Written Answers Nos. 282-306
282. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reviews carried out by his Department on the procurement process on major capital projects in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31839/19]
View answerReviews of two key elements of cost oversight on the NDP are currently under way. My Department is reviewing the Public Spending Code which is the set of rules, procedures, and guidance to ensure Value for Money in public expenditure across the Irish Public Service.
The Capital Works Management Framework ("CWMF") is the structure that has been developed to deliver the Government’s objectives in relation to public sector construction procurement reform. It consists of a suite of best practice guidance, standard contracts and generic template documents that must be used on all projects that are to be delivered under the Exchequer-funded element of the National Development Plan ("NDP"). It is managed by the Office of Government Procurement (“OGP”) in consultation with the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (“GCCC”).
The performance of a key component of the CWMF; the public works contract, was reviewed in 2014 and a series of recommendations that apply to the conditions of contract have been implemented since 2016:
- Publication of the amended forms of public works contract aimed at rebalancing risk transferred to tendering main contractors;
- Introduction of a means of directly tendering specialist works to be undertaken as a sub-contract; and
- Introduction of new alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to aid swift and efficient resolution of disputes.
The interim amendments were focused on:
- Rebalancing the risk that was habitually transferred to building contractors in recognition of the different economic environment and trading conditions that the construction industry faced;
- Reducing the proportion of the contract value that the main contractor is tendering upon; and
- Reducing the recourse to the costly and time-consuming dispute resolution procedures provided in the contracts.
That review prompted the OGP to undertake a broader review of the procurement of public works projects in order to develop the next generation of the CWMF.
A set of objectives have been developed to manage the review process which will permit a progressive refinement of the CWMF rather than awaiting the completion of the entire work programme prior to implementation. Enhanced risk management throughout a project’s lifecycle and quality of information will inform all aspects of the work programme.
Consultation has already commenced with industry and the public bodies charged with the delivery of public works projects on a broad range of issues that are impacting on the successful and timely delivery of projects. These are wide ranging and warrant careful consideration and cover areas such as:
- price variation;
- risk management;
- creating a better quality : price balance in the award of contracts;
- adoption of BIM (“Building Information Modelling”) on public works projects;
- liability, indemnity and insurance requirements;
- performance evaluation;
- encouraging collaborative working.
It is proposed to publish a range of position papers throughout 2019 and 2020 on these and other issues and invite submissions from interested parties. Upon conclusion of the consultation process recommendations will be prepared by the OGP on the measures necessary to address any shortcomings identified.
The programme commenced with a focus on the early stages of a project’s development. A position paper was published in May on the engagement of the consultant technical professionals upon which submissions have been received. The paper focusses on improving the manner in which consultants are engaged to provide expert advice to contracting authorities on matters such as design, cost estimating, project management, procurement and contract administration.
This review will deliver significant changes to the CWMF over the coming years. It will involve extensive engagement both with industry stakeholders and with the public bodies charged with the delivery of public works projects on a broad range of issues and will extend over the next 12 – 18 months.
283. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the changes made to the procurement process following recommendations made by a company (details supplied) for complex and risky projects; when the changes were introduced; if this coincided with increased demands in stage 2 of projects when contractors price the bill of quantities to make up the final target cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31840/19]
View answerThe majority of public works projects are currently delivered using fixed-price lump-sum contracts tendered on a competitive basis, with clear risk allocation set out in the tender documents. These contracts represent the default tendering position for projects delivered under the Exchequer-funded element of the National Development Plan.
In line with Circular 33/06 in exceptional and rare circumstances, consideration can be given to amendments to the forms of contracts which should be submitted to the Government Construction Contracts Committee (“GCCC”) in advance for consideration and approval, as appropriate. A total of 12 derogations have been given by the GCCC since 2011 in recognition of the particular circumstances pertaining to the projects. These derogations vary from minor amendments to the conditions of contract to the adoption of different forms of construction contracts.
It is important to note that a derogation, if agreed, does not sanction the approach or strategy of the Contracting Authority, but simply acknowledges that the circumstances are such as to warrant a different approach than the standard. It is a matter for the Contracting Authority and the Sanctioning Authority to satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of the approach with regards to compliance with procurement rules and project appraisal in accordance with the Public Spending Code.
There are only two projects in receipt of derogations which used the two-stage tender process. Two-stage tenders facilitate the early involvement of the contractor on complex projects to consider aspects such as buildability and evaluating construction risk. It was developed in response to the cost increases and delays that often arise in the course of traditionally procured construction projects as a result of a failure to adequately test the project’s design against the impact of construction operations.
The contractor is usually paid a tendered fee for their participation in the stage one process. The manner in which the price for works is tendered will depend on the stage of design development and the nature of the works, bills of quantities are not always used.
Typically the contractor is not actively engaged in construction works in stage one but investigation works would normally form part of the process. Stage one is focussed on determining the final cost of the works with the benefit of the contractor’s construction expertise.
