Written Answers Nos. 92-114
92. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter in relation to a road safety project application (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17815/20]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
My Department sought applications in September 2019 for funding of safety improvement works on regional and local roads to be carried out by local authorities during 2020. The schemes for inclusion in the application are decided by the local authorities. Allocations are made by the Department taking into account the terms applying to the scheme and the available budget for the grant programme.
Clare County Council submitted an application and received an allocation of €20,000 for enhanced safety measures at Cree Bridge on the R483. Implementation of these works is the responsibility of Clare County Council.
93. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application for emergency funding has been received from Kerry County Council in relation to a road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17816/20]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
The 2020 regional and local road allocations were announced earlier this year and all grant funding available to the Department has now been allocated. Details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
Local authorities may carry out repairs from the RLR grants available to them and from their own resources and in this context, it is open to each Council to determine and reprioritise its work programme in order to address emergency works.
Kerry County Council has not been in contact with my Department regarding works on Cliff Road, Ballyheigue.
94. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the sporting organisations that are in receipt of funding through the sports capital grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17822/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects. All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed in April 2020 with 6 new allocations approved. Details of allocations under the 2018 round of the SCP and under earlier rounds of the programme can be found at the following link:- https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/
95. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of volunteers that are working with persons in sports; the different sports these persons are volunteering in, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17823/20]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport. This includes the promotion of volunteering and participation in sport. They also publish on a bi-annual basis statistical data on active and social participation in sport in the Irish Sports Monitor (ISM).
The 2019 mid-year results from the ISM recorded that 11.8% of the 8,504 respondents had volunteered in support of a sport or recreational physical activity in the previous 7 days. This would equate to a national figure of about 430,000 regular volunteers.
The sport-by-sport is below:
|
Sport |
Percentage of Respondents who had volunteered in the last 7 days |
|
Gaelic Football |
3.7% |
|
Soccer |
1.8% |
|
Hurling |
1.3 |
|
Rugby |
0.7% |
|
Running |
0.6% |
|
Camogie |
0.5% |
|
Swimming |
0.5% |
Additionally, Basketball, boxing, hillwalking, golf, hockey, horse riding, martial arts and youth sports all had reported volunteering rates of between 0.2% and 0.4%. All of these figures are subject to error margins which mean that they (particularly for the smaller sports) should be treated with some caution.
The current National Sports Policy, running from 2018 to 2027 includes measures aimed at increasing the rates of volunteering in sports, led by Sport Ireland. These measures also focus on increasing volunteering among groups currently underrepresented among existing volunteers, with the aim of increasing capacity across the sporting sector. My department and Sport Ireland are also represented on the National Advisory Group on Volunteering and are supporting the Department of Rural and Community Developmentalso in developing the National Volunteering Strategy.
97. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will establish a public enquiry into investigations carried out by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board following the European Court of Justice ruling recently that Ireland is not fulfilling its obligations under Article 8(1) of Directive 2009/18 governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector. [17262/20]
View answerMy Department is examining the Court of Justice of the European Union judgment in relation to the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) and recently received legal advice on possible next steps, including the likely amendment of the relevant legislation. Any such proposals will provide a basis for early engagement with the European Commission in order to ensure that the Court findings and the concerns of the Commission are addressed.
I can assure you that every effort is being made to progress matters as quickly as possible.
I would highlight that the key concern on the part of the European Commission was the potential for a conflict of interest. I should underline that no finding of partiality has been made in the actions of the Board of the MCIB in the Judgment. Nor was there any suggestion of partiality on the part of the MCIB with regard to any case. Accordingly, it is not my intention to seek any form of inquiry into this matter.
98. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the need for assistance without delay for a sector which is adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17945/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present. My Department has engaged with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) on a regular basis in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on licensed bus operators.
From my Department's engagement with the CTTC, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that licensed bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that Covid-19 presents huge challenges for many business sectors.
