Written Answers Nos. 100-120
100. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the planned unwinding of FEMPI measures in line with the PSSA for each of the years 2019 to 2023, disaggregated by wage bracket. [28726/18]
View answerPlease see the following two tables.
Table 1 provides a full breakdown of costs in relation to the PSSA, on a yearly basis and also by pay band.
Table 2 provides a breakdown of costs in relation to the reversal of outstanding FEMPI measures. As the dates by which these payments must be made are not fixed, but dependent on the timeframes outlined in the Act and detailed as follows, it is not possible to apportion these costs by year.
Chapter 5 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 outlines that for public servants who have not achieved full restoration by October 2020 (i.e. the date of the last PSSA increase), restoration of outstanding FEMPI amounts must be completed by way of Ministerial order. This Order must be made on the following dates:
For those with a post-PSSA salary of under €150,000:
- Covered public servants: a date after 1 October 2020 but before 1 July 2021.
- Non-covered public servants: on 1 July 2021.
For those with a post-PSSA salary in excess of €150,000:
- Covered public servants: a date after 1 October 2020 but before 1 July 2022.
- Non-covered public servants: a date after 1 July 2021 but before 1 July 2022.
Under Section 21 of the Act these restoration measures do not apply to certain officeholders including Cabinet members and the Attorney General.
Table 1
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 Carry Over |
2018-2020 Cost |
||||
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€887 |
||||
|
0-25,000 |
5 |
0-25,000 |
10 |
0-25,000 |
9 |
0-25,000 |
6 |
|
|
25000-30000 |
6 |
25000-30000 |
11 |
25000-30000 |
11 |
25000-30000 |
8 |
2018-2021 Cost |
|
30000-35000 |
17 |
30000-35000 |
38 |
30000-35000 |
38 |
30000-35000 |
24 |
€1,115 |
|
35000-40000 |
17 |
35000-40000 |
35 |
35000-40000 |
35 |
35000-40000 |
21 |
|
|
40000-45000 |
21 |
40000-45000 |
42 |
40000-45000 |
44 |
40000-45000 |
27 |
|
|
45000-50000 |
17 |
45000-50000 |
32 |
45000-50000 |
34 |
45000-50000 |
21 |
|
|
50000-55000 |
13 |
50000-55000 |
25 |
50000-55000 |
26 |
50000-55000 |
16 |
|
|
55000-60000 |
17 |
55000-60000 |
30 |
55000-60000 |
33 |
55000-60000 |
21 |
|
|
60000-65000 |
13 |
60000-65000 |
23 |
60000-65000 |
25 |
60000-65000 |
16 |
|
|
65000-70000 |
8 |
65000-70000 |
14 |
65000-70000 |
15 |
65000-70000 |
10 |
|
|
70000-75000 |
6 |
70000-75000 |
10 |
70000-75000 |
11 |
70000-75000 |
7 |
|
|
75000-80000 |
5 |
75000-80000 |
8 |
75000-80000 |
9 |
75000-80000 |
7 |
|
|
80000-85000 |
3 |
80000-85000 |
5 |
80000-85000 |
5 |
80000-85000 |
4 |
|
|
85000-90000 |
2 |
85000-90000 |
3 |
85000-90000 |
4 |
85000-90000 |
3 |
|
|
90000-95000 |
1 |
90000-95000 |
2 |
90000-95000 |
2 |
90000-95000 |
2 |
|
|
95000-100000 |
1 |
95000-100000 |
2 |
95000-100000 |
2 |
95000-100000 |
1 |
|
|
100000-125000 |
2 |
100000-125000 |
3 |
100000-125000 |
4 |
100000-125000 |
2 |
|
|
125000-150000 |
2 |
125000-150000 |
4 |
125000-150000 |
5 |
125000-150000 |
3 |
|
|
150000-175000 |
3 |
150000-175000 |
4 |
150000-175000 |
5 |
150000-175000 |
3 |
|
|
175000+ |
1 |
175000+ |
2 |
175000+ |
2 |
175000+ |
1 |
|
|
161 |
303 |
318 |
205 |
|||||
|
PRSI |
22 |
|||||||
|
PRSI |
17 |
PRSI |
32.6 |
PRSI |
34 |
Total |
€227 |
|
|
€178 |
€335.5 |
€352 |
||||||
|
Other PRD - ASC Conversion Costs/ (Yield) |
35 |
(13) |
||||||
|
Total |
€370 |
Total |
€339 |
|||||
Table 2
|
€m |
|
|
70,000-75,000 |
7.50 |
|
75,000-80,000 |
7.90 |
|
80,000-85,000 |
4.80 |
|
85,000-90,000 |
4.10 |
|
90,000-95,000 |
2.50 |
|
95,000-100,000 |
2.40 |
|
100,000-125,000 |
5.00 |
|
125,000-150,000 |
5.70 |
|
150,000-175,000 |
19.10 |
|
175000+ |
11.50 |
|
70.70 |
|
|
Total (including PRSI) |
78.40 |
101. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual expenditure on commercial archaeology services in his Department by provider in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28751/18]
View answerThere has been no expenditure on commercial archaeology services by my Department from 2013 to the present date.
102. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of charging ports and parking bays for electric vehicles at his Department building and other buildings used by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28899/18]
View answerThere are no charging points in any buildings currently occupied by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. There is a very small number of charging points, maybe four or five, in other buildings owned or leased by the Office of Public Works and occupied by central Government Departments and Agencies. These have been installed at the request of the occupying organisations.
103. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the State Claims Agency in the last number of years advised him that there were cases of possible negligence arising from the CervicalCheck programme which would be likely to lead to compensation being paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28947/18]
View answerThe State Claims Agency is part of my responsibility as the Minister for Finance. The State Claims Agency have informed my Department that they have not advised me, in the last number of years, that there were possible cases arising from the Cervical Check Programme which would be likely to lead to compensation being paid out.
104. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be provided to an area (details supplied) which has been included in the flood relief scheme in the flood risk management plans as announced. [28968/18]
View answerThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme was the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and covered 300 areas believed to be at significant flood risk. The CFRAM programme culminated with the launch on 3 May, 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which propose 118 new outline flood relief projects on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW). All of these projects are to be funded under the Government's 10 year flood risk investment programme of almost €1 billion under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027.
As it is not possible to progress all 118 proposed new schemes at once, funding of €257 million for an initial phase of 50 flood relief projects throughout the country was also announced which would be progressed to detailed design and construction, including the five largest schemes identified in the Plans and 31 small or minor projects under €1 million which will be progressed directly by local authorities. Aside from the 5 largest schemes and the 31 small or minor projects, the remaining projects in the initial phase of implementation were selected on the basis of those projects which would provide the greatest benefit in terms of the greatest number of properties protected on a regionally balanced basis.
A proposed flood relief scheme at Rathcormac has been identified by the CFRAM programme to be progressed at a projected cost of €1.15 million. This proposed scheme consists of the diversion of flood flows from the Kilbrien Stream via a culvert to the Shanowen River and will protect 31 properties when completed.
The proposed scheme is not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed but the OPW and the local authority will work closely to ensure that it will be commenced as soon as possible within the 10 year timeframe for the programme of investment.
Once consultants are appointed to progress the scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies as well as the general public takes place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the scheme.
108. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the interaction with the main spending Departments; the Departments that are close to profile in 2018; the Departments that are below or above their budget 2018 expenditure profiles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29012/18]
View answerEffective management of expenditure is a key responsibility of each Government Minister and Department. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is in regular contact with Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters and there is reporting to Government on expenditure levels. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against published expenditure profiles and this information is published each month with the Exchequer Statement.
As set out in the May Fiscal Monitor, published by the Department of Finance, overall gross voted expenditure by Departments to end-May 2018 was €24,099 million. This was €276 million, or 1.1%, below profile and an increase of €1,712 million, or 7.6%, on the same period in 2017.
Gross voted current expenditure of €22,671 million was broadly on profile, and up €1,496 million year-on-year. Ten of the 17 Vote groups were at or below profile on current expenditure. Gross current expenditure of €6,304 million by the Health Vote was €67 million, or 1.1%, ahead of profile. Gross voted current expenditure of €8.165 million by the Employment Affairs and Social Protection Vote was €25 million, or 0.3%, above profile. The Justice Vote group was €34 million, or 3.4%, ahead of profile, with gross voted current expenditure of €1,029 million. This overrun relates primarily to Garda pay. Four other Votes were slightly above profile on current expenditure: Housing, Planning and Local Government; Education and Skills; Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Public Expenditure and Reform group was on profile for current expenditure.
Gross voted capital expenditure of €1,429 was €285 million, or 16.6%, below profile at end-May and up €216 million, or 17.8%, year-on-year. All 16 Vote groups with capital expenditure are below profile. The main driver of this underspend is the Housing, Planning and Local Government Vote, which is €157 million, or 35.4%, below profile. This is largely due to timing issues relating to payments to Irish Water. It is anticipated that these payments will be drawn down in the coming months and expenditure will revert to profile.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will continue to engage with all other Government Departments throughout the year in relation to expenditure management.
109. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made with the Public Service Pay Commission with regard to recruitment and retention issues in particular areas of the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29013/18]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my answer to PQ 21669/18 on the 17 May 2018.
110. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if essential flood relief works will be undertaken by the OPW or if specific funding will be allocated to a local authority to have drainage work undertaken at locations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29090/18]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) carries out a national programme, on an average five-yearly cycle, of statutory Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500km of river channel and approximately 730km of embankments nationally. These maintenance works meet the statutory maintenance responsibilities for arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945.
