Written Answers Nos. 628-646
628. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full-year costs of increasing gross pay of all public sector workers under €30,000 by 1%, 2%, 3% and 5%, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13058/17]
View answerBased on the latest data available to the Department the costs are estimated as follows:
|
Number of Public Servants (FTE) earning under €30,000 |
Cost of 1% increase |
Cost of 2% increase |
Cost of 3% Increase |
Cost of 5% Increase |
|
39,483 |
€11m |
€22m |
€33m |
€55m |
629. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the delay in the OPW formally approving the lower Morell river flood relief scheme and the funding of same in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13116/17]
View answerKildare County Council (KCC) is the Contracting Authority for the Lower Morell River Flood Relief Scheme and the Council is managing and overseeing the necessary work to progress the scheme.
Formal approval of the scheme and its funding by the Office of Public Works (OPW) will happen when KCC and its consultants complete the detailed design and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and are ready to submit the scheme for planning approval. This should happen over the next few weeks. KCC is working on finalising the detailed design and the EIS which includes liaising with the various landowners / stakeholders who will be impacted by the proposed works.
It is hoped that the proposed scheme will receive planning approval in time to allow work to commence before end 2017.
I can confirm that the Lower Morell Scheme remains a priority and the OPW has included provision for the cost of the proposed works in its financial profiles in the period up to 2020.
630. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Questions Nos. 479 and 480, if he will confirm that no Minister or Minister of State under his remit since 2011 has claimed overnight expenses for staying in Dublin. [13167/17]
View answerI have reviewed the records of overnight expenses paid to Minsters and Ministers of State who have served in this Department since 2011 and I can confirm that none have been paid expenses in respect of an overnight in Dublin.
631. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm that in line with the one-person, one-salary principle, no public servant who is a member of a State board or agency under the control of his Department is currently in receipt of remuneration in the form of board fees and that if any such remuneration is being paid, it will be discontinued and payments that were wrongfully paid will be reclaimed. [13328/17]
View answerThe Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the only State Board under the remit of my Department. I can confirm that no public servant on the PAS Board is given any payment for their services on that board.
632. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects recruitment in specific vital areas of the public sector to become a policy initiative in the future, especially in areas such as counties Sligo and Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13351/17]
View answerIn my role as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have overarching policy responsibility for workforce planning in the Civil Service, including recruitment.
The initiation of a recruitment campaign for any particular civil service grade is determined by such factors as identified workforce planning requirements and the need to establish priorities for targeted recruitment into the civil service to meet specific service and skill needs.
As the Deputy will recall in Budget 2015, it was announced that there would be a targeted programme of recruitment into the Civil Service to address service needs and a shortfall in key skills
A number of open graduate recruitment campaigns have been held in late 2015 and 2016.
I understand from the Public Appointments Service, who are the independent recruiter for the civil service, that the following appointments have been made to the Sligo, Leitrim and Longford areas since 2014:
|
Grade |
Sligo/Leitrim/Longford |
|
Executive Officer |
10 |
|
Clerical Officer |
76 |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
627 |
Further consideration will be given throughout 2017 to resourcing and staffing needs for the Civil Service.
Recruitment plans for the public service more generally are a matter, in the first instance, for the Minister with responsibility for each of the relevant sectors of the public service.
633. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the outcome of the arbitration between his Department and the CPSU in relation to the integration of the staff officer and executive officer roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13459/17]
View answerThe Civil Service Arbitration Board has made its report on this matter which I have accepted. This report was laid before the House on 10 March 2017 and is available on the Oireachtas website at http://opac.oireachtas.ie/AWData/Library3/PERdoclaid100317_102543.pdf.
634. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of all State properties sold in County Kerry between 2011 and February 2017; and the valuation of each at the time of sale. [13642/17]
View answerThe following properties owned by the Commissioners of Public Works were sold in County Kerry from 2011 to date.
- The former Garda station in Lauragh, County Kerry was valued and sold for €115,000 during 2016.