The stage one process can severely test the project’s budget, particularly where further investigation identifies additional works or changes to the stated constraints that the tendered rates were based upon. These issues also arise post-award of contract on traditionally procured projects and are usually then dealt with through the claims and dispute resolution processes defined within the contract. The perceived advantage with the two-stage process is the potential for greater certainty of outcome for both parties if the process is robustly applied. Once the costs are determined the process allows both parties to walk away if the project cannot be delivered within the contracting authority’s budget.
A derogation was given to the New Children’s Hospital in recognition of its scale, complexity and programme timeframe to completion. Its procurement strategy, which saw basement construction works undertaken prior to determining the final price for the above ground superstructure works, is not typical of a two-stage tender and was adopted to achieve the challenging programme timeframe to completion. This approach will be avoided in future unless there is an urgency in delivery that demands it be considered and then only with robust budgetary provision for risk.
The upgrade works to the Dunkettle interchange are also being procured by means of a two-stage tender however, in this case, investigative works only are being undertaken as part of the process to arrive at a target cost for the works.
Whilst the procurement approach taken in the New Children’s Hospital is bespoke to that project, nevertheless there are lessons that can be applied across the NDP. Reviews of two elements critical to the NDP’s successful delivery are currently under way.
My Department is reviewing the Public Spending Code which is the set of rules, procedures, and guidance to ensure Value for Money in public expenditure across the Irish Public Service. The following reforms will be considered and implemented as part of the Public Spending Code review:
- Strengthen and harmonise capital appraisal guidance;
- Greater clarity on governance and roles and responsibilities, particular in terms of who is the Sanctioning Authority and who is the Sponsoring Agency for major projects;
- Introduce new mechanisms to improve the accuracy of cost estimates;
- Improve project life cycle to better reflect the realities of project delivery; and
- Complement the Project Ireland 2040 Capital Tracker in monitoring projects and costs.
The revised central elements of the Public Spending Code relating to the appraisal and management of public capital projects will be published this summer. Further technical guidance building upon these central elements will follow in the second half of 2019 and in 2020.
The Capital Works Management Framework (“CWMF”), which represents the procedures and conditions of contract that must be used in the engagement of consultants and contractors on public works projects, is being reviewed by the Office of Government Procurement.
A set of objectives have been developed to manage the review process which will permit a progressive refinement of the CWMF rather than awaiting the completion of the entire work programme prior to implementation. Enhanced risk management throughout a project’s lifecycle and quality of information will inform all aspects of the work programme.
Consultation has already commenced with industry and the public bodies charged with the delivery of public works projects on a broad range of issues that are impacting on the successful and timely delivery of projects.
284. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding discussions with the authorities in Northern Ireland regarding the continuation of cross-Border programmes post Brexit; if such programmes that have been organised on a cross-Border basis and that have made a major contribution to development in the Border region will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30382/19]
View answer285. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or with the authorities in Northern Ireland regarding the need to continue cross-Border programmes post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30383/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
The Government is cognisant of the importance of the cross-border PEACE and INTERREG programmes and their invaluable contribution to economic and social cohesion in the border counties of Ireland and in Northern Ireland. The current programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA, cover the 2014-2020 programming period and are progressing well, with both programmes almost fully committed.
I am very pleased therefore that arrangements are in place, covering both a deal and a no-deal scenario, to allow for the current round of programmes to continue unchanged to their normal completion dates.
The draft Withdrawal Agreement between the EU and the UK would enable the current PEACE and INTERREG programmes to continue without interruption or amendment up until their normal closure.
In the event of no agreement, the EU has adopted a special Regulation that will enable the two programmes to continue to be financed from the EU budget, under current management structures and with funding levels unchanged.
As regards a future programme, the European Commission has responded to the Irish Government’s support for a future programme with a proposal for a special new PEACE PLUS programme that will build on and continue the work of PEACE and INTERREG in the 2021-2027 programming period. I warmly welcome this proposal which is being advanced as part of the ongoing work on the draft cohesion policy regulations and the Multiannual Financial Framework. I also welcome the firm and reiterated commitment of the UK Government to the PEACE PLUS programme.
286. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the FEMPI legislation has been completely revoked; if the declaration of a financial emergency has now ended; if he will lay further reports before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the issue of a financial emergency that underpinned the previous FEMPI legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32195/19]
View answerThe process of unwinding the Financial Emergency (FEMPI) legislation commenced under the Lansdowne Road Agreement 2016 – 2018 and will be completed under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020 (PSSA).
The PSSA, which was negotiated in 2017, and the provisions of which were statutorily provided for under the terms of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, allows for a continued, controlled unwinding of the FEMPI legislation. The unwinding process is progressively weighted towards those at the lower levels of pay (who will see their salaries increase relative to 2008), and is implemented on a phased basis.
By end 2019, salary rates up to €50,000 will be fully restored. By end 2020, salary rates up to €70,000 (over 90% of the public service) will be fully restored.
For public servants who have not achieved full restoration of the FEMPI reductions by October 2020 (i.e the date of the last PSSA increase), restoration of the amount 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.
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
Under the terms of the FEMPI Act 2013, I am obliged to carry out an annual review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the FEMPI Acts, having regard to the overall economic conditions in the State and national competitiveness. In this annual review, I am also to consider whether or not any of the provision of the relevant Acts continue to be necessary having regard to the purposes of those Acts, the revenues of the State and State commitments in respect of public service pay and pensions.
