Tuesday, 15 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 292-321

Garda Stations

Questions (292)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

292. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for a Garda station (details supplied) that is not in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23285/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

The former Garda station at Camp, Co. Kerry closed on the 31st January 2013 as part of An Garda Síochána’s 2013 Policing Plan.

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that all surplus State owned properties, including the former Garda station at Camp, are treated in line with the disposals policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW). 

The OPW's disposals policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property is to:

1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector.

2. If there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.

3. If no State requirement is identified, or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW may consider community involvement (subject to a detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).

An Garda Síochána, this month, has confirmed a business requirement for the former Garda Station at Camp and have commenced discussions with Property Maintenance section of OPW regarding any necessary works now required to the building.

As there is now an identified Garda Síochána use for this building it is no longer deemed surplus to requirement, and therefore is not available for disposal.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (293)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

293. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if works will be carried on a sluice gate system to have it operating properly and to alleviate flooding in the locality (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23284/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

The channel at this location forms part of a Drainage District and as such is under the auspices of Kerry County Council.

I have been advised that Kerry County Council has gone out to tender for the replacement of the two sluice gates in question and they are currently being manufactured. It is planned to have them installed as soon as the gates are completed.

Regional Development

Questions (294, 308)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

294. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to publish the review conducted in 2019 of the European regional development funding in Ireland known as the Crowe review; his position on the management of the funds as to whether he plans centralising European regional development funds in a Department or agency and removing the management authority role from the regional assemblies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23338/20]

Martin Kenny

Question:

308. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will publish his Department's review of European regional development funding, that is, the Crowe report; the position on the management of these funds; his plans to remove the administration of the fund from the regional assemblies and centralise it in a Department or agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24129/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 308 together.

A decision will be made shortly regarding the role of Managing Authorities for the 2021 - 2027 European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) Operational Programmes. The Crowe Review is an input to that decision.  In the meantime, the three Regional Assemblies are playing a very active role in the process of programming for the next round of ERDF, in conjunction and cooperation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.   They are also represented on the Partnership Process Steering Group, which guides and advises on the programming of all of the European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) programmes, through the development process of the Partnership Agreement for the period 2021 – 2027.

The Steering Group oversaw the development of a Needs Analysis by Indecon Economic Consultants, which specifically looked at regional development needs.

The Regional Assemblies are also part of a working group which launched a consultation process to inform the selection of priorities for the use of EU cohesion funding for the next period.  As part of this consultation a webinar was held on the 28th of July, breakout sessions were organised on a regional basis, and this included a focus on the main priorities of the individual Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. The working group is currently preparing a report, the primary purpose of which is to present the findings and analysis from the public consultation submissions, including the qualitative messages from the national workshop event conducted on 28th July. This report, along with the Needs Analysis, adopted by the PPSG in July, will inform the ERDF programming for 2021 – 2027.

Departmental Funding

Questions (295)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

295. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the financial and humanitarian support fund for businesses affected by flooding can be extended to householders and residents who do not have flooding insurance. [23469/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Temporary Emergency Humanitarian Flood Support for Small Businesses provides urgent funding to small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations who could not secure flood insurance and have premises that have been damaged by exceptional weather events. The scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross Society on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment and the scheme was most recently activated by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment in August of this year to support businesses affected by flooding in the southwest.

The Department of Social Protection’s Humanitarian Assistance Scheme has been activated and is available to provide supports to households who were affected by flooding following recent severe weather events in West Cork and Clifden, Co. Galway. 

The scheme provides income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair.  Any homeowners who have been affected by flooding following the recent storms should make contact with the Community Welfare Service through their local INTREO office.

Consideration for any amendments to the eligibility criteria for either of the above schemes is a matter for their relevant Departments in the first instance.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (296, 312)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

296. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of flood protection works in Bantry, County Cork. [23471/20]

Holly Cairns

Question:

312. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be made available for flood defences for Bantry, County Cork; if so, when such funding will be available; if a Natura 2000 impact statement has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24183/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 312 together.

The Flood Risk Management Plans launched in May 2018 include a recommendation to progress the project-level development and planning of 10 new Flood Relief Schemes for County Cork, including Bantry.

