Written Answers Nos. 85-104
85. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to expand the EGFSN to include the HGV mechanics in view of the fact there appears to be a shortage of this skilled labour here. [42088/17]
View answerThe Expert Group on Future Skills Needs is an independent, non-statutory body, whose role is to carry out research, analysis and horizon scanning in relation to emerging skills requirements at thematic and sectoral levels. Its follow-up work involves engagement with the Department of Education and Skills, Higher Education Authority, SOLAS and other relevant bodies to produce an agreed action plan to address the skills needs identified.
The Group has a broad sectoral membership, including representatives from the business community, education and training providers, trade unions, and a small number of Government Departments and agencies.
I assume the deputy is asking for a commitment that the Expert Group will examine and make proposals to deal with shortages of HGV mechanics.
The Expert Group undertook a study of the demand for skills in the wider freight transport, distribution and logistics sector in 2015, in which the role of vehicle mechanics and technicians, while not prevalent in numbers (c.1% of total staff in companies surveyed for the study), was highlighted as important to the sector’s performance and quality of service.
The Group made a number of recommendations for addressing the broader skills needs in the sector, and thereby addressing its poor image, and issues around retention and lack of career pathways. These included the development of national occupation standards, new apprenticeship and traineeship programmes, improved training provision, enhancing awareness of the sector, and establishment of a Sectoral Skills Engagement Group.
Implementation of these recommendations was handed over to the sector, its company base, and education and training providers, on publication of the report. The implementation of Expert Group reports is subject to regular review, and should serious issues persist, and with the cooperation of the sector, the Group is willing to re-examine its skills needs.
86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a breach of labour law has occurred in the case of a former employee of an organisation (details supplied) who is concerned that their claims have not yet been investigated but have been relieved of their responsibilities in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42132/17]
View answerThe Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and I have no direct involvement in its day-to-day operations or adjudication function.
Where individuals believe that they are being deprived of employment rights applicable to employees, they may refer a complaint to the WRC where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication. Complaints can be made on a single complaint form available at the WRC’s website: www.workplacerelations.ie. Where such complaint is presented, the Director General shall, subject to section 39, refer the complaint for adjudication by an Adjudication Officer.
In addition, the WRC’s Customer Service Section provides information to both employers and employees in relation to employment, equality and industrial relations rights and obligations and can be contacted at Lo-call 1890-808090 or 059-9178990.
87. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if help is available to persons that drew down their first tranche of mortgage before July 2016 for a self-build house which was concluded in early 2017 in view of the fact that they appear to be excluded from the help-to-buy scheme under its current terms and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42177/17]
View answerI take it that the Deputy is referring to the possibility of a back-dating of eligibility for the Help-to-Buy Initiative, HTB, to before 19 July 2016.
The commencement date for HTB was chosen as it was the date of the launch of, "Rebuilding Ireland - Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness", in which the development of such a scheme for inclusion in the Budget was initially announced. The intention to apply HTB from this date was announced at that time with a view to avoiding any potential interruption in house sales by purchasers who may otherwise have deferred purchases.
Individuals who purchased new homes before the announcement of the incentive did so without the expectation of such a relief. Similarly, those who commenced the draw-down of mortgages in respect of self-built properties before 19 July would also not have expected a subsequently introduced tax relief to be available to them.
As with all time-bound reliefs, there will always be those who just miss out on qualification. However, I do not propose that start date of this measure be changed as to do so would make HTB more costly and less targeted.
88. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of homes lost or that are being examined as possible losses as a result of overcharging on tracker mortgages, by lender, to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42006/17]
View answerThe Central Bank has advised that, while rate rectification is almost complete for the majority of impacted customers identified to date, the redress and compensation phase of the Tracker Mortgage Examination is ongoing. Lenders are continuing to determine the exact circumstances and the impact of their failures for each individual account. Therefore, the Central Bank has indicated that lenders do not yet have complete figures for loss of ownership, which are impacted by tracker mortgage related issues.
However, my Department has sought information from the banks in which the State has a shareholding interest and has received the following responses:
AIB has indicated that it has identified circa 14 cases where the bank has deemed that the failure in relation to tracker mortgages may have caused a customer to lose their home. However, as the review is not yet complete, this number may change but the bank has indicated that it does not currently expect it to change substantially.
PTSB has also advised that, through the Mortgage Redress Programme which was completed in 2015, the bank identified 22 cases where it was determined that the loss of ownership may not have occurred had it not been for the bank's failure. However, the bank's work on this matter, including the Central Bank ordered industry wide review of tracker mortgages, is continuing and when it very recently appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach, the bank noted that some further loss of ownership cases as a result of the Tracker Mortgage Examination will arise. However, the bank advised that it expects this additional number to be low.
