Michael Healy-Rae
Question:81. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the status of a primary medical certificate application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3390/21]
View answerPrimary Medical Certificates
Questions (81)
Written answers
Following approval of the Finance Act 2020, which provides for the medical criteria for the Disabled Drivers Scheme, the HSE has been informed that medical assessments can recommence from 1st January 2021. This is considered to be an interim solution only. A comprehensive review of the scheme, to include a broader review of mobility supports for persons with disabilities, will be conducted this year. On foot of that review new proposals will be brought forward for consideration.
Separately, the ability to hold assessments may be impacted on by, among other things, the public health restrictions in place and the role of the HSE Medical Officers in the roll out of the COVID vaccination programme.
Ports Traffic
Questions (82, 83)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:82. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the number of lorries that have entered each port from the UK since the 1 January 2021; the number that have been physically inspected for compliance with the new Brexit rules; the number destined for Northern Ireland; the number of trucks that must be inspected based on the EU-UK Brexit agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3419/21]
View answerÉamon Ó Cuív
Question:83. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the number of lorries that have entered each port from the UK since the 1 January 2021; the number and percentage of lorries with their paperwork in order and compliant with the new rules on arrival; the number that had minor errors leading to a delay of less than three hours; the number subject to a longer delay broken down between trucks whose final destination is Northern Ireland and Ireland in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3420/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
Since January 1, following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK has been outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union and this means that goods coming from or through the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) are subject to a range of new customs formalities including import declarations and controls.
Since 1 Jan 2021 there were:
- 8,629 accompanied and unaccompanied vehicle (movements) into Dublin Port and 688 movements into Rosslare Europort from the UK
- 5,856 (68%) of movements into Dublin Port and 509 (74%) of movements into Rosslare Europort were green routed in the light of compliance with the necessary customs formalities and these movements were able to leave the ports without intervention by Revenue or the other State agencies
- 2,474 (29%) of movements into Dublin Port and 170 (25%) of movements into Rosslare Europort were orange routed involving subsequent documentary checks by Revenue or the other State agencies
- 299 (3%) of movements into Dublin Port and 9 (1%) of movements into Rosslare Europort were red routed involving subsequent physical examination by Revenue or the other State agencies.
Where goods cannot be green routed immediately on arrival in Ireland, the time taken to resolve the matter is dependent on the matter that has given rise to an orange or red routing and whether an inspection of the goods is required. Where the issue relates to outstanding information and documentation, the sooner the business provides the information to Revenue and/or the other State agencies, the faster the goods will be released. Goods of animal or plant origin may take longer to clear as, in addition to documentary checks, physical inspections of the goods may also be required. Physical inspection times vary depending on the size and mix of the loads and the type of the goods. I am advised by Revenue that a breakdown of the inspection times on the basis set out by the Deputy is not available. Revenue has emphasised that in its engagement with trade and businesses it has consistently drawn attention to the fact that the time taken to complete import formalities can be minimised by providing timely and accurate information as part of the customs declaration process and by timely response to requests for supplementary documentation when such requests arise.
The movement details and breakdown provided to the Deputy cover destinations in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Under the terms of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, goods destined for Northern Ireland may move under the Common Transit Convention or businesses may choose to complete their customs formalities in Ireland and subsequently move the goods to Northern Ireland. Additionally, during the early days of January, movements that had commenced as an intra-EU movement before 11pm on 31 December 2020, did not require a customs declaration and were able to complete that movement without the need for additional paperwork. For these reasons I am advised by Revenue that it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the figures by Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (84)
Gerald Nash
Question:84. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the details of the cost of the employment wage subsidy scheme since its inception; his plans to continue the scheme beyond the schedule of 31 March 2021; the estimated costs if the scheme were to continue to 31 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3442/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government’s response to the continued Covid-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment in the midst of these very challenging times. To date, subsidy payments of over €1.5 billion have been made and PRSI relief worth over €270m granted to over 41,600 employers in respect of over 467,000 employees.
The scheme is demand led and the cost ultimately depends on a number of factors, including the numbers of employers making a valid claim for the subsidy and the numbers of employees they claim the subsidy in respect of. Based on the average monthly value of the EWSS claimed to date, if the scheme was to be maintained in its current form, it is estimated that it could cost an additional €350m per month in direct subsidy payments and €61m in PRSI relief. Over an additional 9 months that would cost a further €3.15bn in direct subsidy and €550m in PRSI relief.
