Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017

Written Answers Nos. 342-366

Ministerial Travel

Questions (342)

Micheál Martin

Question:

342. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a Minister will be visiting Russia as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. [7361/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As the programme of Ministerial travel for St. Patrick’s Day is currently being finalised it is not possible to indicate if a Minister will be visiting Russia.

International Agreements

Questions (343)

Micheál Martin

Question:

343. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the EU Council is monitoring activities in Turkey on the EU-Turkish immigration deal done on refugees. [7360/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The core intention of the EU-Turkey Statement agreed between EU leaders and Turkey last March was to break the business model of the people smugglers profiting from the suffering of the vulnerable and to discourage migrants from risking their lives in dangerous sea journeys. The need for the Statement to comply with EU and international law was a key concern for all EU Member States, including Ireland. The legal advice of the EU institutions and of the Attorney General’s Office was that the terms of the Statement were not in breach of EU or international law. Progress on the implementation of the Statement is monitored by the European Commission, which publishes quarterly reports. The latest report, from 8 December 2016, confirms the substantial fall in the number of crossings since the Statement was agreed. The European Commission monitors the return of new irregular migrants and asylum seekers to Turkey, which is carried out strictly in accordance with the requirements of EU and international law, and in full respect of the principle of non-refoulement.

The European Commission also reports on progress under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, which is designed to ensure that the needs of refugees and host communities in Turkey are addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated way, including through humanitarian assistance, education, health, and socio-economic support.

The Fifth Report on progress made on the implementation of the Statement is expected in early March.

Brexit Issues

Questions (344)

Joan Burton

Question:

344. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Scottish Government since the UK Supreme Court judgment on the role of the Scottish Assembly in the invoking of Article 50 to facilitate the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU. [4576/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As part of normal ongoing contacts with the British government and with devolved administrations in the UK, I and my officials speak on a regular basis with the Scottish government and its representatives. We also meet through the means of the British Irish Council, where the UK’s exit from the European Union is discussed at its summit meetings and where the Scottish government is a member administration. My most recent discussions with the Scottish government took place around the time of the publication of their policy paper “Scotland’s Place in Europe” in December, when I spoke with the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Ms. Fiona Hyslop MSP. A short period prior to that, I met with the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, at Iveagh House during her visit to Dublin. Day-to-day contacts with the Scottish government are carried out by our diplomatic representatives at the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh, while the Scottish government is represented at its Innovation and Investment Hub based in the British Embassy in Dublin. Such contacts of course include discussions of the UK exit from the EU, including in recent weeks. They also include the normal work of building further trade, cultural and economic links between Ireland and Scotland.

Regarding the legal arrangements for the UK as a whole to formally proceed with Article 50 notification to the European Union, I would consider that issue to be an internal matter for the UK and its devolved administrations.

Question No. 345 answered with Question No. 339.

Ministerial Pensions

Questions (346)

Noel Rock

Question:

346. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of pensions paid to former taoisigh and Ministers over the past ten years. [8180/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I refer the Deputy to Statement 1.4 to the Finance Accounts, which is available on the website of the Department of Finance. This discloses a breakdown of pensions paid to former Ministers and Taoisigh in each calendar year from 2009 onwards. The 2016 accounts have not yet been published.

State Pensions Reform

Questions (347)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

347. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated impact in 2021 and 2022 on fiscal space from the increase in the qualifying age for State pension recipients with reference to the Government's planned increase to the pension age to 67 from 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8682/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As per the Expenditure Report 2017, the current expenditure ceilings are published in Table 5 for 2017 to 2019. These ceilings take into account expenditure pressures in Health, Education and Social Protection arising from demographics. The amounts included in respect of this additional expenditure are consistent with the Pre-Budget position detailed in Table 1.7 of the Mid-Year Expenditure Report last year. The ceiling for Social Protection reflects an adjustment to take account of expected lower numbers on the Live Register.

The ceilings in respect of current expenditure have not been set on a Departmental basis for periods beyond 2019. Consequently, the figures used in Table 12 of the Budget 2017 Department of Finance publication for the years beyond 2019 include the aggregate overall increase of c. €0.4 billion in respect of demographic related costs for 2019, adjusted for a lower amount being available for reallocation within expenditure from Live Register savings in subsequent years.