A steering group, comprising of representatives from the Office of Public Works and Cork County Council, is in place to progress the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme.  

Bantry is due to be implemented as part of the first tranche of 60 new schemes that have been prioritised for implementation nationally. 

Potentially viable flood relief works for Bantry, to be implemented as appropriate after project-level assessment and planning (or Exhibition and confirmation), would include Fluvial Flood Defences comprising of walls and embankments and Tidal Flood Defences comprising sea walls.  

These measures have a preliminary Total Project Cost Estimate of €6.7m and would protect 198 properties. Cork County Council, in partnership with the OPW, is currently finalising tender documentation for the procurement of Engineering Consultants to progress the development of this scheme and a Prior Information Notice (PIN) has been published by the Council on www.etenders.gov.ie.  The tender is due to be advertised very shortly.

Once consultants are appointed to progress the Flood Relief Scheme for Bantry, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of this scheme. An Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report will be carried out during the development of the scheme, pursuant to Regulation 42 of S.I. No. 477/2011 (European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011), to determine whether any effect on the integrity of European Designated (Natura 2000) sites is likely.  Subject to the outcome of this process, a full NIS may be required.

In the meantime, the Council has appointed a contractor again this year to carry out treatment of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) in the scheme area.  The first round was completed in August 2020 and the second round of treatment was carried out last week. 

The flood relief scheme will be funded from within the allocated €1 billion for flood risk management over the period 2018-2027. Provision for the cost of the Scheme is included in the Office of Public Works' multi annual capital allocation.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (297)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

297. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures being taken to ensure that the recent flooding on Bridge Street, Skibbereen, County Cork, is not repeated. [23472/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

On the 19th August, heavy rainfall led to significant surface water flooding in Skibbereen.  Flooding in Bridge Street occurred from the area known as ‘the Cutting’ on Rossa Road. Cork County Council was already implementing measures to deal with the risk at this location with funding provided by the Office of Public Works under the Minor Flood Mitigation & Coastal Protection Scheme, but the works were not completed before the flood event occurred and a partial blockage of the pipework may have taken place. When these works are completed, it is expected that the cause of this flooding will be addressed.

The issue in question is separate to the flood relief scheme for the town, undertaken by Cork County Council and funded by OPW. That scheme, offering protection to over 300 properties, commenced in 2016 and is substantially complete and has been largely operational since the end of 2018. This August saw the largest flood event in the River Ilen to have occurred since the scheme was substantially completed and it is estimated that, without the scheme being in place, up to 100 properties could have been flooded.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (298)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

298. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter regarding a pipe on the land of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23589/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

The Office of Public Works is investigating the matter further and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy very shortly.

Pension Provisions

Questions (299)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to introduce a more efficient way of declaring a pension payment for those living abroad, particularly those who have a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23629/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Pensions declarations in respect of pensions paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas are governed by subsection 5(1) of the Appropriation Act 1962 and the Pensions Declaration (Amendment) Rules 2003.

I understand the Deputy is referring to the process for receipt of civil service pension declarations that are administered by the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) in accordance with those statutes. The process for those living in the State and/or abroad, including those with a disability, is outlined below.

Pensions declarations administered by the NSSO as follows.

- Upon notification of an individual’s intention to retire or an application for preserved benefits, the NSSO will issue a Retirement Pack which includes the Pension Declaration, via email and/or post. The Retirement Pack is also available to download online.

- The details of those permitted to complete and witness the Pensions Declaration both in the State and abroad, in accordance with paragraph 4 of the Pensions Declaration (Amendment) Rules, 2003, are provided in the Retirement Pack and communicated to the civil servant/former civil servant.

- A guide is made available to assist the civil servant/former civil servant in completing the Retirement Pack. However, should the individual require assistance to complete their forms, the NSSO will make the individual aware that the Civil Service Employment Assistance Service is available to assist and/or the Disability Liaison Officer in their Local HR.

- In the event that an individual is/becomes incapacitated, whether living in the State or abroad, this becomes what is known as a Committee Case. In these circumstances where an application is being made for retirement benefits, the Retirement Pack, including Pension Declarations, are completed on behalf of the civil servant by the person nominated to look after their affairs.

