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Wednesday, 3 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 206-233

Customs and Excise

Questions (208)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

208. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the measures his Department is taking to help persons that are shopping online and are being charged exorbitant customs duties and fees on top of the base price that the product was advertised at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5879/21]

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Written answers

From 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) has exited the transition period with the European Union (EU), is not a member of the EU and as a result, imports including online purchases from the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) may incur additional charges including Customs duties and VAT.

I am advised by Revenue that VAT is chargeable on all imports from Great Britain that are greater than €22. Customs duty may be chargeable on purchases over €150, depending on the origin of the goods.  The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement has eliminated Customs duties for goods imported from Great Britain where the goods are of UK origin. However, where the goods being imported from the UK are not of UK origin, then these are subject to Customs duties.

The customs value on which Customs Duty is calculated is the cost of the goods plus the transport costs (including postage), any insurance fees and any handling charges to deliver the goods to the EU. VAT is calculated on the Customs Value, plus any Customs Duty applicable.

Consumers should carefully check the billing policy of the website that they are purchasing from to confirm if the price quoted includes VAT and Customs duty. If VAT and Customs duty is not included, then this will have to be paid when the goods are delivered. Carriers/delivery companies may also add their own charges, and these can vary depending on the carrier/delivery company used. 

Queries relating to the carrier/delivery company charges should be directed to the company who delivered the goods. Queries relating to the calculation of the import charges should be directed to the company that completed the customs formalities which, usually for online or personal shopping, will be the carrier/delivery company.

The Revenue website has a useful guide to import taxes for online shopping: https://www.revenue.ie/en/importing-vehicles-duty-free-allowances/buying-of-goods-online-for-personal-use/index.aspx. There are detailed examples which show how the taxes are calculated, and guidance on returning items. 

There is also information under the ‘Shopping online’ section of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website at https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/shopping/brexit/.

Tax Exemptions

Questions (209)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

209. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 27 January 2021, if the sale of the horse by the farmer in question is exempt from income tax when it is with a registered handler rather than a registered trainer given it is with a registered trainer and the sale of the animal is exempt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5906/21]

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Written answers

I am advised by Revenue that there is no income tax exemption relating to the sale of horses. Rather, where an individual’s ownership and racing of racehorses is considered a “hobby” or a “recreational activity”, it will fall outside the scope of income tax.  Where, however, the ownership and racing of racehorses forms part of a trade carried on by a person, the proceeds from the sale of a horse is not outside the scope of income tax and must be taken into account in computing income from the trade which is chargeable to income tax.   Whether an individual’s activities in relation to a racehorse constitute a trade or a hobby depends on the particular facts of the case. 

As the Deputy is referring to a particular case, it is recommended that the relevant taxpayer seeks further guidance from Revenue on the applicable tax treatment by providing the full facts of the case and submitting a query through the Revenue Technical Service.  Guidance on submitting a query is available on the Revenue website at:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-37/37-00-00a.pdf .

Tax Exemptions

Questions (210)

David Cullinane

Question:

210. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter raised in correspondence regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5930/21]

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Written answers

I am advised by Revenue that the vehicle in question previously had diplomatic exemption from Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), which was linked to the last owner.

To remove the diplomatic exemption from the vehicle and allow for the issue of a new Vehicle Registration Certificate, a Form VRT 19 was submitted to Revenue by the person in question in January 2020. Revenue subsequently processed the Form, and a new Vehicle Registration Certificate issued to the person from the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport (Motor Tax Office) on 31 January 2020.

Revenue has confirmed that it has had no other contact with the person concerning the vehicle during the intervening period and is not aware of any outstanding issues. If the person has any further queries or concerns regarding the Vehicle Registration Certificate, he should contact the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport.  

Primary Medical Certificates

Questions (211, 212)

Brendan Smith

Question:

211. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the proposals there are to improve the conditions applicable to the primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6032/21]

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Brendan Smith

Question:

212. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if new applications are being accepted and if existing applications are being processed for the primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6033/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.

