Written Answers Nos. 137 - 156
137. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if regulatory impact assessments for legislative proposals published by his Department include impacts (details supplied); the impact categories not included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11173/17]
View answerRegulatory Impact Analyses (RIAs) are undertaken by my Department in accordance with the relevant Department of the Taoiseach guidelines on significant legislative, policy and other changes.
In recent years two RIAs have been published by my Department. One of these RIAs relates to amendments to the funding standard applying to defined benefit pension schemes, which were provided for in Part 3 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2012. This RIA is available at www.welfare.ie/en/downloads/riapension.pdf.
The other RIA relates to the measures to provide for the transposition of certain aspects of Directive 2010/41/EU on the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity, in so far as they relate to ensuring that the spouse or civil partner of a self-employed worker can benefit from social protection in accordance with national law. The amendments necessary to transpose these provisions were contained in section 19 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014. This RIA is available at www.welfare.ie/en/downloads/RIADirective2010-41-EU.pdf.
It should be noted that the RIA guidelines state that the impact categories (national competitiveness, the socially excluded and vulnerable groups, the environment, whether there is a significant policy change in an economic market, including consumer and competition impacts, the rights of citizens, compliance burden and North-South and East-West Relations) are intended to be indicative only.
In respect of the provision in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2012, the format of the RIA was not based on the impact categories. However, a significant process of consultation was undertaken with relevant stakeholders in the pensions sector, employer representative organisations and trade unions. The RIA guidelines emphasise that consultation with relevant stakeholders is recommended as such stakeholders are usually well placed to outline both the direct and indirect consequences of the implementation of proposals.
In respect of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014, the RIA on the social welfare provisions of Directive 2010/41/EU specifically considered the categories listed below:
- National competitiveness
- The socially excluded and vulnerable groups
- The environment
- Whether there is a significant policy change in an economic market, including consumer and competition impacts
- The rights of citizens
- Compliance burdens
- North-South and East-West Relations.
In addition, relevant stakeholders in the farming sector and women’s representative organisations were consulted.
138. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if copies of birth certificates are acceptable for passport applications as the originals have not been returned from INIS which were submitted with asylum applications. [10810/17]
View answerThe Passports Act, 2008 (the Act) makes provision for the regulation and issuance of passports. Under section 7(1)(b) of the Act, the Department must be satisfied as to the identity of a passport applicant before a passport can issue. An original birth certificate is a key, primary identity document to support a passport application and therefore a copy is not acceptable.
139. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to launch additional promotional campaigns in respect of the timeframe for new and renewal passport applications due to the increasing number of applications and delays occurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10943/17]
View answerIn general terms I and my Department use all available opportunities to highlight the targeted turnaround times for different categories of passport and to promote good practice including in public statements, media engagements and in the Houses of the Oireachtas. The passport portal on the website of my Department, www.dfa.ie/passport, contains comprehensive guidance and advice to applicants.
Different categories of passport require different turnaround times – for example first time applications take longer than renewals because additional anti-fraud measures are involved.
The advised turnaround time for passport renewals through Passport Express is 15 working days. For first time applicants, we advise a turnaround time of 20 working days.
As a matter of good practice, we advise applicants to check the validity of their passports in advance of booking travel, to ensure passport application forms are correctly completed and any relevant additional documentation is included. Those with no immediate travel plans should allow six weeks’ for a passport application to be processed in case any difficulty arises with the application. Please note that the validity periods for children’s passports are shorter than those for adult passports. The Passport Service offers a free reminder service and we invite citizens to please register for an email reminder to ensure people are aware that they need to apply for a new passport (www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/).
There are different ways to apply for a passport and it is important to ensure that the correct channel is used. Applicants travelling in less than 15 working days (renewals) and 20 working days (first time applicants) should make an appointment at the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork. There are a limited number of appointments available and applicants are required to show proof of travel. Appointments can be booked online (www.passport.ie).
Passport Express is the most cost effective and efficient means of applying for a passport and is available in post offices throughout Ireland.
