Written Answers Nos. 144-168
144. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of public sector staff from his Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; and the schemes available for such secondments. [50996/18]
View answerMy Department does not currently have any staff seconded to work in the public sector of another EU member state.
In the past this Department provided funding towards the cost within Departments of releasing staff to take up posts as seconded national experts in EU and international organisations to increase the number of Irish people working in such institutions. This is now administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.
Advertisements for schemes that facilitate secondments abroad are circulated to staff of my Department as a matter of course e.g. the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) Programme, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which provides opportunities for secondment to the European Commission.
145. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint. [51138/18]
View answerMy Department is committed to lowering its carbon footprint. Energy usage in the Government Buildings complex, including my Department, is administered by the Houses of the Oireachtas and in 2017 showed a 14.1% improvement in energy efficiency. The Department is engaged with the OPW on various projects to achieve more energy efficiencies. This includes a lighting retrofits programme and participation in the OPW Optimising Power @ Work campaign. In addition, the use of single-use plastics has been eliminated and there is increased use of mains-fed water filters instead of bottled water.
My Department is committed to promoting energy efficiency into the culture of the organisation and will continue to work towards further energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint.
146. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of public sector staff from his Department seconded to work in other EU member states' public sector; the schemes available for such secondments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50986/18]
View answerNo civil servant from my Department is seconded to work in the public sector of another EU member state. My Department is not aware of the availability of any scheme for such secondments in the Defence area.
147. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51128/18]
View answerMy Department is committed to reducing its energy consumption and to improve energy efficiency by 33% by 2020 as required under the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP). By the end of 2017 (the latest date for which figures are available), the Department had reduced it's energy consumption by 25%.
The energy consumption reduction achieved to date is as a consequence of participating in a number of programmes. My Department participates in the SEAI Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme and engages in the Optimising Power @ Work campaign under the auspices of the OPW. In line with the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy 2017 an Energy Performance Officer has been appointed, at Assistant Secretary level, to provide leadership and accountability in reaching the NEEAP targets. Efforts towards improving energy efficiency have been achieved through proactive departmental energy teams who are, since 2007, implementing energy efficiency initiatives such as using only energy efficient lighting, more strict control of heating and ventilation systems, organising Energy Awareness Days to improve behaviour by staff at desk level, installing timers on high energy units, regular energy audits and monitoring and reporting etc. It is also worth noting that since 2010 the Department HQ uses a renewable resource, wood pellets, as its main heating system rather than depending on fossil fuels. To date the efforts of our energy teams have been recognised by the OPW under the Optimising Power @ Work campaign with the receipt of numerous awards, including most recently 2018 Regional Best Energy Team and 2018 Regional winners of the Outstanding Achievement Category.
The Department is continuing to make every effort and will continue to strive to be more energy efficient to reach the ambitious 2020 target by continuing to implement existing initiatives in a proactive approach in order to improve energy efficiency. In addition its energy teams will continue to meet on a regular basis to devise and implement new energy saving initiatives in order to reach climate change targets.
148. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement and protocol; if he will be attending the next meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 17 and 18 December 2018; if the agreement will be discussed; and if he will oppose the agreement (details supplied). [51140/18]
View answerThe EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement was concluded in 2006, and entered into force the following year. It has subsequently been renewed on two occasions. A Protocol implementing the fisheries agreement was also renewed on two occasions, and expired in July this year.
Following a legal challenge, the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a judgment in Court case C-266/16 of 27 February 2018, where the Court determined that the existing fisheries agreement and protocol were not applicable to the waters adjacent to the territory of Western Sahara.
In April 2018, the Council of the European Union authorised the European Commission to begin negotiations with Morocco to amend the fisheries agreement and associated protocol in order to implement the Court’s judgment. Following those negotiations, a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, and a new Implementation Protocol were initialled in July 2018, and, last month, the Council of the European Union agreed to sign the Agreement and Protocol. For the proposed new agreement to enter into force and replace the current agreement, approval by the European Parliament will now be required.
Ireland has carefully assessed the final negotiated outcome, and has received assurances that it fully respects both international law and the Court of Justice of the European Union’s judgment of 27 February 2018 in Case C-266/16.
