Written Answers Nos. 230-249
230. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the decision to open the gates of the Phoenix Park to through traffic is a permanent one; and if the decision is under review. [17273/20]
View answerThe decision to re-open the gates on Friday 10th July was based on an increase in the volume of traffic in the neighbouring areas surrounding the Park to which the gate closures have in part contributed and because a further increase in traffic volume in the coming weeks and months with the escalation of the returning workforce within the City and the re-opening of schools might be anticipated. Officials at OPW and I are committed to engaging in a consultation process on the Phoenix Park Traffic Management Strategy, involving all stakeholders, to create a balanced approach to access to the Park, for all users. It is envisaged that this consultation could take place during August/September of this year and will ultimately inform the appropriate sustainable solutions to traffic management in the Phoenix Park in the short, medium and long term.
231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which he has identified specific targets for his Department in line with expenditure and reform objectives; the timescale to achieve such objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17436/20]
View answer233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which he plans to utilise the concept of reform as a means of controlling expenditure within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17438/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 233 together.
Over the last number of years, a range of reforms have been implemented in order to enhance Ireland’s budgetary framework and ensure that expenditure is managed in an efficient and effective way. The intention of these reforms is to increase transparency around the budgetary process and to facilitate meaningful dialogue around key elements of the Budget and on what is being achieved with public funds.
Central to these reforms is the ‘whole-of-year’ budgetary framework. This refers to an ongoing consideration of budgetary priorities throughout the year, rather than focusing budget discussions only around Budget Day. An important element of this is the publication of a range of documents at key points in the year to enhance engagement on relevant budgetary issues.
Improving and supporting the evaluation capacity within Government Departments has also formed an important part of the reform programme. Supported by the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, this has led to the development of a number of additional processes and reports to support the budgetary framework. This includes:
- Performance Budgeting - A key objective of the Performance Budgeting Initiative is to shift the focus away from the quantum of spend and towards outputs and impacts. The Public Service Performance Report presents performance information in an accessible manner and aims to facilitate discussion around what is being delivered with public funds and how this impacts the citizen.
- Equality Budgeting – Equality budgeting involves providing greater information on the likely impacts of proposed and/or ongoing budgetary measures, which, in turn, enhances the potential to better facilitate the integration of equality concerns into the budgetary process. An OECD "Policy Scan" Report on Equality Budgeting was completed in 2019, and was published on Budget Day in October last, setting out a number of ambitious objectives to progress this aspect of the budgetary reform agenda.
- Spending Review - This process aims to place evidence at the heart of policy making, by systematically examining existing spending programmes with a view to assessing their efficiency and effectiveness. This approach can support the re-allocation of funding to meet expenditure priorities.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing reform and improvement of the Budgetary process and proposes that each Minister will be required to produce service improvement and reform plans in conjunction with my Department, within an overall context of an enhanced focus across Government on issues of well-being. In implementing this reform, my Department will look to build on the budgetary reforms already in place and the significant work on public service reform already completed.
232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which his planned policy is in line with the strategy of the Fiscal Advisory Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17437/20]
View answer234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to monitor current and capital expenditure levels with a view to ensuring compliance with good economic strategy and adherence to expenditure guidelines while encouraging economic performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17439/20]
View answer235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to facilitate economic progress throughout the next five years by means of the utilisation of best practice and Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17440/20]
View answer236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that he can encourage economic performance and job creation through the medium of the utilisation of compliance with European guidelines in respect of expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17441/20]
View answer237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the policies he expects to pursue over the next five years to compliment Government objectives with regard to expenditure and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17442/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 232, 234, 235, 236 and 237 together.
For every Department and Minister, managing expenditure within allocations is a key responsibility. Over the last number of months, significant additional expenditure has been allocated to a number of Departments in response to Covid-19. While we find ourselves in an unprecedented situation with regards to this virus, all of the usual measures remain in place in relation to the sanctioning and management of expenditure.
The overall allocation set out for 2020 in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) 2020, published in December 2019, was €70.4 billion in gross voted expenditure. Including the additional expenditure agreed by the Dáil in relation to Covid-19 measures, the revised Government Expenditure Ceiling now amounts to €79.7 billion. This reflects an additional €6.8 billion for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, nearly €2 billion for the Department of Health and €483 million for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Further measures have also been announced by Government in response to the Covid-19 crisis, notably the decision to extend the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme to August. Taking into account the estimated cost of these decisions made to end-June, the overall expenditure increase compared with the figures set out in REV 2020 is almost €12 billion. This does not reflect supports to be announced as part of the July Stimulus plan.