There is currently a high volume of passport applications in the system and the Passport Office is focussed on ensuring the turnaround targets are met. In 2016, 87% of Passport Express applications were processed within these targets. There is also a link to the turnaround times on the An Post website.
A process of Passport Reform is underway and I hope to introduce a new adult online renewal system in the near future. This will mean a more efficient service for applicants.
In the meantime I would ask that the Deputy and all Members of the Houses join with me in promoting good practice.
140. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a recent incident at Trinity College Dublin wherein an ambassador was denied a speaking opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11072/17]
View answerI deeply regret that an Ambassador accredited to Ireland, in this case the Ambassador of Israel, was unable to speak at a recent event in Trinity College.
I would hope that we can all respect the principle of free speech, including allowing a hearing to those we might disagree with. This goes in particular for Ambassadors in the performance of their representative duties. If we expect Irish Ambassadors to represent our interests and our values abroad, then we must extend the same courtesy and respect to other representatives here.
I do not know the precise details of what occurred, but whatever the intent of the protestors the outcome was that the College authorities, who are an autonomous body, and the student organisers of the event, felt that it could not proceed. It is entirely possible to make a protest, if that is desired, without obstructing or disrupting a legitimate meeting held by others. I have confidence in the ability of our students, and our people, to hear arguments, ask questions, and make up their own minds.
I appreciate fully that the Middle East Peace Process is an issue of great interest to people in Ireland and one which ignites animated discussion. I have myself voiced strong criticisms of some policies of the Government of Israel, and I have defended in this House the position that the BDS movement is a legitimate point of view, even if it is one I fundamentally disagree with. I hope that those who support that point of view, will recognise that others have legitimate viewpoints also, and permit them to be heard.
And I likewise believe that meetings or conferences organized to express or explore their point of view should also be respected and allowed to proceed.
The unfortunate outcome of events such as this is that Ireland’s reputation has suffered, those in Israel most sympathetic to our arguments have been dismayed, and those who are most resistant to our views have been strengthened.
141. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the legislative proposals published by his Department between 2011 and 2016, inclusive, that underwent a regulatory impact assessment; the legislative proposals published by his Department that did not undergo a regulatory impact assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11153/17]
View answer142. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if regulatory impact assessments for legislative proposals published by his Department include impacts (details supplied); the impact categories not included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11168/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
Since March 2011 my Department has sponsored four items of legislation which are set out in the following table.
A regulatory impact assessment (RIA) should be prepared in relation to all proposals for primary legislation involving changes to the regulatory environment. However, most of the legislation brought forward by my Department does not impact significantly on the regulatory environment. A regulatory impact assessment was finalised in July 2016 in relation to the Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. It was carried out in accordance with the RIA Guidelines published by the Department of the Taoiseach, including analysis of relevant costs, benefits and impacts. The RIA is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.dfa.ie/our-role-policies/international-priorities/international-law/privileges-and-immunities/.
|
Name of Bill |
Year |
|
European Communities (Amendment) Bill |
2012 |
|
Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution Bill (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) Bill. |
2012 |
|
Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill |
2016 |
|
Protection of Cultural Property in the event of Armed Conflict (Hague Convention) Bill |
2017 |
143. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the capital projects that have secured funding from the European Investment Bank or the Juncker investment fund during the lifetime of the Government. [10847/17]
View answerI should begin by pointing out that my Department is not the lead Department in relation to EFSI or EIB matters, nor has my Department responsibility for coordinating applications for funding from EFSI or EIB, or for reporting on lending by EFSI or EIB to Ireland. However, I understand information on projects approved by EFSI, by country, is available on the website of the EIB at www.eib.europa.eu/efsi/efsi-projects/index.htm?c=IE&se.
I should also make clear that, while EIB funding may help in reducing the cost of finance for some projects, it will not increase the overall envelope available to Government for capital expenditure due to the need to continue to comply with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. In that context, owing to the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the public finances and the contribution of sustainable public finances to long-term growth potential, clear prioritisation of sectors and capital projects remains as the central concern in infrastructure planning under the review of the Capital Plan which is currently underway.