In my 2019 annual review, a written report of which was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the 26th June, I recommended the continuation of the unwinding of the FEMPI measures in line with the terms agreed under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020 and provisions enacted in the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.
287. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to meet with representatives of affected workers to discuss the issue relating to the pension entitlements of community supervisors; if he will make provisions in budget 2020 to fund the Labour Court judgment on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32196/19]
View answerThis issue relates to a claim by community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors who have been seeking, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme.
The matter was the subject of extensive discussion at the Community Sector High Level Forum which was reconvened to examine certain issues pertaining to the Community Employment sector and in particular to ensure that the matter was fully examined having regard to both costs and precedent. The membership of this Forum includes public service management and union representatives. The implications arising from this claim extend beyond the CE Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors cadre and impact across the entire Community and Voluntary sector.
A detailed scoping exercise was carried out by my Department in 2017 in order to comprehensively examine and assess the full potential implications of the issues under consideration.
The scoping exercise clearly illustrated that this matter presents very significant issues for the Exchequer, with a potential cost exposure for the State of between €188 million per annum and €347m depending on the size of the sector which is difficult to ascertain, were consequential demands to be made to fund employer pension contributions for all similar State funded Community and Voluntary organisations. This excludes any provision for immediate ex-gratia lump sum payment of pension for those imminently retiring, as sought, which could, depending on the size of the sector, give rise to a further Exchequer cost exposure of up to €318 million.
The Forum met in the period subsequent to the conduct of the scoping exercise where relevant matters in respect of this issue were discussed in comprehensive detail with the members of the Forum. These discussions provided a clear understanding to each of the parties of their respective positions in relation to this matter and in this context the formal engagement process between the parties was accordingly concluded on this basis.
It continues to be the position that state organisations are not the employer of the particular employees concerned and accordingly it is not for the State to provide funding for occupational pension scheme provision.
288. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of external consultant reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years March 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the cost of same; the company involved; and the title and publication date by report in tabular form. [32253/19]
View answerThe consultant reports commissioned by my Department since March 2011 are set out in the table below:
|
Report Title |
Company |
Publication Date |
Cost |
|
2011 |
|||
|
Banking services for central government – review of market |
PWC |
Internal Report |
€44,526 |
|
Independent verification of savings arising under the Public Service Agreement |
MKO Partners |
June 2011 |
€35,819 |
|
2012 |
|||
|
Report on Reasons Behind Voter Behaviour in the Oireachtas Inquiry Referendum 2011 |
Red C Research and Marketing Ltd. |
January 2012 |
€41,043 |
|
Independent verification of savings arising under the Public Service Agreement |
Grant Thornton |
13 June 2012 |
€31,586 |
|
Capacity and Capability Review of Central Procurement Function |
Accenture |
6 September 2012 |
€30,750 |
|
IT Capability Maturity Framework Executive Assessment |
Innovation Value Institute, NUIM |
November 2012 |
€30,750 |
|
2013 |
|||
|
Independent verification of savings arising under the Public Service Agreement |
Grant Thornton |
3 July 2013 |
€24,206 |
|
Report of a Consultation with Civil Society Representatives and Citizens on Ireland’s Participation in the Open Government Partnership |
Transparency International, Ireland |
2 October 2013 |
€25,735 |
|
2014 |
|||
|
Debt Management – Final Report |
BearingPoint |
24July 2014 |
€135,514 |
|
Open Data project (Best Practice Handbook; Data Audit Report; Roadmap for Open Data; Evaluation Framework; Open Data Publication Handbook) |
Insight Centre for Data Analytics, NUI Galway |
July 2014 |
€19,188 |
|
Value for Money Report of Dublin Castle's Conference Facilities |
Newmarket Consulting |
Qtr 3, 2014 |
€4,674 |
|
Fund Structuring Services Agreement for Social Housing and Energy Efficiency in Ireland |
European Investment Bank |
5 November 2014 |
€26,767 |
|
Baseline Report Single Pension Scheme |
Mr Seamus O’Dwyer |
9 December 2014 |
€24,900 |
|
OGP Development of Training and Organisation Development |
Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon |
Internal Report |
€22,900 |
|
Irish Security Services Market Report |
OVE Arup & Partners Ireland t/a ARUP |
Internal Report |
€16,304 |
|
Cleaning Services Market Report |
OVE Arup & Partners Ireland t/a ARUP |
Internal Report |
€22,866 |
|
2015 |
|||
|
Civil Service Disciplinary Code Review |
Byrne Wallace |
March 2015 |
€30,750 |
|
Civil Service Disciplinary Code Review |
Clarion Consulting |
May 2015 |
€23,985 |
|