Arising from Government formation, a number of reconfigurations of Government Departments are underway. On completion of these transfers of functions and related allocations, restated Estimates will be presented to the Dáil reflecting the new Departmental structures and allocations. These Estimates will reflect decisions in relation to additional funding to respond to Covid-19, including that set out in the July stimulus. Over the coming months, it will be important that Departments manage within the allocations set out in these Estimates.
Coordinated action at EU level, including ECB support in the bond markets and the activation of the General Escape Clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, has been important in addressing the Covid-19 crisis. This has supported the Government's approach towards the Covid-19 crisis, with substantial additional resources being allocated that are being funded by borrowings as the General Government Balance moves from surplus in 2019 to a significant deficit this year.
As regards the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council: in its Fiscal Advisory Report, published in June, the Council assessed the Government’s swift response to the pandemic as appropriate. The Council also recommended a temporary and targeted fiscal stimulus during the recovery phase. The overarching measures already introduced have provided support across a broad range of sectors impacted by Covid-19. As our economy and society reopens, recovery is underway. However, it is clear that it is weak in many sectors and that there is a clear role for further measures to support economic activity and employment. The July stimulus, which is in the process of being agreed by Government, will provide additional targeted supports to stimulate activity across the economy, provide assistance to firms and support employment in the short- and medium-term.
Taking a longer-term view, a National Economic Plan will be published in conjunction with Budget 2021, setting out our long-term approach to restoring employment and outlining how we will secure our public finances. As the economy returns to growth and employment is restored, it is important that the deficit is reduced year-on-year to underpin the sustainability of the public finances. To achieve this aim, a sustainable Medium-Term Expenditure framework will be pursued that provides a clear pathway back to a balanced budget. Throughout this process, Government will prioritise policy actions that protect the most vulnerable and put in place new measures for economic decision making that reflect the welfare and quality of life of those living in Ireland.
A sustainable Medium-Term expenditure framework, means ensuring that we are achieving the greatest possible impact with public expenditure and delivering high quality public services in an efficient and effective manner. A range of reforms have been put in place over the last number of years with the aim of focusing attention on achieving value for money. For example, the Performance Budgeting initiative seeks to shift focus away from simply looking at the quantum of spend towards examining what is being delivered through public expenditure. My Department is also now managing the first year of a new cycle of the Spending Review process, which is another key tool in ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in public expenditure and which can support the reallocation of funding to meet expenditure priorities where necessary. As set out in the Programme for Government, we are committed to continuing that programme of reform.
238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which FEMPI restoration policy has been completed in line with previous agreements and expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17443/20]
View answerSince 2015 it has been the objective of successive Governments to gradually unwind this legislation in a sustainable manner. This has been accomplished on a negotiated basis with staff interests, firstly through the Lansdowne Road Agreement 2016-2018(LRA) and now the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 (PSSA).
The PSSA was given legal effect by the Oireachtas in the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.
While the Agreement is due to expire at the end of this year, certain measures needed to complete the unwinding of FEMPI will continue over the period 2021-2023 as provided for in the 2017 Act. These can be found at Section 19 and Section 20 of the Act at the following link:
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2017/act/34/enacted/en/html
239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which recruitment throughout the public sector continues in line with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17444/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware from previous replies, in my role as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for workforce planning in, and recruitment to, the Civil Service.
In Budget 2015, it was announced that there would be a targeted programme of recruitment into the Civil Service to address service needs and a shortfall in key skills. The Deputy will be aware that a number of open competitions have already taken place or are in the process of taking place for recruitment to the Civil Service.
I understand from the Public Appointments Service, who are the independent recruiter for the Civil Service, that since the lifting of the moratorium, approximately 15,880 civil servants from open competitions excluding temporary assignments and professional and technical posts, have been assigned to Government departments and offices across general service grades. This figure would, of course be offset by retirements and other people leaving the Civil Service.
An open CO competition was advertised recently and an open AP competition was also advertised recently. An open competition for posts at EO level countrywide will be advertised shortly.
Apart from competitions already advertised, it is too early to say at this stage what competitions will be held for all of 2020. Factors such as the demand from Departments/offices from existing panels, consequential vacancies arising, retirements and defined skill demands will influence decisions to hold competitions and these are currently being assessed.