I understand that the EIB is involved in financing some projects included in the Capital Plan. The decision to avail of EIB financing for such projects is based on the expert advice of the NTMA based on the specific financial profile and characteristics of the project concerned. As such my Department does not monitor or report on the use of such financing. However, I am aware of the following projects availing of EIB financing:
- the Luas Cross City project;
- the redevelopment of Dublin Port;
- €200m support for investment in 71 Irish schools; and
- the N25 New Ross bypass.
In relation to the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), or the Juncker Fund as it is commonly referred to, this is the joint initiative of the EIB Group and the European Commission aimed at mobilising private financing for strategic investments, mainly through loan funding. In Ireland's case, the main potential beneficiaries of EFSI are likely to be commercial investment projects, including PPPs, and indeed EFSI funding is being provided for the Primary Care Centres PPP project. There is little or no scope to use EFSI funding to increases public capital investment, due to the need to continue to comply with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact.
144. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of breaches in public procurement rules as published by the Comptroller and Auditor General in public bodies from 2011 to date in 2017, inclusive, by year, by public body, by public contract and by amount, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10893/17]
View answerThe data referred to by the Deputy is reported on by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) in a number of annual reports relating to the period in question. Any such reports compiled by the C&AG are available in either published form or through their website.
Under Circular 40/02 - Public Procurement Guidelines, all procurement contracts which a Department proposes to award without a competitive process, which exceed €25,000 in value (exclusive of VAT), should be reviewed within the Department, preferably by the Internal Audit Unit or alternatively by an appropriate senior officer who is not part of the procurement process. Circular 40/02 was developed in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General, to obligate each Department to complete an Annual Report (signed off by the Accounting Officer) in respect of such contracts.
The State procures in the order of €12 billion in goods, works and service annually. Given the volume of expenditure, the procurement rules do allow for circumstances where it is not possible to carry out a full procurement procedure. These circumstances are provided for in the European Union and in most countries that have a developed procurement system. Currently, direct procurement without use of a competitive process is provided for under Article 32 of EU Directive 2014/24/EU. This Article lists specific cases and circumstances where it is justifiable to award public contracts by a negotiated procedure without prior publication. The cases listed in the Directive are not exhaustive and include the following:
- Where no tenders or suitable tenders have been submitted in response to an open procedure or a restricted procedure. (i.e. following a procedure)
- Where only a proprietary product will meet requirements. Examples might include parts for specialist equipment such as airplanes, ships, security equipment, or certain types of software licencing arrangements;
- Where an agent, licensee or franchise holder has sole rights to supply a service or product. In general, the OGP would recommend that the purchase of such products or services be avoided but it can be unavoidable.
- Where due to extreme emergency arising from events that are unforeseeable by the Contracting Authority a competitive process cannot be undertaken in the normal timeframe. Such circumstances should be relatively rare. An example in this area would be where an immediate purchase must be made in order to avoid risk to persons, property or significant financial loss.
- where a change of supplier would oblige the contracting authority to acquire supplies having different technical characteristics which would result in incompatibility or disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance;
- For bargain purchases or purchases under advantageous conditions, e.g. liquidation sale, creditors' agreement, winding-up
- For supplies quoted and purchased on commodity exchanges
Such procurements do not constitute breaches of the public procurement rules. The EU Directives recognises that there are situations and circumstances where direct procurement without a competitive process is both necessary and legitimate.
Finally, I would point out that overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with all national and EU procurement rules and procedures rests with contracting or purchasing Departments and public agencies.
145. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the public procurement rules that are in place here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10894/17]
View answerPublic Procurement is governed by EU and National rules and guidelines. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money.
The main EU Directives governing public procurement are Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement in relation to goods, services and works and Directive 2014/25/EU which deals with procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors. These Directives were transposed into Irish law by way of Statutory Instrument Nos. 284 and 286 of 2016 respectively.
