Tuesday, 16 Jan 2018

Written Answers Nos. 271-289

Departmental Properties

Questions (271)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

271. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the vacant properties and land not in use, owned, rented or leased by his Department or by bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department by square footage for buildings and acres for land, in tabular form; the address and location of these properties; and the last date of occupancy or use of these properties. [55217/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Commissioners of Public Works, on behalf of the State, manage a large and diverse property portfolio which ranges from office accommodation to heritage properties, visitors centres, Garda stations, among others. As is typical of such large portfolios, there will always be a number of properties, at any given time, that are vacant. These are currently being retained because of their future strategic development value.

A list of the non-operational properties currently vacant and owned or leased by the Commissioners is attached at Appendix 1. The square footage or acreage has been included where available.

The majority of the properties currently vacant are those Garda stations closed under the 2012/2013 policing plans of An Garda Siochana. The remainder consists of properties such as customs posts, former coastguard stations and sundry other properties located throughout the country.

The future use of the former Garda stations will be determined once the current review of closed Garda stations has been concluded.

Appendix 1

	OPW Vacant Property
County	Property	Owned/Leased	Property Type	Area of sites	Year of Last Use
Cavan	Bawnboy	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Cavan	Ballyconnell	Owned	Customs Post Site	0.3 acres	No specific date.
Cavan	Farnham Road, Cavan Town	Owned	Dencentralisation Site	10.84 acres	2006
Cavan	Redhills	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Cavan	Stradone	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	2002
Clare	Broadford	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Clare	Doonbeg	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Clare	Inagh	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Clare	Quin	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Cork	Adrigole	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Cork	Ballyfeard	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Cork	Ballygurteen	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Cork	13 Woodville, Blarney	Owned	Garda Residence	N/A	2010
Cork	Buttevant	Owned	Garda Residence	N/A	2011
Cork	Carrigtwohill	Owned	Site	0.5 acre	1983
Cork	Crosshaven	Owned	Site	1 acre	No specific date.
Cork	Crosshaven	Owned	CoastGuard Cottage	N/A	1995
Cork	Crosshaven	Owned	CoastGuard Cottage	N/A	2005
Cork	Crosshaven	Owned	CoastGuard Cottage	N/A	Pre 1983
Cork	Crosshaven	Owned	CoastGuard Cottage	N/A	Pre 1983
Cork	Crosshaven	Owned	CoastGuard Cottage	N/A	Pre 1983
Cork	Crosshaven	Owned	CoastGuard Cottage	N/A	Pre 1983
Cork	Crosshaven	Owned	CoastGuard Cottage	N/A	1996
Cork	Clonakilty	Owned	Agricultural College & Office	N/A	2014
Cork	Goleen	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Cork	Kinsale Butchers Row	Owned	Site	0.2 acres	No specific date.
Cork	Knocknagree	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Cork	Rathduff	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Cork	Toe Head	Owned	CoastGuard MES	N/A	N/A
Cork City	McCurtain Street	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	N/A
Cork City	Ballyhooley Rd, Cork	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	1992
Donegal	Ballyshannon	Owned	Former customs site	300 sq metres	No specific date.
Donegal	Bunbeg	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	N/A
Donegal	Buncrana	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	N/A
Donegal	Castlefin	Owned	Site	3 acres	No specific date.
Donegal	Castlefin	Owned	Residence	N/A	Early 1990s
Donegal	Malin	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Donegal	Na Brocacha / Cloghan	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Dublin	10/11 Castle Street	Owned	Building	N/A	1999
Dublin	Dun Laoghaire	Owned	Building	N/A	2010
Dublin	Halston Street.	Owned	Building	N/A	2006
Dublin	Dalkey	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Dublin	Hammond Lane	Owned	Site	1.01 acres	2000
Dublin	Kill of the Grange	Owned	Site	1 acre	2007
Dublin	Military Road- Heuston Gate	Owned	Site	4.7 acres	No specific date.
Dublin	Spruce House / Leeson Lane	Owned	Site	0.5 acres	No specific date.
Dublin	Church Ave Glasnevin	Owned	Former Educatte Together School	N/A	2017
Galway	Ballymoe	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Galway	Corrandulla	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Galway	Gort	Owned	Former RDF Site	0.2 acres	2014