Bank of Ireland advised that it is currently conducting its examination of tracker mortgage related issues which covers, among other things, transparency of communications with and contractual rights of tracker mortgage customers. This process is ongoing and the bank indicated that it will provide further updates as the examination progresses.
89. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce a tax allowance for the parents of children that are working to bring it in line with the child dependants allowance of €29.80 per week (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42015/17]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to the €29.80 increase to certain social welfare benefits for a Qualified Child, IQC. This is not a tax allowance but is a part of the social welfare benefit available to the individual. In 2017, the Increase for a Qualified Child is €29.80 per week.
There is no generally available tax credit in respect of child dependants, but the Deputy will be aware that there are a number of tax credits which may apply to certain families with children, including the Single Person Child Carer tax credit, the Incapacitated Child tax credit, the Widowed Parent tax credit and the Home Carer tax credit.
Working families on lower incomes may also qualify for Family Income Supplement, FIS, a weekly additional income payment available to employees with children. Further information on FIS is available from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
The Deputy will also be aware that a new Affordable Childcare Scheme was introduced by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs last year to assist families with the costs involved in providing care for their children.
Taking into account the range of supports currently available both via the tax system and through direct supports, it is my view that the introduction of a new tax credit of the nature proposed by the Deputy would not be the best use of limited resources at this time.
90. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the way in which a change to the rules to include the warehoused element of a split mortgage as a non-performing loan would alter the capital requirements of each Irish bank in view of the ECB's capitalisation rules and buffers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42020/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I have no role in the day-to-day management or financial reporting of any bank in which the State is a shareholder. Financial reporting obligations and accounting practices are matters solely for the Board and Management of each institution. Each of the SSM (Single Supervisory Mechanism) regulated institutions produces detailed, externally audited accounts in line with international accounting best practice. In addition, these banks have required minimum capital levels, which are assessed and scrutinised by the Joint Supervisory team, JST, comprising officials of both the SSM and the Central Bank of Ireland.
The capital treatment of non-performing loans and mortgage restructures, including split loans with a warehoused element, is in accordance with the CRD IV which forms the basis of prudential requirements for banks. The minimum capital requirements are determined by the annual Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process, SREP, conducted by the SSM.
The Central Bank have confirmed to my officials that, "credit institutions are required to comply with a range of classification requirements including the Regulatory definition of default as per Article 178 of the Capital Requirements Regulation; the Accounting definition of impaired as per the applicable accounting framework (e.g. IAS 39) and the Supervisory definition of non-performing as per the EBA ITS* on forbearance and non-performing exposures".
Therefore, each bank would need to consider the impact on its reporting and compliance obligations in the event of a hypothetical change as described by the Deputy. One cannot assume, in this regard, a direct impact from a change in definition determining the recognition of NPLs on the minimum capital requirements that would be assigned to an institution by the SSM as part of their SREP.
*Implementing Technical Standard.
91. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his views on the proposal from a group (details supplied) regarding the introduction of a foreign minimum tax requirement in tandem with the proposed reduction in the US corporate tax rate to 20%; if he has conducted a risk impact assessment of these proposed changes to the economy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42022/17]
View answer92. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he has written to or spoken to his counterpart in the US Administration in relation to President Trump's plans to change the way in which US corporate tax operates; and if so, if his department officials are preparing a response to same. [41865/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
I note the publication by the US administration and Congressional leaders of a framework providing additional detail on their proposals for US tax reform.
While a reduction to the US corporate tax rate and a move to a territorial system are expected to be part of any legislative proposal building on this announcement, the substantive detail of any legislative proposal is not yet known. The framework suggests that the US proposals will seek to tax the global profits of US multinationals at a rate below whatever new headline rate is agreed. There has been no indication as to what level this lower rate may be set at. If agreed, this would represent a change from the current system where the US tax the global profits of US multinationals when those profits are repatriated to the US at the full headline US tax rate.
It is expected that the legislative debate on the proposals will begin later this month. Agreement between the House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and President Trump will be needed before any legislation can ultimately be agreed and any changes can be introduced.
The exact implications of US tax reform for Ireland, and the rest of the world, will depend on the exact nature of any changes which are ultimately agreed.
I have not yet spoken directly to my counterpart in the US administration in relation to the administration's tax reform plans. My officials in the Department of Finance and our Embassies in the US, are closely tracking the debate in the US and continue to engage with business and others to fully understand the potential impacts of any US reform.
93. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Finance if the help-to-buy incentive scheme will be extended to first-time buyers that purchase a second-hand house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42068/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, with less than a week to go to Budget 2018, it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this point on what may or may not be contained in that Budget.
94. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to address alleged cartel like activity in the insurance industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42077/17]
View answerThe Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, is the statutory independent body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition law in the State. Section 9(5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the CCPC is independent in the performance of its functions, including carrying out investigations of alleged anti-competitive practices.