The EU Directives on public procurement require that public works, supplies and service contracts above certain thresholds must be advertised on the Official Journal of the EU and awarded on the basis of objective and non-restrictive criteria. For works contracts the threshold is €5,225,000; for supplies and service contracts awarded by Government Departments the threshold is €135,000 and for the remainder of public bodies the threshold is €209,000. The threshold for supplies and service contracts of entities operating in utility sectors (water, energy, transport and postal) is €418,000. For contracts below these thresholds, the general requirement is that they be advertised on the national public procurement website www.etenders.gov.ie or, depending on value, awarded on the basis of a competitive process of direct invitation to an adequate number of suitable suppliers. In line with this, the following national rules apply to below EU threshold procurements:
- supplies or services costing less than €5,000 in value may be purchased on the basis of verbal quotes from one or more competing suppliers.
- contracts for supplies or services between €5,000 and €25,000 in value should be awarded on the basis of responses to specifications sent by fax or email to at least three suppliers or service providers.
- goods and general services with an expected value of €25,000 or more should be advertised on the eTenders website
It is the responsibility of each contracting authority to ensure that they comply with EU and national rules in relation to public procurement. Template Request for Tender (RFT) and contract documents have been developed in conjunction with the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the Office of the Attorney General to assist contracting authorities involved in carrying out routine, non-bespoke and low to medium risk procurements. These are available on the national public procurement website www.etenders.gov.ie.
146. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the sanctions and penalties that are in place for breaches of public procurement rules by Government bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10895/17]
View answerPublic Procurement is governed by EU and National rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money.
It is a matter for individual contracting authorities to ensure that their public procurement function is discharged in line with the standard accounting and procurement rules and procedures. Under Section 19 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993, each Accounting Officer is personally responsible for the safeguarding of public funds and property under his or her control; for the regularity and propriety of all the transactions in each Appropriation Account bearing his or her signature; and for the efficiency and economy of administration in his or her Department.
It is the responsibility of the Government Departments and State Bodies to satisfy themselves that they adhere to the requirements for public procurement and to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that tender processes are carried out in an appropriate manner. Accounting Officers in their 40/02 returns in this regard certify that appropriate national and EU procedures were followed and that the contract prices were fair and reasonable and represented best value for money. The EU Directives recognises that there are situations and circumstances where direct procurement without a competitive process is both necessary and legitimate. Such procurements while exceptional do not constitute breaches of the public procurement rules.
Compliance with financial management rules, including public procurement, is subject to scrutiny by the internal audit function of public bodies and to external audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General and further examination by the Public Accounts Committee.
The role of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) is to ensure that public bodies are aware of their legal obligations from a national and EU perspective, so that they are in a position to understand the rules and procedures around public procurement. The OGP provides guidance notes, documentation and a customer service function to support public bodies undertaking procurement directly themselves. It is one of the aims of the OGP to promote standardisation of procedures and practices as a way of ensuring best practice in public procurement. For example, standard template tender and contract documents have been developed by the OGP in conjunction with the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the Office of the Attorney General to assist contracting authorities involved in carrying out routine, non-bespoke and low to medium risk procurements. These are available on the national public procurement website www.etenders.gov.ie.
147. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount of goods and services bought by the State from 2008 to date in 2017, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10904/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department is responsible for policy on allocating public funds across each area of Government spending and ensuring that expenditure is managed in line with these allocations by the Government Departments and State Bodies. Within the overall allocations set by my Department, individual Ministers and their Departments allocate funds across various projects and programmes and monitor performance in line with their Department's priorities. My Department does not have the information requested by the Deputy as the expenditure data is, and will continue to be, held by the individual Government Departments and State Bodies that purchase goods, services and works.
However, based on a comprehensive data gathering and analysis conducted in the preparation of the Capacity and Capability Review of Central Procurement Function by Accenture in 2012 for my Department, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) estimates that the State's annual procurement expenditure on goods and services (excluding works) totals approximately €8.5 billion. The procurement addressable spend under the remit of the OGP and its sector partners (Health, Education, Local Government and Defence) is estimated to be in the order of €6 billion when expenditure relating to areas such as the General Medical Services Scheme, grants to Community and Voluntary bodies, interagency payments and rent on property are excluded.