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.

Energy Efficiency

Questions (213)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

213. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the percentage of the 2014-2020 cohesion policy funds for energy efficiency in buildings that have been spent. [5994/21]

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Written answers

Cohesion Policy is an important tool to stimulate economic growth, promote social cohesion and to reduce disparities between the regions of the EU, and EU Structural and Investment Funding is comprised of the following:

- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

- European Social Fund (ESF)

- European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

- European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

- Cohesion Fund (CF)

Ireland no longer qualifies for the Cohesion Fund.

The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, has overall responsibility for EU Cohesion Policy and primary responsibility for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  The Minister for Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has primary responsibility for the ESF.  The Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine has responsibility for the EAFRD and the EMFF.  

The policy context for the application of these funds is set out in Ireland's Partnership Agreement (http://www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Partnership-Agreement-Ireland-2014-2020.pdf) which is the overarching strategic document governing the ESI Funds. 

With regard to energy efficiency in buildings, this falls under Priority Four (P4) of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  The current funding allocation for P4 for both ERDF Operational Programmes 2014-2020 in Ireland is approximately €157.7m.  To date claims for approximately €118.7m or 75.25% of this funding has been submitted to the Commission, which leaves approximately €39m or 24.75%, which it is envisaged will be submitted by programme closure. All funding under the ERDF is reimbursed at 50% by the EU Commission. 

Flood Relief Schemes

Questions (214)

Dara Calleary

Question:

214. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a project (details supplied); the number of submissions recently received during the public consultation process; the process of assessing these submissions; the next steps in this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5080/21]

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Written answers

In relation to the Crossmolina Certified Drainage Scheme, I am advised that the River Deel (Crossmolina) flood defence scheme is being progressed by the Commissioners of Public Works as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995.  This is a significant scheme within the Office of Public Works €1 billion flood relief investment programme, and on completion will protect 116 properties in the town.

The Scheme requires formal confirmation from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (MPER) to proceed. This is a statutory requirement under the Arterial Drainage Acts, which now, under the recent European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019, also require the MPER to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed Scheme.  This involves, inter alia, a formal review by MPER of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) prepared by the Commissioners and recently submitted (along with a Natura Impact Statement) to the MPER as part of the formal confirmation process.

The relevant documentation for the River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme has been submitted to Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). DPER has recently completed the statutory consultation period required in relation to this process , and any relevant observations will be taken into consideration.  As the formal review and assessment process is still ongoing, DPER are not in a position at this stage to disclose to the Office of Public Works the detail on the number of submissions received. However, DPER have advised that they have recently tendered for independent consultancy services to assist them in reviewing both the submissions received, and the substantive material provided by the OPW as required under the ADA consent process. It is their intention to appoint consultants and to begin this independent review process shortly.

While it is not possible to give a construction start date until such time as the scheme is formally confirmed, the OPW and the project consultants are working together to ensure that the construction drawings and other relevant material required to commence construction of the flood relief works will be completed as soon as practicable after the confirmation of the scheme. The overall budget for the scheme is €13.5m, provision for which has been made in the OPW multi Annual Capital Budget.

Once DPER/MPER have completed their review, further information will be provided on the project website, which is available at: https://www.floodinfo.ie/frs/en/crossmolina/home/

Public Sector Pensions

Questions (215)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

215. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the length of service requirements for a civil servant to avail of the preserved pension benefits for an officer who served between 1 June 1973 and 1 June 2002. [5181/21]

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Written answers

A civil servant who meets a minimum service requirement will be entitled to claim preserved superannuation benefits on reaching minimum (or preserved) pension age. This applies if the individual resigned from the civil service before the minimum pension age without an entitlement to immediate pension benefits, did not opt for actuarially reduced pension benefits, and also did not transfer their service to another employment.