Any savings that arise from the increase in the qualifying age for State Pension recipients in 2021 will not have an impact on the gross fiscal space but will have a positive impact on the net fiscal space as detailed in Table A7 of Budget 2017.

In estimating the likely savings of this measure, it is useful to note that this is the second phase of the legislated increase in the State pension age that was initially detailed in the National Pensions Framework in 2010. The first phase of this process occurred in 2014 when the pension age was increased to 66 with the abolition of the State Pension (Transition) payment.

In Table 2 of the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Fuller Working Lives, work undertaken by the Department of Social Protection details the projected savings as a result of the first phase of the pension reforms in 2014. The net savings estimated were €37.7 million (a "half year" effect) for 2014 and €76.2 million for 2015. These savings take into account the projected increases in claims of working age payments, such as Jobseekers Benefit and various disability and illness payments.

Flood Relief Schemes

Questions (348)

Robert Troy

Question:

348. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the review of the minor flood works grant scheme. [8059/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

A review of the Minor Works Scheme is currently underway with a view to examining the criteria for consideration within the Scheme, including for example the various thresholds for the assessment of benefit and the financial limits for applications under the Scheme. The review, which includes consultations with Local Authorities, is examining any potential improvements, administrative or financial, which will encourage applications under the scheme.

It is expected that the review will be completed shortly.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (349)

Robert Troy

Question:

349. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures in place to prevent contractors below-cost tendering and failing to pay subcontractors. [8081/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

A below cost tender, or an abnormally low tender as it is termed in the EU procurement directives, is not defined in legislation.  Under the directives a contracting authority is obliged to require a tenderer to explain the price in their tender where it appears to be abnormally low in relation to the works required.

Directive 2014/24/EU, transposed into Irish law in April 2016 has clarified the circumstances where a tender may be rejected on the basis that it is abnormally low as against where it must be rejected.  There are a number of reasons outlined in article 69 which may be cited by tenderers to explain how the low price was achieved and these include; favourable conditions available to the tenderer from suppliers; an efficient method of working to name but two.  A contracting authority may reject a tender where the tenderer's evidence fails to explain the low price taking into account these circumstances.

It is important to note that a contracting authority is not legally obliged to reject a tender except where it can be established that the price is abnormally low because the tender is non-compliant with applicable environmental and labour law.

Notwithstanding that, below cost tenders may present a risk to the delivery of public services and the tender and contract performance requirements that may be brought to bear on public works projects to counter such behaviour include;

- Enhanced project definition;

- Better identification of the pricing strategy;

- Enhanced performance evaluation; and

- Better payment protection in the supply chain.

These measures deter contractors from adopting below cost tendering as a commercial strategy in the first place and, should they ignore the deterrent, the first two provide greater evidence with which to confront the tenderer on their pricing strategy.

A review of the public works contracts was undertaken in 2014 and a series of interim recommendations has been implemented since January 2016 to provide far greater detail on the prices submitted by tendering contractors.  These include a) a requirement for an extremely detailed price breakdown in a bill of quantities which accurately measures the works and b) encouraging contracting authorities to directly tender specialist works where these works make up a significant proportion of the contract value.

Where the extent of works and the expected quality are tightly defined and the price associated with each element of the works is identifiable, the contracting authority can ensure that the tenderer is in a position to construct the project accordingly, thereby addressing points 1 and 2 above.

Where the project is tightly defined it is a relatively straightforward task to hold the contractor to account for poor workmanship and programme performance.  Point 3 above will be more comprehensively addressed through the development of the medium term strategy for the procurement of construction projects which is a further recommendation of the review of the public works contracts.  A key objective of this strategy is the development of a standard means of recording performance under a public works project to be used by all contracting authorities.  This will mean that the implications of poor performance will not simply be reserved to a single project but will impact on their ability to apply for future public works contracts.  Evaluation must be on a continuous basis in accordance with the contract terms and contractors must be given an opportunity to make amends during the course of the project rather than handing out a score card upon completion.