- Those in receipt of pensions abroad are also issued with a Pension Declaration form on an annual basis for return by post to the NSSO offices based in Tullamore to ascertain continued entitlement.

My understanding is that here are no plans at present to change this process.  

If there is a specific issue in relation to an individual case, this can be raised through the relevant HR contacts with the Department from which the individual retired or directly with the NSSO.

Workplace Discrimination

Questions (300)

Gerald Nash

Question:

300. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the proposed new ground for discrimination based on socio-economic disadvantage status as set out in the programme for Government; his plans to update the People@PER HR strategy to lead on this proposed new ground to protect against discrimination based on socio-economic disadvantage in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23750/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The People@PER HR Strategy is a local HR strategy within my department. The People Strategy for the Civil Service 2017-2020 is a wider Civil Service strategy and I believe the Deputy is referring to the latter.

The Civil Service is strongly committed to equality of opportunity for all individuals, in all of its recruitment and employment practices. Our commitment is demonstrated and documented with key actions in the People Strategy for the Civil Service 2017-2020, Our Public Service 2020 and the Public Appointment Service Corporate Strategic Business Plan 2019.

In the Civil Service, in line with Action 18 of the People Strategy for the Civil Service 2017-2020, my department has established a working group to review the Civil Service Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy. Public sector employers are also working together to establish a proactive approach to equality, diversity and inclusion. The Civil Service is currently working with the wider public service as part of ‘Our Public Service 2020’ Action 16, to ‘Promote equality, diversity and inclusion’ which will provide some key insights in reviewing our Civil Service HR policies and initiatives.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is also actively committed to ensuring there is a focus on attracting a diverse range of talented people from all backgrounds, to take up employment opportunities across roles in the Civil and Public Service. PAS has set up a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee with internal and external expertise including members from the Civil and Public Service and external experts in diversity and inclusion and are collaborating with my department in this regard.

Any new Civil Service HR policies/strategies related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion will be developed in light of any associated commitments made in the Programme for Government.

Budget 2021

Questions (301)

Gerald Nash

Question:

301. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of progress of a well-being budgeting framework; if the framework is set to be included in budget 2021; if not, the expected timeline for completion and operationalisation of this well-being budget framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In the Programme for Government, the Government has set out its commitment to develop a set of well-being indices to create a well-rounded, holistic view of how Irish society is faring; use these well-being indicators, as well as economic indicators, to highlight inequalities and ensure that policies are driven by a desire to do better by people; and ensure that the well-being framework will be utilised in a systematic way across government policymaking (at local and national levels) in setting budgetary priorities, evaluating programmes and reporting progress (as an important complement to existing economic measurement tools).

Officials in my Department are already preparing a programme of work that will support the Government in meeting this commitment with regard to well-being, and which will build upon the progress that has been made to date in Ireland's system of performance budgeting and equality budgeting.  Work on this important agenda will encompass a cross-Government dimensions and my Department will be working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, Department of Finance and other government departments as well as key stakeholders and experts in this regard. I look forward to making further announcements in this regard in the context of Budget 2021.

Public Sector Staff

Questions (302)

Gerald Nash

Question:

302. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will categorically rule out moratoriums in the public services in 2021, particularly in areas in which staff shortages have been previously identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23753/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

It is a key responsibility of each Minister and Department to manage expenditure within the agreed allocations and, in order to provide enhanced scope for Departments to manage staffing levels and composition within their allocated financial resources, a policy of delegated sanction in relation to staff management was specifically introduced in 2015. Since 2015 it has been possible to provide for significant increases in Government expenditure, which have allowed for the recruitment of additional staff across the public service. 

Public Service numbers increased to 343,700 at end-June 2020 from a total of 339,258 at end-2019, an increase of 1.3%. The number of full-time equivalent staff (FTE) in the Health sector has increased by over 4,500 or almost 3.8% in the first six months of the year and is reflective of the additional supports provided to the Health System due to Covid-19 in tandem with the agreed provision for the recruitment of Health staff for 2020. 