In order to qualify for preserved benefits, a civil servant must meet the minimum service requirement. Civil servants who served between 1 June 1973 and 1 June 2002 (inclusive) require a minimum of 5 years' qualifying service in order to be eligible for preserved benefits. For individuals who joined the civil service after 1 June 2002, a minimum of 2 years’ qualifying service is required to be eligible for preserved benefits.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (216, 217, 218, 219, 221, 222)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

216. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the restrictions that apply to companies with unlimited status from being awarded contracts as part of the public procurement process. [5416/21]

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Mairéad Farrell

Question:

217. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the restrictions that apply to companies registered in jurisdictions that are listed on the EU's blacklist from being awarded contracts as part of the public procurement process. [5417/21]

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Mairéad Farrell

Question:

218. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the restrictions that apply to companies using anonymous trustee ownership structures from being awarded contracts as part of the public procurement process. [5418/21]

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Mairéad Farrell

Question:

219. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the restrictions that apply to companies that use a bearer share ownership structure from being awarded contracts as part of the public procurement process. [5419/21]

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Mairéad Farrell

Question:

221. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether companies in receipt of public procurement contracts should adhere to the EU Code of Conduct for Business Taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5421/21]

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Mairéad Farrell

Question:

222. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether aggressive tax planning by a company should be grounds for exclusion from a public procurement process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5422/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 to 219, inclusive, 221 and 222 together.

Public procurement in Ireland is governed by EU Procurement Directives and national legislation and guidance. Public bodies are obliged to act in accordance with these rules and accordingly must observe the general principles of EU law including non-discrimination, the free movement of goods and services, equal treatment, and proportionality and transparency in awarding public contracts. They must also ensure that procurement transactions and decisions are fair, equitable and deliver value for money.

Public procurement procedures require bidders to meet certain standards when applying for public contracts. The criteria upon which contracting authorities may exclude bidders from the award procedure of public contracts are set out in Regulation 57 of S.I. No. 284 of 2016 – European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 on public procurement. The 2016 Regulations contain both compulsory and voluntary grounds for the exclusion of bidders.   

The compulsory grounds for exclusion relate to certain serious offences which are deemed to preclude award of public contracts to a bidder – at least for a period of time. The compulsory exclusion grounds must be applied at all stages of a procurement procedure. These are:

- participation in a criminal organisation

- corruption

- fraud

- terrorist offences or offences linked to terrorist activities

- money laundering or terrorist financing

- child labour and human-trafficking related offences

- breach of tax or social security obligations.

Exclusions can only take place where the bidder or a person who is a member of its administrative, management, or supervisory body, or has powers of representation, decision, or control over it, has been convicted by a final judgment of one of the offences.  When invoking the grounds for exclusion, a contracting authority must have evidence of a sufficiently robust nature to withstand any challenge to that decision.  In the absence of a binding decision or final court judgment, the contracting authority may not be in a position to exclude a bidder.

Contracting authorities have discretion to disqualify bidders for competing in a public procurement competition for the following reasons:

- where the contracting authority can demonstrate violations of environmental, social and labour law obligations including rules on accessibility for disabled persons

- bankruptcy; insolvency or winding-up procedures; assets being administered by liquidator or by the Court; arrangements with creditors

- where the contracting authority can demonstrate grave professional misconduct

- where a contracting authority has sufficiently plausible indications to conclude that bidders have entered into agreements with other tenderers aimed at distorting competition

- poor past performance where the candidate has shown significant or persistent deficiencies in a prior public contract which led to termination, damages or other comparable sanctions

- where a conflict of interest cannot be remedied by any less intrusive means

- where a distortion of competition arises from direct or indirect involvement in the preparation of the procurement procedure

- the bidder has been guilty of serious misinterpretation in supplying information required for the  verification of the absence of Exclusion Grounds or the fulfilment of the Selection Criteria, has withheld such information or is not able to submit supporting documents in relation to the ESPD (European Single Procurement Document)

- where the bidder has undertaken to unduly influence the decision-making process of the contracting authority or obtained confidential information which may confer upon it undue advantages in the procurement procedure or where the tenderer has  negligently provided misleading information that may have a material  influence on decisions concerning exclusion, selection or award.