In relation to point 4 above, the Construction Contracts Act imposes rights on all those engaged under construction contracts that are aimed at addressing the issue of non-payment to construction sector contractors and sub-contractors who have completed work in accordance with their contract.  The Act applies to all construction contracts entered into after 25 July 2016 in both the public and private sectors.  It provides a statutory right to payment for work completed at defined stages, a right to suspend work where payment is not made in accordance with the contract (or the schedule to the Act where payment terms are not defined) and a right to refer a payment dispute to adjudication.

Public Sector Pensions Legislation

Questions (350)

Clare Daly

Question:

350. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the full restoration of the public service pensions cut under FEMPI. [8109/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 362 on 24 January 2017.

The FEMPI measure in respect of public service pensioners is the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR).  The PSPR reduces the pay-out value of pensions with pre-PSPR values above specified thresholds in a progressively structured way which has a proportionately greater effect on higher value pensions.  At all times, public service pensions up to a value of €12,000 have been unaffected by PSPR, while a higher exemption threshold of €32,500 has applied to pensions awarded from 1 March 2012 onwards.

PSPR is being significantly reversed in three stages under FEMPI 2015, with PSPR-affected pensioners getting pension increases via substantial restoration of the PSPR cuts on 1 January 2016, 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018.  When fully rolled-out from 1 January 2018, the changes will mean that all public service pensions with pre-PSPR values of up to €34,132 will be fully exempt from PSPR, while those pensioners not fully removed from the reach of PSPR will, in the majority of cases, benefit by €1,680 per year. The cost of these changes is estimated at about €90 million on a full-year basis from 2018.

As we move beyond FEMPI and PSPR restoration towards more normal pay and pension setting conditions in the public service, the issue of how to adjust the post-award value of public service pensions through appropriate pay or other linkages will be considered by Government.

Feachtais Turasóireachta

Questions (351)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

351. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe cé mhéid cuairteoir a thug cuairt ar Theach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc, i 2016; cad iad na pleananna atá ann lena chinntiú go dtiocfaidh méadú ar an bhfigiúr seo trí fhógraí bóthair, fógraíocht srl; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [8135/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

San iomlán thug 17,834 duine cuairt ar an suíomh i Ros Muc sa bhliain 2016.

Tá pleananna á bhforbairt faoi láthair ag Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Fáilte Éireann d’fheachtas comhtháite margaíochta d’Ionad Cuairteoirí nua Theachín an Phiarsaigh. Tabharfaidh seo faoi cheisteanna maidir le heolas do chuairteoirí chun go mbeidh siad níos mó ar an eolas faoi na háiseanna nua lena n-áirítear comharthaíocht áitiúil, láithreacht ar líne, foilseacháin eolais, agus a bheith i láthair ag ócáidí margaíochta idirnáisiúnta. Chomh maith le sin d’ainmnigh Fáilte Éireann an suíomh mar Ionad Aimsithe ar Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin.

Garda Station Closures

Questions (352)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

352. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when it is proposed to dispose of a disused Garda station (details supplied); the method by which it will be sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8149/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The OPW's Disposal Policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property including the former Garda station at Leenane, Co. Galway is to:

- Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government departments or the wider public sector.

- If there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.

- If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property the OPW may consider community involvement (subject to detailed written submission which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they are currently assessing the options for the property at Leenane, Co. Galway in line with the above policy. On completion of this process a decision will be taken as to a future use for the building.

It should be noted that as part of the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Policing Authority has been asked to carry out a review of closed Garda stations and the outcome of this review may impact on any decision that the Commissioners reach with regard to the future use of this property.

The future use of the former Garda station at Leenane, Co. Galway will be determined once the review has concluded.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (353)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

353. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps being taken to ensure that an adequate flow of water can get from Lough Mask to Lough Corrib to avoid the type of flooding that took place in the winter of 2015/2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8151/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The intense rainfall of winter 2015/2016 gave rise to the highest flood levels recorded on Lough Mask and Lough Corrib since Hydrometric Records began. Flood levels on Lough Mask reached levels of over 400mm higher than the next highest level recorded in February 2014 and over 600mm higher than December 2006.

I am advised that following this flooding, the Office of Public Works (OPW) carried out heavy woody vegetation management along the Cong Canal (CM1) channel which links Lough Mask with Lough Corrib. At the northern end of channel CM1 there are redundant sluice gates and other eel fishery structures. During the flood it was observed that these structures may also be affecting Lough Mask’s ability to discharge efficiently. OPW regional staff are in the process of securing access such that appropriate alterations can be made to these structures to minimise their contribution to the larger flooding issue between Mask and Corrib, while having regard to any downstream effects.