- The former Garda Station in Fenit, County Kerry was valued and sold for €110,000 during 2017.
There were no properties owned by the Commissioners of Public Works sold in County Kerry from the years 2011 to 2015.
Other public sector bodies may have sold properties, however the Commissioners would not have been involved in these disposals and therefore would not have details of same.
635. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of properties currently owned by the State in County Kildare or under long-term lease to the State that are currently vacant; the attempts that are being made to fill them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13716/17]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland currently own one vacant property in County Kildare. This property is the former Garda Station in Rathangan and is currently being prepared for disposal. There are no vacant properties in County Kildare on long term lease.
636. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the OPW's discussions on the refurbishment of a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13744/17]
View answerThe Garda Station in question is located in a leased premises. The Office of Public Works continues to engage in discussions with the Landlord regarding the extent of necessary works to be carried out on the property. This process is ongoing and agreement has yet to be reached.
637. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a fish counter will be provided as promised by Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, and the OPW on the River Nore, Kilkenny city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13828/17]
View answerThe provision of a fish counter would fall within the remit of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Should the IFI propose to provide a fish counter in the River Nore at this location and request the assistance of the OPW, this Office shall endeavour to assist in so far as is possible.
638. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 23 February 2017, if he will provide details with regard to the one member of staff currently suspended in his Department, in tabular form (details supplied). [14059/17]
View answerAs the process is ongoing and we are not in a position to release further information at this point in time.
639. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 23 February 2017, the reason he requested answers to the question from each Department except the Departments of Health and Education and Skills. [14062/17]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question, the subject matter of Parliamentary Question Number 270 of 23 February, 2017 did not relate to public affairs connected with my Department or to matters of administration for which I am officially responsible (including bodies under the aegis of my Department in respect of Government policy).
The question fell within the responsibilities of other Ministers, so my Department transferred the question to all Departments for their direct reply as is common practice with such questions.
I understand that on this occasion all Departments with the exception of the Departments of Health and Education and Skills accepted the transfer and replied to the Deputy. In this context, the Deputy may wish to submit a similar question directly to those Departments.
640. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the Civil Service spouses and children's superannuation scheme was introduced by way of circular letter P18/12/67, dated 18 May 1984; if the Minister had the authority to issue such a circular; the reason membership of the scheme is obligatory on all civil servants, regardless of their health, family circumstances or other circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14083/17]
View answerThe Revised Civil Service Spouses and Children's Pension Scheme (the "Revised Scheme") was introduced in 1984 as a result of an agreed recommendation made by General Council under the Scheme for Conciliation and Arbitration for the Civil Service. The recommendation was regarding the amendment of certain provisions of the Civil Service Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension Scheme (the "Old Scheme") - General Council Report 1018 refers.
The authority to issue a circular on this matter derives from Section 17 of the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956 which states inter alia,
"The Minister shall be responsible for the following matters -
(c) the fixing of -
(i) the terms and conditions of service of civil servants".
Membership of the Spouses and Children's Scheme has been compulsory for all new entrants into the Civil Service since 1984. The Scheme is structured on a group insurance basis and the member contribution rates take account of the fact that payment of benefits will not arise in respect of all members.
641. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total amount spent externally by his Department on legal advice for each year since 2015; the solicitors' firms involved; the barristers, junior and senior, who provided services to his Department for each such year; the amounts paid to each firm or person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14137/17]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question, the table outlines the total amount spent on legal advice by my Department since 2015:
|
Year |
Name |
Amount |
|
2015 |
Philip Lee Solicitors |
€5,535 |
|
|
ByrneWallace Solicitors |
€123,221 |
|
|
*Consultant R. Humphreys |
€54,312 |
|
|
*Consultant C. Kennedy |
€57,530 |
|
|
|
€240,598 |
|
2016 |
ByrneWallace Solicitors |
€207,901 |
|
|
Eversheds |
€394,954 |
|
|
|
€602,855 |
|
2017 |
Eversheds |
€60,023 |
|
|
|
€60,023 |
* R. Humphreys gave legal advice/support in drafting legislative proposals under the Government Reform Programme. C. Kennedy was a consultant who worked on the Statute Law Revision programme. Both were engaged in line with public procurement rules.
642. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is standard practice for a private consultant to be used to recruit for non-commercial State employment vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14261/17]
View answerThe recruitment of staff in Non-Commercial State Bodies (NCSBs) is a matter for the management of the Bodies in consultation with their parent Department in the first instance. This Department does not have a role in determining the method through which staff are recruited. It is understood that NCSBs may, if they wish, use the Public Appointments Service (PAS) for recruitment purposes.
643. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason not-for-profit community child care centres are not permitted to apply for Leader funding under the current rural development programme; her plans to include community child care centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13521/17]
View answerFunding under the LEADER Programme is targeted at innovative approaches to addressing the needs of rural areas as identified in the Local Development Strategies prepared for each sub-regional area. The funding can be provided under a broad range of themes, including enterprise development and social inclusion. It is important, however, to ensure that the available funding is targeted at policy areas where it can provide the greatest added value and avoid duplication.
Provision for community childcare is currently available through the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the local County Childcare Committees. It is not, therefore, proposed to extend the LEADER Programme to include the provision of childcare facilities at present.
644. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the report submitted by Dublin Zoo to the National Parks and Wildlife Service which detailed that the zoo had over 100 animal deaths in the space of two years between 2014 and 2016, including a number of animals on loan from other zoos; her views on whether this will damage the zoo's reputation; if international comparisons have been sought for best practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14146/17]
View answerMy Department is responsible for implementing the European Communities (Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations 2003, relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is responsible for the inspection and licensing of zoos and appoints suitable persons as inspectors for the purposes of these Regulations.
The most recent inspection of Dublin Zoo took place in July 2016 and the report provided by my Department’s zoo inspectorate notes that Dublin Zoo is a leader of best practice in Ireland and Europe. As part of the zoo inspection process the animal inventory of each zoo is reviewed and any anomalies are highlighted by the zoo inspectors for clarification. If deemed necessary, individual post-mortem reports may also be reviewed. No issues around welfare, husbandry or diet were identified during recent inspections of Dublin Zoo.
Mortality rates are a product in part of species which naturally have short life cycles or with naturally high mortalities of newly born or hatched specimens. During inspection, any unusual instances of mortality are discussed with the zoo in question and reviewed, and where appropriate the post-mortems are also reviewed.
I understand that the deaths reported for 2014 and 2015 in Dublin Zoo are considered a normal part of the life cycle of the zoo’s collection and that there are currently no concerns in relation to the mortality patterns noted at the zoo.
It is the experience of my Department’s zoo inspectorate that Dublin Zoo provides very high quality care for the animals under their care.
As a fully licensed zoo, Dublin Zoo is due to be inspected next later in 2017. As with previous inspections, a report will be compiled on foot of this inspection and any discrepancies or contraventions of the zoo regulations that are identified will be noted in that report.
645. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to increase the number of national parks here (details supplied); her views on whether more national parks would have a positive effect on the environment, wildlife and tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14182/17]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department manages an extensive conservation and recreational property portfolio of some 79,000 hectares. Our 6 National Parks account for circa 60,000 hectares with another almost 20,000 hectares of nature reserves and other heritage sites.
While the existing National Parks are managed from a conservation perspective, it is also recognised that they are ‘core assets’ which play a very important role in Ireland’s tourism industry. The National Parks and Wildlife Service manages and maintains more than 485km of trails between National Parks, Nature Reserves and other conservation/recreational properties. These are dispersed geographically across the country and attracted in excess of €4 million visitors annually. Within the National Parks alone, the NPWS is responsible for a trail network spanning some 220km, including both cycling and walking trails, which run over some of the most iconic and scenic landscapes in Ireland. In addition, long-distance trails such as the Wicklow and Kerry Way, 129km and 122km respectively, run through the National Parks and are also maintained by the NPWS.