I must stress that the proposed new agreement, if adopted, would be without prejudice to the position of the EU on Western Sahara. In other words, there is nothing in the terms of the proposed agreement or its protocol which would imply EU recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty or sovereign rights over Western Sahara and the adjacent waters.
149. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of public sector staff from his Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50990/18]
View answerWhile we have seconded individual members of staff to other EU member states’ public sectors in the past, I can confirm that no officer of my Department is currently seconded to the public sector of any other EU Member State.
I can also confirm that there are currently no formal schemes in place in my Department for the secondment of officers to the public sector of any other EU Member State.
150. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he will be taking with regard to the Saudi Arabia Government in the wake of the murder of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51089/18]
View answerI remain deeply concerned about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and there are still very serious questions to answer. High Representative Federica Mogherini has issued a statement on behalf of the European Union insisting on the need for a ‘continued thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it’, and Ireland fully supports this call.
The investigation by the Saudi authorities is proceeding and the public prosecutor has charged eleven people. It remains to be seen how the prosecution will be conducted and what evidence will be provided. In that regard I take this opportunity to repeat Ireland’s longstanding policy of strong and unequivocal opposition to the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances.
Any further steps at this stage will be taken in tandem with our EU partners, and only after careful consideration of findings based on verifiable evidence.
As previously mentioned in the Dáil, I met with the Saudi Ambassador, H.E. Mr Nail bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, on 18 October and stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for credible and open investigation. It is imperative that the full facts of the case are established and that those responsible for the killing are held accountable. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have reiterated Ireland’s strong concerns to the Ambassador in recent weeks.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right under international human rights law and journalists play a vital role in holding governments to account. Ireland has consistently raised issues of human rights in Saudi Arabia, at bilateral, EU and international level. At the UN Human Rights Council in September, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on ‘Safety of Journalists’, condemning all violence against journalists and urging all states to ensure accountability for such attacks.
Ireland specifically raised the Khashoggi case at the UN Human Rights Council on 5 November in our intervention during the Universal Periodic Review of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Ireland will continue to raise concerns about human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever appropriate opportunities arise.
151. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to ensure that diplomatic efforts are maintained to assist with the fragile peace agreement in a country (details supplied); his further plans to encourage humanitarian efforts in the country; the position regarding engagement and the conflict resolution efforts at a community level in collaboration with HGOs in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51108/18]
View answerSouth Sudan continues to endure a terrible humanitarian crisis, primarily the consequence of conflict. I am deeply concerned by the continued high level of violence, and by reports of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, which perpetuate the crisis and impact negatively on its scale.
The current conflict began in 2013 and has had devastating consequences for civilians. The war, compounded by drought, has led to severe food insecurity and caused massive population displacement and suffering throughout the country, with women and girls suffering the most. More than 400,000 people have died and an estimated 7 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.
On 12 September last, the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, signed a peace agreement with the opposition. While this peace agreement has the potential to mark a new departure, it is critical that South Sudan’s leaders implement it without delay. Achieving lasting peace will require sustained effort and commitment as well as a genuinely inclusive approach to building the future South Sudan.
Ireland strongly supports efforts to build peace in South Sudan. In November 2017, during his visit to Addis Ababa, the Tánaiste met representatives of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) and the African Union to discuss the situation in South Sudan. On that visit, the Tánaiste announced funding to the IGAD High Level Revitalization Forum, the process which delivered the revised peace agreement. Ireland will continue to support IGAD’s work on monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the agreement in 2019.
Our Embassy in Addis Ababa, which is accredited to South Sudan, monitors the situation and engages with local, regional and international parties on an ongoing basis. The Irish Ambassador in Addis Ababa visits Juba frequently where she meets with key government, UN, NGO, Red Cross and diplomatic partners, including the EU Delegation. Her most recent visit took place last week.