It is my understanding that the CCPC has been undertaking an investigation of suspected breaches of competition law in the motor insurance sector. However, as investigations and enforcement matters generally are part of the day-to-day operational work of the CCPC, neither I, nor the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, has a direct function in respect of such matters.
Separately, the European Commission on 4 July 2017 carried out an unannounced inspection at the premises of companies active in motor insurance in the State. The basis for this inspection was a concern by the Commission that the companies involved may have engaged in anti-competitive practices in breach of EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices and/or abuse of a dominant market position.
Again, I am not in a position to make any comment in relation to such actions being taken by the European Commission. Any inspection or investigation being undertaken by the Commission is done independently and I have no insight into the development of any such exercise.
Nevertheless, my Department has taken an active role in tackling insurance costs. The issue of rising insurance costs was the main impetus for the establishment of the Cost of Insurance Working Group in July 2016. It published the report on the Cost of Motor Insurance in January 2017. The report makes 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions to be carried out in agreed timeframes, which are set out in an Action Plan.
Work is ongoing on the implementation of the recommendations by the relevant Government Departments and Agencies and there is a commitment within the report that the Working Group will prepare quarterly updates on its progress. The second such update was published on the Department's website on 21 July 2017 and shows the progress to date on the overall implementation of the recommendations, with a particular focus on the 17 action points which were due for completion in the second quarter of 2017. All 17 of these action points were completed by this deadline. The third quarterly update will issue in the coming weeks.
In addition, in January, the Cost of Insurance Working Group embarked on its second phase to examine issues around the cost of insurance for businesses, specifically employer liability and public liability insurance. It is hoped that a final report will be published during the autumn/winter term.
I believe that the implementation of these reports will make a difference to the pricing of insurance premiums over the next 12-18 months. It is envisaged that the implementation of all the recommendations cumulatively, with the appropriate levels of commitment and cooperation from all relevant stakeholders, will achieve the objective of delivering fairer premiums for consumers. I also believe that the Setanta judgment, by finding that MIBI is not liable to meet third party claims, removes a major uncertainty from industry, which I would expect to be reflected in motor insurance pricing in the short to medium term.
It should be noted that the most recent CSO data (for August) indicates that private motor insurance premiums have reduced by 14% year on year. While the CSO statistics indicate a greater degree of stability on an overall basis, these figures represent a broad average and therefore there are many people who may still be seeing increases. I am, hopeful, however that greater stability in pricing will continue to occur, and that premiums will continue to fall from the very high levels of last year.
95. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine a request by an organisation (details supplied); his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42099/17]
View answerMy Department has so far received in the order of 370 Pre-Budget Submissions from a wide range of groups and individuals. These are being considered by the relevant officials in the context of Budget and Finance Bill preparation. I can confirm that a submission from Aid Link has been received. However, as the Deputy will be aware, it is not the practice of the Minister for Finance to discuss the details of measures which may be under consideration as part of the Budget and Finance Bill.
96. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the valuations on the remaining distressed assets at IBRC; when valuations were last done; the timeframe that has been set for disposing of these distressed assets; the estimated costs associated with this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42117/17]
View answerI am advised by the Special Liquidators of IBRC that the vast majority of assets remaining in the liquidation are tied to ongoing litigation. For reasons of confidentiality and commercial sensitivity, the Special Liquidators cannot provide any further detail on these assets at this time.
The Special Liquidators are committed to selling the remaining assets as quickly as is practical but are mindful that best price much be achieved for the remaining creditors of IBRC.
The Special Liquidators published their fourth progress update report on the liquidation of IBRC in May 2017, which is available on the Department of Finance website: http://www.finance.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/170505-IBRC-Progress-update-report-report_31-Dec-16.pdf. This report covers the period to December 2016 and gives an overview of the work which the Special Liquidators have completed since their appointment in February 2013, the work which is ongoing in the liquidation and the tasks which remain to be completed.
97. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance his views on farm income averaging whereby either the farmer or spouse have a second income from self-employment; if a threshold can be introduced whereby the income average can apply rather than excluding due to the fact that in some situations it may be a small amount of self-employment income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42122/17]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I have received a number of pre-Budget submissions proposing changes to the operation of income averaging for the farming sector. Consideration of specific proposals with regard to income tax measures relating to the farming sector remain ongoing in the context of Budget 2018 deliberations.
98. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the income received by each Garda station that has a telecoms mast on-site that sublets space on that mast to other companies to use and or take a fixing on for each of the past five years, by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41999/17]
View answerThe following table shows the gross income (excluding VAT) received by the State under licences granted by the Commissioners of Public Works in respect of mobile telecommunications equipment on Garda Masts for each of the five years from 2012-2016.