It is critical for the sector to be functioning so that it can carry the passengers that we need to return to work and to other activities as they re-open. Many of these operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery.
That is why on 25 June the Government approved temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, for the licensed bus sector. Licensed operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery. The support package is aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The measure will be restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and will be targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and the revenues generated on the services. The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the public transport licensing agency, will administer the support through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.
This is, of course, additional to the wider programme of Government supports for impacted businesses were introduced, including new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example.
With the commencement of Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 29 June 2020, changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions were agreed, allowing a move from 2 metres social distancing to utilising 50% of the passenger-carrying capacity of fleet. Alongside this change, the wearing of a face covering when using public transport is now mandatory, with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to young age. This will help to underpin public transport services provided by both public and commercial licensed operators during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business .
99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the proposals put forward by an association (details supplied) will be given consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17950/20]
View answerThe Deputy raises an important issue for Irish licensed travel agents and tour operators, many of which are small, local high street businesses. Under the EU Package Travel Directive, travel agents and tour operators are required to provide their customers with a full cash refund when a holiday is cancelled due to exceptional circumstances, which of course Covid is. However, the travel agents and tour operators are having difficulties securing refunds themselves from their suppliers to pass onto their customers, and indeed where flights take place - irrespective whether a travel agent's customer has cancelled - the airlines are not obligated to provide a refund at all. This is causing considerable financial strain in the travel trade sector.
The State is providing financial backing for a Refund Credit Note scheme, under which travel agents and tour operators can issue credit notes to their customers instead of cash - if the customer agrees - and the financial value of that credit note is guaranteed by the State. This is a measure designed to give assurance to consumers about the safety of accepting a credit note, and help the industry alleviate the cash flow drain it is experiencing. The challenge is to ensure that consumer rights are protected and at the same time that viable business and their workers are kept going.
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has recenty met with representatives of the Irish Travel Agents Association to discuss ongoing issues, and the particular difficulties the sector is facing are well understood. The Government continues to deliberate about concerns around international travel advice and consumer rights are among the issues under discussion. It is not feasible to suspend all flights into/out of Ireland, as essential trade and business travel needs to continue given its importance to the Irish economy.
100. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter contained in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to a mortgage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17699/20]
View answerI fully appreciate the concerns you raise at this difficult time about people who are experiencing uncertainty about mortgage applications and drawdowns. My Department is maintaining close contact with the Central Bank of Ireland and Banking and Payments Federation Ireland – the BPFI - as the lending industry works to address the difficulties the Covid-19 situation is causing for both borrowers and lenders. In this context, the Central Bank has advised that it expects all regulated firms to take a consumer-focused approach and to act in their customer's best interests at all times, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Central Bank has also advised that it continues to monitor this situation and the impact of COVID-19 very closely to ensure that lenders are continuing to take a consumer-focused approach and are acting in their customers’ best interests at all times.
Lenders continue to process mortgage applications and have supports in place to assist customers impacted by COVID-19. The BPFI has published a Covid-19 support information document which customers can consult, or customers can contact their lender directly, if they have any queries or concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on their mortgage application.
However, within the parameters of the regulatory framework governing the provision of mortgages, the decision to grant or refuse an individual application for mortgage credit is a commercial decision to be made by the regulated entity and it is not appropriate or possible for me to instruct lenders in that regard. Also it may be the case that a loan offer from a lender may contain a condition that would allow the lender to withdraw or vary the offer if, in the lender’s opinion, there is any material change in circumstances prior to drawdown. In such cases, the decision to withdraw or vary the offer is also a commercial and contractual decision for the lender.