The Roadmap for Reopening Schools also sets out additional resourcing to support the reopening of schools. The measures in this Roadmap include:

- Over 1,000 additional teachers being made available to post primary schools in the free scheme;

- Enhanced Supervision Supports funding is being provided for additional supervision to support the management of physical distancing in post primary schools.

- In the primary sector, to support the availability of substitute teachers, the Department is extending the current pilot supply panels on a nationwide basis for the 2020/21 school year. This will involve the additional allocation of approx. 200 teaching posts.

This demonstrates the commitment to allocate funding for recruitment of staff in key areas in order to respond to Covid-19. 

Such an approach is consistent with the goal of sustainable growth in the level of public resources and staff numbers to ensure that public services can continue to be delivered effectively and efficiently.

National Development Plan

Questions (303)

Gerald Nash

Question:

303. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to review the national development plan in terms of project scheduling and prioritisation due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23754/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In line with Programme for Government commitments and in my capacity as Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform I intend to shortly bring proposals to the Government regarding the launch of a phased, structured and in-depth review of the National Development Plan (NDP) in order to advance the priorities identified in the Programme for Government including climate change, housing policy, transport policy, implementation of Sláintecare and balanced regional development, aligned also with the associated multi-annual resourcing requirements.

The NDP set out 5-year expenditure allocations by Department for the period 2018 – 2022, devised to give Departments a degree of certainty for future planning, with the expectation that DPER would not make substantial changes to published allocations. However, in direct response to Covid-19, necessary and large-scale revisions were made to capital allocations for 2020 primarily in Health and Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Subsequently, as part of the July Stimulus, a further €500 million was provided to accelerate capital works across a wide range of areas generating jobs and economic activity across all regions of the country. These measures will be reflected as appropriate within the review of the NDP.

Construction Sector Strategy

Questions (304)

Gerald Nash

Question:

304. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the past investment both public and private in building and construction in each of the years 2016 to 2019; the projected investment for 2020 to 2024; if he anticipates a drop in private sector investment; his plans to increase public sector investment to meet potential investment shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23755/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

While largely Exchequer funded, the Public Capital Programme draws on a number of different funding sources, including investment by the private sector in the form of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and also investment by commercial State bodies and other State sponsored bodies and agencies from their own resources.

The Deputy may be interested to know that expenditure details of the Public Capital Programme are published each year in both the Budget Expenditure Report and the Revised Estimates Volume.  There is also a large amount of information published on the http://databank.per.gov.ie/ website and the https://ppp.gov.ie/ website.

While the Deputy’s question concerns building and construction, capital expenditure is varied and can include items such as the purchase of IT equipment and software for Government administration, the purchase of vehicles, grants to industry delivered through the enterprise agencies, investments in energy, broadband, forestry, marine, medical equipment and transportation.  Expenditure on building and construction is not disaggregated from the overall capital expenditure allocations, however. with spending on particular construction projects a matter for individual Departments in the first instance.

After relatively low levels of capital investment following the financial crisis, capital allocations have increased steadily over the past number of years.  The capital allocation of €8.9 billion for 2020, including additional Covd-19 related spend,   is over twice that of the 2016 capital outturn of €4.2 billion.  Furthermore, the 2021 capital allocation, as published in the multi-annual capital investment framework table in the 2020 Revised Estimates Volume, will be almost €9.2 billion. This will represent the highest ever investment in capital in the history of the State.

I will be commencing a review of the National Development Plan in the coming months which will align with the priorities identified in the Programme for Government, including climate change, housing policy, transport policy, implementation of Sláintecare and balanced regional development.

Departmental Projects

Questions (305)

Gerald Nash

Question:

305. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of Exchequer-funded projects over €1 billion overseen by his Department; the expected rise in cost in both numerical amount and percentage terms in tabular form, and delays as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23756/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently no Exchequer funded projects with a cost over €1 billion euro that are the responsibility of my Department.  I understand that the Deputy will receive replies from a number of Ministers about any such projects that are the responsibility of their Departments.  In addition, the Office of Public Works (OPW), which is a body under the aegis of my Department, will reply directly to Deputy on this matter.