Recommendations to DPER for Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme |
JBA Consulting |
November 2015 |
€23,917 |
|
NSSO Continuous Improvement Report |
Ernst & Young |
November 2015 |
€36,900 |
|
Comparative Report on European National Identification Numbers |
Hans Graux of time.lex CVBA |
Publication pending the completion of the work of the PPSN Review Group |
€37,500 |
|
Provision of legal expertise to assist and advise the Department in the preparation of Guidance to Public Bodies under section 21(3) of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 |
Lauren Kierans BL |
Provision of legal expertise only. Not for publication. |
€12,500 |
|
Options for the next National Lottery licence |
Davy Corporate Finance |
Internal Report |
€615 |
|
Building Strategic HR in the Civil Service |
McGrath Associates |
Internal Report |
€8,000 |
|
PeoplePoint: Optimal Resourcing Review reflecting present and future organisational requirements |
Equita Consulting |
Internal Report |
€49,200 |
|
Baseline Research 2015 – Usage, Resourcing and costs of ICT across selected Public Service Bodies |
PWC |
Internal Report |
€148,781 |
|
Service delivery model for Government ICT Shared Services |
Accenture |
Internal Report |
€339,188 |
|
Laundry Services Research Report |
OVE Arup & Partners Ireland t/a ARUP |
Internal Report |
€22,866 |
|
Document Management Services Research Report |
OVE Arup & Partners Ireland t/a ARUP |
Internal Report |
€22,866 |
|
2016 |
|||
|
River Ilen (Skibbereen) drainage scheme: environmental impact statement recommendations to DPER |
Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers |
January 2016 |
€12,417 |
|
Analysis of Business Processes for European Structural and Investment Funds and Development of a Detailed Specification for EU Structural Funds 2014-20 |
Dovetail |
4 March 2016 |
€46,371 |
|
Review of environmental impact statement of the Bandon River (Bandon) drainage scheme |
CAAS Limited |
March 2016 |
€7,196 |
|
Research and recommendation on a fit for purpose HR model/structure for the NSSO |
Sile O’Donnell |
April 2016 |
€21,000 |
|
Payroll Shared Services operational review |
Deloitte |
June 2016 |
€44,280 |
|
A critical review of the applicability of the performance related remuneration approach to the Irish Public Service |
Institute of Public Administration |
July 2016 |
€15,375 |
|
Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis for 2014 |
Accenture |
September 2016 |
€98,400 |
|
Environmental Impact Statement of the River Mall Templemore Drainage Scheme |
CAAS Limited |
December 2016 |
€7,196 |
|
Gov.ie – The government Digital Services gateway |
Red C Research and Marketing Limited |
December 2016 |
€28,290 |
|
OGP ICT Category Strategies (8 in total) |
Accenture |
Internal Report |
€153,000 |
|
OGP Strategic Market Assessment – Phase 1 |
Deloitte |
Internal Report |
€200,010 |
|
OGP Strategic Market Assessment – Phase 2 |
Deloitte |
Internal Report |
€484,450 |
|
OGP Strategic Market Assessment – Phase 3 |
Deloitte |
Internal Report |
€196,333 |
|
eInvoicing Recommendation Report |
KPMG |
Internal Report |
€160,327 |
|
Business case – shared model for Learning and Development in the Irish Civil Service |
Knowledge Pool as part of Capita Consulting |
Internal Report |
€106,063 |
|
Appropriate HR model for OGP |
John O’Hehir Consulting Ltd. |
Internal Report |
€17,589 |
|
Economic assessment of issues raised in relation to the tendering process for the supply of printing devices |
Peter Bacon & Associates Economic Consultants |
Internal Report |
€37,597 |
|
OGP Audit of Methodologies for 2013 Spend Data Analysis |
KOSI Corporation Ltd. |
Internal Report |
€13,550 |
|
eCatalogue Readiness Assessment Report |
Science Warehouse |
Internal Report |
€17,454 |
|
Review to investigate the possible approaches for data centre hosting of Government cloud and other infrastructure |
KPMG |
Internal Report |
€223,632 |
|
Review, redesign and implementation of an organisational restructure of the ICT Service Delivery Unit |
BearingPoint |
Internal Report |
€89,037 |
|
Provision of Internal & External Market Research – Break Fix services |
Clearview Group Procurement Solutions |
Internal Report |
€30,443 |
|
Market Research: ICT Peripherals and Scanners Research Report |
Business Change Management Limited |
Internal Report |
€25,343 |
|
2017 |
|||
|
National Data Infrastructure – A Comparative Analysis |
Accenture |
Q1 2017 |
€106,925 |
|
Public Service Pay Commission – Review of Actuarial Submissions |
Milliman |
8 May 2017 |
€22,755 |
|
River Feagle (Clonakilty) Drainage Scheme: environmental impact statement review recommendations to DPER |
Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers |
August 2017 |
€6,285 |
|
OGCIO – Government Cloud Platform (Build to Share) – PoC Security Design Review Report |
Ward Solutions |
Internal Report |
€14,944 |
|
OGCIO BTS – Business Case for the delivery of common ICT Services |
BearingPoint |
Internal Report |
€43,050 |
|
Advisory services for the delivery of business cases for the Build to Share applications and the Build to Share infrastructure |
KPMG |
Internal Report |
€92,250 |
|
Sourcing Strategy for Mobile Voice and Data Services |
Analysis Mason |
Internal Report |
€25,323 |
|
Business Process Automation Process scoping report |
Accenture |
Internal Report |
€13,214 |
|
2018 |
|||
|
Analysis, options and recommendations on implementing a Unique Business Identifier |
Accenture |
Q1 2018 |
€51,660 |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Diversity and Inclusion Diagnostic Report |
EY |
Internal Report |
€28,905 |
|
Reports of Review of Flood Risk Management Plan; Environmental Reports; Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement and; Natura Impact Statement |
