Protection and other relevant Ministers. The 2016 Action Plan is available on my Department’s website at http://test.ahg.gov.ie/app/uploads/1970/01/2016_action_plan_2016.pdf.
The Plan sets out the details of the measures to be implemented by various Government Departments.
The publication of the assessment criteria and the application procedures for Dormant Accounts funding is a matter for each relevant Department. Pobal administers measures under the Dormant Accounts Fund for a number of Departments, including my own, and details of the criteria for the latest relevant measures are available on Pobal’s website at: https://www.pobal.ie/Beneficiaries/DormantAccountsFund/Pages/DAF-Measure%20Facts%20Sheets.aspx.
Dormant Accounts Fund
Questions (287)
Róisín Shortall
Question:287. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects from which allocated Dormant Accounts Fund funding has been withdrawn in each of the past ten years; and the value, location, purpose of the project, applicant name and reason for the withdrawal in each case. [40983/16]
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The legislation governing the Dormant Accounts Fund provides for the disbursement of monies for the purposes of programmes or projects to assist:
- the personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged;
- the educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged, or
- persons with a disability.
Projects and programmes which are supported by the Fund are implemented by various Government Departments and agencies.
My Department has an oversight role in the relation to the allocation and disbursement of Dormant Accounts funding. However, it is a matter for each Government Department and agency to oversee the implementation of their own Dormant Accounts measures. Consequently, my Department does not have details of individual projects which were withdrawn.
However, on the basis of the summary statement of inflows and outflows from the Dormant Accounts Fund which are published on my Department’s website, I can confirm that a total of approximately €11 million has been decommitted from projects approved from the time the Dormant Accounts Fund was established in 2003, up to the end of September 2016. Further details are available on my Department’s website at: http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/app/uploads/2016/10/dormantaccounts-30-09-2016.pdf.