Coastal Protection

Questions (306)

Joe O'Brien

Question:

306. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 9 September 2020, the membership of the interdepartmental group on managing coastal change; when it met first; the regularity with which it proposes to meet; when it expects to have a strategy published; and if the group will consider the way in which to offer families alternative homes or compensatory measures if their homes become uninhabitable in the near future. [24056/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

The National Coastal Change Management Strategy Steering Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Planning, Local Government and Heritage and the Office of Public Works. The Group also includes the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Met Éireann and the County and City Management Association. The Group met for the first time on the 3rd of September 2020 and will meet on a monthly basis to scope out an approach for the development of an integrated, whole of Government coastal change management strategy.  The Group is due to report to Government within six months with its initial findings and recommendations, including future structures and roles of Government Departments to deal with coastal change.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (307)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

307. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans in place by the OPW to deal with the recurring flooding problem in Clifden, County Galway; when it is expected that work will be carried out on the ground to reduce the impact of future flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24059/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

A potential flood relief scheme was recommended for Clifden as part of the National Flood Risk Management Plans, published in 2018, which identified 118 new projects nationwide to be progressed under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027. Following this proposal, the Office of Public Works confirmed to Galway County Council that it would fund the costs of developing and implementing a scheme for the town. The council recently confirmed that it intends to go to tender shortly for consultants to further develop the scheme for the town, and the data collected from the recent flood event will inform the design of that scheme. While it is not possible to confirm at this stage when flood relief works will be carried out, both the Council and OPW are committed to ensuring that progress will be made as quickly as possible in order to prevent a similar flooding event occurring again.

Question No. 308 answered with Question No. 294.

Regional Development

Questions (309)

Martin Kenny

Question:

309. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address the regional inequalities and facilitate the administration of regional funds by regional assemblies and not centralise this administration in a Department or agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24130/20]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The National Planning Framework (NPF), which is under the aegis of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, ensures a strong regional dimension in planning for public capital investment priorities. This includes the development of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, and their  alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP), which is the Government's Capital Investment Strategy.

With regard to the administration of regional funds by the Regional Assemblies, I understand that the Deputy is referring to the European Regional Development Fund's (ERDF) administration in Ireland. A decision will be made shortly regarding the role of Managing Authorities for the 2021 - 2027 ERDF Operational Programmes. In the meantime, the three Regional Assemblies are playing a very active role in the process for programming the next round of ERDF, in conjunction and cooperation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.   They are also represented on the Partnership Process Steering Group (PPSG), which guides and advises on the programming of all of the European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) programmes, through the development process of the Partnership Agreement for the period 2021–2027. 

The Steering Group oversaw the development of a Needs Analysis by Indecon Economic Consultants, which specifically looked at regional development needs.

The Regional Assemblies are also part of a working group which launched a public consultation process to inform the selection of priorities for the use of EU cohesion funding for the next period.  As part of this consultation a webinar was held on the 28th of July, breakout sessions were organised on a regional basis, and included a focus on the main priorities of the individual Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. The working group is currently preparing a report, the primary purpose of which is to present the findings and analysis from the public consultation submissions, including the qualitative messages from the national workshop event conducted on 28th July. This report, along with the Needs Analysis, adopted by the PPSG in July, will inform the programming for 2021–2027.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (310)

Holly Cairns

Question:

310. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the cost of the flood defence system installed in Bandon, County Cork; if a copy of the Natura 2000 impact statement completed in respect of the project will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24181/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

The Bandon Flood Relief Scheme commenced in 2010 when the Office of Public Works appointed consultants to develop proposals to deal with the flood risk that existed in the town. Following extensive engineering and environmental analysis, public consultation, and a formal Public Exhibition, a scheme was formally approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform in April, 2016, and construction works commenced in mid 2016 following a tender process for the appointment of a contractor. The scheme is now close to completion and, to date, total expenditure on the Scheme is approximately €27m with an expected final whole life cost of close to €32m, with the cost of ongoing maintenance factored into the figures.

An Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report was carried out on the project during the development of the scheme pursuant to Regulation 42 of S.I. No. 477/2011 (European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011), which concluded that there was no potential for significant effects on European Designated (Natura 2000) sites and so an Appropriate Assessment was not undertaken. The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform carried out an independent environmental review of the scheme and subsequently confirmed the scheme under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts. The AA Screening Report associated with the Scheme is available on the Scheme website at www.bandonfrs.ie.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (311)

Holly Cairns

Question:

311. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the cost of the flood defence system installed in Skibbereen, County Cork; if a copy of the Natura 2000 impact statement completed in respect of the project will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24182/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

The Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme commenced in 2011 when Cork County Council, supported with funding from the Office of Public Works, appointed consultants to develop proposals to deal with the flood risk that existed in the town. Following extensive engineering and environmental analysis, public consultation, and a formal Public Exhibition, a scheme was formally approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform in January, 2016, and construction works commenced in mid 2016 following a tender process for the appointment of a contractor. The scheme is now substantially complete and, to date, total expenditure on the Scheme is approximately €32.2m with an expected final whole life cost of close to €38m, with the cost of ongoing maintenance factored into the figures.

An Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report was carried out on the project during the development of the scheme pursuant to Regulation 42 of S.I. No. 477/2011 (European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011), which concluded that there would be no threat to the integrity of European Designated (Natura 2000) sites and so an Appropriate Assessment was not undertaken. The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform carried out an independent environmental review of the scheme and subsequently confirmed the Scheme under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts. The AA Screening Report associated with the Scheme is available on the Scheme website at www.skibbereenfrs.ie.

Question No. 312 answered with Question No. 296.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (313)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

313. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if the €500,000 for preparatory works for the upgrade of Inis Oírr pier and breakwater has been confirmed; if so, the items the funding will be spent on; and if it will be used to send the upgrade and breakwater works for the pier out to tender. [23355/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a special allocation of €0.5m was provided under the July Stimulus package for 2020 in order to progress the project to upgrade harbour facilities at Inis Oírr. 

Officials from my Department and Galway County Council are currently working on the completion of a business case for this project. Once this has been completed, the progression of the project to tender stage will be evaluated in the context of financial resources available and the competing demands on those resources.

Gaelcholáistí Issues

Questions (314)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

314. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans for a school (details supplied) that has now been closed coming up on four years; her further plans on reopening the school to develop and expand the delivery of Irish in the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23423/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

My Department has been in discussions on a number of occasions with the college authority in question   in relation to its plans to upgrade the property, which is recognised as one of seven residential summer colleges for the purposes of funding under the Department's Scéim na bhFoghlaoimeoirí Gaeilge.

I understand that on foot of these discussions the college authority was considering submitting a business plan and formal application for capital funding under the Department's  Community and Language Supports Programme. I also understand that the college authority was in communication with a number of other potential funding sources.

While my Department has not received a funding application to date, the Deputy may be assured that any such application for assistance under the aformementioned programme - encompassing a business plan which aligns with the requirements set out in the Public Spending Code - will receive careful consideration in the context of competing priorities and available resources.

The Deputy may also be assured that my officials remain available to the college authority in order to offer further guidance and advice in the matter, should such be required.

Na hOileáin amach ón gCósta

Questions (315)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

315. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta faoi stádas an iarratais (sonraí tugtha) atá ós comhair na Roinne ó Chomhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin; cén dáta a dhéanfar cinneadh ina thaobh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [23529/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

Is tríd an Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga a chuireann mo Roinn tacaíocht airgid ar fáil chun áiseanna pobail, teanga agus caitheamh aimsire a thógáil nó a uasghrádú sna ceantair Ghaeltachta. 

Cheadaigh mo Roinn allúntas €31,880 do Chomhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin don obair chomhairleorachta a bhain le forbairt ionad pobail ar an oileán in 2019.  Tá áthas orm gur éirigh liom an t-allúntas sin a mhéadú go €53,798 le gairid agus an leibhéal uasta maoinithe caipitil atáthar á sholáthar do thograí Gaeltachta ar na hoileáin faoi Chlár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga a mhéadú ó 80% go 90% de na costais iomlána incháilithe.  Is chun tacú níos fearr leis an dúshlán a bhaineann le forbairtí den chineál seo ar na hoileáin a tógadh an cinneadh seo. 

