Written Answers Nos. 152-176
» ...
»
Written Answers Nos. 152-176
152. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review the bike to work scheme in order to allow for the purchase of e-bikes and cargo-bikes that are substantially more expensive to purchase but would open up the option of cycling to more persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42098/19]
View answerAs I informed the Deputy in my reply to PQ reference 27163/19 on 26th June this year, the Cycle To Work scheme provides an exemption from tax on the first €1,000 of expenditure incurred by an employer in connection with the provision of a bicycle or safety equipment to an employee or director. The bicycle must be for the employee/director’s personal use in undertaking the whole or part of the journey to or from work. Safety equipment includes helmets, lights, bells, mirrors and locks but does not include child seats or trailers.
The scheme applies to a pedal cycle, tricycle and a pedelec. A pedelec means a bicycle or tricycle which is equipped with an electric motor (with a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kilowatts) which cuts out when a speed of 25 kilometres per hour is reached, or sooner if the cyclist stops pedalling the bicycle or tricycle.
It is assumed that the reference to “cargo bikes” by the Deputy means a bicycle specifically designed to carry a load. Such a bicycle would qualify under the cycle to work scheme, assuming all of the required conditions are satisfied.
It should be noted that the cost of a bicycle purchased under the scheme may indeed be more than €1,000, however the exemption from tax does not apply above this limit.
While schemes of this nature are reviewed in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process I have no plans at present for any increase.
153. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Finance the progress he is making with the NTMA to establish a funding vehicle capable of facilitating off-balance sheet investment in delivering social and private housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42103/19]
View answerThe NTMA have informed me that this delivery mechanism has been superseded by the Enhanced Long-Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme, which was launched on 31 January 2018. The NTMA, as the National Development Finance Agency, acted as financial advisor to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in respect of the development of this long-term leasing model, however the NTMA has no role in relation to implementation of the scheme.
The Enhanced Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme is one of a suite of measures introduced under Pillar 2 of “Rebuilding Ireland: An Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness” aimed at private investment in order to deliver social housing at scale.
The principal objective of that scheme is to encourage increased levels of private investment in social housing while ensuring that the resulting leasing arrangement is off-balance sheet in respect of Government expenditure.
The scheme is targeted at new build or new to the market properties to be delivered at scale and will complement the existing long-term leasing arrangements, which will continue to be available for leasing existing properties. The scheme was launched in 2018 and the first closing was completed in June 2019.
The Housing Agency is the national co-ordinator of this scheme and manages and administers it on behalf of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and local authorities.
Further detail on this initiative is available at: https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/leasing/enhanced-long-term-social-housing-leasing-scheme.
154. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if the living city initiative will be extended beyond current designated areas; and the costs associated with this scheme by year since it was introduced in tabular form. [42126/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Living City Initiative (LCI) was provided for in Finance Act 2013 and commenced on 5th May 2015. In my Budget 2020 speech I announced that the LCI would be extended from 5 May 2020 to 31 December 2022.
In Finance Act 2014, LCI was extended beyond the original planned pilot city special regeneration zones of Limerick and Waterford, to include the special regeneration zones of Dublin, Cork, Galway and Kilkenny. In line with my Department's commitment to evidence based policy-making, the inclusion of these additional four city special regeneration zones followed the completion of a comprehensive, independent ex-ante cost benefit analysis.
I currently have no plans to extend LCI beyond the special regeneration zones mentioned.
The following table outlines the uptake and cost for LCI from 2013 to 2017 (the most recent year for which data are available):
|
Year |
No. of claimants |
Amount claimed (€M) |
|
2017 |
20 |
0.4 |
|
2016 |
15 |
0.5 |
|
2015 |
13 |
0.5 |
|
2014 |
N/A |
0.2 |
|
2013 |
N/A |
0.1 |
155. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he or his officials have been in discussion with the EU regarding the cost of airline fuel; if it will be increased.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42254/19]
View answerI am presuming that the Deputy is referring to the taxation of aviation fuel rather than its overall cost.
The Energy Tax Directive (2003/96/EC) currently mandatorily exempts the application of tax on aviation fuel used in intra EU and international flights, save where bilateral arrangements are entered into between Member States.