I have always been clear that there will be no cliff-edge to the EWSS. It is noted that the legislation implementing the measure provides that it will be in place until 31 March 2021, but also allows me, as Minister for Finance, to extend the scheme until the end of June 2021, subject to certain conditions.
It is likely that continued support will be necessary out to the end of 2021 to help maintain viable businesses and employment and to provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible. Decisions on the form of such support will take account of emerging circumstances and economic conditions as they become clearer.
Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 77.
Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 58.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (87)
Gerald Nash
Question:87. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the status of the temporary wage subsidy scheme and the employment wage subsidy scheme respective compliance programmes; if the Revenue Commissioners will publish a list of employers who availed of the employment wage subsidy scheme at the end of January 2021 as anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3445/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Revenue that since June of last year, it has engaged in a programme of compliance checks on all employers who participated in the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS). The purpose of the compliance checks is to ensure that participating employers were properly eligible for the scheme and that the supports were paid over to qualifying employees.
To date, TWSS compliance checks have been completed in respect of more than 92% of participating employers, with the remainder in progress. The checks have confirmed high levels of compliance with the requirements of the scheme by most employers. However, a relatively small number of participating employers were identified as being ineligible for the scheme. To date, over €3m of subsidy payments has been recouped, with some cases still to be concluded.
Regarding the Employment Wage subsidy Scheme (EWSS), Revenue has advised me that it is currently carrying out real-time reviews of participating employers to ensure they are correctly eligible for the scheme. Where issues are identified, Revenue engages with the business to ensure they are quickly rectified.
Finally, Revenue has confirmed that it will publish the names and addresses of all employers who received EWSS payments during the period 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020 before the end of January 2021 in accordance with Section 28B of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020.
The list of all employers who availed of the TWSS has already been published in accordance with Section 28(8) of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid 19) Act 2020 and may be viewed at the following link:
https://www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/twss/list-of-employers/index.aspx .
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (88)
Johnny Mythen
Question:88. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the orphan companies mainly attached to the entertainment and ticket industry regarding Covid-19 and employment wage subsidy scheme assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3451/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) was legislated for under the Financial Provisions (Covid-19) (No. 2) Act 2020. The scheme is an emergency measure to deal with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and to deliver an enterprise support to employers based on business eligibility delivering a per-head subsidy on a flat rate basis.
As regards eligibility for the scheme, an employer must be able to demonstrate that his or her business will experience a 30% reduction in turnover or orders between 1 January and 30 June 2021, by reference to the corresponding period in 2019, as a result of business disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, the employer must have a tax clearance certificate to be eligible to join the EWSS and must continue to meet the requirements for tax clearance throughout the scheme. The scheme has no role in relation to the employer/employee relationship in regard to terms and conditions.
The EWSS provides a flat-rate subsidy to qualifying employers, based on the number of qualifying employees on the payroll. The EWSS is administered by Revenue on a 'self-assessment' basis and employers are required to undertake a review on the last day of every month to ensure they continue to meet the above eligibility criteria. Employers who, following a monthly review, find they no longer qualify should deregister for EWSS with immediate effect i.e. from the 1st of the following month.
The Deputy refers to orphan companies mainly attached to the entertainment and ticket industry. Without knowing the specific facts of each case it is difficult to determine eligibility based on this point. However, as regards the film industry, Designated Activity Companies (DACs) operate as a requirement under Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, which provides a corporation tax credit for eligible expenditure on qualifying films.
It is not possible for Revenue to verify whether a specific DAC would qualify for the EWSS based on the eligibility criteria but given that all balancing funding for the production above the 32% tax credit must already be secured before claiming the credit, a reduction of earnings would not be evident at the outset.
Section 481 is administered by both the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, in relation to the cultural and employment aspects, and Revenue, in relation to the quantum of the credit available. Further details re Section 481 can be found at:
https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-02-04.pdf.
Finally, guidelines on the operation of the EWSS including comprehensive information on employer eligibility and supporting proofs is available on the Revenue website at:
https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/communications/documents/ewss-guidelines.pdf.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (89)
Catherine Murphy
Question:89. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the top ten individual amounts repaid by companies that received payments under the Covid-19 temporary wage subsidy scheme; and the sector that each firm operates in tabular form. [3456/21]
View answerWritten answers
Revenue has confirmed that 5,195 employers have repaid Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) payments to date. The total amount refunded up to 31 December 2020 is just over €79m. The top 10 amounts repaid range from approximately €1.4m to €6m and span various sectors of the economy.