Fuair mo Roinn iarratas i leith an obair thógála ar 10 Iúil 2020 agus tá sé á mheas ag oifigigh mo Roinne faoi láthair.

Departmental Funding

Questions (316)

Denis Naughten

Question:

316. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the status of an application for a community hall (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23584/20]

Written answers

Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht

Late last year, a new €4.7m capital investment scheme was launched for arts and culture centres across the country. Applications were invited for the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 and the closing date was in January. The Scheme focuses on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres that operate as not-for-profit organisations throughout the country and that have a clearly defined arts and culture focus.

This scheme has a particular emphasis on the reduction of carbon footprints to dovetail with the Government’s action on climate change. The Scheme builds on the success of the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 which saw grants allocated to 134 organisations in 26 counties to refurbish and enhance their facilities. This funding is provided from a €40m capital investment allocation for local arts and culture infrastructure contained in Project Ireland 2040 “Investing in our Culture, Language & Heritage 2018-2027'. There were three schemes with

- Stream A offering grants up to €50,000 for small enhancement/expansion/ refurbishment projects which may involve construction works to arts and culture facilities and/or upgrading of equipment.

- Stream B will offer grants from €50,000 up to €300,000 for larger enhancement /expansion/ refurbishment projects involving construction works to arts and culture facilities.

- Stream C is a separate scheme aimed at the upgrading of visual artists’ workspaces. Applications for this Stream were managed by Visual Artists Ireland.

Assessment and final decision on applications were delayed and put on hold as a result of COVID-19 with my Department opening Stream D, a further stream of funding under this overall scheme. This was specifically for capital adaptations or equipment necessary to assist arts and culture organisations in re-opening.

In the meantime a number of applicants under Streams A&B including the one to which the Deputy refers were contacted and given an opportunity to resubmit the outstanding documentation by 7 August. These are currently at assessment stage and it is hoped that announcements will be made later this year.

Imeachtaí Comóraidh

Questions (317)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

317. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici aon chomóradh a dhéanamh ar leath-chéad bliain ó bhás duine (sonraí tugtha) i mí Dheireadh Fómhair. [23820/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

Aithním an luach agus tábhacht a bhaineann le saothar agus oidhreacht an duine atá luaite ag an Teachta ó thaobh na teanga de. Níl aon phleananna ag mo Roinn faoi láthair chun comóradh a dhéanamh ar a bhás agus, de réir mar a thuigim, níl aon mhaoiniú ceadaithe go dtí seo i 2020 ag mo Roinn ná ag na háisíneachtaí faoina scáth d'aon togra a bheadh ag déanamh comóraidh ar bhás an duine sin.  

Ach iarratas bailí ar thacaíocht a bheith faighte do chomóradh dá leithéid, d'fhéadfaí é a mheas de réir gnáthbheartais scéimeanna tacaíochta mo Roinne agus i gcomhthéacs an méid airgid atá ar fáil dóibh i mbliana.

Earcaíocht san Earnáil Phoiblí

Questions (318)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

318. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta an mbíonn aon dualgas ar Ranna rialtais daoine a earcú ón bpainéal d’Oifigigh Feidhmiúchain le Gaeilge, seachas leas a bhaint as an ngnáthphainéal d’Oifigigh Feidhmiúcháin; agus cén iarrachtaí atá á ndéanamh aici chun cinntiú go dtiocfaidh méadú ar líon na státseirbhíseach a bhfuil cumas sa Ghaeilge acu. [23821/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

Is faoin Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe, atá sé polasaithe a leagan síos maidir le hearcaíocht don tseirbhís phoiblí.  É sin ráite, tá sé mar chuspóir i mBille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2019 go mbeidh 20% de na daoine nua a earcófar don seirbhís phoiblí innniúl sa Ghaeilge, go mbeidh gach oifig phoiblí atá lonnaithe sa Ghaeltacht ag feidhmiú trí Ghaeilge agus go mbeidh comhlachtaí poiblí in ann freastal ar an éileamh ón bpobal ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge.

Táthar ag súil leis an mBille seo a thabhairt ar ais os comhar na Tithe go luath agus mar atá geallta sa Chlár Rialtais, ba mhaith liom go mbeadh an Bille achtaithe roimh dheireadh na bliana.