We are committed to supporting efforts towards peace in South Sudan and have contributed to projects aimed at peacebuilding. In 2018, this has included supporting partners’ meditation efforts and empowering civil society, in particular women’s groups, to facilitate their engagement in peace processes. As well as our direct bilateral support, we are actively involved in the efforts of the EU to support peace in South Sudan. Two officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been seconded to the EU Delegation in South Sudan, including one as head of Mission. The EU Delegation is strongly supportive of the peace process, in particular by providing support to the implementing and monitoring bodies of the peace agreement. The Tánaiste discussed these efforts with the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Alexander Rondos, when he visited Dublin on 7 November.
While a sustained resolution to the conflict is the ultimate goal, we have a duty now to deal with immediate humanitarian needs. Since 2012, Ireland has provided €61 million in direct humanitarian assistance to South Sudan. Over €10 million in Irish funding has been provided so far this year, including to Irish NGOs to assist them in reaching the most vulnerable. Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Oxfam, Trócaire and World Vision, with support from Irish Aid, are working in partnership with local organisations and NGO networks to provide lifesaving supplies to meet the basic needs of those suffering from the conflict.
As well as this direct bilateral aid, Ireland has also contributed significantly to humanitarian support in South Sudan through the multilateral system. Ireland is a significant contributor to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, which has allocated $187 million to alleviate the crisis in South Sudan since 2011, as well as to the EU, which has provided more than €90 million so far this year.
With humanitarian needs likely to remain acute in 2019, Irish funding will continue to support both those in need inside South Sudan as well as South Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.
152. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51132/18]
View answerSince the baseline year of 2009, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has taken part in the Public Sector National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for reducing energy usage. To date the Department has achieved a reduction of 38% in terms of its energy usage under this action plan.
This Department is projected to achieve the national target of 33% savings by the 2020 deadline.
153. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if officials in his Department were involved in the discussions on the E3 visa renewal scheme. [50864/18]
View answerSuccessive Irish Governments have worked over many years to see some form of immigration legislation passed, pursing two key objectives; firstly, increased pathways for legal migration by Irish citizens to the US; and secondly, seeking some form of relief for undocumented Irish citizens living in the US.
Earlier this year, among many other contacts, the Taoiseach discussed the issue with the US President and with other key Administration figures during his visit to Washington, D.C. I also had discussions on the matter with Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielson and with a number of key Congressional figures when in Washington in February and, more recently, with Congressmen Neal during his visit to Dublin. In addition, just last month I set out for Cabinet colleagues the priority the Government attaches to Irish immigration issues in the US and our strategy in pursuit of our objectives.
My officials, both in Dublin and at our Embassy in Washington, D.C., have worked intensively on this issue over many years and specifically on the Irish E3 Visa Bill in recent months, in close collaboration with Special Envoy to the US Congress on the Undocumented, John Deasy T.D. The Bill was approved in the US House of Representatives on 28 November, and is now expected to be considered in the US Senate in the coming week. There are no guarantees the Bill will be approved, however, requiring as it does unanimous support from Senators.
Officials from my Department have been at the forefront of engagement with the US Administration and with Congress, and they have pursued this issue with vigour, working closely with Deputy Deasy since his appointment. This engagement will continue in the immediate period ahead as we seek a successful conclusion to the E3 legislative process.
If the E3 Bill were to pass, it would provide very welcome opportunities for Irish citizens to live and work in the US, but would not unfortunately address the need for pathways for the Irish who are undocumented to regularise their status. My officials and I will continue to work on this as a priority, as we seek some measure of relief for the Irish undocumented.
154. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the number of public sector staff from his Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50989/18]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that there are currently 10 staff from this Department seconded to work in other EU member states' public sector. This is broken down as illustrated in the following table.
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Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union - 6 staff |
Seconded National Expert in the EU Commission - 2 staff |
German Embassy, Berlin - 1 staff |
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - 1 staff |
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1 Counsellor |
1 in Directorate General - Economic & Financial Affairs |
Berlin Embassy |
Economic & Finance Attaché Post |
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1 Brexit Attaché |
1 in Directorate General - Taxation & Customs Union |
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1 Fiscal Attaché |
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1 Budget Attaché |
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1 Fin. Services/DPER Attaché (jointly funded by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform) |
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1 Fin. Services Attaché |
All competitions for Permanent Representation, Embassy and OECD posts are advertised internally. Posts for the Commission are advertised by the Commission itself.
155. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the concerns raised by the European Commission relating to the taxation of intellectual property and its compliance with EU law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51066/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that since 2014, the European Competition has been engaged in an information gathering exercise and have sought information from all Member States in relation to certain corporate tax practices and regimes.
It is understood that the Commission has examined over 1,000 rulings across national tax jurisdictions. This exercise has been ongoing since this time and, of course, has not been limited to Ireland.
Ireland has always co-operated in respect of these requests and will continue to do so.
It is not appropriate for me to comment on the nature of any such requests as any enquiries made are confidential between Ireland and the Commission.
156. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if enforcement proceedings or a review by the Central Bank have taken place regarding the miscalculation of mortgage arrears by a licensed credit institution, retail credit firm or credit servicing firm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51069/18]
View answerI have consulted with the Central Bank of Ireland and in their reply to me, the Central Bank have assumed that the matter that Deputy McGrath is referring to is the practice of Automatic Arrears Capitalisation. The Central Bank has advised me that a briefing note on the same topic was requested by Deputy John McGuinness on 18 May and a response issued by the Central Bank on 22 June. A copy of the response can be found at: https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/publications/correspondence/oireachtas-correspondence/20180622-response-to-finance-committee-re-calculation-of-mortgage-arrears.pdf?sfvrsn=4
Automatic Arrears Capitalisation refers to a methodology used by some lenders to recalculate borrowers' contracted monthly installment (“CMI”) on their mortgage, following a trigger event (such as an interest rate change).
Based on the Central Banks' supervisory work to date, they have advised me of the following:
- Having considered the findings of the Central Bank's review to date, in the context of the regulatory framework in Ireland, the Central Bank are of the view that the practice of Automatic Arrears Capitalisation is not in the best interests of consumers.
- The practice is not widespread in Ireland. Where the practice was identified, the Central Bank intervened to ensure that the practice ceased.
- The Central Bank do not have concerns that borrowers were overcharged, rather they were not satisfied that borrowers' arrears were presented in a fully transparent manner.
- Borrowers in arrears, who have an agreed Alternative Repayment Arrangement with their lenders are not affected.
- Borrowers' overall indebtedness is not impacted nor are the interest calculations on the mortgage accounts
The Central Bank has provided me with further background information on the issue as set out as follows.
Under Automatic Arrears Capitalisation, lenders' mortgage systems recalculated borrowers' CMI on the basis of each borrower's overall outstanding mortgage balance (i.e. mortgage principal + arrears). This differs from the 'traditional method' of calculation in Ireland, whereby lenders calculate CMI on the mortgage principal only, with the arrears remaining outstanding pending agreement of an Alternative Repayment Arrangement with the borrower.
Automatic Arrears Capitalisation originally existed in the UK. The practice is driven by lenders' historical calculation systems, which aim to ensure the CMI is sufficient to ensure the overall outstanding mortgage balance (including any arrears) is repaid fully by the end of the mortgage term.
157. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the Central Bank has the authority to inspect the methodologies used by licensed credit institutions, retail credit firms or credit servicing firms to calculate mortgage arrears and to commence enforcement proceedings if those methodologies are found to be incorrect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51070/18]
View answerI have been advised by the Central Bank of Ireland that the Consumer Protection Code 2012 (the Code) and the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears 2013 (the CCMA) do not prescribe a methodology for the calculation of mortgage arrears. However, both the Code and the CCMA set out the information that must be provided to consumers in arrears.
The CCMA sets out how mortgage lenders must treat borrowers in or facing mortgage arrears, and applies to the mortgage loan of a borrower secured by his/her primary residence. Chapter 8 of the Code provides for arrears handling requirements which apply to mortgage loans to which the CCMA does not apply.
In terms of how mortgage arrears are defined in these Codes, the CCMA defines “arrears” as “where a borrower has not made a full mortgage repayment, or only makes a partial mortgage repayment, in accordance with the original mortgage contract, by the schedule due date”. The Code defines "mortgage arrears" as arising where a personal consumer “has not made a full repayment, or only makes a partial repayment, as set out in the original loan account contract, by the scheduled due date”.