Regarding the regulations governing mortgage credit, the European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements) Regulations 2016, which transposed the Mortgage Credit Directive into Irish law, require lenders to make a thorough assessment of the consumer’s creditworthiness. The assessment must take appropriate account of factors relevant to verifying the prospect of the consumer being able to meet his or her obligations under the credit agreement and must be carried out on the basis of information on the consumer’s income and expenses and other financial and economic circumstances which is necessary, sufficient and proportionate. The Regulations further provide that a lender should only make credit available to a consumer where the result of the creditworthiness assessment indicates that the consumer’s obligations resulting from the credit agreement are likely to be met in the manner required under that agreement. In addition, the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 imposes ‘Knowing the Consumer and Suitability’ requirements on lenders. Under these requirements, lenders are required to assess affordability of credit and the suitability of a product or service based on the individual circumstances of each borrower and in this regard I welcome the recent statement from the pillar banks that they will assess mortgage applications from people in receipt of the temporary wage subsidy scheme on a case by case basis.
However, if a consumer if not satisfied with the way a regulated entity is dealing with his/her mortgage application or drawdown then, under the provisions of the Central Bank Consumer Protection Code, s/he can make a complaint to the lender. If the consumer is still unhappy with the position following the outcome of the internal complaints process, then s/he can make a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). Clear information on how to make a complaint to the FSPO may be found at this link:
https://www.fspo.ie/make-a-complaint/#:~:text=Contacting%20the%20FSPO%20about%20your%20complaint&text=Phone%20us%20on%20%2B353%201,a%20complaint%20form%20by%20post.
101. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the Revenue.ie online system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17709/20]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the Revenue On-Line System (ROS) is specifically designed for the collection and administration of various taxes and duties The system is used in the main by business taxpayers, including the self-employed, and in many cases is operated by tax agents on behalf of clients rather than by the actual businesses.
Personal taxpayers use an altogether different online system called MyAccount when dealing with Revenue. Their requirements are different and as such they are not registered to use ROS. Also, persons who are not in receipt of any taxable income or gains are unlikely to be registered on Revenue’s systems.
For these reasons, Revenue’s IT systems, including ROS, are not suitable to the collation of on-line polls or public opinion matters.
102. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; if he will liaise with insurance providers to refund and or rebate to all customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17718/20]
View answerIt should be noted at the outset that in my role as Minister for Finance, I have no influence over whether an insurer should provide a partial refund of motor premiums to its customers, as this is very much a commercial decision for each company to make. However, I strongly believe that all sectors must play their role in assisting customers in these difficult times. In view of this, my officials and I have engaged with the insurance industry through Insurance Ireland with regards to motor insurance reliefs during the COVID-19 restrictions.
At a meeting on 17 April with Insurance Ireland, I called on insurers to be pro-active and generous in relation to their treatment of motor insurance customers during this period. In this regard, I pointed out that a combination of the very profitable part of this market over the last 12 months and what is likely to be a significant reduction in claims for this period due to the travel restrictions that are in place, provided a strong case for premium refunds, thus providing some financial relief to their customers in this extraordinary time. On 24 April, Insurance Ireland announced that a number of their members (Allianz, AXA, FBD, RSA and Zurich) had signed up to commitments on premium reliefs for motor customers. In addition, Liberty Insurance wrote to me directly informing me of discounts that they would apply to their customers.
It would appear that insurers have applied a flat rate across all policyholders rather than looking at the situation in a more granular fashion. I do understand that a case can be made that those who have been cocooning deserved a larger refund, due to their cars being off the road altogether. However, the methodology of the premium relief process is a matter outside of my control and it is important to note that each insurer has a different mix of customers and different claims experience and that the financial supports, such as refunds or discounts, applied by each insurance company will reflect their own individual claims experience to date. While, it should also be noted that these are voluntary commitments and neither I, nor the Central Bank, have any role in adjudicating these matters, I continue to expect that all insurers will be pro-active and think of the longer term interests of their market and customers.
In conclusion, on renewal policyholders have the option to shop around for better prices and service from their insurer and I strongly encourage all consumers to shop around. In this regard, I believe that consumers will remember and favour those companies that have made steps towards meeting their needs at this difficult time.
103. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17731/20]
View answerThe Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is provided for in section 28 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 and has been extended until the end of August.