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which accommodation has been or can be reached in respect of returning public servants that have expressed a wish to remain in employment for some time after their anticipated retirement age while adhering to Government policy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17445/20]
View answerThe Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 was enacted on 26 December 2018. This Act introduced a new compulsory retirement age of 70 for the majority of public servants recruited prior to 1 April 2004.
The public servants covered by the Act are termed “relevant public servants” as defined in Section 2 of the Act. Under the Act, any relevant public servant who had not already reached their compulsory retirement age of 65 before that date has a new compulsory retirement age of 70. Prior to 26 December 2018, most of these public servants had a compulsory retirement age of 65.
The definition of relevant public servant includes the vast majority of pre-1 April 2004 public servants. The only significant exception is the “uniformed fast accrual” group, which comprises certain groups of employees in the public service who are required to retire early for operational reasons. This includes An Garda Síochána, members of the Permanent Defence Force, Firefighters and Prison Officers.
Public servants who wish to clarify issues regarding their retirement are advised to contact their employer's HR office who are best placed to assist them.
241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the potential outcomes in respect of Brexit continue to include the role of his Department as a means of ensuring the best possible performance in any situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17446/20]
View answerIreland continues to support the closest possible future relationship between the EU and the UK. Nevertheless we recognise that, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations on the future relationship, the UK will leave the Single Market and the Customs Union on 1 January 2021. This will have significant implications for us.
We have been preparing for Brexit since before the UK referendum in 2016. While much of this work is already in place following previous no-deal preparations, the transition period has allowed us to refine and further develop this work.
Within my Department Brexit issues are coordinated by a dedicated Unit dealing with EU and Brexit issues, with an attaché based in Ireland's Permanent Representation in Brussels. The Unit leads on EU work across the Department and its agencies, and represents the Department on the various groups that coordinate the Government's response to Brexit.
Following the UK’s departure from the EU, and with attention now on the future relationship negotiations and the expiry of the transition period at the end of the year, the Department’s priorities for Brexit are: readiness for the conclusion of the transition period, including overseeing preparations at the ports and airports; implementation of aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol; addressing certain policy areas that will be impacted by the negotiations, e.g. public procurement, EU funding and the new post-Brexit PEACE PLUS programme; and the ongoing public expenditure implications of Brexit response measures.
242. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the pearl mussel which is found in the Munster Blackwater. [16666/20]
View answerThe Freshwater Pearl Mussel is critically endangered in Ireland and the EU. It is very sensitive to water quality and to land use management that may impact on the rivers in which it lives, including the Munster Blackwater.
In 2019, the national conservation status for Freshwater Pearl Mussel was assessed as being “Bad and declining” in Ireland’s report on the status of habitats and species listed in the EU Habitats Directive. (A summary of the report is available on the NPWS website at https://www.npws.ie/publications/article-17-reports).
The Munster Blackwater is a deep, dark and fast-flowing river, and is difficult to survey for these reasons. Data on the status of the Mussel in the Blackwater, including its current distribution and abundance, is incomplete. However some recent surveys of parts of the river found more mussels than were previously known in the main channel of the river.
In 2011, the National Parks and Wildlife Service drafted the “Strategy for Conservation of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Ireland”. This Strategy proposed a particular focus of conservation efforts on the 8 best pearl mussel rivers in the country, and at the time set out that it would not be possible to restore some of the 27 populations in SACs, including the Munster Blackwater main channel, because of the low number and poor condition of the remaining mussels, the bad status of the mussel habitat and the magnitude of the pressures in the catchment. With this in mind, the European Union Environmental Objectives (Pearl Mussels) Regulations 2018 amended S.I. 296 of 2009 in order to enable the removal of the pearl mussel as a qualifying interest for the main channel of the Munster Blackwater River.
It was intended that the Conservation Objectives for the SAC would be altered so that the mussel would remain a qualifying interest in certain tributaries, but would no longer be so in the main channel of the river.
However, in December 2018, a judicial review was brought before the High Court, challenging the making of the 2018 Regulations. In light of recent jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the application of the legal requirements of the SEA Directive, my Department considered it would be prudent to agree to an Order of Certiorari to have the making of the 2018 Regulations quashed. Accordingly, the mussel remains as a qualifying interest for the SAC.