Given the resources available for capital investment within our National Parks and Nature Reserves, I am ever mindful of the need to focus on the core responsibilities relating to the management of the existing Parks and Reserves lands and have no plans at present to increase the number of National Parks in the country. However, as part of my Department’s continuing commitment and contribution to improving our tourism product, we have been exploring ways to optimise the sustainable tourism potential of heritage sites under our control in a way that is compatible with conservation objectives In this context, it should be noted that in late 2016 my Department negotiated the extension of Wicklow Mountains National Park by purchasing almost 4,900 acres of Dublin Uplands at Glenasmole in 2016 at a cost of €800,000. The purchase underpins the Government’s on-going commitment to the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.
In addition, my Department, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, launched a strategic partnership earlier this year with a view to growing tourism revenues in the rural areas where the parks are located and increasing Ireland’s appeal as a holiday destination. Fáilte Ireland will be investing capital funding of €500,000 to kick-start the initiative. This initial funding will focus on the five National Parks and five Nature Reserves situated on the Wild Atlantic Way in addition to Wicklow Mountains National Park. The funding will facilitate the undertaking of feasibility, scoping and design of tourism projects, building on the strengths of each location, as well as further promoting our National Parks and Nature Reserves for visitors and tourists.
646. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which the built environment continues to be protected for the benefit of present and future generations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14272/17]
View answerMy role, as Minister, with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the role of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets. Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides for the protection of architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including relevant structures on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.
Under Section 54 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a planning authority may add to or delete from its record of protected structures, a structure, a specified part of a structure or a specified feature of the attendant grounds of a structure. Such a structure, specified part of a structure, or specified feature remains on the record of protected structures until such time as the planning authority deletes it. Provision is made in the Act for the carrying out of works to protected structures either by way of planning permission or on the foot of a declaration received from a planning authority that certain works that would not materially affect the character of a structure are exempted development. There is a duty of owners and occupiers to protect structures from endangerment. Where structures become endangered or unauthorised development has been or is being carried out, the planning authority has the powers to take appropriate action.
As Minister, and in terms of being a prescribed body under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2015, I also have a role whereby development proposals that may impact on our built heritage are referred by a planning authority to my Department so that recommendations can be made as appropriate to avoid or mitigate any such impacts.
Under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts 1930-2014, my Department has established and maintains the Record of Monuments and Places, which affords legal protection to over 120,000 recorded archaeological sites and monuments in the State. Anyone proposing works to a monument that is included in the Record of Monument and Places must give my Department two months prior notice before works can start.
My Department has a number of measures at its disposal to facilitate the maintenance and restoration of major historical or cultural sites. As Minister, I am the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites and in such cases there is a statutory duty to maintain the national monument. Such maintenance is undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Local authorities are responsible under the National Monuments Acts for maintaining the national monuments of which they are owners or guardians.
My Department is also providing €350,000 of funding to the OPW in 2017 to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership. OPW undertakes the care and maintenance of national monuments in my ownership or guardianship (of which there are approximately 750). My Department’s National Monuments Service works in close collaboration with the OPW on survey, excavation and research work to optimise the protection, management, interpretation and presentation of national monuments in State care.
There is a number of ways in which my Department acts in respect of possible heritage sites/buildings deemed to be at risk. One of these is the receipt of applications for funding for the repair, conservation, preservation or safeguarding of protected structures, sites or monuments. Financial support is being provided by my Department through a number of structured schemes for the conservation and protection of heritage buildings.
I launched a new €2 million scheme - the Built Heritage Investment Scheme - for the repair and conservation of protected structures on 21 October 2015. This scheme operated in 2016 and is being operated in 2017, via the local authorities, on the same model as the very successful Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme, which ran in 2014. It is expected to support in excess of 330 projects across the country in 2017 and to create employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas.
The Structures at Risk Fund enables conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. This fund, administered through the local authorities, supported 57 projects nationally in 2016. It seeks to encourage the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and to help to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost. The scheme is operating again in 2017.