Due to confidentiality concerns, it is not possible for Revenue to list the top 10 amounts and the sectors involved in the manner requested by the Deputy.
Central Bank of Ireland
Questions (90)
Catherine Murphy
Question:90. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff at the Central Bank who received pay in excess of €400,000 in 2019 and 2020; the number who received pay between €300,000 and €400,000 in 2019 and 2020; the number who received pay between €300,000 and €200,000 in 2019 and 2020; the number who received pay between €200,000 and €150,000 in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; the number who received between €100,000 and €150,000; the remuneration package for the Governor of Central Bank in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3457/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Bank Commission is responsible for setting the remuneration, terms and conditions of staff of the Central Bank of Ireland.
The Central Bank is subject to and compliant with the provisions of the FEMPI Acts 2009-2015 and the pay adjustments arising from this legislation were applied to all staff.
The more recent Public Service Pay and Pensions Act (PSPP) 2017 provides for restoration of salary scales through four cumulative pay increases.
As a result of the pay restoration associated with the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act, the salaries of staff at all grades have been gradually restored since 2017, including the salaries of senior management. I have been advised that as a result of this a higher number of staff will have higher salaries than was the case prior to the pay restoration taking effect. I have also been advised however, that other than the payment of standard annual increments and increases provided for under FEMPI 2015 and the Public Service Pay and Pensions act, no other increases to salaries have been applied within the Bank.
Salary information for staff up to and including director level is available on the Central Bank's website (link below)
Table 1 provides a breakdown of Central Bank staff at 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020 respectively, and reflecting Annual basic pay against the relevant salary range.
|
Table 1 |
# of staff at 31 Dec 2019 |
# of staff at 31 Dec 2020 |
|
>€400,000 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
€300,000 <€400,000 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
€200,000 <€300,000 |
5 |
5 |
|
€150,000 <€200,000 |
25 |
42 |
|
€100,000 <€150,000 |
247 |
245 |
The Salary of the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland is set by the Central Bank Commission and is reviewed on an annual basis. The Governor’s Annual Salary is €292,526 effective 1st October 2020. Since 2013 the annual review of the Governor's salary has applied the terms of the public service pay agreements applicable to all public servants. No increases other than those provided for within those public service pay agreements have been applied to the salary of the Governor. Bank employees are automatically enrolled in the Central Bank of Ireland Pension Scheme (which mirrors the Civil Service Superannuation Scheme).
https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/careers/policies/staff-categories-salary-scales-and-salary-bands.pdf?sfvrsn=28
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (91, 92, 93)
Pearse Doherty
Question:91. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the Government has submitted its plans to the European Commission for funds received under the recovery and resilience facility; if so, when they were submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3460/21]
View answerPearse Doherty
Question:92. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will publish the national reform programme to be submitted to the Commission under the recovery and resilience facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3461/21]
View answerPearse Doherty
Question:93. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of the programmes and allocations to each programme that will be funded through the Government’s allocation through the recovery and resilience facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3462/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 to 93, inclusive, together.
The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is the key element of the €750bn Next Generation EU/ Recovery Plan Package agreed by the European Council in July 2020. The Recovery and Resilience Facility accounts for €672.6bn of the total Next Generation EU, made up of €360bn in loans and €312.5bn in grant (2018 prices).
On 18 December 2020, political agreement was reached on the Recovery and Resilience Facility between the Council and the European Parliament on the draft regulation establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility and it is expected that the final Regulation will be formally adopted in February.
In order to access funds, Member States will need to prepare National Recovery and Resilience Plans setting out the reform and investment objectives for the years 2021-26, for which they are seeking funding. Member States are expected to submit plans to the European Commission for approval no later than 30 April 2021. Disbursements will take place upon the achievement of pre-set targets and milestones identified in the plans. The final targets and milestones must be met on or before August 2026 to ensure final payments can be made.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, working with the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for preparing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. When it has been agreed by the Government, it will be submitted to the European Commission to meet the deadline of 30 April 2021.
The breakdown of the programmes and allocations to each programme will be considered by the Government as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and it is expected to be published once it has been finalised and approved.