My Department is currently reviewing the case and all of the evidence presented by affidavit. While the Department’s decision was made on foot of procedural matters, it was also clear that the scientific evidence on which the 2011 strategy was based has changed in light of further knowledge; and it is clear that no change to the regulations would be possible without extensive survey work in the river, a substantial and difficult task as outlined above. The necessary survey work would be likely to require 2 years to complete, given reasonable weather and river conditions.
243. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she plans to take to assist artists that are affected by Covid-19 and struggling to survive financially through the crisis taking into account their importance economically, socially and culturally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17137/20]
View answer249. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken to protect the theatrical arts in view of the damage caused by the Covid-19 recession [16853/20]
View answer257. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to musicians and the music industry to help overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17409/20]
View answer258. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to visual artists and the Arts Council to help overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17410/20]
View answer259. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to actors and those working in drama and producing plays to help overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17411/20]
View answer260. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to singers and the music industry to help the overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17412/20]
View answer262. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to local theatres and arts venues to help the overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17414/20]
View answer263. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to the professional arts music events management sector to help the overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17415/20]
View answer264. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to musicians and the music industry to help the overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17416/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 243, 249, 257 to 260, inclusive, 262 to 264, inclusive, together.
Primary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered by the Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003. On 16 June a significant investment of €25 million in Arts and Culture in 2020 was announced. This new investment is in addition to and builds on previous funding allocated to the sector. This funding will address immediate priorities to assist with the unique challenges faced by the arts as our society and economy reopens. Artists, arts organisations and culture workers will be supported to continue to create art and innovate. Of this, €20 million has been directed to Arts Council bringing its 2020 allocation to €100 million. A further €5 million is being made available for other measures including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout the country and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances as well.
Among the measures being introduced will be new bursaries and commissions from the Arts Council, including supports for freelance artists and those looking to develop projects on a collaborative basis. The Department is providing supports for cultural centres including local and regional museums, as well as for new online cultural and creative content to build on the success of programmes such as Ireland Performs and the Other Voices Courage programme.
Organisations and individuals currently funded under the Arts Council Strategic Funding, Arts Centre Funding, Arts Grant Funding and Festival Investment Scheme, Round 1 were advised at the beginning of this crisis that the Arts Council would honour all funding commitments that have been made to them and that there would be no financial penalties for organisations/individuals that are unable to deliver key activities/key services arising from the impact of the COVID-19 virus.
Organisations that face cash flow challenges during this time are able to draw down up to 90% of their Arts Council funding commitment. This should, in turn, assist them in honouring immediate financial commitments. Organisations are asked to prioritise commitments to artists – as this is a particularly challenging time for them.
Last October saw the announcement of a new €4.7m Capital investment scheme for arts and culture centres. The new capital investment scheme is to run until 2022 and is focused on securing and enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres that operate as not-for-profit organisations throughout the country and has a clearly defined arts and culture focus. This funding is made available under the Department's capital plan - Project Ireland 2040 -Investing in our Culture, Language & Heritage 2018 – 2027.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis I recently announced further funding from this capital envelope. It will provide emergency funding to facilitate the safe re-opening of theatres, arts centres and culture venues. The measures are designed to support arts and culture facilities in preparation for staff, artists and audiences returning work in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business and Return to Work Safety Protocols. The Guidelines for the Scheme and Application Form are available on my Department’s website
The Government has also extended its two universal income support measures for all sectors. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment, operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, currently extended to 10 August. The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), operated by the Revenue Commissioners, has been extended to 31 August and allows employers to retain the link with employees so that when the crisis passes, people can get back to work as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
244. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which a town can gain designation as a heritage town or gain heritage status; the process by which a town can apply to be a part of the historic towns initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17149/20]
View answerThe Historic Towns Initiative (HTI) is a joint undertaking between my Department and the Heritage Council which aims to promote the heritage-led regeneration of Ireland’s historic towns. This initiative includes works to significant historic buildings, streetscape conservation and the public realm and demonstrates the effective way that heritage can be used to regenerate urban centres.
The internationally recognised practice of heritage-led regeneration shows that heritage can be used to create a desirable place where people can live, visit and do business. It brings economic benefits to enable our historic towns to prosper through increased visitor numbers and decreased numbers of vacant buildings and commercial premises. The towns are selected following a competitive process inviting each local authority to apply in respect of one historic town with an indicative minimum population of 1,500 inhabitants. Priority is given to projects that are ‘plan-led’ and likely to make a meaningful contribution to the heritage-led regeneration of the town. Full details on how to apply for the HTI are available on the Heritage Council’s website.
