Written Answers Nos. 834-856
834. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of broadband connection points that have went live; the number remaining by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35188/20]
View answerBroadband Connection Points (BCPs) will be among the first sites connected under the National Broadband Plan. At present, there are over 200 public access BCP sites scheduled for connection in 2020, in addition to 75 school BCPs. Up to 100 further sites are planned for connection in 2021.
BCPs will be located in some of the most rural and isolated areas in the country, including 10 islands in counties Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry and Mayo. The sites will be provided with a high-speed broadband service (minimum 150mbps) for the community to use on-site.
Initial connectivity is provided via a temporary wireless solution at each site by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company contracted to deliver the National Broadband Plan in the State subvention area. Once this equipment has been installed, Vodafone Ireland install Wi-Fi access points and other customer premises equipment.
As of Friday 23rd October, 68 public access BCPs across the country had been installed with Wi-Fi equipment, with new sites being added every day. The table below details the number of installed sites by county. Full details of the BCP locations, both installed and planned, including on the islands, can also be found on NBI's website at https://nbi.ie/bcp-map/ .
Once the build phase of the BCP project has completed, my Department's officials will work with the Local Authorities, site owners and a number of other stakeholders to develop the BCP network. I envisage that the network will mature over the coming years, providing a range of digitally-enabled services including eHealth initiatives, training and education, and connected working.
|
County |
Public Access BCPs Installed, 23 Oct. 2020 |
|
Carlow |
3 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
|
Clare |
3 |
|
Cork |
6 |
|
Donegal |
6 |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
2 |
|
Dublin (SDCC) |
1 |
|
Kerry |
2 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
|
Longford |
2 |
|
Louth |
6 |
|
Mayo |
4 |
|
Meath |
5 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
835. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she sees the development of digital hubs as a means of reducing daily commuter traffic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35410/20]
View answerThe ecosystem of hubs and other facilities throughout the country offering remote working services are a significant support to both remote workers and students at the present time. These facilities cover the spectrum from fully commercially-operating business models, to public sector and social enterprise hubs.
A recent Western Development Commission (WDC) policy paper on remote working in the western region highlights that it is estimated that if 10% of the working population were to work remotely for 1 day a week, there would be a reduction of approximately 10 million car journeys per annum. This is in addition to other benefits such as carbon emission savings and an increased work/life balance.
The WDC has mapped over 100 remote working hubs within the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) region alone, covering the area from Co. Kerry to Co. Donegal. The WDC's objective is to develop these hubs into a cohesive network of facilities in the AEC region for remote workers, students and for community use. The AEC hub network will include a common booking engine for clients, and collaboration tools to facilitate cross-network engagement between both managers and clients in the hubs.
In addition, 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will be connected in remote rural areas across the country over the coming months to provide public access to free high-speed broadband services. Many of these BCPs will also provide capacity for remote working and study in rural areas.
My Department has invested significantly in remote working facilities over the last number of years through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Libraries programme.
An additional €5 million was allocated to my Department in Budget 2021 to build on the AEC hub network model and support the further development of remote working hubs in our rural towns and villages. An Interdepartmental Working Group, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, has been convened to progress this project.
836. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the commitment has she given to Leader programme coordinators specifically on the funding shortfall that has been highlighted in regard to the finishing of the current Leader funding at the end of 2020 and the commencement of the new Leader funding programme at the beginning of 2023 (details supplied). [34607/20]
View answerThe 2014-2020 LEADER programme, which is co-financed by the European Commission, will come to an end in December as far as new project approvals are concerned.
As the Deputy may be aware, due to delays at EU level, the next EU LEADER programme will not commence until 2022 at the earliest.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme. The objective of this Transitional Programme is to allow locally-led rural development projects to continue to be delivered using the LEADER model until the new EU programme commences.
The duration of the transitional period at EU level has not yet been agreed. We are therefore planning for Ireland’s Transitional Programme to run for an initial period of 12 months, but with the scope to extend this if necessary, to align with the outcome of the discussions at EU level between the Commission and the Parliament.
An extra €4 million has been provided for LEADER in Budget 2021, to bring the total allocation for next year to €44 million. I can confirm that this allocation will be used to fund a combination of existing projects as they come to completion, as well as for new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme. The funding will also support the administration costs of Local Action Groups, who deliver the programme locally, in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.
It is important to recognise that LEADER is a multi-annual programme and that payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years as the projects are completed. Therefore, costs related to projects under the Transitional Programme are likely to be met from the provision in my Department’s Vote in 2022 and 2023, as well as in 2021.