Brexit Issues
Questions (94)
Brendan Smith
Question:94. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to concerns of businesses trading through Dublin Port regarding delays that have occurred since the start of 2021; the measures to be implemented at an early date to eliminate such delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3480/21]
View answerWritten answers
Since January 1, following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK has been outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union and this means that a range of customs formalities apply to goods moving to, from or through the United Kingdom, excluding Northern Ireland.
I fully appreciate, as does Revenue, that the new regulatory requirements and customs formalities present significant challenges and impose additional burdens on businesses. Revenue is working with businesses to resolve issues while also being mindful of the responsibility on businesses to comply with EU Customs legislation. Customs requirements can be complex for businesses, but it is essential that Ireland fulfils its obligations as a member of the EU and that we protect public health, food safety and product standards as well as the integrity of the Single Market and the Customs Union.
I appreciate that some businesses have encountered challenges in meeting their customs obligations, but it is also important to recognise that a significant number of businesses have successfully made the transition to the new trading environment and that the majority of goods going through Dublin Port are being green routed on arrival meaning they can leave the port without the need for intervention by Customs or other State agencies.
Where businesses are experiencing delays, I am informed by Revenue that in the majority of cases, the reason for the delays have been because customs documentation has not been provided or has been completed incorrectly and as a result the goods cannot be released from the port for free circulation. To address these challenges, it is essential that businesses enhance their customs knowledge and capability as quickly as possible and that they get a full understanding of their supply chains and the role and contribution of each of the players in the supply chain to the task of completing and complying with the necessary customs formalities. The Government has provided a range of supports to assist businesses in adapting to the new rules and procedures that are now in place, including the Ready for Customs Grant scheme and the Clear Customs training programme. Additionally, since 1 January officials and State Agencies have also been providing support and assistance on a 24/7 basis when practical difficulties and challenges arise for businesses.
I am advised by Revenue that it will continue to engage with individual businesses and with the relevant trade representative bodies to assist them in building the understanding and knowledge of customs formalities. As issues arise, Revenue is working with businesses on a 24/7 basis to resolve issues relating to particular movements, to ensure that the goods can move as quickly as possible. However, businesses must fully embrace the fact that the trading environment between Ireland and Great Britain has changed irrevocably following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 and there is no alternative to complying with the relevant customs formalities that are now an integral part of trade with Great Britain.
Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 78.
Housing Policy
Questions (96)
Pearse Doherty
Question:96. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he or his officials have met lenders or an organisation (details supplied) regarding the affordable purchase shared equity scheme that will come under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3490/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme is a policy initiative which falls under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage following the allocation of €75m of funding as part of Budget 2021.
Officials in my Department have been providing on-going support and assistance to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Housing Agency in relation to the development of the scheme including interacting with the Banking and Payments Federation (BPFI) and the participating banks. The final details of the scheme, are still under discussion and remain to be finalised by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage over the coming months.
Housing Policy
Questions (97)
Pearse Doherty
Question:97. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he has sought views from the Central Bank on the proposed affordable purchase shared equity scheme, including its interaction with the mortgage lending rules; if so, the views of the Central Bank in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3493/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme is a policy initiative which falls under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage following the allocation of €75m of funding as part of Budget 2021.
Officials in my Department have been providing on-going support and assistance to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Housing Agency in relation to the development of the scheme including interacting with the Central Bank, the Banking and Payments Federation (BPFI) and the participating banks. The scheme is being designed to respect the macro prudential rules and the views of the Central Bank will be carefully considered.
The Central Bank has provided the following statement:
“The Central Bank of Ireland is aware of plans by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to introduce an Affordable Housing Shared Equity Scheme. Any queries in respect of the Scheme should be referred to the Department. Upon finalisation of the scheme design, the Central Bank will consider the interaction between the scheme and the mortgage measures as well as the proposed operation of the scheme from the perspective of our consumer protection mandate.
The mortgage measures were introduced with the aim of strengthening the resilience of both borrowers and the banking sector. The Central Bank is committed to annually reviewing the calibration of the mortgage measures in the context of wider housing and mortgage market developments, to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives of:
- Increasing the resilience of banks and borrowers to negative economic and financial shocks
- Dampening the pro-cyclicality of credit and house prices so a damaging credit-house price spiral does not emerge.”
State Properties
Questions (98)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:98. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3014/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy is aware that the former Garda station at Moyvane closed on the 30th March 2012 as part of An Garda Síochána's rationalisation programme. The property was returned to the Commissioners of Public Works to consider for alternative State use or disposal.