Fehily, Timoney & Co |
April 2018 |
€58,850 |
|
Data Protection Audit Report for BTS Applications |
Cygnus Consulting |
1 June 2018 |
€5,707.20 |
|
Pay and Benefits for Nurses, Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors and Consultants – International Data |
Treacy Consulting / Willis Towers Watson |
4 September 2018 |
€75,786 |
|
Engage to Change – A Collaborative Study on Recruitment and Retention of Nurses, Midwives and Doctors |
Research Matters |
4 September 2018 |
€113,482 |
|
Independent Review of the Tender Advisory Service |
Research Matters |
November 2018 |
€23,979 |
|
Research into Experience of Engagement with the OGP among client Public Sector Bodies |
Coyne Research Associations Ltd |
Internal Report |
€36,300 |
|
Tender Submission Financial Analysis Report |
Anne Brady McQuillans DFK |
Internal Report |
€1,722 |
|
Civil Service Renewal |
Deloitte |
Internal Report |
€17,958 |
|
Strategic Review of the HCM and Payroll technologies for the Irish Civil Service |
Bearing Point |
Internal Report |
€44,773 |
|
Workforce Planning and training review |
CMC Business |
Internal Report |
£18,850* |
|
OECD Report on Financial Reporting in Ireland (2019) |
OECD |
12 June 2019 |
Funded by EU Structural Reform Support Programme |
|
Review of eCohesion IT System, final report on Designation Assessment |
Astron Consulting |
21 September 2018 |
€33,210 |
|
Enabling Digital Ireland research exploring citizens’ use of, appetite for and access to online Government services |
IPSOS MRBI |
Internal Report |
€113,250 |
|
Public Service Innovation Network (Research and Implementation Option) Report |
Deloitte |
Internal Report |
€30,135 |
|
Review of Data for Non-Profit Sector |
Indecon |
Internal Report |
€43,812.60 |
|
2019 |
|||
|
Review of Structures for Management of European Regional Development Fun (ERDF) Programmes in Ireland |
Crowe Ireland |
Reporting currently being drafted |
€86,100 |
|
Review of International Practices in Government Communications |
Edelman |
June 2019 |
€28,500 |
* Denotes Pounds Sterling
OGP = Office of Government Procurement
OGCIO = Office of the Government Chief Information Officer
289. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the photography costs for his Department in each year since March 2011 including costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used in tabular form; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32270/19]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. The engagement of service providers by my Department is done in line with its procurement policy and with every effort made to minimise costs.
|
Year |
Service Provider |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
2012 |
Fennell Photography |
Irish Presidency European Union Public Administration Network meeting |
€105 |
|
2012 |
Fennell Photography |
European Union Public Administration Network (Directors General) meeting |
€105 |
|
2012 |
Maxwell Photography Limited |
Public Service Excellence Awards |
€812 |
|
2012 |
Bradán Publishing |
Advertorial to publicise restructured Civil Service Employee Assistance Service |
€418 |
|
2014 |
City Headshots |
Promotional Headshots |
€400 |
|
2015 |
Marie O’Sullivan Photography |
ONE HR Learning and Development Strategy 2015-2017 |
€369 |
|
2015 |
Steven Langan T/A City Headshots |
Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards |
€1,500 |
|
2015 |
Maxwell Photography Limited |
Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards |
€529 |
|
2015 |
Maxwell Photography Limited |
NSSO photography headshots |
€126 |
|
2015 |
Naoise Culhane Photography |
Capital Plan Launch |
€486 |
|
2016 |
Fennell Photography |
Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards |
€849 |
|
2016 |
Lafayette Photography |
Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards |
€476 |
|
2016 |
Maxwell Photography Limited |
National Shared Services Office photography headshots |
€154 |
|
2016 |
Noel Hills Photography |
Official opening of the Office of Government Procurement Offices at Spencer Dock |
€220 |
|
2017 |
Maxwell Photography |
National Shared Services Office photography head shots |
€126 |
|
2017 |
Fennell Photography |
Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards |
€1,391 |
|
2017 |
Maxwell Photography Limited |
Shared Services in the Irish Public Service Conference 2017 |
€464 |
|
2017 |
The Camera Centre |
Purchase of a camera for use by OGP staff in course of duties |
€964 |
|
2017 |
Lensman |
Civil Service Customer Engagement Survey Event |
€431 |
|
2017 |
Conns Cameras |
Photography Equipment for ongoing events |
€3,195 |
290. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expenditure incurred in respect of external legal fees in each year since March 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32287/19]
View answerI have set out in the table below the expenditure incurred in respect of external legal fees in my Department since March 2011.
|
Year |
External Legal Fee Costs |
|
2011 |
€0 |
|
2012 |
€89,773 |
|
2013 |
€143,394 |
|
2014 |
€144,784 |
|
2015 |
€209,848 |
|
2016 |
€599,315 |
|
2017 |
€333,463 |
|
2018 |
€148,361 |
|
2019 -> Present |
€40,179 |
291. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expenditure incurred in external information technology costs in each year since March 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32304/19]
View answerThe Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) in my Department has a broad remit which includes responsibility for the implementation of the Public Service ICT Strategy. The ambition of the ICT Strategy is to maximise the benefits of ICT in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.