The details of the Transitional Programme are currently being finalised and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the full details of project and administration allocations under the Programme.
837. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is in receipt of a CLÁR application from a community group (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the application is being considered for approval; the timeframe for approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34613/20]
View answerThe 2020 CLÁR programme was launched in May 2020 with applications invited under three separate Measures:
Measure1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Community Recreation Areas (new for 2020)
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Support
(a) Meals on Wheels and linked services (new in 2020)
(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport,
Mayo Co. Council submitted an application under Measure 2 for the development of a playground in respect of the group referred to by the Deputy. This project was not successful as the focus the Measure this year was on community recreation spaces and not on stand-alone playgrounds.
The CLÁR programme has provided significant support for playgrounds since 2016. For 2020, however, the Local Authorities were asked to submit projects where communities could gather in safe accessible recreational spaces in the context of COVID-19.
My Department organised an on-line information session for the Local Authorities following the launch of the programme, where they were informed of the type of initiatives that would be eligible under Measures 1 and 2.
I announced the successful projects under Measures 1 and 2 of the CLÁR programme on 2nd November. A total of €4.1 million has been allocated to 115 projects under these Measures, including 7 projects in Co. Mayo. Details of the successful projects are available on my Department's pages of the Gov.ie website.
Successful projects under Measure 3 of the 2020 CLÁR programme will be announced shortly, following the assessment of the applications received.
838. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has met formally with the chief executive officer of the Charities Regulator within the past three months; when she will next speak formally with the CEO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34693/20]
View answerI met with the Chief Executive of the Charities Regulator on 8 July 2020. I have had a number of subsequent informal meetings with the Chief Executive. A date has not yet been set for the next formal meeting, which I anticipate will take place in the first half of 2021.
The Oversight Agreement between the Regulator and my Department states that the Minister and the Chief Executive should meet formally once a year and the Secretary General of my Department will also meet the Chief Executive annually. A formal meeting between the Secretary General and the Chief Executive and Chair of the Regulator took place on 29 October.
Officials from my Department hold more regular formal and informal meetings with the Chief Executive and other officials from the Regulator.
839. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided for Leader projects in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34814/20]
View answer840. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided for the delivery and administration of Leader projects in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34815/20]
View answer841. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way in which she plans to deliver the National Rural Development Programme for the 2021-2023 period, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34816/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 839, 840 and 841 together.
The current LEADER programme, which is co-financed by the European Commission, comes to an end this year as far as new project approvals are concerned. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme, which will not commence until 2022 at the earliest.
The objective of this commitment is to allow rural development projects to continue to be delivered under a Transitional Programme, using the LEADER model, until the new EU programme commences.
The duration of the transitional period at EU level has not yet been agreed. We are therefore planning for Ireland’s Transitional Programme to run for an initial period of 12 months, but with the scope to extend this if necessary, to align with the outcome of the discussions at EU level.
The total allocation for LEADER next year is €44 million. This allocation will be used to fund existing projects as they come to completion and submit payment claims. It will also fund new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme, and it will support the administration costs of the Local Action Groups who deliver the programme in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.
It is important to recognise that LEADER is a multi-annual programme and that payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years as the projects are completed. Therefore, costs related to projects under the Transitional Programme are likely to be met from the provision in my Department’s Vote in 2022 and 2023, as well as in 2021.
The design, duration and composition of the Transitional Programme are currently being finalised and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the full details of project and administration allocations under the Programme.
842. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the date on which sections 93 to 98 of the Charities Act 2009 will come into effect. [34843/20]
View answerThe Charities Regulatory Authority (“the Charities Regulator”) was established on 16 October, 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. Responsibility for the oversight of the Regulator transferred to my Department on its establishment in July 2017.
The general function of the Regulator is to regulate charitable organisations operating in Ireland, in order to increase public trust and confidence in their management and administration. Under the Charities Act, 2009, the Charities Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
My officials continue to liaise with the Charities Regulator to review the operation of the legislation to ensure that it is operating effectively.
The sections in question provide amendments to the Street and House to House Collections Act 1962. In 2017, the Regulator published 'Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public' to address issues around fundraising for charities, their trustees and the public.
My Department is working with the Regulator to consider amendments to the 2009 Act and consideration of the remaining sections of the 2009 Act that have not been commenced will also be undertaken as part of this process.
843. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the sections of animal welfare in particular under which the remit of dogs fall. [34926/20]
View answerFollowing further clarification, I understand the Deputy is referring to my Department’s policy and legislative responsibility relating to the control of dogs and dog breeding establishments. The relevant Acts are the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. All operational matters in relation to this area are the responsibility of the Local Authorities. This includes the day-to-day regulation of the sector, enforcement of the legislation and the regulation and inspection of dog breeding establishments.
In July 2018, following a public consultation, my Department published revised guidelines for dog breeding establishments. These came into effect on 1 January 2019. There was a substantial shift in the new guidelines towards a focus on the welfare of dogs and pups. My Department is currently developing necessary legislative amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and some minor amendments to the Control of Dogs Acts, with a view to inclusion in the 2021 Government legislative programme.
My Department also publishes annual statistics in respect of a range of dog control responsibilities of local authorities. Information up to and including 2019 is available at the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/879d4c-dog-control-statistics/. The 2020 dog control statistics will be collated and published in 2021.
It is important to bear in mind that the enforcement of animal welfare standards for all animals, including dogs, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Acts. Both Departments work closely with each other to ensure a coordinated approach is taken in this area.
844. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to provide for interim funding for the Leader programme for the period 2021 to 2023. [34940/20]
View answer845. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for a new Leader programme; and the stage the programme is at regarding pillar 2 funding. [34941/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 844 and 845 together.
The current 2014-2020 LEADER programme, which is co-financed by the European Commission under Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will come to an end this year as far as new project approvals are concerned.
Proposals for the post-2020 CAP were launched in June 2018 by the European Commission. However, given the lengthy nature of discussions on the CAP and the wider EU Budget at EU level, there has been a delay in adopting these proposals. This means that the next LEADER programme will not commence until January 2022 at the earliest.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme. The objective of this commitment is to allow local-led rural development projects to be delivered under a Transitional Programme until the new EU programme commences.
An extra €4 million has been provided for LEADER in Budget 2021, to bring the total allocation for next year to €44 million. This allocation will be used to fund a combination of existing projects as they come to completion, for new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme, and to support the administration costs of the Local Action Groups in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.
It is important to recognise that LEADER is a multi-annual programme and that payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years as the projects are completed. Therefore, costs related to projects under the Transitional Programme are likely to be met from the provision in my Department’s Vote in 2022 and 2023, as well as in 2021.
I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the details of the Transitional Programme which will come into effect in 2021.
846. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of a town and village renewal grant application by an association (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34944/20]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme was adapted this year to assist towns and villages to respond to the impact of COVID-19. The scheme, which has a budget of €25 million this year including €10 million as part of the Government’s July Stimulus Package, includes two separate funding Measures - an Accelerated Measure and a Standard Measure.
The Accelerated Measure was designed to support smaller scale projects that could be delivered immediately to assist towns and villages in adapting to the challenges presented by COVID-19, and to allow people to shop and socialise in a safe manner.
The Standard Measure is designed to help rural towns and villages to recover from the impact of COVID-19 in the medium-term.
I recently approved funding of €10.4 million for 363 projects across three funding rounds of the Accelerated Measure and this particular Measure is now closed.
I can confirm that an application has been received in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy under the Standard Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Funding under the Measure is awarded on a competitive basis and all applications are currently being assessed.
I hope to be in a positon to announce the successful projects shortly when the assessment process is complete.
847. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for the LEADER programme which is due to wind up at the end of 2020 with the next programme not due to start to 2023; her views on the fact that the €44 million announced in budget 2021 only provides for payment on allocations up to the end of December 2020; her plans to prioritise a State-led rural development programme to bridge the gap between the wind-up of the existing Leader programme and implementation of the new programme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that budget 2021 provides for the delivery of schemes under the CAP during the interim phase notwithstanding the absence of an implementing EU regulation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34969/20]
View answerThe 2014-2020 LEADER programme, which is co-financed by the European Commission, will come to an end in December as far as new project approvals are concerned.
As the Deputy will be aware, due to delays at EU level, the next EU LEADER programme will not commence until 2022 at the earliest.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme. The objective of this Transitional Programme is to allow locally-led rural development projects to continue to be delivered using the LEADER model until the new EU programme commences.
The duration of the transitional period at EU level has not yet been agreed. We are therefore planning for Ireland’s Transitional Programme to run for an initial period of 12 months, but with the scope to extend this if necessary, to align with the outcome of the discussions at EU level between the Commission and the Parliament.