Wildlife Protection

Questions (319)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

319. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the estimated cost in 2021 of recruiting five additional full-time wildlife grade 1 inspectors and five additional full-time wildlife grade 2 inspectors, respectively, in tabular form. [23893/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I am informed that the estimated full year payroll cost, which includes associated employer's PRSI costs, of employing 10 additional full-time staff, five at Wildlife Inspector Grade 1 and five at Wildlife Inspector Grade 2 would be in the order of €790,000.  This estimate is based on mid-points of the relevant personal pension contribution salary scales.  Details are in the table below.

Estimated full-year payroll cost of 5 staff at Wildlife Inspector Grade 1 €000	Estimated full-year payroll cost of 5 staff at Wildlife Inspector Grade 2 €000	Total estimated full year payroll cost €000
418	375	793

Gaelcholáistí Issues

Questions (320)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

320. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if she views certain conditions of the stabilisation package for Gaeltacht Irish colleges as contradicting the stated initiative, specifically plans to deduct from the per capita payment students who transferred to 2021 and students who transferred onto online courses in addition to boarding accommodation only receiving 50% of the payment boarding houses will receive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23904/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Deputy will be aware that in May this year my Department approved a once-off emergency measure worth €4.7m to support the stabilisation of the Gaeltacht Irish summer college sector.

The measure followed the cancellation, on 20th April 2020, of Irish summer college courses by my Department in the interests of protecting public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the stabilisation package, up to €3.1m is being directed at enabling college authorities to refund fees/deposits to parents in full in respect of 2020 courses, while a further €1.6m is being allocated towards supporting the c. 700 certified Gaeltacht householders who normally provide accommodation to the approx. 26,000 students who attend one of the 42 recognised colleges during the summer months. The majority of this funding has now been paid out by my Department.

The stabilisation fund is being provided as a specific once-off measure with the overall objective of ensuring the ongoing viability of the sector - thereby enabling it to continue to contribute to the systematic effort being made to support the language and Gaeltacht regions in line with the overarching objectives of the Government’s 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and the accompanying 5-Year Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022.

The approval of this stability initiative took account of the need to address without delay, issues around cash-flow within the summer college sector, which has significantly hampered colleges’ ability to adequately refund fees/deposits to parents.

It was a condition of approval for the stabilisation initiative that colleges seeking assistance would be required to refund in full the fees/deposits paid by students, and that no support would be provided in respect of students who opted to transfer their fees/deposits to courses in 2021 or towards online courses. This was to avoid potential for deadweight supports in any assistance provided by the State.

With regard to accommodation providers, the standard rate payable under the stabilisation package is up to 40% of the daily payment normally payable by my Department under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (SFG). For registered households, this works out at €4 per student per night (i.e. 40% of €10) while for residential colleges/hostels the rate is €2 per student per night (i.e. 40% of €5).

In seeking to make this payment, my Department has taken due account of the significant investment made by householders and colleges in meeting the standards (e.g. fire safety compliance and additional sleeping space) required for recognition under the terms of the scheme.

Based, not least, on the broadly positive feedback regarding the measure from relevant stakeholders within the Irish summer colleges sector,  I am satisfied that the measure is proving to be effective and I look forward to working towards the safe return of Irish summer colleges in the future, and the ongoing contribution of our Gaeltacht households and colleges to the development of the Irish language and to sustaining Gaeltacht communities.

Public Sector Staff

Questions (321)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

321. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her views on whether recruitment for all organisations and agencies under the competent authority of the State should carry out all recruitment in an open, transparent and public manner in line with the principles of corporate governance and established protocols which govern public procurement and the recruitment of personnel for positions within public services and State agencies here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23981/20]

Written answers

Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht

Government policy in relation to the recruitment of civil and public servants is a matter for my colleague Paschal Donohoe, T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.  My Department  uses the recruitment services of the Public Appointment Services and adheres to the guidance issued by Commission for Public Service Appointments guidance for other recruitment of staff. 

Operational matters in relation to the State Agencies under the remit of my Department are the responsibility of the Board of each Agency.  However, I am informed that the State Agencies under the remit of my Department also adhere to the relevant policies.