The underlying legislation and the TWSS itself were developed having regard to the Government objective of providing assistance to employers and employees, where businesses have been seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions which were introduced as a result. The scheme is available to eligible employers across all sectors, excluding the Public Service and Non-Commercial Semi-State Sector. This includes businesses that have closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions and those that continue to operate and employ their workforce.
As the public health restrictions are eased, the challenge for the economy and enterprises is evolving. Having regard to the novel circumstances surrounding the re-opening of the economy as well as the need to avoid the risk of forcing otherwise viable firms to close, in early June it was announced that the TWSS will remain until the end of August. Work has been ongoing and is at an advanced stage around how best to support employers into the more medium term. The position of various sectors, including the sector mentioned by the Deputy, will be taken into account in this process. As per the commitment in the Programme for Government, it is planned that the July Jobs Initiative will set out a pathway for the future of the TWSS.
In relation to other direct support measures, I would draw the Deputy's attention to a recent publication by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, which outlines the key financial supports and resources that are being made available to help all businesses and sectors impacted by Covid-19. This publication is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c644c0-supports-for-businesses-impacted-by-covid-19/
104. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding bus tour operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17732/20]
View answerPayment breaks have been provided on a voluntary basis by members of the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI). This allowed lenders to quickly to provide substantial and rapid relief to impacted borrowers during a fast moving and evolving public health crisis. While Government has welcomed this important support provided by members of the BPFI for their business and consumer customers, it is ultimately a decision to be made by the individual finance lenders.Payment breaks are a widespread support being offered by lenders across the European Union and have been implemented on both a legislative and voluntary basis. The European Banking Authority (EBA) issued guidelines on their operation on 2 April 2020, with the aim of clarifying the regulatory treatment of payment moratoria across the EU. The EBA Guidelines prescribe the criteria which both voluntary and legislative moratoria must meet in order for relevant loans not to be classified as defaulted or otherwise forborne. One of the conditions stipulated is that the moratorium envisages only changes to the schedule of payments, namely by suspending, postponing, or reducing the payments of principal amounts, interest, or of full instalments, for a predefined limited period of time. No other terms and conditions of the loan should be changed. In addition, the application of payment breaks cannot be company specific and must be broadly applied.The Central Bank expects all lenders to develop strategies and operational capability to continue to support borrowers who cannot return to full capital and interest after the end of the payment break. This will include offering forbearance as required and restructuring of loans in the event of long-term affordability issues. I would also call on borrowers in this position to engage as early as possible with their lenders.
105. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a letter of apology sent by a bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17753/20]
View answerAs the Deputy has indicated, this was an administrative error which resulted in an erroneous entry in the Irish Credit Bureau (ICB). Customers learned of this when the bank wrote informing them that the issue had been resolved. I would encourage any customer with concerns to contact the bank directly on the dedicated customer helpline that EBS has set up to assist and advise customers. Furthermore, if customers are unhappy after engaging with the bank, they can refer the matter to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) to have it independently investigated. The role of the FSPO is to independently and impartially investigate and resolve disputes between consumers and regulated financial service providers. There is no charge for bringing a complaint to the FSPO.
Officials in my Department contacted the bank directly and received the following response:
"EBS has recently written to some customers regarding a mistake we made in the past that required an amendment to be made to their Irish Credit Bureau (ICB) record. The issue impacted a group of accounts where the customer’s ICB credit record overstated the number of missed payments on their mortgage account by one. In our letter we have apologised for our mistake and ask, where customers require additional information, to call our dedicated helpline number. We have informed the Central Bank of Ireland of this issue and we have taken steps to prevent this from happening again."