The total allocation for LEADER next year is €44 million. This allocation will be used to fund existing projects as they come to completion and submit payment claims. It will also fund new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme, and it will support the administration costs of the LAGs in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.
It is important to recognise that LEADER is a multi-annual programme and that payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years as the projects are completed. Therefore, costs related to projects under the Transitional Programme are likely to be met from the provision in my Department’s Vote in 2022 and 2023, as well as in 2021.
The details of the Transitional Programme are currently being finalized and I hope to be in a position to announce the full details of project and administration allocations under the Programme shortly.
848. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an issue in relation to a local improvement scheme (details supplied) will be clarified. [35012/20]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas which are not under the normal maintenance of the Local Authorities. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities.
I am not in a position to comment or advise on the particular matter raised by the Deputy, which may not necessarily be dependent on whether the road in question is included in the LIS.
I would suggest that the landholders in question discuss the matter further with their Local Authority.
849. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le forbairt ché an Chalaidh Mhóir in Inis Meáin agus an ché in Inis Oírr; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [35148/20]
View answerMaidir leis an gCaladh Mór in Inis Meáin, beidh an Teachta ar eolas go bhfuil céim a trí liostáilte mar cheann de na ceangaltais i dTograí 2040.
Tuigtear dom go mbíonn cruinnithe sách rialta idir oifigigh na Roinne agus oifigigh an Chomhairle Contae, ag plé na roghanna forbartha éagsúla agus an bealach is fearr chun an fhorbairt a chur chun cinn.
Níos luaithe i mbliana chuir mo Roinn maoiniú ar fáil do Chomhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe, chun ionsamhlú den chéibh a choimisiniú ón gColáiste Náisiúnta Mara na hÉireann - National Maritime College Ireland (NMCI).
Le roinnt míonna anuas, ní raibh rochtain ar an áis NMCI de bharr na srianta ag eascairt as COVID-19. Faoi láthair tá Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe ag plé bealaí chun an obair a chur chun cinn, ag cur san áireamh na treorlínnte maidir le sláinte poiblí agus srianta taistil.
Nuair atá a gcuid oibre críochnaithe ag NMCI, agus a gcuid torthaí curtha san áireamh ag Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe ina ndréacht cás gnó, déanfaidh an Roinn measúnú ar na roghanna chun plean críochnúil don togra a ullmhú, ar aon dul leis an gCód Caiteachais Phoiblí agus an maoiniú atá ar fáil.
Maidir le chéibh Inis Oírr, tá an cás gnó á thabhairt chun críche ag Comhairle Contae na Gaillimh. Nuair atá sé críochnaithe, seolfar ar aghaidh é chun ceadú chuig an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe. Anuas ar sin, tá an Coiste Maoirseacht, ina bhfuil oifigí ón Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe agus na hinnealtóirí chomhairliúcháin, ag cur críoch le amlíne réamh-mheasta maidir leis an togra.
850. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that will be allocated to LEADER projects in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35371/20]
View answer851. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if adequate funding will be provided for the delivery and administration of the LEADER programme in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35372/20]
View answer852. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the interim national rural development plan will be agreed and published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35373/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 850, 851 and 852 together.
The current 2014-2020 LEADER programme, which is co-funded by the European Commission, is due to end in December this year as far as new project approvals are concerned. As the Deputy may be aware, due to delays at EU level, the next EU LEADER programme will not commence until 2022 at the earliest.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme. The objective of this Transitional Programme is to allow locally-led rural development projects to continue to be delivered using the LEADER model until the new EU programme commences.
The duration of the transitional period at EU level has not yet been agreed. We are therefore planning for Ireland’s Transitional Programme to run for an initial period of 12 months, but with the scope to extend this if necessary, to align with the outcome of the discussions at EU level between the Commission and the Parliament.
The total allocation for LEADER next year is €44 million. This allocation will be used to fund existing projects as they come to completion and submit payment claims. It will also fund new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme, and it will support the administration costs of the Local Action Groups who deliver the LEADER programme in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.
It is important to recognise that LEADER is a multi-annual programme and that payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years as projects are completed. Therefore, costs related to projects under the Transitional Programme are likely to be met from the provision in my Department’s Vote in 2022 and 2023, as well as in 2021.
The details of the Transitional Programme are currently being finalised and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the full details of project and administration allocations under the Programme.
853. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the further rounds of CLÁR funding that are yet to be announced; and when she will be in a position to announce same. [35449/20]
View answerThe 2020 CLÁR programme was launched in May 2020 with applications invited under three separate Measures:
Measure1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Community Recreation Areas (new for 2020)
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Support
(a) Meals on Wheels and linked services (new in 2020)
(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport,
I announced the successful projects under Measures 1 and 2 of the programme on 2nd November.
€4.1 million has been allocated to 115 projects under these Measures. Details of the successful projects are available on my Department's pages on the Gov.ie website.
I hope to be in a position to announce details of the successful projects under Measure 3 of the programme in the coming weeks, following assessment of the applications received.
854. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an application by a community group (details supplied) will be approved. [35450/20]
View answerAn application in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy was received by my Department under Measure 2 of the 2020 CLÁR programme.
The programme was launched in May 2020 with applications invited under three separate Measures:
Measure1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Community Recreation Areas (new for 2020)
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Support
(a) Meals on Wheels and linked services (new in 2020)
(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport,
I announced the successful projects under Measures 1 and 2 of the programme on 2nd November, with €4.1 million allocated to 115 projects under these Measures.
Unfortunately, it was not possible to fund all of the applications which were submitted, as the Measures were significantly oversubscribed. The project referred to by the Deputy was not successful on this occasion.
Details of the successful projects which were approved for funding under Measures 1 and 2 of the CLÁR programme are available on my Department's pages of the Gov.ie website.
Successful projects under Measure 3 of the CLÁR programme will be announced shortly, following assessment of the applications received.
855. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an application by an organisation (details supplied) under measure 1 of the outdoor recreation scheme will be examined. [35451/20]
View answerI can confirm that an application in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department under Measure 1 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020.
The assessment of applications received under Measure 1 of the Scheme, including the one referred to by the Deputy, is currently underway. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects under Measure 1 in the coming weeks when this assessment process is complete.
856. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of full-time equivalent and part-time equivalent roles filled by her Department of posts at principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer and clerical officer grades for the past five years; the cost to the Exchequer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35491/20]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established in July 2017. Data on employees recruited since the establishment of the Department , at the grades of principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer and clerical officer are set out for each year from 2017, in the tables below.
Table A, employee numbers in each grade at year end in December 2017:
|
Grade |
Total Number of Employees |
Full Time |
Part Time |
|
Principal Officer |
10 |
10 |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
20 |
16 |
4 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
29 |
28 |
1 |
|
Administrative Officer |
6 |
5 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
27 |
26 |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
49 |
46 |
3 |
|
Service Officer |
0 |
||
|
Technical grade |
6 |
6 |
|
|
Ministers Adviser |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Minister drivers |
2 |
2 |
Table B - employee numbers in each grade at year end, December 2018:
|
Grade |
Total Number of Employees |
Full Time |
Part Time |
|
Principal Officer |
11 |
11 |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
30 |
`25 |
5 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
33 |
30 |
3 |
|
Administrative Officer |
8 |
7 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
43 |
38 |
5 |
|
Clerical Officer |
50 |
50 |
|
|
Service Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Technical grade |
6 |
6 |
|
|
Ministers Adviser |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Minister drivers |
2 |
2 |
Table C - employee numbers in each grade as at 31st December 2019:
|
Grade |
Total Number of Employees |
Full Time |
Part Time |
|
Principal Officer |
11 |
11 |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
29 |
25 |
4 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
38 |
34 |
4 |
|
Administrative Officer |
6 |
5 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
41 |
37 |
4 |
|
Clerical Officer |
47 |
43 |
4 |
|
Service Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Technical grade |
8 |
8 |
|
|
Ministers Adviser |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Minister drivers |
4 |
4 |
Table D - Employee numbers in each grade as of 4th November 2020:
|
Grade |
Total Number of Employees |
Full Time |
Part Time |
|
Principal Officer |
12 |
12 |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
26 |
22 |
4 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
38 |
35 |
3 |
|
Administrative Officer |
10 |
9 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
42 |
38 |
4 |
|
Clerical Officer |
52 |
48 |
4 |
|
Service Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Technical grade |
12 |
12 |
|
|
Ministers Adviser |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Minister drivers |
2 |
2 |
The budget allocated each year for staffing requirements is as follows:
|
Years |
Budget |
|
2017 (July-Dec) |
3.32 million |
|
2018 |
8.26 million |
|
2019 |
9.16 million |
|
2020 (to date) |
7.85 million (at end of Oct) |