Since late 2013 the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has been engaged in a substantial project to gather source data on procurement expenditure from Government Departments and State Bodies and create a central data repository that will support its sourcing and policy activities. The OGP published its first report Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis Report for 2013 - in March 2015 with the second report, Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis Report for 2014 published in September 2016. The Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis Report for 2014 analysed almost two-thirds of addressable expenditure (€3.9 billion) across the 16 procurement spend categories. These reports are available on the OGP website www.procurement.ie.
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that all Government Departments and bodies under their aegis remain within the required expenditure and reform guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11010/17]
View answer149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if expenditure and reform principles will continue to remain a feature of Government policies over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11011/17]
View answer150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the sectors that have most obediently adhered to expenditure and reform guidelines over the past five years; his plans to ensure reward for such compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11012/17]
View answer151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the sectors that have not followed or have breached public expenditure and reform guidelines; the extent to which agreement can be reached with such groups in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11013/17]
View answer152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which public expenditure and reform will remain a feature of Government in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11014/17]
View answer159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which he expects public expenditure constraints and reform policies effective in the context of economic recovery to be used as a basis for prudent economic development in the future; if he expects to implement innovation in this regard in the future to maximise economic benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11022/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 152, inclusive, and 159 together.
Managing the delivery of public services within budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and their Department and important measures are in place to help ensure that these budgetary targets continue to be met. My Department is in regular communication with all Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against the published expenditure profiles. There is regular reporting to Government on these matters and information in relation to voted expenditure is published monthly with the Exchequer Returns.
Total gross expenditure to end-December 2016 amounted to €56 billion which was €142 million or (0.3%) ahead of profile with 12 out of 16 Ministerial Vote Groups broadly in line or below profile. Where Vote Groups were ahead of profile this reflected specific policy decisions to allocate funds by way of Supplementary Estimate for transport infrastructure repairs, school building, capital expenditure in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and for a Christmas Bonus for long term social welfare recipients. The performance in 2016 indicates the commitment of Departments to manage expenditure within allocations.
As set out in Expenditure Report 2017, in the three year period since 2014, gross voted expenditure is set to have increased by 9%. Given our recent history and the impact that the economic crisis had on society, this represents a level of growth that is prudent and responsible. As we plan for further prudent growth in expenditure, the effective management of expenditure by Departments will remain a key priority.
Public Service Reform was a central element of the response to the challenges of recent years and remains an essential part of building for the future. A comprehensive Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-16 was published in April 2016. The report was sent to all Deputies and is also available at www.reformplan.per.gov.ie. We must build on this progress and maintain a focus on Public Service Reform over the coming years. It is essential that targeted recruitment and investment in public services is done in tandem with further Public Service reform measures, not least as current and future demographic trends will continue to place demands on public service delivery.
In addition to overseeing the final phase of the implementation of the current Reform Plan, I have asked my Department to initiate the development of the next phase of Public Service Reform. In this context, I can assure the Deputy that Public Service Reform remains a key priority for this Government and for the public sector.
Stable and sustainable public finances are essential if we are to provide the necessary infrastructure to encourage economic growth and job creation and continued delivery of core public services for our citizens. In this context, the Government is committed to increasing public expenditure on a sustainable basis to meet the additional costs arising from an ageing and growing population and to provide for targeted improvements in public services all within the framework of what is permissible under the EU Fiscal Rules. The expenditure allocated in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) 2017 will support the delivery of key priorities with funding provided, for example, to: additional staffing in Health, Justice and Education; progressing the Action Plan for Housing in 2017; the introduction of a new single Affordable Childcare Scheme; and a number of increases to Social Welfare rates.
As the Deputy is aware, the Capital Plan is now being reviewed to ensure that capital spending is aligned with national economic and social priorities, consistent with the Programme for a Partnership Government. A key goal of the review is to focus available capital resources on investment that that can best underpin sustainable economic growth and social progress and enhance Ireland's future growth potential.