The European Commission recently published an evaluation of the Energy Tax Directive and has indicated that it will follow this up with an impact assessment of the Directive. As the Deputy will be aware the European Commission has the legislative right of initiative.
I am aware that there is an increasing focus on the current tax exemptions for aviation fuels in the context of broader efforts to address climate change as well as to level the playing field with other forms of transport fuels which are subject to taxes.
Neither I nor my officials have been in discussion with the European Commission on the matter of aviation fuel taxation. I recognise the environmental and fiscal merits of the case being made for the application of aviation taxes and Ireland will engage constructively in any future negotiations on this issue.
158. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration has been given to increasing the parental leave age for civil and public servants up to 15 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41698/19]
View answerIn relation to parental leave matters, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I only have responsibility for the civil service. Other Ministers have responsibility for parental leave matters in the different sectors of the wider public service.
With effect from 1 September, 2010, the upper age limit of the child increased in the civil service from 8 to 13 years on an administrative basis for civil servants.
In the case of a child with a disability or long term illness, the age limit of sixteen years is applicable.
The age limit under the Parental Leave Acts was amended with effect from 1 September 2019 from 8 to 12 years.
I have no current plans to increase the age limit for civil servants as we are already beyond the new limits set in the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019.
159. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the forensic science laboratory in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41758/19]
View answerThe Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory Project at the Backweston campus, the delivery of this project is managed by the Office of Public Works. A preferred Main Contractor has been identified. The reserved specialist tender submissions were received on 27th September 2019. Currently, these tender submissions are been assessed which is expected to be complete by the end of October 2019. As with the Main Contractor, a Letter of Intent has to be issued with a 14 calendar day standstill period from the date of this letter.
Please note that no contract will be awarded until that process is complete and the necessary pre-contract meeting takes place and required assurances are subsequently received. It is anticipated this process will be complete in Q4 2019. It is anticipated that construction will start by the end of Q4 2019 with a view that construction be complete in late 2021/early 2022.
160. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if advice (details supplied) will be made public that was given to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs regarding plans for an alternative application system for the national childcare scheme that would not necessitate a public services card and a MyGovID identification; the reason officials in his Department were opposed to this alternative application method; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41616/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the Public Services Card and MyGovID are a means of assisting the delivery of public services to the people who need them. They were brought about to ensure personal data is protected, and to ensure people get access to public services safely, securely and efficiently.
As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I am responsible for ensuring the proper use of resources and the provision of cost-effective public services.
The National Childcare Scheme is a landmark new scheme which will provide financial supports to families for childcare. It establishes an equitable and progressive system of universal and income-related subsidies for children up to the age of 15, and provides an innovative and user-friendly online application process to access those subsidies.
As part of the online application, there is a requirement to identify individuals in order for them to apply for these childcare subsidies. Government has already invested in MyGovID - a safe, secure and reusable system for online verification of individuals, and it is appropriate that MyGovID be utilised for the delivery of the scheme.
It does not make sense for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to develop its own electronic identity system to support its digital services. Building an alternative online identification system for the National Childcare Scheme would mean that Government is spending taxpayers money on two different systems to do the exact same thing, where one reusable, legal and secure alternative exists. The scheme's use of MyGovID is Government acting in a joined up manner.
I will continue to insist on and drive value for money through the modernisation of how we deliver our public services. Where we already have a suitable, reusable identification system in place for the Public Service, I will not allow taxpayers' money to be directed into the building of redundant infrastructure in this area. Importantly, the money spent on building redundant identity infrastructures, or the money spent on inefficient methods of identification for every public service transaction, is money not spent on the actual end product of the services, which, as I am sure the Deputy will agree, is what people are actually interested in and need.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs will use MyGovID to deliver the National Childcare Scheme quicker and cheaper than it would otherwise be in a position to do so if MyGovID were not in existence. A paper based channel, which is more resource intensive and slower to set up, will open shortly afterwards as an alternative route.This is Government striving to deliver the benefits of the scheme to people as quickly and as efficiently as possible. It will assist the delivery of quality, accessible and affordable childcare that families in Ireland need.
161. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made regarding the flood risk management for County Louth and east County Meath under CFRAM; the stage of each project; the expected dates of commencement and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41691/19]
View answerThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme was the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and covered 300 areas believed to be at significant flood risk. The CFRAM programme culminated with the launch on 3 May 2018 of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans, which proposed 118 new outline flood relief projects, on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes at planning, design or construction within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The flood relief schemes at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee are in the first tranche of projects to be progressed by Louth County Council:
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Co. Louth, for which the CFRAM Programme estimated a total preliminary cost of €40.54 million, would involve a series of hard defences, including flood embankments and walls, rock armour coastal protection, demountable barriers, road raising, a sluice gate and tanking of two properties, protecting 1,880 properties when completed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Drogheda, Co. Louth, for which the CFRAM Programme estimated a total preliminary cost of €16.83 million, would involve construction of a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls) along the River Boyne and improvement of conveyance, hard defences and a flow diversion channel on various tributaries, protecting 381 properties when completed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Carlingford and Greenore, Co. Louth, for which the CFRAM Programme estimated a total preliminary cost of €23.41 million would involve construction of a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls) and two pumping stations, protecting 409 properties when completed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Ardee, Co. Louth for which the CFRAM Programme estimated a total preliminary cost of €840,000 will also be progressed directly by Louth County Council with full funding from the OPW. The work proposed will involve the construction of a series of hard defences (embankments and walls) protecting 7 properties when completed.
- There is one proposed scheme initially not included in the first tranche of implementation. The scheme at Baltray, Co. Louth at a projected cost estimate of approximately €1.93 million would involve the construction of a series of hard defences (embankments and walls) protecting 73 properties when completed. However, the countywide project steering group comprising OPW and local authority representatives, has decided to progress this project simultaneously with Drogheda.
OPW has also established Engineering Consultancy Framework Agreements, which Louth County Council will be using to procure services to progress the design, development and planning of each project and which will help to speed up the process to construction. In addition, the Council has been provided with additional staffing resources by OPW to assist in the implementation of these schemes.
The Steering Group for flood relief schemes in County Louth has proposed the following prioritisation for progression of first tranche projects for County Louth:
1. Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee - to be progressed simultaneously.
2. Drogheda and Baltray - to be progressed simultaneously.
3. Carlingford/Greenore
The Steering Group last met on 9 October 2019 where the tender documents for the appointment of consultants for Dundalk/Blackrock South & Ardee were formally signed off. Louth County Council are expected to tender for environmental and design consultants for the Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee Flood Relief Schemes in the coming weeks with a proposed tender return date of January 2020. Work will commence on tender documentation for engineering consultants to progress the Drogheda and Baltray schemes shortly thereafter.
It is important to note that the measures set out in the flood risk management plans are not definitive and final, and that as part of the project-level assessment required to prepare the measure for planning/ Public Exhibition, more detailed assessments are required at a local level and further public and stakeholder consultation will be undertaken. As such, there is further scope for the community's views to influence the measures that are progressed to implementation.
In County Meath, the proposed flood relief scheme at Mornington, with an estimated cost of approximately €530,000, will be progressed directly by Meath County Council with full funding from the OPW. The work proposed will involve the construction of a series of hard defences (embankments and walls) protecting 51 properties when completed.
Once consultants are appointed to progress each scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the proposals within the scheme.
162. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status regarding extra costs submitted by a contractor associated with the Kevin Street Garda divisional headquarters to the Office of Public Works; if he will provide the sum associated with the additional costs; if the OPW are disputing the bill in its entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41720/19]
View answerThe issues under dispute between the Office of Public Works and the Contractor have been referred by the contractor for conciliation under the dispute resolution procedures provided for in the Public Works Contract. A Conciliator has now been appointed and both parties are engaging in the conciliation process. At this stage of the process it is not considered appropriate to be disclosing the sums involved.
163. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the applications received for funding from Louth County Council or other public bodies including Fáilte Ireland relating to maintenance or other development works to St Laurence’s Gate, Drogheda, the Old Abbey, Drogheda, the Drogheda town walls and so on; his plans to enable the OPW to develop heritage or cultural sites and centres in Drogheda town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41765/19]
View answerThe Office of Public Works has received no application for funding from Louth Co. Council in respect of the St. Laurence's Gate, which is a National Monument in OPW's care. Any funds required for maintenance of this structure are provided within the subvention to the OPW for National Monuments and the Local Authority has no function in the matter.