The Build to Share pillar of the strategy is a significant driver of OGCIO’s agenda in terms of the central provision of common ICT services across government and the OGCIO currently provides common ICT services to over 30 Public Service Organisations. In addition to leading its implementation, for which an 18 Step Action Plan was developed, the OGCIO is also leading implementation of the eGovernment Strategy 2017-2020, the Public Service Data Strategy 2017-2023, and Action 1 of Our Public Service 2020 which seeks to drive digital transformation across government.
The combination and impact of these initiatives places the OGCIO at the very core of digital transformation of government and of ICT service delivery to government bodies and agencies. The scale of this responsibility, the growth in use of shared systems, the relatively modest headcount in OGCIO and the need for some very specific, fixed-term technical input, e.g. on data centre design and cyber-security, has resulted in additional external ICT spend in the last three years in particular. The relevant expenditure by OGCIO is set out in the table below.
Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO)
|
Year |
External IT Costs |
|
2011 |
€1,609,711.27 |
|
2012 |
€1,987,012.03 |
|
2013 |
€2,429,100.65 |
|
2014 |
€3,415,217.74 |
|
2015 |
€5,061,705.25 |
|
2016 |
€7,689,692.10 |
|
2017 |
€15,427,256.27 |
|
2018 |
€14,431,121.15 |
|
2019 (to-date) |
€5,768,558.40 |
The table below sets out the relevant information in respect of other divisions of my Department.
|
Year |
External IT Costs |
|
2011 |
€45,113.36 |
|
2012 |
€56,675.79 |
|
2013 |
€36,080.82 |
|
2014 |
€48,566.79 |
|
2015 |
€43,534.38 |
|
2016 |
€191,766.89 |
|
2017 |
€886,473.07 |
|
2018 |
€1,549,324.14 |
|
2019 (to-date) |
€662,465.30 |
292. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of protected disclosures for which he has engaged an external consultancy and-or legal firm since 2014 to date; the name of the firms engaged; the year and the costs associated with engaging the consultancy and-or legal firms in respect of protected disclosures; the way in which persons are protected in cases in which an external consultancy firm is engaged in respect of protected disclosures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32404/19]
View answerTo date, no external consultancy or legal firm has been engaged by my Department in respect of a protected disclosure.
The Deputy may be aware that the Office of Government Procurement, which is a Division of my Department, in conjunction with the policy unit of my Department that is responsible for the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, has put in place a national framework for services related to the receipt and investigation of protected disclosures. This framework sets out and addresses the protections provided to persons under the Protected Disclosures Act, 2014 and may be availed of by public bodies, including this Department, as required.
293. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the policy of his Department regarding protected disclosures (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32411/19]
View answerAs the Department's Protected Disclosures policy is a matter for the staff of the Department, it has been circulated to all staff and is made available on the Department's intranet rather than on the external website (gov.ie).
I attach a copy of the policy herewith, for the information of the Deputy.
294. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff allocated to the infrastructure project office; the number anticipated by year end 2019; the allocated budget for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32621/19]
View answerThe Investment Projects & Programmes Office (IPPO) was set up in my Department to support the implementation of Project Ireland 2040.
There are currently 10 staff within the IPPO.
The total non-pay budget for the Office in 2019 is €273,500.
295. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of feasibility studies conducted by his Department in County Galway in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the names of each project being studied; the amount allocated and drawn down for each study; the person or body that sought each study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32947/19]
View answerDue to the nature of the role of my Department as a central Government Department, it does not carry out studies of the type that is the subject of the question.
296. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the projected capital spending from 2020 to 2024 by Department in tabular form. [32951/19]
View answerCapital allocations for the period 2020 - 2022 are set out in the table below. In addition, an expenditure reserve of up to €0.2 billion is being established in 2020 to accommodate funding requirements for the National Broadband Plan and National Children’s Hospital, which is not included in this table.
The Government has not yet fixed allocations for 2023 and 2024.