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the unions that signed up to the various agreements, including Lansdowne Road, will not be penalised as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11015/17]
View answerThe Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA), provides a negotiated pathway for public service pay increases through a phased partial unwinding of the FEMPI measures over three years at a full year cost of €844m in 2018 and represents a considerable investment in public service remuneration. Those unions/associations who hold representation rights for public service grades who subscribe to collective agreements such as the Lansdowne Road Agreement attract the benefits of such agreements. Accordingly, no union that has signed up for the Lansdowne Road Agreement will be penalised as a result.
154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which his Department can facilitate capital expenditure under various headings with particular reference to addressing infrastructural deficits, thus generating greater employment and providing a basis for future economic development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11017/17]
View answer155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which his Department has received communication from other Departments and bodies or agencies under their aegis seeking expenditure on such issues as the upgrade of motorways, new roadworks, investment in water and other items of infrastructural importance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11018/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
The Capital Plan 'Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021' set out a €42 billion framework to address our priority infrastructure needs up to 2021. The Programme for a Partnership Government (PfPG) makes clear that the existing Capital Plan is the starting point for increased investment in priority areas into the future. The PfPG committed to seeking Oireachtas approval for an additional €4 billion in Exchequer capital investment over the period of the Plan, to be allocated to such areas as transport, broadband, health, education and flood defences, on the basis of the outcome of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan to be undertaken in early 2017.
This commitment to increased capital expenditure was subsequently increased to €5.14 billion in the 2016 Summer Economic Statement (SES).
The Capital Plan is now being reviewed to ensure that capital spending is strictly aligned with national economic and social priorities, consistent with Programme for Partnership Government objectives. The review of the Plan is being undertaken in two phases:
Phase 1 of the review is a focused examination 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 to 2021. 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.
The second phase of the review, which will begin before the end of 2017, will then assess and report on the framework required to underpin longer term (10-20 years) analysis of Ireland's infrastructure planning needs. This long-term capital planning framework is intended to comprise a fundamental review of public capital infrastructural requirements into the future. 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 written to all Departments initiating the review process and has sought submissions, including proposals for any of the additional capital funding available, by the end of February 2017. A public consultation will also be undertaken to inform the Review.
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he and his Department can take steps to minimise the impact of Brexit on the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11019/17]
View answerCleary Brexit will pose significant challenges right across the economy. The Government is committed to addressing these challenges, to mitigating the impacts and to maximising the available opportunities.
In the short term, the Minister for Finance and I were able to deliver a Budget for 2017 setting out our approach to Brexit and to building a national economic response. For the third year in succession it has been possible to increase resources for public services and infrastructure. The gross voted expenditure allocation of €58.1 billion in 2017 will be over 3 per cent higher than the 2016 allocation. Resources have been allocated towards areas that may be significantly impacted by Brexit, in particular enterprises dealing with the impact of Brexit and our regional and rural communities.
In the longer term, the design of this year's Spending Review reflects the changed economic and fiscal context, including Brexit. Of course, while moderate and sustainable expenditure growth is planned over the medium-term, increasing and competing public service demands will mean managing expenditure will prove challenging.
The Capital Plan Building on Recovery sets out a €42 billion framework to address our priority infrastructure needs up to 2021. This plan is now being reviewed to ensure that capital spending remains strictly aligned with national economic and social priorities, consistent with Programme for Partnership Government objectives. This includes examining how available capital funds can continue to best be allocated to underpin sustainable medium-term economic growth and future growth potential, in light of recent developments since the Plan was published, including Brexit.
My Department also has responsibility for the European Structural & Investment Funds in Ireland, including two regional ERDF programmes and three EU-funded programmes with the UK: the PEACE and INTERREG programmes with Northern Ireland and the Ireland Wales programmes. These EU co-funded Programmes have a significant social and economic impact in the Irish regions. The Government remains firmly committed to the successful implementation of these programmes and to successor programmes post-2020.