The Central Bank does not have a statutory role in investigating individual consumer complaints; however, it uses information that it receives directly from consumers to guide the scope of its broader supervisory work. Officials in my department contacted the Central Bank on this issue and received the following response:
"The Central Bank of Ireland (“Central Bank”) is aware of the error. The Central Bank expects all firms to have adequate systems and controls in place and where issues that affect customers arise, they should be addressed and rectified, with the overarching objective of protecting consumers’ interests, including ensuring that they are not left out of pocket. Firms must also communicate clearly and promptly with affected customers and ensure that any identifiable loss is remediated. Any customer who considers that they have been affected by this error, should contact the firm directly. "
106. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps taken to date to divest from fossil fuel investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17943/20]
View answerThe Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018 provides for the divestment by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) from fossil fuel undertakings (effectively, companies that derive more than 20% of their revenues from the exploration, extraction and/or refinement of fossil fuels) within a practicable timeframe.
The ISIF has developed a list of 211 fossil fuel companies in which it will not invest. ISIF is currently finalising a review which will see the Fossil Fuel Exclusion List extend to over 220 names during Q3 2020.
The most recent Fossil Fuel Exclusion list is published on the ISIF's website at https://isif.ie/how-we-invest/responsible-investment/overview. Compliance with the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act is actively monitored and reviewed by the ISIF with a view to ensuring that the Fossil Fuel Exclusion list is updated regularly and that any necessary divestment is actioned.
107. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the pension case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17764/20]
View answerI am assuming that the Deputy is referring to current measures to ameliorate the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR), a reduction imposed on certain public and civil service pensions since 2011, and the pension increase policy currently in place with respect to public and civil service pensions.
I have been advised by the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) who administer civil service pensions that the pension of the individual referred to was never subject to PSPR as its value was under the exemption threshold in place when they retired. With regards to the pension increase policy, I am also advised that the individual is entitled to a pension increase with effect since September 2019 that will be paid on 6 August and arrears due to her will also be paid then.
108. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of the Springfield Clonlara flood alleviation scheme in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17813/20]
View answerClare County Council (CCC) is the contracting authority in relation to the proposed flood relief scheme in Springfield/Clonlara, with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The current position is as follows:
I am advised and pleased to say that the Part 10 Application for Springfield was submitted by CCC to An Bord Pleanala on Monday 20th July while an associated advertisement appeared in the Irish Independent on the same day.
The submission was finalised following further detailed environmental survey work and consultation with local residents and landowners.
A Natura Impact Statement, along with an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) Screening has been prepared in respect of the proposed development. The Board may give approval to the application for development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development. A copy of the Natura Impact Statement and plans and particulars relating to the application may be inspected free of charge at the offices of Roads section, Clare County Council, Áras Chontae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare after publication of the notice.
109. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works will partially close Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park at weekends for the summer as per previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17712/20]
View answerFor a number of years, The Office of Public Works has closed a section of Chesterfield Avenue (from Mountjoy Roundabout to the Phoenix Roundabout) to vehicular traffic on weekends from end of April to the end of September each year.
In implementing this closure, traffic was diverted from Chesterfield Ave onto the North Road and the Odd Lamp Road. However, these roads are now experiencing much higher volumes of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly family groups and the OPW believes that, with the increased volumes of recreational users on these roads, it would not be safe now to divert all traffic from Chesterfield Avenue to these peripheral roads at the weekends. Public safety, and in particular the safety of recreational pedestrians and cyclists, is paramount.
We will continue to closely monitor usage patterns within the Park and will review measures such as the weekend closure of Chesterfield Avenue in the context of the development of the new Transport and Mobility strategy for the Phoenix Park.
110. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost to the Exchequer of each Dáil Éireann bye-election that has taken place since 2007, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17739/20]
View answerThe costs of all by-elections held since 2007 are set out in the table below.
Six of the by-elections were held on the same day as another election or a referendum and therefore the by-election costs reflect savings from a sharing of people and facilities (these are marked with an asterisk in the table):
- The Dublin Central and Dublin South by-elections in 2009 were held along with the European Parliament elections.
- The Dublin West by-election in 2011 was held alongside the Presidential election.