Income from Telecommunication Mast Licences at Garda Stations (GS) - 2012 - 2016
|
Location |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Abbeyfeale GS |
€12,836 |
€44,433 |
€22,251 |
€15,652 |
€23,687 |
|
Anglesea St GS |
€20,085 |
€22,804 |
€22,804 |
€17,367 |
€32,015 |
|
Arklow GS |
€9,211 |
€39,082 |
€21,850 |
€12,121 |
€20,725 |
|
Ashbourne GS |
€25,643 |
€30,957 |
€33,487 |
€21,504 |
€39,743 |
|
Balbriggan GS |
€46,517 |
€118,710 |
€68,657 |
€54,270 |
€89,640 |
|
Ballingarry South GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Ballybunion GS |
€10,585 |
€24,966 |
€16,292 |
€9,002 |
€16,026 |
|
Ballycastle GS |
€30,873 |
€16,026 |
€16,026 |
€12,484 |
€23,196 |
|
Ballycroy GS |
€7,170 |
€8,963 |
€8,963 |
€5,378 |
€8,963 |
|
Ballydesmond GS |
€3,500 |
€8,750 |
€8,750 |
€5,250 |
€8,750 |
|
Ballyfermot GS |
€17,100 |
€76,454 |
€38,783 |
€14,259 |
€37,775 |
|
Ballyhale GS |
€14,506 |
€16,278 |
€16,278 |
€11,595 |
€15,941 |
|
Ballyheigue GS |
€15,322 |
€33,279 |
€24,707 |
€17,200 |
€31,615 |
|
Ballyvaughan GS |
€7,554 |
€9,443 |
€9,443 |
€5,666 |
€9,443 |
|
Bandon GS |
€19,731 |
€32,554 |
€27,176 |
€21,813 |
€28,394 |
|
Belmullet GS |
€7,170 |
€11,054 |
|||
|
Bishopstown GS |
€7,193 |
€14,385 |
€7,193 |
€9,590 |
€9,590 |
|
Blacklion GS |
€20,204 |
€19,484 |
€29,779 |
€12,801 |
€23,026 |
|
Blackrock (Dn) GS |
€17,100 |
€21,375 |
€21,375 |
€12,825 |
€21,375 |
|
Blanchardstown GS |
€60,076 |
€81,893 |
€73,134 |
€55,229 |
€88,617 |
|
Blessington GS |
€19,718 |
€26,888 |
€21,510 |
€19,718 |
€30,473 |
|
Boyle GS |
€29,077 |
€41,265 |
€32,489 |
€30,902 |
€41,162 |
|
Bridewell GS |
€47,418 |
€64,686 |
€51,568 |
€42,699 |
€55,040 |
|
Bruff GS |
€22,567 |
€23,160 |
€23,160 |
€13,361 |
€30,048 |
|
Bunclody GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Buttevant GS |
€13,060 |
€17,221 |
€16,026 |
€9,685 |
€16,026 |
|
Cabinteely GS |
€47,725 |
€65,030 |
€51,875 |
€40,865 |
€55,091 |
|
Cabra GS |
€64,742 |
€82,316 |
€73,503 |
€55,178 |
€79,841 |
|
Caherciveen GS |
€0 |
€15,844 |
€7,313 |
€3,035 |
€7,085 |
|
Campile GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Carickmacross GS |
€7,384 |
€9,230 |
€9,230 |
€5,538 |
€9,230 |
|
Carlingford GS |
€26,828 |
€33,850 |
€28,600 |
€19,440 |
€37,196 |
|
Carlow GS |
€19,887 |
€20,916 |
€20,916 |
€8,423 |
€20,725 |
|
Castlebleney GS |
€21,858 |
€23,629 |
€23,629 |
€18,040 |
€30,366 |
|
Castlecomer GS |
€10,785 |
€9,244 |
€9,244 |
€865 |
€9,100 |
|
Castledermot GS |
€8,330 |
€7,140 |
€7,140 |
€152 |
€7,000 |
|
Castleisland GS |
€7,085 |
€30,316 |
€16,902 |
€9,371 |
€16,026 |
|
Castletownbere GS |
€13,060 |
€17,149 |
€15,964 |
€9,112 |
€17,798 |
|
Cavan GS |
€25,439 |
€34,656 |
€29,089 |
€25,319 |
€37,176 |
|
Charleville GS |
€14,900 |
€16,671 |
€16,671 |
€5,970 |
€22,039 |
|
Clogherhead GS |
€14,340 |
€16,133 |
€16,133 |
€12,548 |
€23,303 |
|
Clonakilty GS |
€19,463 |
€50,548 |
€28,793 |
€22,509 |
€37,196 |
|
Clonbullogue GS |
€30,873 |
€16,026 |
€16,026 |
€12,484 |
€23,196 |
|
Clondalkin GS |
€16,600 |
€20,750 |
€20,750 |
€12,450 |
€20,750 |
|
Clones GS |
€19,633 |
€26,781 |
€21,404 |
€19,654 |
€30,366 |
|
Clonroche GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Clontarf GS |
€30,581 |
€41,771 |
€38,719 |
€21,840 |
€37,550 |
|
Clontribet GS |
€7,170 |
€8,963 |
€8,963 |
€5,378 |
€8,963 |
|
Collooney GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Coolock GS |
€29,875 |
€102,051 |
€51,315 |
€36,980 |
€54,851 |
|
Courtown GS |
€15,617 |
€16,169 |
€16,169 |
€5,351 |
€16,026 |
|
Croom GS |
€15,426 |
€16,673 |
€18,799 |
€13,108 |
€17,009 |
|
Crumlin GS |
€19,800 |
€73,835 |
€43,154 |
€24,130 |
€41,150 |
|
Dalkey GS |
€16,800 |