Galway	Kilconly	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Galway	Kiltullagh	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Galway	Letterfrack	Owned	Site	2.6 acres	No specific date.
Galway	Leenane	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Galway	Maam	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	No specific date.
Galway	New Inn (Galway)	Owned	Site	0.82acres	No specific date.
Kerry	Ballylongford	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Kerry	Brosna	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Kerry	Camp	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Kerry	Kilarney	Owned	Muckross Road Site
Kerry	Moyvane	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Kerry	Valentia Island	Owned	Met site
Kildare	Rathangan	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	2003
Kilkenny	Castlecomer	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	2001
Kilkenny	Freshford Road	Owned	Met Station	N/A	N/A
Kilkenny	Thomastown	Owned	Decentralisation Site	3.06 acres	2008
Laois	Curraghnadeige	Owned	CDS Site		No specific date.
Laois	Portlaoise	Owned	Decentralisation Site	9.1 acres	2007
Leitrim	Dromahair	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Leitrim	Drumkeeran	Owned	Garda Station & Garda Res	N/A	Closed 2012
Leitrim	Glenfarne	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Leitrim	Keshcarrigan	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Leitrim	Manorhamilton	Owned	Customs Stn	N/A	N/A
Limerick	Cecil Street	Owned	Building	N/A	2014
Limerick	Castletown Conyers	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Limerick	Edward Street	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	1987
Limerick	Galbally	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Limerick	Kilfinane	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	2013
Limerick	Mallow Street	Owned	Building	N/A	N/A
Limerick	Mary Street	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Limerick	Mayorstone Park	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	2006
Limerick	Shanagolden	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Longford	Ballinalee	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Louth	Carrickarnon	Owned	Customs Post site	31 acres	No specific date.
Louth	Ferryhill	Owned	Customs Post Site		No specific date.
Louth	Dundalk former Employment Exchange	Owned	Building	N/A	N/A
Louth	Drogheda - 62/63 West Street	Owned	Building	N/A	2013
Louth	Drogheda	Owned	Decentralised sites	1.72 acres	2006
Mayo	Ballina	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	2005
Mayo	Ballyglass	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Mayo	Bellacorrick	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Mayo	Blacksod	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Mayo	Claremorris	Owned	Decentralisation site	2.70 acres	2007
Mayo	Hollymount	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Mayo	Knock	Owned	Decentralisation site	5.95 acres	2007
Meath	Navan (Kells Road)	Owned	Government Buildings	N/A	2006
Meath	Enfield	Owned	Former ESB building	N/A	2007
Monaghan	Castleblayney	Owned	Customs Post Site		No specific date.
Monaghan	Clontibret	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Monaghan	Corrinshigagh	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Monaghan	Innisshannon	Owned	Customs Hut	N/A	N/A
Monaghan	Newbliss	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Monaghan	Scottstown	Owned	Site		No specific date.
Monaghan	Smithborough	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Offaly	Birr	Owned	Met Station	N/A	2009
Offaly	Edenderry	Owned	Decentralisation Site	2.1 acres	2007
Offaly	Kinnitty	Owned	Garda Residence	N/A	N/A
Roscommon	Ballintubber	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Roscommon	Ballyforan	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Roscommon	Knockcroghery	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Roscommon	Tarmonbarry	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2012
Sligo	Ballymote	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	N/A
Tipperary	Rearcross	Owned	Site		No specific date.
Tipperary	New Inn (Tipperary)	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Tipperary	The Mall, Templemore	Owned	Garda Residence	N/A	2010
Tipperary	The Mall, Templemore	Owned	Garda Residence	N/A	2011
Tipperary	The Mall, Templemore	Owned	Garda Residence	N/A	2016
Tipperary	Church Ave, Templemore	Owned	Garda Residence	N/A	2011
Tipperary	Church Ave, Templemore	Owned	Garda Residence	N/A	2010
Tipperary	Thurles	Owned	Decentralisation Site	6.45 acres	2006
Tipperary	Dromard House (Residence)	Owned	Templemore	N/A	N/A
Waterford	Tramore Road	Leased	Warehouse	N/A	2005
Waterford	Dungarvan	Owned	Decentralisation Site	3 acres	2006
Waterford	Waterford	Owned	Decentralisation Site	3 acres	2007
Waterford	Ballyduff	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	Closed 2013
Waterford	Ardmore	Owned	Building	N/A	N/A
Westmeath	Mullingar	Owned	Met Station site		No specific date.
Wicklow	Hollywood	Owned	Garda Station	N/A	N/A