The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, along with the Heritage Council, recently announced funding of €1 million, to be shared by six towns under the 2020 programme. These towns are
- Tralee, Co Kerry
- Ramelton, Co Donegal
- Ballina, Co Mayo
- Roscommon, Co Roscommon.
- Sligo, Co Sligo
- Clones, Co Monaghan.
While almost all Irish towns are historic in origin, including those of medieval and pre-medieval foundation, plantation towns, planned estate towns and those established around local industries there is no formal process in my Department by which towns can apply for designation as a ‘heritage town’. understand that in 1991, Bord Fáilte proposed a Heritage Town Programme to transform some of Ireland’s historic towns into tourist attractions in their own right and a total of 34 towns were originally designated as heritage towns under that programme. I also understand that a small number of the towns continue to market themselves under the brand of ‘heritage town’ although Fáilte Ireland is no longer involved in such designation either.
245. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding streams available for projects such as 15 Henrietta Street to develop their existing premises to their original state. [16489/20]
View answerMy role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF). This year 450 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a combined sum of over €4.3m under these schemes.
This funding will support the owners and custodians of historic and protected structures as they carry out hundreds of small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and safeguard our built heritage as well as providing vital support for local jobs in conservation, traditional skills and construction. Details of all projects approved for 2020 are published on my Department’s website as well as on each local authority website. However, given the scale of investment needed for larger projects, such as the one mentioned, it is likely that the levels of grant funding available under these schemes would not be sufficient.
In the context of a particular building or historic structure, the best advice is generally to contact the Heritage Officer or Architectural Conservation Officer in the local authority who is well placed to advise on the various types of funding available to assist with its renovation or conservation. The Deputy may be aware that Dublin City Council, in fact, purchased, rescued, stabilised and conserved No. 14 Henrietta Street, preserving it for generations to come. In September 2018, it opened to the public as a museum of tenement life allowing visitors to experience over 300 years of city life, from its grand Georgian beginnings to the tenement dwellings of its later years. It is, of course, situated next door to 15 Henrietta Street.
246. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of advisers and special advisers appointed by her since becoming Minister; the starting annual salary of each person appointed by her; if an open interview process was conducted for each appointee; the duration and terms of each contract issued to each adviser and special adviser; and if an advisory role has been split to facilitate job sharing in tabular form. [16559/20]
View answerOn the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil are currently awaiting Government approval.
At this stage no Special Advisers have been formally appointed by the Government. This process will start once the Guidelines have been approved by Government and details will be published on the DPER website.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that Minister of State Dara Calleary, prior to the appointment of Minister of State Jack Chambers, assigned two Special Advisers.
247. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason persons living on houseboats are being evicted from the Grand Canal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16759/20]
View answerMy colleague, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan recently met the Acting CEO of Waterways Ireland to discuss, among other issues, sustainable urban canals and their communities.
Our canals and navigable waterways are essential components of our built and natural heritage. Invested in , they accommodate unique and vibrant communities, harbour biodiversity and host youth and leisure amenities.At the aforementioned meeting, the issue of houseboats on the Grand Canal was discussed. I can confirm that Waterways Ireland will not be removing any genuine and legitimate houseboats or so-called “live-aboards”I understand that Waterways Ireland will engage now in a collaborative process with all stakeholders around finding a long term, sustainable solution to regularise the use of the canals, recognising the cultural and heritage value of our canal network as living communities of people and ecology. The process, with community and sustainability at its heart will seed the future strategy.
Waterways Ireland is working on a ten-year strategy for the development of Ireland’s inland waterways. As part of this exercise, it will examine all opportunities to develop, over the next decade, initiatives for each of its navigations. These will include areas on and along the country’s inland waterways infrastructure. Plans will be consistent with its remit; its funding; and the importance of consultation and engagement with the many diverse groups within the catchment areas.
Waterways Ireland is continuing its work to regularise compliance with the bye-laws on the canals with an immediate priority to remove derelict and abandoned boats.
248. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) and its subsidiaries by her Department and each body and local authority under her remit from 1 January 2016 to 14 July 2020, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16846/20]
View answerI am advised that no contracts have been placed or payments made by my Department or bodies under my Department’s aegis to the company identified by the Deputy and its subsidiaries during the period specified by the Deputy.