|
Capital Allocations 2020 - 2022 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Ministerial Vote Group |
€,m |
€,m |
€,m |
|
AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND THE MARINE |
258 |
265 |
275 |
|
BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND INNOVATION |
630 |
640 |
715 |
|
CHILDREN AND YOUTH AFFAIRS |
31 |
32 |
33 |
|
COMMUNICATIONS, CLIMATE ACTION AND ENVIRONMENT |
297 |
317 |
400 |
|
CULTURE, HERITAGE AND THE GAELTACHT |
76 |
80 |
110 |
|
DEFENCE |
113 |
120 |
125 |
|
EDUCATION AND SKILLS |
942 |
1,006 |
1,100 |
|
EMPLOYMENT AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL PROTECTION |
15 |
16 |
17 |
|
FINANCE GROUP |
22 |
18 |
19 |
|
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE GROUP |
13 |
13 |
14 |
|
HEALTH |
774 |
780 |
825 |
|
HOUSING, PLANNING, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
2,205 |
2,269 |
2,280 |
|
JUSTICE AND EQUALITY GROUP |
265 |
208 |
216 |
|
PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND REFORM GROUP |
214 |
223 |
232 |
|
RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT |
150 |
152 |
175 |
|
TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND SPORT |
2,058 |
2,526 |
2,405 |
|
Total * |
8,063 |
8,666 |
8,941 |
* Rounding affects totals
297. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he received representations from his ministerial colleagues in respect of the funding of the repair of the weir and fish pass at Fermoy, County Cork. [33084/19]
View answerThe Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has received representations from his Ministerial colleagues in respect of the funding of the repair of the weir and fish pass at Fermoy, County Cork. The Deputy may wish to note that when it comes to capital spending and the procurement of individual capital projects, I am responsible for setting the overall five-year multi-annual capital expenditure ceilings and for allocating these resources across different Departments. Decisions on how and where these allocations are then invested by individual Departments are a matter in the first instance for the relevant Minister, in line with the conditions of delegated sanction specified by my Department.
298. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of licences issued by the Office of Public Works, OPW, to install telecommunications equipment on masts at Garda stations and-or former Garda stations in the past three years to date; the income derived from all third party installations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33154/19]
View answer299. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the income received in instances in which the Office of Public Works, OPW, issues a licence resulting from the renting to companies of space to use and-or take fixings from telecoms and-or communications masts on site or on the roof of all Departments and State-owned properties and buildings in each of the past three years to date; the location of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33156/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.
The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW) grant licences to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to install telecommunications equipment on State property. The MNOs are all licensed by ComReg to provide services in Ireland. The properties on which the equipment are placed are primarily Garda telecommunication structures and rooftops of other OPW managed State buildings.
The Commissioners have granted approximately 515 licences at 255 sites. These licences generate an income in the region of €4 million annually.
In the last 3 years, the Commissioners have granted 4 licences to telecommunications companies to install telecommunications equipment on State property generating an income of €27,988 per annum.
The following table gives details of these sites -
|
Year |
OPW Site |
Annual Licence Fee |
|
2017 |
Kinlough Garda Station |
€6,740 |
|
Ballymote Garda Station |
€6,740 |
|
|
2018 |
Buncranna Garda Station |
€6,740 |
|
2019 |
Kilronan Garda Station |
€7,768 |
300. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of former Garda stations sold and-or repurposed by location in the past five years to date by the Office of Public Works; the revenue raised from sales; the functions of the new Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33188/19]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they have sold the following 43 former Garda stations since 2014, with a total value of €3,298,000.
|
Former Garda Station |
County |
Sale Amount |
|
Finea |
Cavan |
€56,000 |
|
Tullyvin |
Cavan |
€45,000 |
|
Carrigaholt |
Clare |
€105,000 |
|
Labasheeda |
Clare |
€18,500 |
|
Inchigeela |
Cork |
€55,000 |
|
Mallow Road |
Cork |
€260,000 |
|
Meelin |
Cork |
€44,500 |
|
Churchill |
Donegal |
€62,000 |
|
Doochary |
Donegal |
€35,000 |
|
Glencolumbille |
Donegal |
€47,500 |
|
Lettermore |
Galway |
€63,000 |
|
Menlough |
Galway |
€50,000 |
|
An Clochán (Cloghane) |
Kerry |
€70,000 |
|
Fenit |
Kerry |
€110,000 |
|
Lauragh |
Kerry |
€115,000 |
|
Ballyragget |
Kilkenny |
€141,000 |
|
Inistioge |
Kilkenny |
€132,000 |
|
Johnstown |
Kilkenny |
€115,000 |
|
Ballacolla |
Laois |
€15,000 |
|
Ballinakill |
Laois |
€92,000 |
|
Cloone |
Leitrim |
€50,000 |
|
Dromod |
Leitrim |
€142,000 |
|
Kiltyclogher |
Leitrim |
€58,000 |
|
Doon |
Limerick |
€50,000 |
|
Tournafulla |
Limerick |
€42,500 |
|
Newtowncashel |
Longford |
€50,000 |
|
Lahardane |
Mayo |
€70,000 |
|
Crossakiel |
Meath |
€6,000 |
|
Kilmessan |
Meath |
€200,000 |
|
Longwood |
Meath |
€76,000 |
|
Geashill |
Offaly |
€123,000 |
|
Ballyfarnon |
Roscommon |
€40,000 |
|
Aclare |
Sligo |
€40,000 |
|
Easkey |
Sligo |
€65,000 |
|
Ballinure |
Tipperary |
€100,000 |
|
Dundrum |
Tipperary |
€90,000 |
|
Grangemockler |
Tipperary |
€103,000 |
|
Ballinahowen |
Westmeath |
€20,000 |
|
Ballymore |
Westmeath |
€55,000 |
|
Rathowen |
Westmeath |
€15,000 |
|
Baldwinstown |
Wexford |
€75,000 |
|
Ballywilliam |
Wexford |
€110,000 |
|
Kiltealy |
Wexford |
€86,000 |
|
Total: |
€3,298,000 |
The following 9 former Garda stations are licenced to community Groups.