There are a limited number of sundry dwellings that are intrinsic to the estates of National Parks and Gardens managed by the OPW. In general, these are allocated to staff where there is a requirement for officials to be present on the ground. There are a number of these currently vacant due to the poor condition of the properties, though these would not be categorised in the same way as non-operational vacant properties that may be considered for other State use or for disposal.

Office of Public Works Projects

Questions (272)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

272. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of discussion between Louth County Council and the Office of Public Works to redecorate the facade of a building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55256/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

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

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

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (273)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

273. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has entered into an agreement with Limerick City and County Councils to carry out works at Portnard, Cappamore, County Limerick, to prevent flooding; and if so, when the works will be completed. [55265/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes and catchment drainage schemes designated under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. Under section 37 of this Act, the OPW is required to maintain designated drainage works in proper repair and effective condition.

OPW is responsible for the maintenance of the Mulkear River (Cappamore) Drainage Scheme, and some watercourses in the Portnard, Cappamore area. Regular maintenance is undertaken by OPW in accordance with its statutory obligations under the Arterial Drainage Acts for the scheme channels.

In December 2017, the OPW became aware of an obstruction to a watercourse in the Cappamore area. The matter was investigated and the obstruction removed. Unfortunately, the blockage has reoccurred and arrangements are currently being made address the issue. The OPW will continue to monitor the situation.

Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme Funding

Questions (274)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

274. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of funding for flood defences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1001/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I have been advised that the Office of Public Works approved funding of €148,370 in October 2017 under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme to Kerry County Council in respect of proposed localised flood relief works at Clieveragh, Listowel Co Kerry which the Council estimated to cost approximately €509,000 in total.

The funding provided was to allow necessary preparatory site investigation, design and planning work to proceed. I understand that the Council is currently progressing with this preparatory work which will enable more accurate costing of the works based on which the Council may submit a further application for funding to carry out the works.

Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme Applications

Questions (275)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

275. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 23 November 2017 (details supplied) if funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1056/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the management of fluvial flood risk where a river comes out of its banks and floods adjacent properties or roads etc.

I met with Limerick County Council on this matter in November 2017 and the position of the OPW was set out in detail. Limerick County Council had previously submitted a minor works application to this office to address the issue of bank erosion in Abbeyfeale. While I would have considerable sympathy for the family in question, the criteria for the minor works programme does not allow the provision of funding to cover this particular instance. In addition, it is not a flood risk issue and therefore would not come within the remit of the Commissioners of Public Works.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (276)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

276. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding has been allocated for the flood defence works at Burnfoot, County Donegal; and when these works will commence. [1058/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans.

The flood maps and measures proposed for Burnfoot, which is an Area of Further Assessment (AFA) in the CFRAM Study, were developed prior to the flooding of August 2017 making use of the information available at the time.

As a result of the severe flooding in August 2017, the OPW took the decision to commission consultants to undertake a review of the Burnfoot AFA. The review will examine details of the August 2017 flood event and recent events in December 2017, in order to better understand the specifics of those flood events and to review the hydraulic modelling and flood mapping for this area.