The Central Bank has the power to investigate issues to assess compliance with their regulatory requirements and to sanction breaches of financial services law by regulated firms and individuals. As the regulator of financial service providers and markets in Ireland, the Central Bank works to ensure that the best interests of consumers are protected. The Administrative Sanctions Procedure, which is applicable to all regulated financial service providers, is the means by which the Central Bank investigates and sanctions breaches of financial services law by regulated firms. Information detailing this and the full range of enforcement powers available to the Central Bank is available on the Central Bank’s website at https://centralbank.ie/consumer-hub/explainers/what-enforcement-powers-does-the-central-bank-have.
Both I and the Central Bank would encourage all borrowers to engage with their lenders on their mortgage arrears, and if not satisfied with how they are being treated, to make a complaint to their lender, after which they can refer their complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, who has the statutory remit to consider their individual complaints.
158. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is reference in the consumer protection code or the code of conduct on mortgage arrears that deals with the calculation of mortgage arrears and the methodologies used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51071/18]
View answerI have been informed by the Central Bank of Ireland that the Consumer Protection Code 2012 (the Code) and the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears 2013 (the CCMA) do not prescribe a methodology for the calculation of mortgage arrears. However, both the Code and the CCMA set out the information which must be provided to consumers in arrears.
The CCMA sets out how mortgage lenders must treat borrowers in or facing mortgage arrears, and applies to the mortgage loan of a borrower which is secured by his/her primary residence. The CCMA defines “arrears” as “where a borrower has not made a full mortgage repayment, or only makes a partial mortgage repayment, in accordance with the original mortgage contract, by the scheduled due date.” Lenders are restricted from imposing charges and/or surcharge interest on arrears arising on a mortgage account unless the borrower is not co-operating.
The Consumer Protection Code (‘the Code’) defines mortgage arrears as arising where a personal consumer “has not made a full repayment, or only makes a partial repayment, as set out in the original loan account contract, by the scheduled due date”. Chapter 8 of the Code provides for arrears handling requirements which apply to mortgage loans to which the CCMA does not apply because they are not secured on the primary residence.
159. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51131/18]
View answerMy Department is a policy organisation with no manufacturing or production facilities, no transport fleet and business travel is undertaken primarily through the use of public transport infrastructure. As the main offices where my Department is located are heritage buildings with Protected Structure legislative status, the options for energy performance efficiency gains are limited and offer little scope in terms of facility upgrades and retrofits. Nevertheless, my Department strives to effect tangible reductions in its carbon footprint by active engagement with the Energy Section of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) through its Public Sector Energy programme.
My Department has completed quite significant lighting replacement projects which provide the benefits of better lighting and occupancy detection systems whilst also minimising energy consumption and maintenance costs through the use of new technology LED lighting. There have been other initiatives such as using energy-efficient pump technologies and also energy awareness programmes delivered to staff. In the short-to-medium term, it is envisaged that two more lighting projects will take place; this will complete the lighting upgrades of the Department’s offices. My Department is also looking at other energy reduction options such as the use of heat pumps and heat recovery systems; however this work is at feasibility analysis stage.
The Department of Finance actively participates in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme, reporting all of its energy consumption through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) Monitoring and Reporting online system. Since 2009, Energy Efficiency has improved by 11.3% up to 2016 in the Department towards the 2020 target of 33%. Overall, taking account of the Energy Group headed by my Department, including the Department itself, we have achieved 21% energy savings to end-2016, which are the latest figures available. These energy efficiencies translate into meaningful power consumption reductions, with consequent benefits in terms of CO2/kWh emission reductions.
My Department also engages with OPW’s Architectural and Engineering Services Divisions on identification of projects that will assist in achieving additional energy efficiencies and it is an active participant in the Office of Public Works (OPW) “Optimising Power @ Work” campaign.
In addition, my Department participates in the State-led schemes that assist in reducing Ireland's carbon footprint more generally, including participation in the cycle-to-work and the travel-tax saver schemes, waste management and the promotion of recycling.