The Boyne, Inny and Glyde-and-Dee Arterial Drainage Maintenance Schemes are in operation in County Cavan. However, the river and areas referred to by the Deputy, are designated Drainage Districts for which Cavan County Council is responsible for ongoing maintenance.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and County Councils may carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources. The OPW operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This Scheme’s eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie .
Any application received is considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to retro-fit State buildings to conserve water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29226/18]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works have no specific immediate plans to retrofit State buildings to conserve water. In the design and construction of modern buildings and in their upkeep of older historic buildings the Commissioners have regard to the highest current standards in regard to water management. Conservation of water in buildings, and limiting its use to essential purposes, is primarily a matter for the occupying Departments and their staff. The Commissioners are confident that all public servants will respond positively to the extensive public messaging regarding the need to conserve water particularly in the current climatic conditions.
113. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if correspondence has been received from a club (details supplied) regarding a site in County Sligo; if the contents were given due consideration; if so, the result of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29241/18]
View answerThere has been no correspondence with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform from a club (details supplied) in relation to a site in Co Sligo.
114. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to create a museum of policing in the former Garda station in Kevin Street in view of its historical role (details supplied) in policing history. [29277/18]
View answerThe former Garda Station at Kevin Street is not, as yet, surplus to the requirements of An Garda Siochana. It is intended to temporarily accommodate certain policing units in the building over a period of time.
Nevertheless, at such time as the building becomes available, the Commissioners will consider its future use in line with our policy on such properties. This includes consideration of alternative State use or other appropriate heritage proposals for the building.
The Deputy will of course be aware that there is already a Garda Museum at Dublin Castle. The Museum is open to the public and highlights the history of policing in this country.
115. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 19 June 2018, the timeline for the former Department of Social Protection premises being used for probation and welfare services. [29303/18]
View answer116. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the duties carried out in an office (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29304/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.
A contract was awarded on 12 February 2018 for the Fit Out of the premises referred to by the Deputy. These works are progressing and scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2018 to allow for occupancy by the Probation and Welfare Services.
Any question in relation to the duties at the office referred to by the Deputy should be referred to the relevant Department as I have no function in this matter.
I trust this clarifies the position.
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his preferred options to meet ongoing social and economic requirements in the context of current and capital expenditure in line with prudent management but placing sufficient emphasis on important structures such as social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29373/18]
View answer118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which appropriate ratios of current and capital expenditure are progressing in line with best practice in order to ensure ongoing economic growth alongside adequate social provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29374/18]
View answer119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which Ireland's economic performance remains in line with the most desirable best practice while maintaining competitiveness at home and abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29375/18]
View answer120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his priorities to achieve best economic practice here over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29379/18]
View answer122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if particular Departments or bodies under their aegis have been recalcitrant in regard to compliance with best practice in terms of expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29381/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 to 120, inclusive, and 122 together.
Sound public finances are essential to support sustainable economic growth in the State. As outlined in the Summer Economic Statement, published last month, the Government is determined to ensure that the budgetary strategy is based on steady increases in public expenditure underpinned by stable and predictable tax revenues. To deliver on this objective it is essential that expenditure increases to deliver improvements in services are affordable and sustainable over the medium-term. This will require prioritisation and realism in the allocation of resources and a focus on the extent to which public spending is delivering on key policy objectives.
As such, as the economy has recovered, Government has provided for increases in public expenditure in recent years. While increases in expenditure have impacted broadly across all sectors, a particular focus has been placed on ensuring the areas of Health, Housing, Education and Social Protection are sufficiently funded to support the Government’s social goal for a fairer and more inclusive society.
It is imperative that these additional resources are managed in a prudent and efficient manner by each Government Minister and Department. Therefore, officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are in regular contact with all Government Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within the overall fiscal parameters and there is reporting to Government on expenditure levels. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against published expenditure profiles and this information is published each month with the Exchequer Statement.
The Government must prioritise spending that mitigates risk, enhances the resilience of the economy and raises our growth capacity. In this context, the Government has set out its vision for Ireland over the medium term through the publication of Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan. With this plan, investment levels in Ireland will continue to increase at a sustainable rate and modern public infrastructure will be delivered over the coming years which will improve the lives of people throughout Ireland and allow our companies and economy to continue to compete in a globalised world.
Furthermore, it is also important that we continue to reform and enhance the way public services are delivered. This can be achieved by applying management accountability, raising efficiency, technological progress and other means. By better aligning inputs with outputs, we can ensure better value for taxpayers’ money and improve the efficiency with which these monies are allocated. The spending review, which will be published in July, will be critical in this regard by supporting an evidence based approach to policy, and helping to ensure the consistent evaluation of existing expenditure through systematic reviews of expenditure programmes across all sectors of Government.