Subject to the outcomes of this review, the OPW will re-assess the possible options to manage the risk and the economic viability of these options.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (277)

Joe Carey

Question:

277. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a flood relief scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; when it will move to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1213/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

This scheme is being progressed by Clare County Council (CCC) as the Contracting Authority with funding from the Office of Public Works (OPW). When completed the scheme will provide protection for 74 residential and 10 non-residential properties.

CCC submitted its Report on the Tender Evaluation process to the OPW for review. There were certain matters that required close consideration as part of the review, including project costs, and the OPW has been working closely with CCC and its consultants in order to fully clarify these matters. The OPW has completed its review and expects to be in contact with CCC on the matter very shortly. It is hoped that construction will commence shortly thereafter.

Office of Public Works Projects

Questions (278, 281)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

278. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for works (details supplied) that have been issued with a letter of intent and a funding stream to be completed. [1293/18]

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

281. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a project (details supplied). [1394/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 281 together.

The Office of Public Works has invited tenders for proposed works to be carried out at Doneraile House. The proposed works include restoration of the ground floor to enable public access and for use of the main rooms as an exhibition and visitor reception facility. The tender return date for the ‘main tender’ works is 31st January 2018, with the Mechanical and Electrical tenders due in February 2018, following ‘main tender’ evaluation.

As we are currently in a competitive tender procurement process and until tenders have been received, assessed and funding committed, we are unable to give further details or time-frame for undertaking the works. In addition to funding of capital investment, a decision to proceed is also dependent on local authority commitment in relation to future operation of the proposed facility.

I can confirm that no “letter of intent” has issued to any Contractor.

Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme Applications

Questions (279, 290)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

279. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the North Quay, Drogheda, will be included in the proposed flood relief works in County Louth; if flood relief works in Dunleer, County Louth, will be carried out (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1303/18]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

290. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of remedial works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1730/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 290 together.

I have been advised that the Office of Public Works (OPW) approved funding of €58,500 in 2015 under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme to Louth County Council for a detailed flood study for Dunleer, Co Louth which was completed in 2016.

I understand that Louth County Council is currently preparing a further application for funding to submit under the OPW’s Minor Works scheme to enable it to carry out further work to develop the options for the areas at risk identified in the flood study report.

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding, is the OPW's Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. It is the principal vehicle for implementing the EU Floods Directive and national flood policy. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans.

The Flood Risk Management Plans are now being finalised taking account of all observations and comments received as part of the statutory public consultation on the Draft Plans. The OPW is on track to finalise the Flood Risk Management Plans, in early 2018, for approval by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.

Drogheda is an Area of Further Assessment under the Eastern CFRAM Study area and includes the area of the North Quay. The proposed CFRAM Plan for Drogheda include such physical works as a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls) along the River Boyne together with improvement of conveyance and a flow diversion channel on various tributaries. Some sealing of manholes and localised raising of roads is also proposed, as are automated defences to allow continued operation of port activities.

The CFRAM Flood Risk Management Plan for Drogheda proposes to progress the project-level development and assessment of the Flood Relief Scheme which will including environmental assessment as necessary, further public consultation for refinement and preparation for planning and, if and as appropriate, implementation.

Community Employment Schemes Operation

Questions (280)

John Brassil

Question:

280. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on and his plans to implement the community employment supervisor and assistants pension claim (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1320/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

An issue which has been under discussion by the Community Sector High Level Forum relates to community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors who have been seeking, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme.

At the April meeting of the Forum, my Department outlined its intention to conduct a detailed scoping exercise in order to comprehensively examine and assess the full potential implications of the issues under consideration. In considering the particular matter referred to, regard must be had to the costs and precedent of such an arrangement were one to be created.

It continues to be the position that State organisations are not the employer of the particular employees concerned and that it is not possible for the State to provide funding for such a scheme. The employees in question are, or were, employees of private companies notwithstanding the fact that the companies concerned are, or were, reliant on State funding.