OPW has no role in relation to the other heritage structures mentioned and i snot responsible for their maintenance or visitor development. Insofar therefore as it has any plans to develop heritage or cultural locations in Drogheda, the focus is on St. Laurence's Gate solely where,once the serious structural issues with the Monument are addressed, the intent is to make it available to visitors, building on the access which is already provided during special events such as Heritage Week, local festivals etc. Given that a visitor proposal for St. Laurence's Gate is not in sight in the short term, the question of an application for funding to Fáilte Ireland does not arise.
164. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to extend the duration for which a civil servant may take a career break in order to gain private sector and-or other public service experience and-or avail of full-time study; the number of civil servants on career break in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41808/19]
View answerThe Career Break Scheme in the Civil Service is covered by Circular 4 of 2013. https://circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/per/2013/04.pdf
Under the terms of the Scheme, a career break consists of special leave without pay for a period of:
(a) not less than six months and not more than five years for the following reasons:
- Family reasons
- Other domestic reasons
- Travel
- Educational purposes (educational purposes may include training courses with a practical training element for which there is a nominal payment/grant made to the student), and
(b) not less than six months and not more than three years for the purpose of taking up employment in the private sector or becoming self-employed.
Working in the wider public service is excluded under the Scheme. Mobility between the civil service and public service is covered by separate secondment arrangements.
I have no plans to amend the Scheme as this point in time.
The number of civil servants commencing a career break from 2016 to date are set out below.
|
Year |
Nos. |
|
2016 |
181 |
|
2017 |
145 |
|
2018 |
190 |
|
2019 |
157 |
165. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of additional public servants employed in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019, by sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41809/19]
View answerThe change in the number of public servants,(on a full-time equivalent or FTE basis), employed across the Public Service at the end of quarter 4 in each of the years from 2014 to 2018 is set out below. For 2019 the numbers employed at the end of the second quarter are compared with the numbers at the end of quarter 4 in 2018.
|
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 (as at 30 June 2019) |
|
|
Civil Service |
108 |
226 |
818 |
1,267 |
1,337 |
1,680 |
|
Civil Service Industrials |
(54) |
(59) |
(10) |
139 |
32 |
34 |
|
Defence |
(12) |
(131) |
(41) |
45 |
(254) |
(237) |
|
Education |
2,455 |
2,388 |
3,368 |
4,301 |
2,847 |
413 |
|
Health |
(2,086) |
5,780 |
2,984 |
3,800 |
3,799 |
1,543 |
|
Justice |
(234) |
247 |
378 |
513 |
472 |
35 |
|
Local Authority |
(757) |
(156) |
232 |
587 |
893 |
1,246 |
|
NCSA |
2,086 |
(51) |
434 |
356 |
692 |
305 |
|
Total |
1,507 |
8,243 |
8,163 |
11,007 |
9,817 |
5,018 |
The increase in 2014 under Non-Commercial State Agencies (NCSAs) and the corresponding decrease under Health arose from the transfer of the Child and Family Agency to being under the aegis of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
166. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of full-time and part-time civil servants his Department has recruited by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of full-time and part-time civil servants his Department has lost due to retirement by grade in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41823/19]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
Recruitment
|
Year |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
Total |
|
Clerical Officer |
82 |
64 |
18 |
14 |
19 |
19 |
216 |
|
Staff Officer |
5 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
|
Executive Officer |
49 |
31 |
10 |
11 |
7 |
14 |
122 |
|
Administrative Officer |
21 |
29 |
38 |
37 |
16 |
21 |
162 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
43 |
25 |
10 |
16 |
15 |
8 |
117 |
|
Assistant Principal |
34 |
20 |
18 |
10 |
20 |
4 |
106 |
|
Principal Officer |
10 |
2 |
7 |
4 |
9 |
1 |
33 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
246 |
180 |
103 |
92 |
86 |
67 |
774 |
Retirements
|
Year |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
Total |
|
Clerical Officer |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
|
Administrative Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
13 |
|
Assistant Principal |
5 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
13 |
|
Principal Officer |
0 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
10 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
8 |
7 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
50 |
All recruitment to my Department is carefully considered in terms of staffing requirements and approved operating budgets.
167. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of vacant desk spaces in each State-owned Civil Service accommodation outside Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41836/19]
View answerThere are in the region of 130 State owned office buildings outside of Dublin City within the State property portfolio managed by the OPW. The accommodation in these buildings is allocated to Government Departments/Offices based on their business and operational needs. The vacancy rate across OPW's office portfolio is currently less than 1% which, when compared with other European countries, is very low.The day-to-day management of the space allocated to a Department and the day to day use/occupancy of actual desks is a matter for each Department.
168. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of buildings owned by the OPW and not in use in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41856/19]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works (CPW) have advised that there are currently no vacant properties owned by the CPW in County Kildare.
169. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are buildings owned by the OPW that could be used by an association (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41857/19]
View answerI have been advised by the my officials that there is currently no property owned by the Commissioners of Public Works in Co. Kildare that would be suitable for use by the association.
As the Deputy is aware, the role of the Commissioners of Public Works is to provide office accommodation primarily for use by Government Departments and other State bodies. In instances where a property becomes vacant, the Commissioners may consider alternative use or disposal, provided it has been established that the property is surplus to requirements. At present, there is no available property in Co. Kildare that is surplus to the OPW's requirements.
170. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the attention of the OPW has been drawn to flood issues on the River Toni at Celbridge, County Kildare; the plans by the Office of Public Works to conduct a study on part of the river or carry out works in the context of nearby land and property developments impacting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41866/19]
View answerI am advised that local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. This area does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act and therefore OPW has no responsibility for the maintenance of the channel, nor any authority to carry out any works there.
Funding was approved in 2009 to Kildare County Council under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for works at this location. Ongoing maintenance of these works is the responsibility of Kildare County Council.
OPW has not been advised of any flooding at the location mentioned by the Deputy.
171. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will publish the OECD report that undertook a policy scan of equality budgeting here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41962/19]
View answerBuilding on the Equality Budgeting pilot, the Department of Justice and Equality, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform requested the OECD to take stock of actions that the Government of Ireland has taken to mainstream equality considerations as part of the budget process.
To conduct the scan an OECD delegation met with both departments and a large number of stakeholders during the summer. This Scan provides options and recommendations on future directions for equality budgeting in Ireland, in light of national developments and international experience. Recommendations build on the strengths of the existing budget framework and the momentum of ongoing and planned public financial management reforms.
The Equality Budgeting Expert Advisory Group (https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/aec432-equality-budgeting/#expert-advisory-group), which was consulted, is strongly behind the recommendations. A workplan is now being drafted to prioritise recommendations and outline implementation.
The report was published on Budget Day, Tuesday 8th of October: https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/aec432-equality-budgeting/#oecd-scan-equality-budgeting-in-ireland
172. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the €130 million allocation of additional resources in the health capital allocation for 2020; the amount of this that is being used for the national children’s hospital; the amount coming from the €200 million reserve set aside for the national children’s hospital and National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42000/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the capital allocation for Health increased by €80 million in the recently published Budget figures. The increase in the Health capital expenditure allocation for 2020 takes account of the additional funding required for the National Children's Hospital, as well as the re-profiling of other elements of capital expenditure both within the Health sector and within the overall NDP capital envelopes. As such, there was no substantial charge made in respect of the National Children’s Hospital on the €200 million expenditure reserve announced in the Summer Economic Statement.
173. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a schedule of works for each Garda station in the context of planned retrofitting and-or renovation works in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42007/19]
View answerThe Capital Investment Plan (2016 - 2021) for An Garda Síochána, launched in October 2015 details all major refurbishments, essential remedial works, upgrading and modernising of prisoner detention areas, developing Property & Evidence Material Stores (PEMS), and includes a Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme as part of the overall capital investment.
To date a number of projects have been completed, e.g Wexford, Galway, Kevin Street, Glanmire and Transaer House, Dublin Airport. Projects currently on site are - Donegal, Athlone, Fitzgibbon St. and the remainder of projects are in planning / procurement stages.