In line with the OPW’s disposal policy, consideration must be given to alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector, in advance of considering disposal by sale or, where feasible, to consider community use. In considering community use, the OPW requires a detailed submission from a community or voluntary organisation that sets out the intended purpose and that indicates that the group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property in a way that ensures that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer.
I am informed by my officials that they met the group referred to by the Deputy in October 2020 and continue to correspond with them in relation to their proposal to licence the property. This is primarily because part of the property has structural defects and is in poor condition.
Flood Relief Schemes
Questions (99)
Sorca Clarke
Question:99. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the proposed timescale for the completion of a scheme in view of the recent approval of An Bord Pleanála for the Office of Public Works-funded scheme in Springfield, Clonlara. [3254/21]
View answerWritten answers
Clare County Council (CCC), as the contracting authority for a proposed flood relief scheme in Springfield/Clonlara, is leading on progressing this scheme, with funding and support provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The current position is that An Bord Pleanala granted approval in November 2020 to the Part 10 planning application submitted by Clare County Council in respect of the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme. Consultants Byrne Looby are currently working on the detailed design of the embankments and pumpstation on behalf of Clare County Council. Ground Investigations, archaeological monitoring and a topographical survey are scheduled to commence on site imminently and Clare County Council is currently negotiating with landowners to acquire the lands to construct the scheme. The works are programmed to commence in May 2021 and are expected to be substantially complete before the end of 2021.
Public Sector Pay
Questions (100)
Catherine Murphy
Question:100. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will set out each tier of pay scale by amount and tier for all secretary general posts; and the reason tiers exist for the same top ranked position across Departments. [3091/21]
View answerWritten answers
I refer the Deputy to the document (TAB A) which details the current levels of Secretary General posts, listed by Government Department.
TAB A - Secretary General Posts
|
Level |
Secretary General Posts |
|
I |
Secretary General, Finance |
|
Secretary General, Taoiseach / Secretary General to the Government |
|
|
Secretary General, Public Expenditure and Reform |
|
|
II |
Secretary General, Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
|
Secretary General, Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
|
|
Secretary General, Justice |
|
|
Secretary General, Health* |
|
|
Secretary General, Foreign Affairs |
|
|
Secretary General, Environment, Climate and Communications |
|
|
Secretary General, Social Protection |
|
|
Secretary General, Education |
|
|
Secretary General, Housing, Local Government & Heritage |
|
|
Secretary General, Transport |
|
|
Secretary General, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
|
|
III |
Secretary General, Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
|
Secretary General, Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth |
|
|
Secretary General, Defence |
|
|
Secretary General, Rural and Community Development |
|
|
Secretary General to the President |
*Revised pay terms will apply to the new appointment to the post of Secretary General in the Department of Health following the conclusion of the recruitment campaign advertised on 8 th January 2021.
The gradings of Secretary General posts were informed by recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector which concluded that, given the differences in terms of job weight between the various posts of Secretary General, a structure of three salary levels was appropriate.
The current salaries that apply to these Secretary General posts are as outlined in Circular 12 of 2020, which is available here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/39b2c-circular-12-2020-application-of-1st-of-october-2020-pay-adjustments/
Revised pay terms will apply to the new appointment to the post of Secretary General in the Department of Health following the conclusion of the recruitment campaign advertised on 8th January 2021. This reflects:
- That the post of Secretary General in the Department of Health is a highly complex one with a very challenging brief, particularly so in the midst of a global pandemic.
- The role will require an individual with the ability, ambition and experience to take on this large portfolio with a Department of almost 600 staff and 19 non-commercial state bodies under its aegis, including the HSE and a sector employing over 125,000 people.
- The very significant responsibilities attached to this role including: the ongoing management of the response to the COVID public health emergency; the COVID vaccine rollout programme in the immediate term; implementing the Government’s ambition for the rollout of Sláintecare; and the management of the greatly increased budget of €22 billion for Health in 2021. The responsibilities are outlined in detail in the advertisement booklet, which is publicly available at the link below: https://publicjobs.ie/en/index.php?option=com_jobsearch&view=jobdetails&Itemid=263&cid=128369&campaignId=2101301
- That a salary of €292,000 is commensurate with the scale of these responsibilities and the unique challenges attached to this role, not least at the current time.