A meeting of the Forum took place on Thursday, 23 November 2017 where the findings of the scoping exercise were shared with members of the Forum. A follow-up meeting to deal with technical questions arising from the exercise took place on Friday, 15 December 2017.

Question No. 281 answered with Question No. 278.

State Claims Agency Data

Questions (282)

Michael McGrath

Question:

282. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of money paid out by the State Claims Agency in respect of personal injury claims, including and excluding medical negligence claims, for each of the years 2010 to 2017, inclusive, by relevant State body the claims related to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1476/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In response to the Deputy's question, I have forwarded to him a report supplied to me by the State Claims Agency. I am advised that the information contained in this report has been extracted from the National Incident Management System. The report can be seen at

NIMS

Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 246.

Legislative Programme

Questions (284)

Imelda Munster

Question:

284. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the projects undertaken to consolidate or amalgamate existing legislation, including the cost, the duration, the number of staff required and if this process was carried out by his Department or outsourced in each of the years 2007 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [1570/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Legislation Title	Year	Duration	No. staff required	Costs	Process   Carried out by Dept or Outsourced
Freedom of Information Act	2014	2 years	3	See next column	Carried out primarily by the Department but also see below regarding Statute Law Revision Programme

In addition to the legislation listed above, the Statute Law Revision Programme, while not explicitly consolidating or amalgamating legislation, repealed over 60,000 pieces of obsolete legislation and has significantly simplified the Irish Statute Book. This project included the use of external legal expertise at a cost of €499,716.  This expertise was also used in the work on the Government’s legislative reform programme over 2013-2015.

Question No. 285 answered with Question No. 246.

Question No. 286 answered with Question No. 250.

Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme Applications

Questions (287)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

287. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if an application for funding from Kerry County Council to clear the Flesk river of all blockages has been reviewed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1651/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I have been advised that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is not in receipt of an application under Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme for the removal of blockages from the Flesk River.

Public Sector Pay

Questions (288)

Michael McGrath

Question:

288. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the approvals given since May 2016 for exceptions to public pay policy; the details of the employer and the nature, quantum and reason for the exception, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1687/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In June 2011, the Government introduced a general pay ceiling of €200,000 for future appointments to higher positions across the public service and a general pay ceiling of €250,000 for future appointments to CEO posts within Commercial State Companies while recognising that in a small number of cases exceptions may be necessary. Other than the then proposed appointment of a CEO for the ESB (appointed in December 2011 at an annual remuneration rate of €318,083), which was facilitated by the policy provision that in a small number of cases exceptions may be necessary where the role is of substantial importance, no sanctions have been issued for new appointments in excess of those pay ceilings. 

By way of further information, I should point out that arrangements have recently been approved by the relevant departments (DPER and DES) under the Framework provided for under Section 25 of the Universities Act 1997, for the recruitment of up to 10  world-leading researchers to Ireland under Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) Research Professorship Programme. To remedy the situation whereby it is difficult to recruit Research Professors at the desired level in targeted areas, and in recognition of the potential commercial benefits to Ireland from their work, it would be possible for  those recruited to earn up to the maximum salary that applies in the commercial semi-state sector (€250,000) subject to the achievement of key performance criteria including commercial benefits for Ireland.

Public Sector Pensions Data

Questions (289)

Michael McGrath

Question:

289. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the approvals given since May 2016 for pension top-ups for individual public servants; the details of the employer and the nature and quantum of the pension top-up; the reason for same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1688/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I take it that the Deputy’s reference to pension ‘top ups’ relates to situations where extraordinary additions over and above the normal public service pension terms might have been conceded. I have not approved any such pension top ups for individual public servants.

For the Deputy’s information, I would point out that there are a limited number of legislative provisions and approved schemes that govern the granting of pension terms in a range of situations, such as ill health early retirement; the grant of professional added years for certain professional, technical and specialist posts in the civil and public service; and the pension provisions applying to Secretaries General, City and County Managers, and the CEOs of Non-Commercial State Sponsored Bodies.