Written Answers Nos. 242-261
242. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of State and semi-State board appointments that fall under the aegis of his Department made since this Government took office, including the name of the board or agency and the remuneration level associated with the board position, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4553/21]
View answer243. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of all State and semi-State boards that fall under the aegis of his Department; the level of remuneration being paid to each board member, including chairpersons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4566/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.
There are eight State and semi-State Boards under the aegis of my Department, including the Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo) which was operationally wound down in 2017 and is awaiting formal dissolution. A caretaker board was appointed to manage the affairs until the dissolution of ReBo; members do not receive remuneration.
All of the appointments, including reappointments, since the Government took office were made in line with the 2014 Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards. Further details requested by the Deputy are in the table below:
244. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding allocated by his Department to the Covid-19 communications strategy since the beginning of the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4758/21]
View answer245. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding spent by his Department on the Covid-19 communications strategy since the beginning of the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4769/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department has not allocated or spent any funding on Covid-19 communications strategies since the beginning of the pandemic.
246. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason an increased salary of some €292,000 has been allocated to the position of Secretary General for the Department of Health. [4153/21]
View answer247. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has provided direct approval and sanctioning of a salary increase for the new position of Secretary General of the Department of Health; the details of the business case for such an increase in remuneration; if the account as reported in a national print media article dated 18 January 2020 quoting a person (details supplied) is correct; the reason a full memo was not brought to Cabinet; and the reason a message was not brought by him to Dáil Éireann. [4154/21]
View answer248. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a public statement advising the absence of a memo to Cabinet for formal approval of the proposed increase of the rate of pay for the position of Secretary General of the Department of Health to €292,000 is in line with Articles 11 and 17 of the Constitution and the views of the Minister for Health (details supplied) that such an increase would not be included in advised voted expenditure; and his plans to bring a message to Dáil Éireann for approval of such an increase in the rate of remuneration applicable to the position, which is far outside increases prescribed in the public service pay agreements. [4155/21]
View answer249. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, in the interests of the taxpayer, TLAC will immediately suspend the formal recruitment of a new Secretary General of the Department of Health, pending the full consideration of the matter by the Committee of Public Accounts and Dáil Éireann to ensure the optimum public scrutiny and approval of public expenditure and the proposed increase in the salary to avoid the setting of further poor precedent by proceeding without such scrutiny and examination. [4156/21]
View answer258. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the background process and the precise details surrounding the new remuneration package for the new Secretary General at the Department of Health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3726/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 246 to 249, inclusive, and 258 together.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has statutory responsibility for the remuneration of civil servants, as set out in Section 17 of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956 (as amended by the Ministers and Secretaries Act 2011):
Miscellaneous powers of the Minister in relation to the Civil Service.
17. (1) The Minister shall be responsible for the following matters-
(a) the regulation and control of the Civil Service,
(b) the classification, re-classification, numbers and remuneration of civil servants,
(c) the fixing of;
(i) the terms and conditions of service of civil servants, and
(ii) the conditions governing the promotion of civil servants.
(2) The Minister may, for the purpose of subsection (1) of this section, make such arrangements as he thinks fit and may cancel or vary those arrangements.
(3) Any arrangements made by the Minister before the commencement of this Act in relation to any of the matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section and not cancelled before such commencement shall continue in force and be deemed to have been made under subsection (2) of this section.
In meeting these responsibilities, the following was taken into account:
- 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.
In the context of the above, I engaged with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health and the Secretary General to the Government. On 6th January Cabinet was informed that the TLAC process for the position in Health was about to commence and that, for the reasons outlined above, it would attract improved terms and conditions reflecting the responsibilities of the post.
A recruitment process is now underway with the position internationally advertised on 8 January 2021 by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC). The Minister for Health will bring a memo on the proposed appointment of the new Secretary General once the process is completed.
250. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to provide additional extensions or to carry out a competitive recruitment process for the replacement on retirement of three Secretaries General (details supplied) in view of the expiry of the seven-year rule in 2018. [4157/21]
View answerThere are a range of options for the filling of Secretary General posts, either at the end of a term or when a vacancy arises. These include:
(1) extension of the term of an incumbent in the post;
(2) assignment of an existing Secretary General / equivalent post holder to the post; or
(3) initiation of a competitive process including through the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC process).