€21,000 |
€21,000 |
€12,600 |
€21,000 |
|
Dingle GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Donnybrook GS |
€16,400 |
€20,500 |
€20,500 |
€12,300 |
€20,500 |
|
Donoughmore GS |
€8,322 |
€10,403 |
€10,403 |
€6,242 |
€22,950 |
|
Drumcollogher GS |
€11,970 |
€17,228 |
€16,048 |
€9,949 |
€16,048 |
|
Dun Laoghaire GS |
€17,100 |
€21,375 |
€21,375 |
€12,825 |
€21,375 |
|
Dunboyne GS |
€26,173 |
€35,467 |
€28,476 |
€22,314 |
€30,168 |
|
Duncannon GS |
€19,973 |
€27,122 |
€21,744 |
€18,811 |
€19,611 |
|
Dundalk GS |
€18,311 |
€20,614 |
€20,614 |
€16,008 |
€29,714 |
|
Dundrum GS |
€16,800 |
€16,800 |
|||
|
Dunfanaghy GS |
€12,918 |
€8,856 |
€24,023 |
€8,424 |
€17,624 |
|
Dungarvan GS |
€9,322 |
€9,322 |
€9,322 |
€9,322 |
€9,322 |
|
Dunshaughlin GS |
€9,945 |
€9,945 |
€9,945 |
€7,100 |
€9,322 |
|
Easkey GS |
€14,255 |
€16,090 |
€16,090 |
€10,800 |
€16,026 |
|
Emyvale GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€10,628 |
|
Enfield GS |
€7,170 |
€8,963 |
€27,005 |
||
|
Ennis GS |
€16,480 |
€25,843 |
€18,852 |
€16,438 |
€23,554 |
|
Enniscorthy GS |
€9,322 |
€11,653 |
€11,653 |
€6,992 |
€11,653 |
|
Enniskerry GS |
€30,212 |
€28,108 |
€30,541 |
€18,808 |
€34,475 |
|
Eyrecourt GS |
€7,000 |
€8,750 |
€8,750 |
€5,250 |
€8,750 |
|
Falcarragh GS |
€7,170 |
€8,963 |
€8,963 |
€5,378 |
€15,543 |
|
Fitzgibbon St GS |
€49,600 |
€120,829 |
€75,864 |
€60,292 |
€94,750 |
|
Foynes GS |
€15,583 |
€16,140 |
€16,140 |
€6,309 |
€17,798 |
|
Galway Mill ST GS |
€9,987 |
€12,484 |
€12,484 |
€7,490 |
€12,484 |
|
Garristown GS |
€16,600 |
€20,750 |
€20,750 |
€12,450 |
€20,750 |
|
Glenbeigh GS |
€14,340 |
€16,133 |
€16,133 |
€12,548 |
€23,303 |
|
Glenties GS |
€19,946 |
€23,026 |
€23,026 |
€17,345 |
€30,196 |
|
Goresbridge GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Gorey GS |
€14,559 |
€22,210 |
€22,210 |
€14,952 |
€21,612 |
|
Gort GS |
€9,211 |
€11,514 |
€11,514 |
€6,908 |
€11,514 |
|
Granard GS |
€9,211 |
€11,514 |
€11,514 |
€6,908 |
€11,514 |
|
Greystones GS |
€18,311 |
€20,614 |
€20,614 |
€16,008 |
€29,714 |
|
Gurranbraher GS |
€26,238 |
€63,427 |
€38,878 |
€31,548 |
€48,871 |
|
Hackballscross GS |
€21,870 |
€7,140 |
€7,140 |
€7,140 |
€7,140 |
|
Henry St GS |
€9,211 |
€11,514 |
€11,514 |
||
|
Holycross GS |
€18,296 |
€31,439 |
€24,371 |
€12,701 |
€21,641 |
|
Howth GS |
€47,218 |
€64,436 |
€51,318 |
€42,549 |
€54,790 |
|
Irishtown GS |
€16,600 |
€20,750 |
€20,750 |
€12,450 |
€20,750 |
|
Kells GS |
€14,314 |
€51,216 |
€26,547 |
€20,191 |
€27,133 |
|
Kenmare GS |
€9,211 |
€11,514 |
€11,514 |
€6,908 |
€11,514 |
|
Kevin St GS |
€18,600 |
€23,250 |
€23,250 |
€13,950 |
€27,900 |
|
Kilcullen GS |
€7,170 |
€7,170 |
€7,170 |
€7,170 |
€1,793 |
|
Kildare GS |
€11,122 |
€13,903 |
€13,903 |
€8,342 |
€13,903 |
|
Kildorrery GS |
€7,085 |
€10,923 |
|||
|
Kildysart GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Kilgarvan GS |
€14,586 |
€16,358 |
€16,358 |
€5,289 |
€17,798 |
|
Kill of the Grange GS |
€16,600 |
€20,750 |
€20,750 |
€12,450 |
€20,750 |
|
Killaloe GS |
€20,427 |
€50,247 |
€30,560 |
€24,698 |
€38,785 |
|
Killarney GS |
€9,100 |
€11,375 |
€11,375 |
€6,825 |
€11,375 |
|
Killimor GS |
€12,463 |
€19,611 |
€14,234 |
€12,484 |
€16,026 |
|
Killorglin GS |
€14,890 |
€18,936 |
€7,421 |
€6,252 |
€7,085 |
|
Kilmainham GS |
€51,558 |
€56,058 |
€56,058 |
€29,797 |
€71,700 |
|
Kilmallock GS |
€6,908 |
||||
|
Kilmore Quay GS |
€19,951 |
€44,678 |
€29,676 |
€23,660 |
€37,961 |
|
Kilronan GS |
€7,085 |
€10,923 |
|||
|
Kinsale GS |
€18,422 |
€51,818 |
€30,525 |
€20,029 |
€45,029 |
|
Letterkenny GS |
€25,987 |
€20,614 |
€38,912 |
€17,360 |
€38,925 |
|
Lismore GS |
€9,211 |
€11,513 |
€11,513 |
€6,908 |