In conclusion, my Department is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through all available options, embedding energy efficiency into the culture of the organisation and continuing to support and progress energy management initiatives across our office locations, including energy awareness activities for staff.
160. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018 will be commenced before the end of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51103/18]
View answerThe Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018 passed all stages in the Seanad on 17 July and passed Second Stage in the Dail on 7 November. The Bill is scheduled for Committee Stage in the Dail on 11 December. Ultimately scheduling of time for the enactment of legislation is a matter for the Oireachtas itself through the Business Committee, but my intention is to ensure enactment and commencement of this legislation as soon as possible.
161. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public sector staff from his Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50994/18]
View answerWhile my Department currently has two members of staff on secondment to the European Commission, there are no staff on secondment to public service bodies in other Member States. Posts for the Commission are advertised by the Commission.
162. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a minor works application (details supplied) in County Clare; when funding will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51084/18]
View answerI am advised by my Department that it is a matter for Local Authorities, in the first instance, to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
In this regard, the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies, costing less than €0.75 million each, to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
In 2015, Clare County Council received funding of €65,000 from the OPW, under this scheme, for a coastal erosion & risk management study for Quilty to Miltown Malbay, which produced recommendations for works at Spanish Point, Co Clare.
In September of this year, Clare County Council made an application to the OPW for funding for the provision of rock armour to protect against cliff erosion caused by waves and tides at Spanish Point. This application is currently under consideration by staff at the Office of Public Works, and a decision will be reached as soon as is possible within the available resources.
163. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51136/18]
View answerMy Department works to reduce its carbon footprint primarily through the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy. The Department's performance in that regard is reflected in the 2017 Annual Report on Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance, prepared by the SEAI. This sets out details of the energy efficiency performance of public bodies in Ireland and notes that overall, the Department's Energy Group, which comprises 9 bodies, including the Department itself, has achieved 33% energy savings to end 2016, with consequent benefits in terms of CO2 emission reductions. This was more efficient than the baseline set and is on track for the 2020 target. The Department’s own energy saving of 69% is also on track for the 2020 target and has been achieved mainly by measures such as behavioural changes and better energy management and space utilisation.
The Department shares its Merrion Street headquarters with the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance undertakes the facilities management functions for both Departments in these premises and the reply in respect of that Department sets out the specific energy efficiency initiatives being undertaken there.
The majority of Department of Public Expenditure and Reform staff outside of the Merrion Street complex are already located in energy efficient buildings or have recently moved to one and consequently there is no scope or requirement to make adjustments to them in terms of engineering solutions, retrofits, thermal glazing options and building envelope insulation etc. to achieve further significant energy efficiencies. However, the Department hopes to achieve some further improvements by continuing to embed energy efficiency into the culture of the organisation and by progressing energy awareness campaigns across its main locations.
The Department will continue to contribute to the implementation of the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy, in conjunction with the bodies under its aegis, the Department of Finance, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the SEAI.
In addition to its work on energy efficiency, the Department continues to participate in the state led schemes that assist in reducing Ireland's carbon footprint more generally. These include the cycle-to-work scheme, the travel-tax saver scheme and the promotion of green initiatives, such as recycling etc., within the Department.
164. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if officials from his Department will meet with a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51141/18]
View answerKerry County Council carried out a pre-feasibility study for the Sneem area, the recommendation of which was to carry out further more detailed river modelling. Working in co-operation with Kerry County Council, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has agreed to undertake this study, which is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2019.
If this study identifies a cost-beneficial solution to the flooding in Sneem it will be open to the local authority to apply for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme. This Scheme operated by the OPW provides funding assistance and support to local authorities to undertake viable, cost effective, localised and small scale flood relief works in their administrative areas.
Details of the schemes eligibility criteria are available on www.opw.ie.
A representative from the OPW or the Local Authority will contact the person and discuss this matter.
165. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application has been made to a fund (details supplied) in view of recent redundancies nationally at Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51068/18]
View answerThe EGF Managing Authority in the Department of Education and Skills is monitoring developments following the recent announcement by Bord na Móna and is assessing the potential for an EGF application in consultation with the European Commission.