At this point, future works for 2022 have not yet been identified or agreed with An Garda Síochána.
174. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the Supplementary Estimates required for 2019 by Department, Vote and expenditure programme in which the additional expenditure is required; if the details of these additional Estimates is outlined in the budget documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42052/19]
View answerSection 1.1.5,on pages 47 to 49 of Expenditure Report 2020, sets out the detail in relation to potential Supplementary Estimates for this year based on the information available at this point in time. This section of the Expenditure Report provides a reconciliation between the net voted expenditure amounts in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019 and the White Paper - Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure, taking into account estimated Supplementary Estimates and current estimations in relation to additional appropriations-in-aid and underspends.
The main areas requiring Supplementary Estimates, as detailed in the Expenditure Report, are outlined below. In particular, substantive Supplementary Estimates will be required to deal with emerging expenditure pressures in Health, Education and Justice.
The overall estimated Supplementary Estimate requirement for Health in 2019 is €335 million. It is estimated that an additional amount of c. €50 million will be required by Education in 2019 to meet projected pay and pension costs and school transport payments. In Justice, It is estimated that an additional amount of just over €50 million will be required to provide for the estimated overrun in Asylum Seekers Accommodation and to meet the additional costs on the Garda Vote arising from the visits of President Trump and Vice-President Pence.
The policy decision to provide a 100% Christmas Bonus for long-term Social Welfare recipients has a gross cost of c. €279 million. Approximately €125 million of this amount being will be funded from voted expenditure and will necessitate a Supplementary Estimate. However, in terms of the impact on the General Government balance it is anticipated that the cost of the bonus will be fully offset by additional PRSI receipts. At the end of September, PRSI receipts were €0.3 billion ahead of the level estimated in the Revised Estimates for Public Service 2019 and, based on latest assessments, could finish the year approximately €400 million ahead of profile.
As outlined in the Expenditure Report, additional Brexit related expenditure may also give rise to the need for Supplementary Estimates and there will also be a requirement for Supplementary Estimates in certain Departments to meet some one-off costs.
In line with previous years, it can be expected that there may be a number of technical Supplementary Estimates.
Work will be ongoing over the coming weeks to finalise details in relation to all necessary substantive and technical Supplementary Estimates before their presentation to Dáil Éireann.
175. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of flood alleviation schemes in Ballina and Foxford, County Mayo in view of budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42191/19]
View answerThe position in relation to the Ballina and Foxford flood relief schemes is as follows:
Ballina:
The project team for the Ballina Flood Relief Scheme is currently in the process of procuring Engineering and Environmental Consultants to progress the design and planning of the scheme.
It is envisaged that consultants will be appointed in late 2019/early 2020. When consultants have been appointed, a programme and more information on the scheme will become available.
Foxford:
In the Flood Risk Management Plan for the Foxford area two properties were predicted to flood in the 1 in 100-year design event.
A flood forecasting and warning system (FFWS) is the preferred option in Foxford, recommended by the Plan consultants. As such no structural flood defence scheme for Foxford has been recommended.
However, Foxford has been identified as requiring review in light of more recent flooding events in the town. This review will look again at any new information available since the original assessment of options under the CFRAM Programme was carried out. It is not possible at this stage to say what the outcome of the review is likely to be.
Budget 2020 will not have any impact on the planning and progression of the Ballina scheme or other planned flood relief schemes.
176. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 17 September 2019, if the contract has been awarded; if so, when will the contractors will be on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42262/19]
View answerFurther to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 17 September 2019 regarding the Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory Project at the Backweston campus, the delivery of this project is managed by the Office of Public Works. A preferred Main Contractor has been identified. The reserved specialist tender submissions were received on 27th September 2019. Currently, these tender submissions are been assessed which is expected to be complete by the end of October 2019. As with the Main Contractor, a Letter of Intent has to be issued with a 14 calendar day standstill period from the date of this letter.
Please note that no contract will be awarded until that process is complete and the necessary pre-contract meeting takes place and required assurances are subsequently received. It is anticipated this process will be complete in Q4 2019. It is anticipated that construction will start by the end of Q4 2019 with a view that construction be complete in late 2021/early 2022.