€11,513 |
|
Listowel GS |
€14,170 |
€14,170 |
€17,906 |
€12,110 |
€15,941 |
|
Loughrea GS |
€21,505 |
€30,267 |
€23,276 |
€14,591 |
€25,278 |
|
Lucan GS |
€62,279 |
€78,679 |
€66,379 |
€59,573 |
€86,100 |
|
Malahide GS |
€19,300 |
€24,125 |
€24,125 |
€14,475 |
€24,125 |
|
Manorhamilton GS |
€19,718 |
€26,888 |
€21,510 |
€19,718 |
€30,473 |
|
Midleton GS |
€14,255 |
€39,679 |
€23,496 |
€15,473 |
€30,281 |
|
Milford GS |
€14,085 |
€23,163 |
€23,163 |
€19,350 |
€20,221 |
|
Mitchelstown GS |
€16,203 |
€25,497 |
€18,505 |
€16,230 |
€20,836 |
|
Monaghan GS |
€25,948 |
€66,291 |
€37,922 |
€25,915 |
€49,086 |
|
Monasterevin GS |
€27,547 |
€35,021 |
€29,318 |
€20,725 |
€37,971 |
|
Mountjoy GS |
€47,475 |
€119,951 |
€69,215 |
€54,280 |
€89,151 |
|
Moville GS |
€8,325 |
€10,406 |
€10,406 |
€6,244 |
€10,406 |
|
Mullingar GS |
€9,211 |
€11,514 |
€11,514 |
€6,908 |
€11,514 |
|
Naas GS |
€18,843 |
€21,173 |
€21,173 |
€6,935 |
€20,753 |
|
Nenagh GS |
€9,211 |
€11,514 |
€11,514 |
€6,908 |
€11,514 |
|
Omeath GS |
€21,663 |
€23,456 |
€23,456 |
€12,504 |
€30,303 |
|
Oughterard GS |
€14,417 |
€16,189 |
€23,521 |
€4,159 |
€15,856 |
|
Pallaskenry GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Patrickswell GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€10,628 |
|
Pearse St GS |
€16,800 |
€21,000 |
€21,000 |
€12,600 |
€21,000 |
|
Phoenix Park GS |
€63,419 |
€80,640 |
€79,183 |
€46,684 |
€69,429 |
|
Portlaoise GS |
€9,821 |
€12,276 |
€12,276 |
€7,366 |
€12,276 |
|
Raheny GS |
€29,746 |
€96,278 |
€52,250 |
€39,376 |
€54,695 |
|
Rathduff GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€10,628 |
|
Rathfarnham GS |
€16,400 |
€69,585 |
€38,904 |
€21,580 |
€36,900 |
|
Rathkeale GS |
€14,758 |
€16,551 |
€16,551 |
€6,015 |
€16,133 |
|
Rathmines GS |
€47,569 |
€64,194 |
€56,386 |
€38,574 |
€46,625 |
|
Rathmore GS |
€19,633 |
€42,881 |
€28,835 |
€31,923 |
€30,020 |
|
Riverstown GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Ronanstown GS |
€17,300 |
€21,625 |
€21,625 |
€12,975 |
€21,625 |
|
Roscarberry GS |
€15,438 |
€16,198 |
€16,198 |
€17,436 |
€8,515 |
|
Roscommon GS |
€16,492 |
€18,823 |
€18,823 |
€14,162 |
€25,993 |
|
Roxboro GS |
€7,982 |
€9,978 |
€9,978 |
€5,987 |
€9,978 |
|
Salthill GS |
€9,599 |
€11,999 |
€11,999 |
€7,199 |
€11,999 |
|
Santry GS |
€33,000 |
€37,150 |
€37,150 |
€28,850 |
€53,550 |
|
Schull GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Shankill GS |
€16,600 |
€20,750 |
€20,750 |
€12,450 |
€20,750 |
|
Shannon GS |
€19,985 |
€22,288 |
€24,981 |
€9,765 |
€21,113 |
|
Sixmilebridge GS |
€20,315 |
€24,498 |
€23,303 |
€16,918 |
€30,473 |
|
Skibbereen GS |
€7,085 |
€32,225 |
€16,236 |
€8,229 |
€15,856 |
|
Slane GS |
€21,578 |
€23,350 |
€23,350 |
€12,440 |
€30,196 |
|
Sligo GS |
€9,211 |
€11,514 |
€11,514 |
€6,908 |
€11,514 |
|
Sneem GS |
€14,595 |
€16,367 |
€16,367 |
€11,641 |
€16,026 |
|
Stepaside GS |
€47,322 |
€123,992 |
€69,395 |
€60,029 |
€89,446 |
|
Store St GS |
€17,100 |
€21,375 |
€21,375 |
€12,825 |
€28,350 |
|
Summerhill GS |
€19,722 |
€26,807 |
€21,493 |
€12,355 |
€22,941 |
|
Sundrive Rd GS |
€16,600 |
€20,750 |
€20,750 |
€12,450 |
€20,750 |
|
Swanlinbar GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Swinford GS |
€7,170 |
€25,072 |
€16,398 |
€9,341 |
€16,133 |
|
Swords GS |
€16,600 |
€20,750 |
€20,750 |
€12,450 |
€20,750 |
|
Tallaght GS |
€50,297 |
€54,397 |
€54,397 |
€40,853 |
€64,233 |
|
Templemore GS |
€18,181 |
€23,750 |
€23,750 |
€18,324 |
€23,454 |
|
Terenure GS |
€29,682 |
€47,064 |
€33,782 |
€30,009 |
€38,209 |
|
Thomastown GS |
€8,498 |
€7,284 |
€7,284 |
€681 |
€7,170 |
|
Thurles GS |
€18,743 |
€21,046 |
€21,046 |
€14,939 |
€20,614 |
|
Tinahely GS |