Proposals are in hand to have the disused walkway structure removed from the existing weir in Cong in early summer (outside of salmon spawning season) and to have some additional selective heavy woody vegetation management carried out at specific locations along the river from Cong Village to Lough Corrib later this year.

Mayo Co. Co. has retained the services of consulting engineers to look at the flooding issues in and around Cong village and in other specific areas of South Mayo. To date they have carried out a preliminary flood study of the Cong area and are currently providing some additional information on a number of Minor Works Applications which were forwarded to OPW in December 2016.

West Region OPW staff have met with Mayo Co. Co. on a number of occasions since Christmas and separately with the consulting engineers. Engineers from my Office have also met with various residents affected by the flooding, consulted with Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to their salmon hatchery and carried out a number of surveys in the area.

Departmental Funding

Questions (354)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

354. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the public funding supplied to trade unions and representative bodies in 2015 and 2016 from his Department, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8163/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

An annual contribution of €16,500 towards the operating expenses of the Civil Service General Council Staff Panel (the Staff Side) was made by my Department in 2015 and 2016. This payment arises under Paragraph 8 of the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme which states that "The official and staff sides, i.e. panels or unions or associations, as may be appropriate, will each be responsible for their own expenses and will bear half of any common expenses." 

Departmental Staff Grades

Questions (355)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

355. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the terms on offer to staff officers with regard to the merger of the staff officer and executive officer grade, in view of the fact that arbitration has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8164/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

An Arbitration Board Hearing involving management and staff side interests on the issue of the integration of the Staff Officer and Executive Officer grades was recently held under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the Civil Service. The Board's report is awaited on this matter. 

Public Sector Pay

Questions (356)

John Curran

Question:

356. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if public service retirees will be considered by the Public Service Pay Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8203/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Under the remit set out in its terms of reference, the Public Service Pay Commission is tasked with reporting to Government on the pay of public servants, in the context of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Acts. The Commission's remit does not extend to considering the position of retired public servants.

The Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) applies as a progressively structured imposition on public service pensions in payment to retired public servants under terms set out in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act  2010, as amended. PSPR is being significantly reversed in three stages under FEMPI 2015, with PSPR-affected pensioners getting pension increases via substantial restoration of the PSPR cuts on 1 January 2016, 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018.  When fully rolled-out from 1 January 2018, the changes will mean that all public service pensions with pre-PSPR values of up to €34,132 will be fully exempt from PSPR, while those pensioners not fully removed from the reach of PSPR will, in the majority of cases, benefit by €1,680 per year. The cost of these changes is estimated at about €90 million on a full-year basis from 2018.

Both I, and officials of my Department have engaged with representatives of the Alliance of Retired Public Servants and will continue to do so, to ensure retired public servants and their representatives have a suitable and appropriate opportunity to articulate their issues and concerns in relation to public service pensions in payment.

Brexit Issues

Questions (357)

Brendan Smith

Question:

357. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, in view of the particular challenges that will arise for areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan due to Brexit, consideration will be given to the provision of additional capital funding for projects in the Border region in the review of the capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8217/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Capital Plan "Building on Recovery", sets out a €42 billion framework to address our priority infrastructure needs up to 2021. This plan is being reviewed to ensure that capital spending is strictly aligned with national economic and social priorities, consistent with Programme for Partnership Government objectives. This includes examining how available capital funds can best be allocated to underpin sustainable medium-term economic growth and future growth potential. 

The review of the Plan will be undertaken in two stages:

Phase 1 is a focused review of priorities aimed primarily at advising Government, in the context of Budget 2018, on how the additional capital funding committed by Government should be allocated over the remainder of the plan.  This will examine priority areas for investment, consistent with the objectives of the existing Capital Plan and the specific investment priorities contained in the Programme for Government.

Phase 2 will assess and report on the framework required to underpin longer term analysis of Ireland's infrastructure planning needs.  In this context, the Deputy may be aware that the Taoiseach, in his recent address to the Institute of European Affairs 'Ireland at the heart of a changing European Union' reaffirmed that the new National Planning Framework for spatial planning due to be finalised later this year will be complemented with a long-term (i.e. 10 year) capital plan.