|
Former Garda station |
County |
Licensee |
|
Castletownsend |
Cork |
Castlehaven Nursing Association |
|
Ballinskelligs |
Kerry |
Coiste Forbartha na Sceilge |
|
Beaufort |
Kerry |
Beaufort Community Council |
|
Kilmeedy |
Limerick |
Kilmeedy Community Development Group |
|
Ballycastle |
Mayo |
Ballycastle Development Company |
|
Glenisland |
Mayo |
Glenisland Development Group |
|
Mulranny |
Mayo |
Mulranny Community Futures Association |
|
Tourmakeady |
Mayo |
Coiste Cultur Teanga agus Forbartha Thur Mhic Eadaigh Teo |
|
Cootehall |
Roscommon |
Cootehall Community Development Group |
The following 10 former Garda stations remain in State use
|
Former Garda station |
County |
Current use |
|
Stradone |
Cavan |
An Garda Síochána |
|
Kilmihill |
Clare |
Reopened as a Garda station |
|
Barrack Street |
Cork |
Cork City Council – Elizabeth Fort tourism project |
|
Harcourt Terrace |
Dublin |
Department of Education and Skills – new 700 pupil primary school to be constructed |
|
Whitehall |
Dublin |
State Pathologist and Dublin City Coroner |
|
Shanaglish |
Galway |
National Monuments Depot |
|
Ballylongford |
Kerry |
National Parks and Wildlife |
|
Valentia Island |
Kerry |
Irish Coast Guard |
|
Kill |
Kildare |
South West Partnership (HSE) |
|
Loughlynn |
Roscommon |
HSE Ambulance Base |
The following 6 former Garda stations are scheduled to be reopened
|
Former Garda station |
County |
|
Leighlinbridge |
Carlow |
|
Bawnboy |
Cavan |
|
Ballinspittle |
Cork |
|
Rush |
Dublin |
|
Stepaside |
Dublin |
|
Donard |
Wicklow |
301. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 9 July 2019, if the contract has been awarded for the further study of flooding in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33324/19]
View answerI am advised by Kildare County Council that the Council has recently completed their assessment of tenders for this study.
The contract will be awarded by the Council shortly, subject to the successful tenderer providing the information required by the contract and in accordance with the statutory standstill period.
302. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 9 July 2019, the number of tenders received by the closing date of 12 July 2019; the start and completion dates for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33325/19]
View answerFurther to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 9 July 2019 regarding the Forensic Science Laboratory Project at the Backweston campus, the delivery of this project is managed by the Office of Public Works. Six tenders were received by the closing date of 12 July 2019 and are currently being assessed. It is expected to start construction on site in Q4 2019 and complete construction in late 2021/early 2022
303. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a decision has been made on an application to remove an Office of Public Works, OPW, burden on the lands of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33364/19]
View answerI can confirm that my officials are actively considering the matter referred to by the Deputy. I expect that a response will issue shortly to the applicant.
304. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to reduce parking facilities for civil and public servants in the city within the city cordon area in the context of the Climate Action Plan 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33377/19]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan, which was agreed by Government last month, sets out an ambitious course of action to address the impacts of climate disruption on Ireland's environment, society, economic and natural resources. It sets out details of the governance arrangements that apply and includes an Annex of Actions to be taken within specific timescales, as well as setting out details of the lead Department and other key stakeholders involved. My Department will be involved in the implementation of many of the 183 actions in the Annex. It will lead on 4 of these; lead jointly with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on another; and lead on certain aspects of a further 6 actions.
This Department is not assigned lead responsibility for any actions under the “Transport” heading in the Annex of Actions. However, the Department will be progressing certain transport-related actions under the “Public Sector Leading by Example” heading. For example, under Action 153, the Department will be introducing civil service mileage rates for electric vehicles reflecting the cost incurred by drivers using their own vehicles for work.
More generally, the Deputy may wish to note that the provision of parking facilities for staff is a matter for individual public bodies.
305. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has considered releasing funds held by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, PIAB, to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33472/19]
View answerSection 13 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Act 2019, which came into effect on 3 April 2019, inserted a new section into the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 that allows the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), with the authorisation of the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to retain a specified sum of money for the purposes of expenditure by the Board in the performance of its functions. The sum to be retained is to be determined having regard to the operational, capital and contingency costs of the Board.
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and The Personal Injuries Assessment Board are in the process of determining the level of reserves to be retained and will seek my consent in relation to the proposed sum. Any amount in excess of that level will be remitted to the Exchequer.
Pending the completion of this process, both the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and PIAB were of the view that an interim sum of money should be remitted to the Exchequer and that Department has recently lodged to the Exchequer €9 million which it received from PIAB.
306. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated full year cost of repealing the FEMPI legislation. [33552/19]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ 26226 of 25 June 2019.
// Please see attached two Tables in Excel format.
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 below, 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.