€31,204 |
€40,922 |
€33,507 |
€24,376 |
€42,740 |
|
Tipperary Town GS |
€5,975 |
€8,292 |
€7,108 |
€3,558 |
€7,170 |
|
Tralee GS |
€9,211 |
€11,514 |
€11,514 |
€6,908 |
€11,514 |
|
Tramore GS |
€18,533 |
€20,836 |
€20,836 |
€16,230 |
€30,158 |
|
Tullow GS |
€7,085 |
€8,856 |
€8,856 |
€5,314 |
€8,856 |
|
Waterford GS |
€36,766 |
€46,642 |
€40,232 |
€27,392 |
€51,074 |
|
Waterville GS |
€24,524 |
€30,317 |
€23,334 |
€18,674 |
€25,522 |
|
Wexford GS |
€7,000 |
€8,750 |
€8,750 |
€5,250 |
€8,750 |
|
Whitehall GS |
€33,500 |
€83,940 |
€54,975 |
€42,453 |
€71,100 |
|
Wicklow GS |
€7,085 |
€3,543 |
€8,851 |
||
|
Woodford GS |
€21,425 |
€16,026 |
€16,026 |
€12,277 |
€23,196 |
|
Youghal GS |
€15,186 |
€19,806 |
€18,622 |
€10,707 |
€18,684 |
99. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the closed Garda stations that have been repurposed for another use by location and by the nature of their use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42001/17]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that an alternative use has been identified for the following former Garda stations since 2012:
Assigned for Community Use (12)
|
No. |
Name of Property and Location |
Community Group |
|
1. |
Former Garda Station, Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry |
Coiste Forbartha na Sceilge. |
|
2. |
Former Garda Station, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo |
Ballycastle Development Company. |
|
3. |
Former Garda Station, Beaufort, Co. Kerry |
Beaufort Community Council. |
|
4. |
Former Garda Station, Castletownsend. Co. Cork |
Castlehaven Nursing Association. |
|
5. |
Former Garda Station, Cootehall, Co. Roscommon |
Cootehall Community Development Group. |
|
6. |
Former Garda Station, Donard, Co. Wicklow |
Cumann Croise Deirge na hEireann / Glen of Imaal (Red Cross) Mountain Rescue. |
|
7. |
Former Garda Station, Glenisland, Co. Mayo |
Glenisland Development Group. |
|
8. |
Former Garda Station, Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry |
Kilgarvan Tidy Towns. |
|
9. |
Former Garda Station, Kilmeedy, Co. Limerick |
Kilmeedy Community Development Group. |
|
10. |
Former Garda Station, Mulranny, Co. Mayo |
Mulranny Community Futures Association. |
|
11. |
Former Garda Station, Rush, Co. Dublin |
Rush Musical Society. |
|
12. |
Former Garda Station, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo |
Coiste Cultur Teanga agus Forbartha Thur Mhic Eadaigh Teo. |
Properties Retained or Under Consideration for Alternative State use (8)
|
No. |
Name of Property and Location |
Alternative State Use |
|
1. |
Former Garda Station, Barrack Street, Cork |
Cork City Council |
|
2. |
Former Garda Station, Harcourt Terrace, Dublin |
Department of Education and Skills for the construction of a new primary School. |
|
3. |
Former Garda Station, Kill, Co. Kildare |
South West Kildare Partnership |
|
4. |
Former Garda Station, Loughlynn, Co. Roscommon |
HSE for an Ambulance Base |
|
5. |
Former Garda Station, Mary Street, Limerick |
Limerick City and County Council |
|
6. |
Former Garda Station, Shanaglish, Galway |
National Monuments Depot |
|
7. |
Former Garda Station, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry |
Irish Coastguard |
|
8. |
Former Garda Station, Whitehall, Dublin |
State Pathologist and Dublin City Coroner. |
100. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works obtained recent updated valuations for the closed Garda stations it has responsibility for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42003/17]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has not obtained recent valuations for the Garda stations, which closed as part of the Rationalisation Programme 2012-2013.