My Department has recently written to all Departments initiating the review process and has sought submissions, including proposals for any of the additional capital funding available, by end February 2017. A public consultation will also be undertaken to inform the Review. 

It is a matter for each Department to take this opportunity to assess its sectorial capital plan in the light of any factors, such as Brexit, and propose any consequent reprioritisation of resources when making their submission.

State Properties

Questions (358)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

358. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the OPW's plans for Westgate House in Drogheda; if the OPW will invest much needed funding to restore the building due to its historic value and position in an area of Drogheda that is in need of revitalisation investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8249/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I have been advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they have been in discussion with Louth County Council in relation to the condition of Westgate House. The Council has agreed to redecorate the façade of the building.

The future use of the property is currently being considered in line with OPW stated policy and, upon completion of this review, the issue of the restoration of the building will be addressed.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (359)

Seán Barrett

Question:

359. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the OPW will carry out works which will strengthen flood resilience and reduce the risk of flooding in view of the updated models for the Carysfort-Maretimo catchment regarding flood resilience, using an enhanced hydraulic model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8312/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the OPW's Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme is focussing on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, identified as being at potentially significant risk of flooding. It is the principal vehicle for implementing the EU Floods Directive and national flood policy.

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.

The Carysfort Maretimo catchment is within the Dublin City AFA of the Eastern CFRAM programme. The preferred option developed by the CFRAM Study, to protect at risk properties along the Carysfort Maretimo watercourse, consists of five offline storage areas in combination with flood defence walls. The proposed storage areas will reduce the flow along the Carysfort Maretimo watercourse, while the hard defences provide additional protection against the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event. Approximately 250 meters of hard defence is required with an average and total height of 0.8 metres and 1.4 metres respectively.

The Carysfort Maretimo Stream Improvement Scheme works were previously completed along this watercourse. The scheme was constructed between 2010 and 2012 and comprised improved channel conveyance, raised walls, culvert bypasses and screen upgrades. The completed works provide protection, against a 1:50 to 1:100 year flood event (1%-2% AEP), for in excess of forty properties previously at risk of flooding from the Carysfort Maretimo watercourse.

The OPW will shortly finalise the Flood Risk Management Plans that will include a prioritised set of flood risk management measures, both structural and non-structural, that will set out the measures to address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner. These will then be submitted for approval by the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform, and subsequent implementation. The approved Final Plans may then subsequently be adopted by the Local Authorities.

Flood Relief Schemes

Questions (360)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

360. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when flood relief works will be carried out in Huntsgrove, Ashbourne, County Meath. [8316/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that OPW approved funding of €450,000 under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme to Meath County Council for a project at Ashbourne, Co Meath in 2016.

The OPW are currently working on part of the flood relief measures in Ashbourne that will reduce the flood risk in Huntsgrove. This work involves the construction of a diversion chamber in Rathlodge, Ashbourne. This structure will significantly reduce peak flows on the channel which passes through Huntsgrove.

The OPW is committed to starting the balance of flood relief works in Ashbourne towards the end of 2017 when resources are available on completion of the Northlands Flood Relief Scheme in Bettystown, Co. Meath.

Community Employment Schemes Supervisors

Questions (361)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

361. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on community employment supervisors who have retired with no pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8323/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The particular issues in question includes community and employment supervisors and assistant supervisors who have been seeking, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme dating back to 2008. The Community Sector High Level Forum (or Working Group) (previously the Informal Forum) was convened in 2015 and 2016 to examine certain issues pertaining to the Community Employment sector having regard to the implications for costs and precedent.

In light of the recent appointment of a new Chair to the High Level Forum a meeting is shortly to be arranged between the parties concerned. 

It does however continue to be the position that state organisations are not the employer of the particular employees concerned and that it is not possible for the State to provide funding for such a scheme. The employees in question are or were employees of private companies notwithstanding the fact that the companies concerned are, or were, reliant on State funding.  In considering the matter, regard must be had to costs and the precedent of such an arrangement were one to be created.