- The Dublin West and Longford-Westmeath by-elections in 2014 were both held along with the European Parliament and Local elections.
- The Carlow-Kilkenny by-election in 2015 was held along with the 2015 Marriage Equality and Presidency age referendums.
The costs of the Dublin Mid-West, Wexford and Cork North-Central by-elections held in November 2019 are subject to finalisation and an estimate has been provided.
As a result of changes to the free postage arrangements for candidates (whereby one item of election material was sent to each household in the constituency rather than to each person on the electoral register, where possible), postage costs have been reduced for each by-election from 2014 onwards.
|
Year/Month |
By-Election |
Cost |
|
2009 |
Dublin Central and Dublin South* |
€1,081,339 |
|
2010 November |
Donegal South-West |
€514,027 |
|
2011 February |
Dublin West* |
€424,519 |
|
2013 March |
Meath East |
€472,873 |
|
2014 May |
Dublin West* |
€302,996 |
|
2014 May |
Longford Westmeath* |
€397,148 |
|
2014 October |
Dublin South-West |
€547,080 |
|
2014 October |
South Leitrim/Roscommon |
€564,143 |
|
2015 May |
Carlow/Kilkenny* |
€501,250 |
|
2019 November |
Cork North-Central, Dublin Mid-West, and Wexford |
€3,099,564 (estimate) |
111. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of requests he has received for sanction of expenditure and or financial assistance for new advisers and special advisers for Ministers; the engagements he had in relation to the expansion of the Ministerial staff pool; the number of advisory staff he has appointed to his office since taking office including the pay scales; and if these persons were hired following a competitive interview process. [17817/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, on 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.
Appointments to the position of Special Adviser are made in accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. All appointments to the position of Special Adviser require a Government Order to be made.
Special Advisers to Ministers and Ministers of State who regularly attend Cabinet are to be placed on the Principal Officer (Standard) PPC scale: currently €87,325 - €101,114.
While appointments should normally be on the first point of the scale, Secretaries General have delegated sanction to approve any increment on the Principal Standard Scale where they are satisfied that this is justified.
At this stage no appointments to the role of Special Adviser have been formally made by members of 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 I have to date assigned one person to work with me as Special Adviser and that person will be formally appointed by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.
112. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17818/20]
View answerFollowing very positive engagement there is a commitment to ensure and affirm the future of the project in the details supplied and those employed there. The property is currently open, free of charge, as an outdoor attraction only, to comply with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and National Return to Work Safety Protocols.
113. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider a timeline to commit to for making all census returns accessible online for the benefit of historians and Irish persons worldwide researching their family trees (details supplied). [17828/20]
View answerThe 1926 Census is the next full set of Census records available to the State following the 1911 returns. Legislation regarding Census collection and records is provided for in the Statistics Act 1993. Under sections 33 and 35 of that Act, information gathered by the Census which relates either directly or indirectly to an identifiable person cannot be released until 100 years after the date of the relevant census.
Prior to this, the censuses of population held between 1926 and 1991 inclusive were carried out under the 1926 Statistics Act which did not permit any access to Census records at any time. However, the 1993 Statistics Act repealed the 1926 and 1946 Statistics Acts and provided for the release of Census forms for these Censuses 100 years after the date of the relevant Census.
Making the 1926 Census available to the public will require a significant volume of work, which will involve both the conservation and the digitisation of the data in the 1926 Census forms. I can assure the Deputy that this work is being progressed by the National Archives, and while it will take a number of years, this historic collection, once published will be of great value and interest for historians, researchers, the general public and Diaspora.
114. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17940/20]
View answerI refer the Deputy to Question No. 256 of 9 July. The position remains the same as outlined two weeks ago, the National Parks and Wildlfe Service secured €500K under the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme towards improving public access, including the provision of a new car park at the site in question. The contract tendering process is now nearing completion and it is intended to commence works shortly with a view to completion by the end of the year, weather permitting.