Should the OPW decide to dispose of any closed Garda stations, current market valuations will be obtained at that juncture.
101. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has put a hold on its plans to sell the remaining Garda stations that have been closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42004/17]
View answerIn August 2016, the Office of Public Works was requested by An Garda Síochána not to dispose of the Garda station properties that remained in State ownership until the review of closed Garda stations had concluded.
102. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures to be taken by the OPW in relation to a river (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42046/17]
View answerAn inspection of the river channel running through Cappamore was completed earlier this year and no maintenance works were proposed in this area. A further inspection of the channel will be undertaken to determine if maintenance works are required.
103. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when persons (details supplied) will receive benefits under the Garda spouse and children scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42071/17]
View answerMy Department in liaison with the Department of Justice & Equality is currently processing this particular appeal application. It is expected that a decision will be made shortly on the appeal and this outcome will be conveyed to the persons concerned by the Department of Justice & Equality.
104. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if semi-State bodies are obliged to give tenders to Irish companies if prices are comparative with foreign companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42097/17]
View answerPublic procurement is the acquisition, whether under formal contract or not, of works, supplies and services by public bodies. National rules governing public procurement must comply with the relevant EU, WTO and national legal requirements and obligations. Under EU law, public contracts above a certain value must be advertised EU-wide and awarded to the most competitive tender in an open and objective process. The aim of European and national rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. It would be a breach of the rules for a public body to favour or discriminate against particular candidates on grounds of location or nationality and there are legal remedies which may be used against any public body infringing these rules.
It is the responsibility of each contracting authority to ensure that tenderers comply with all the requirements of the process.
My colleague, Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, launched the Office of Government Procurement’s (OGP) Public Service Spend and Tender Analysis Report for 2015 report in September. This is the OGP’s third annual report that analyses expenditure and tendering activity on goods, services and minor works across public service bodies in Ireland. I would point out that the analysis is encouraging, indicating that 94% of the State’s expenditure is with firms within the State.
Finally, it is also important to remember that open tendering is a two way street and that it provides Irish companies with opportunities to compete abroad. Public expenditure on goods, works, and services representing approximately 14% of EU GDP with an annual value of nearly €2 trillion. The open market regime offers opportunities for Irish companies to win business abroad and reliable EU studies indicate that many Irish businesses are successful in this regard.