A decision will be taken at the appropriate time regarding the approach in relation to each post.
251. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the environmental assessment has commenced; the expected completion date; and if planning permission has been sought in respect of the programme of strategic maintenance and the removal of the pinch points in the Shannon Callows developed by the Shannon working group with €7 million funding being provided by the Office of Public Works. [3646/21]
View answer253. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the frequency with which the Shannon working group will meet in 2021. [3648/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 253 together.
In December, 2019, the Government noted that the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group agreed to provide €7m from the OPW Vote to Waterways Ireland to implement a co-ordinated strategic programme of maintenance activities for the River Shannon and for the removal of a number of constrictions in the Callows region. These proposed works can delay flooding and also benefit navigation and agricultural lands.
Waterways Ireland are advancing a range of these measures and expect to commence work on these in 2021. Some of the more complex measures will be subject to the full environmental assessments required and planning consent to proceed. Under the auspices of the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group, Waterways Ireland and the OPW are working together on the preparation of the applications for the necessary consents and planning permissions.
The Working Group has met on 14 occasions to date and I have attended its last 2 meetings. The Working Group is due to meet again on 4 March 2021 during which it will discuss its meeting schedule for 2021. I have been meeting with local organisations and communities on the Shannon, including the IFA, ICMSA and local authorities along the Shannon. Over the next number of weeks, I will be meeting with the Environmental Pillar and other stakeholders involved with the Shannon.
252. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the 25 schemes that have commenced of the 34 new schemes to be delivered for the Shannon area; and the status of the other nine identified schemes which have not yet commenced. [3647/21]
View answerThe Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) in 2018 derived from the CFRAM Programme include 34 new flood relief schemes to protect towns in the Shannon catchment area. These are in addition to schemes in 11 towns that are already complete and are providing protection against a 1 in 100 year flood event.
As work has commenced on 25 of the schemes identified in the plans including those at Construction stage and Planning Stage, 80% of the flood relief measures for the Shannon catchment set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans are complete or underway.
The stages of scheme progression are complex and require detailed surveying, technical assessment, modelling and consultation in order to identify a preferred option which complies with the requirements of Environmental and Planning Legislation and meets the required standard of protection. The OPW and the Local Authorities have been engaging pro-actively since the launch of the Plans to advance the implementation of these schemes.
Capital Funding for the delivery of the other schemes identified in the Flood Risk Management has been provided by the Government and will be progressed in Tranche II of the ten year National Development Plan 2018 to 2027.
254. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of hard defence schemes that have been approved by his Department in respect of coastal erosion throughout the country during the past 20 years; the details of such schemes approved; the amount of funding provided; if such schemes have been located in areas classified as special areas of conservation under the EU Habitats Directive or as special protection areas under the Birds Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3673/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) does not have responsibility for the preparation of a national coastal erosion strategy or plan. The OPWs prime responsibility in this area is the management of flood risk. However, the Government has established an Inter-Departmental Group on Managing Coastal Change to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities. The Inter-Departmental Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the OPW and will bring forward options and recommendations for the Government to consider.
Coastal protection and localised flooding issues are matters, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the OPW has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website. This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
The Local Authorities may carry out coastal protection works using their own resources. If necessary, they may also put forward proposals to the relevant Government Departments for funding of appropriate measures. Intervention or hard defences has the potential to cause problems further along the coast, any proposed intervention measures are best developed in conjunction with a formal coastal risk management study that has carefully investigated the problem and explored the full range of management options.
The OPW operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme since 2009, under which applications for funding from local authorities for small localised works are considered for measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. Funding for coastal risk management studies may also be applied for under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects that meet the eligibility criteria including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial. It is a matter for each local authority to ensure that all the necessary environmental, statutory and regulatory approvals are in place prior to any works being undertaken.
The OPW guidelines for funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, together with a full list of funding approvals since 2009 is available on the OPW website at https://www.gov.ie/opw.
255. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the current project plan regarding reacquiring a site for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo. [3695/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) are continuing to liaise with the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) to progress the proposed Coast Guard Station at Belmullet, County Mayo. A brief of requirements for the site has been submitted to the OPW by the IRCG, following which a feasibility study will be required to be carried out to ensure suitability of the site.
Belmullet is currently on the priority list of Coast Guard stations to be progressed by the OPW and it is expected that feasibility studies on the project will commence by end of Q2 / early Q3 2021.
256. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of State and semi-State board appointments made by him since this Government took office; the name of the board or agency; the remuneration level associated with the board position in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3722/21]
View answerI have made four appointments to the Public Appointments Service (PAS) Advisory Board, which is an independent Scheduled Body under the aegis of my Department, since the Government took office.
There are nine members of this Advisory Board. As set out in the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, at least two members should have either or both relevant civil service or public sector experience or knowledge, and at least two members must have relevant experience in human resource management, customer service and recruitment outside of the public service.
As per the 'One Person One Salary' principle, civil servants or public servants appointed to the PAS Advisory Board do not receive remuneration.
|
Date of Appointment |
Remuneration |
|
15/09/20 |
N/A |
|
09/10/20 |
€7,965 per annum |
|
09/10/20 |
€7,965 per annum |
|
01/01/21 |
N/A |
257. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of all State and semi-State boards that fall under the aegis of his Department; the level of remuneration being paid to each board member, including chairpersons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3723/21]
View answerTwo Advisory Boards are in place within bodies under the aegis of my Department - the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the National Shared Service Office (NSSO).
Both organisations are independent Scheduled Bodies, funded by voted moneys from the Exchequer - Vote 17 (PAS) and Vote 18 (NSSO).
Details regarding the purpose, function, membership, appointments process and conditions of office for members of the PAS Advisory Board are set out in the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. Similar details corresponding to the NSSO Advisory Board are set out in the National Shared Services Act 2017.
The membership of both Advisory Boards comprises of civil servants, public servants and individuals who have been appointed from outside of the Civil and Public Service. Details regarding the level of remuneration provided to board members, including chairpersons, is set out in tabular format below. As per the 'One Person One Salary' principle, civil and public servants who sit on these boards do not receive remuneration for doing so.
|
Organisation |
Role |
Remuneration |
|
Public Appointments Service |
Chairperson |
€11,970 per annum |
|
3 Ordinary Members |
€7,695 per annum (each) |
|
|
National Shared Services Office |
1 Ordinary Member |
€11,970 per annum |
259. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, when a person who is employed or paid by the State avails of the pandemic unemployment payment due to childcare, this will result in a break of service to his or her contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3736/21]
View answerPublic sector employees on unpaid leave (e.g. parental leave etc.) are not eligible to claim the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Although school closures are in effect across the country due to COVID-19, it should be noted that childcare services, including childminders, and other existing childcare arrangements remain open and can continue for children of essential workers and vulnerable children. In addition, a household of an essential worker, without an existing childcare arrangement, can avail of new childcare arrangements or form a bubble with another household for the purpose of providing childcare.
The list of essential services are set out in the ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. The list can be found on the gov.ie website:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
In circumstances where the above options have been exhausted, public service employers and employees may, where appropriate, consider alternative arrangements for flexible working, including working from home and/or working adjusted hours, staggered hours, weekend work etc. to facilitate employees where necessary.
260. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of Secretaries General within the Civil Service in receipt of gross annual payments exceeding €210,000. [3854/21]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the document attached (TAB A) which details the current Secretary General posts at Level I, II and III, listed by Government Department.
The salaries for Secretary General Level I, II and III 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/
I would highlight the following:
- The salary for the 3 Secretary General Level I posts is €211,742 - above the threshold outlined by the Deputy.
- For Secretary General Level II posts the Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) salary rate, as outlined in the Circular, is €211,742. As with all civil servants, a Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) rate applies for established employees appointed on or after 6th April 1995 paying the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and making an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits.
261. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when an appointment (details supplied) will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3899/21]
View answerIt is OPWs intention to run a recruitment competition to establish a panel during 2021.