The EGF is an EU co-funding instrument to assist workers made redundant as a result of globalisation or due to the global financial and economic crisis. In making applications to the European Commission for EGF support, Member States must provide a reasoned analysis of the link between the redundancies and major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, demonstrated by:
- A substantial increase in imports into the EU;
- A serious shift in EU trade in goods or services;
- A rapid decline of the EU market share in a given sector; or
- A delocalisation of activities to third countries,
provided that the redundancies can be shown to have a significant adverse impact on the local, regional or national economy.
In addition, the EGF Regulation ordinarily restricts eligibility to redundancy situations involving at least 500 redundancies in a specific company (including suppliers and downstream producers) within a 4 month period, or at least 500 redundancies in a specific sector in a 9 month period. However, in exceptional circumstances applications can be considered where the number of redundancies is not entirely met, when the redundancies will have a serious impact on employment and the local, regional or national economy.
EGF applications must specify the number of redundancies that have occurred within the applicable reference period and must be submitted within 12 weeks of the end of that period.
This Department understands that Bord na Móna is operating a voluntary redundancy programme and the final redundancy numbers will not be known until that programme ends on 31 January 2019. This Department will continue to monitor developments.
166. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of public sector staff from his Department seconded to work in the public sector in other EU member states; the schemes available for such secondments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50987/18]
View answerMy Department currently has no staff seconded to work in the public sector of other EU member states.
167. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the next round of new DEIS status will be allocated to primary schools; if a school (details supplied) will be included in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51030/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware DEIS Plan 2017 was the culmination of more than 18 months of consultation and discourse with education partners and other stakeholders to ensure that identification of schools and future delivery of interventions is fully informed by the practical experience of teachers, parents, students and non-governmental organisations working on behalf of children at risk of educational disadvantage and their families
My Department has introduced an objective, statistics based model for assessing which schools merit inclusion in the DEIS Programme, so that all stakeholders can have confidence that we are targeting extra resources at those schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage.
The key data sources used in the DEIS identification process are the DES Primary Online Database (POD) and Post-Primary Online (PPOD) Databases, and CSO data from the National Census of Population as represented in the Pobal HP Index for Small Areas which is a method of measuring the relative affluence or disadvantage of a particular geographical area. Variables used in the compilation of the HP Index include not only single parent rate, but those related to demographic growth, dependency ratios, education levels, overcrowding, social class, occupation and unemployment rates. This data is combined with pupil data, anonymised and aggregated to small area, to provide information on the relative level of concentrated disadvantage present in the pupil cohort of individual schools. This data is applied uniformly to all schools in the country in a fair and objective way, to identify the relative level of concentrated disadvantage present in each school.
The calculation of the level of disadvantage in each school is based on the socio-economic background of their pupil cohort using centrally held data as previously outlined. It is not based on the location of the school but on the geographical CSO Small Areas where the pupil cohort resides.
A detailed document explaining the methodology used in the Identification process is available on the Department’s website at https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Identification-Process.pdf
DEIS Plan 2017 states that the improved data on the socio-demographic of schools resulting from the new identification model will have an impact not only on the assessment of schools for inclusion in the programme but also on the scaling of resources to allow for more graduated levels of support. This in turn allows for the ultimate objective of allocating resources to best meet the identified need of individual schools.
In order to achieve this, the current identification model needs to be as accurate as possible and this will be facilitated by the use of Eircode to ensure correct inputting of addresses. Further analysis is also required to examine other variables known to be strong predictors of educational disadvantage in the context of resource allocation.
Therefore, in order to ensure the quality of the address data and conduct further analysis, it is not intended to extend the DEIS Programme to any further schools until this work is complete.
168. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision to refuse an application under the emergency works grant 2018 by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51031/18]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers recently submitted an appeal to my Department requesting a review of its application for funding under the Emergency Works Grant Scheme to address yard issues at the school.
My Department has requested the school to submit additional information in relation to their appeal. This information has yet to be received. Once this information is received and assessed a decision will issue directly to the School Authorities as soon as possible.