Public Sector Pensions Data

Questions (362)

Pat Buckley

Question:

362. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated savings that would accrue if a €100,000 salary cap was placed on all civil servants including the Judiciary, public servants and public representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8381/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Based on the information currently available to my Department, the estimated full year gross saving in the Exchequer and Local Government pay bill arising from a €100,000 salary cap is approximately €267m.

This does not take account of any offsetting reductions in taxes and levies. As the combined effect of the estimated marginal tax rate and the pension related reduction at a pay level for a public servant of €100,000 p.a. or higher is at least 62.5%, the estimated net savings would be reduced to some €100m

Public Sector Pensions Data

Questions (363)

Pat Buckley

Question:

363. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated savings that would accrue if a €100,000 cap was placed on all pensions paid out of the public purse including civil, the Judiciary, public servants and public representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8382/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Based on the information currently available to my Department, it is estimated that a saving of the order of €5 million would arise if a cap of a €100,000 was placed on all public service pensions. I should point out that such pensions in excess of or equal to the cap are subject to continuing reductions under the terms of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2010 (as amended) through the application of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR). 

National Postcode System Implementation

Questions (364)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

364. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of upgrading information technology systems and databases to incorporate the use of Eircode; if the use of Eircode is mandatory in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8637/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

My Department has not incurred any costs in the upgrading of Information Technology Systems or Databases to incorporate the use of Eircode.

Since the introduction of Eircode in 2015, my Department has incorporated the use of Eircodes into all departmental/office addresses on new stationery, in email signatures and on our website.  In addition, Eircodes are included in all publications, presentations and other corporate communications.  My Department will, as appropriate, continue to incorporate Eircode into new systems, forms and processes as they are developed.

Wild Atlantic Way Project

Questions (365)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

365. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the discussions that have taken place between the OPW and Fáilte Ireland to have Teach an Phiarsaigh included as a signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way in view of the significant investment by the State in the interpretative centre at this location in 2016 and the large number of visitors to the house; the response from Fáilte Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8780/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The selection of the Rosmuc site as a Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point is a matter for Fáilte Ireland in the first instance and the Office of Public Works was involved from the point of view of facilitating the location for the WAW iconic signage. I understand that it is generally intended that the process of selecting particular locations as Signature Points will be kept under review as the brand evolves over the coming years and feedback from visitors is gathered.

The Office of Public Works is satisfied that identifying the Pearse Cottage location as a Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point will benefit the site and ensure that it achieves a greater prominence when taken together with the direct actions being planned in relation to marketing the Cottage and the new Centre as a visitor destination.

EU Funding

Questions (366)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

366. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the EU funds his Department accesses; the plans he is putting in place to access these funds to a greater degree in view of Brexit; if he will outline initiatives he is pursuing to establish access to new funds in view of the challenge of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8811/17]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform I have overall responsibility for EU Cohesion Policy and the European Structural & Investment (ESI) Funds.  Within the overall heading of the ESI Funds, I am responsible for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) while the Minister for Education and Skills is responsible for the European Social Fund and the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine is responsible for the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

Under the ERDF Ireland has two regional operational programmes that are managed by the Southern Regional Assembly and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.  Also under the ERDF Ireland receives funding for the PEACE Programme and the Ireland/Northern Ireland/Scotland INTERREG Programme, both of which are managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, as well as the Ireland/Wales INTERREG Programme and a number of smaller transnational programmes.

As part of my Department's contingency planning for Brexit, the risks to the cross-border programmes, which are 85% funded by the EU, were identified.  Accordingly I am pleased that, following intensive discussions with the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland and the Welsh European Funding Office, agreement was reached at the end of October on a safeguard clause that has enabled funding agreements to be put in place and Letters of Offer to issue to programme beneficiaries for both PEACE and the two INTERREG Programmes. 

Now that the short term objective has been achieved, the medium term objective is to ensure the full and successful implementation of the programmes to 2020, during a period in which the UK may leave the EU and the UK allocation of ERDF funding may no longer be available.  The long term objective is to secure agreement to successor programmes post-2020 in the context of not just Brexit but also the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

The overall funding envelope for the ERDF for the period 2014-2020 is fixed as part of the current MFF. Nevertheless, my Department will explore all opportunities to maximise available EU funding and to ensure that it is deployed to address the challenges posed by Brexit.