Where there is a conviction on compulsory exclusionary grounds, a bidder is excluded from competing for public contracts for a period of 5 years from the date of the relevant conviction.  Exclusion on the basis of voluntary exclusion grounds is for a period 3 years from the date of the relevant event.  A bidder has the opportunity to provide evidence at tender stage of “self-cleaning” measures and must not be excluded if such evidence is considered sufficient.  Such evidence could include, for example, payment of compensation in respect of any damage caused, active cooperation with investigating authorities by clarifying the facts and circumstances, implementation of technical, organisational or personnel measures that are appropriate to prevent further misconduct.  The self-cleansing option cannot, however, be extended in the case of exclusion from participation in procurement procedures because of a final court judgment.

Overall, when submitting a tender, bidders must consider whether any of the exclusion grounds listed in the procurement documents apply to them. Should any of the grounds apply, bidders must advise the contracting authority accordingly. The management of a tendering process for a public contract is a matter for each contracting authority.  It is the responsibility of each contracting authority to assess that tenderers comply with all the requirements of the process. Contracting authorities may exclude tenderers at any time during the procedures in accordance with the Regulations. In applying discretionary Exclusion Grounds, contracting authorities should pay particular attention to the principle of proportionality.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (220)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

220. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of unlimited companies that were awarded public procurement contracts in each of the years 2016 to 2020. [5420/21]

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Written answers

Unfortunately the ‘type of company’ data requested in the PQ (ref: 5420/21) is not part of the supplier registration details captured on the national electronic tendering platform (eTenders).

Suppliers are asked to indicate whether they are one of the following:

- Private Company

- Public Limited Company

- Sole Trader

- Partnership

- Charity

Details of the type of company within those categories is generally provided within the content of submissions by bidders in response to individual Requests for Tenders but the data is not accessible to systematically report on. While the tendering process is facilitated through the national electronic tendering platform (eTenders), the complete data on public contracts is held by the contracting authority concerned.

Questions Nos. 221 and 222 answered with Question No. 216.

Charitable and Voluntary Organisations

Questions (223)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

223. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he plans to carry out a review of 60 major charities which receive €4.2 billion funding and 1,500 non-profit organisations which receive €1.7 billion; his plans to rationalise the number of State agencies which dispense public funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5643/21]

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Written answers

My Department has no plans to commission a review the State’s financing of the non-profit sector, including charities.  My Department’s policy in relation to funding for the sector is set out in Circular 13/2015 Management and Accountability for Grants. 

A review of funding programmes availed of by charities and not-for-profits would be a matter, in the first instance, for the individual funding departments.  It is to be noted that, for example, the 60 major charities in receipt of most of the Exchequer funding to the sector, include universities and organisations provided for under Section 38 of the Health Act, 2004.  These are funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Health Service Executive.

Flood Relief Schemes

Questions (224)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

224. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a review (details supplied) will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5654/21]

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Written answers

The Enniscorthy (River Slaney) flood defence scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council (WCC) on behalf of the Commissioners of Public Works as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. This is a significant scheme within the Office of Public Works €1 billion flood relief investment programme, from which the relevant funding for the Enniscorthy scheme will be made available, and on completion will protect 236 properties in the town.

The Scheme requires formal confirmation from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (MPER) to proceed. This is a statutory requirement under the Arterial Drainage Acts, which now, under the recent European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019, also requires the MPER to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed Scheme. This involves, inter alia, a formal review by MPER of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) commissioned by WCC and recently submitted (along with a Natura Impact Statement) to MPER as part of the formal Confirmation process.

DPER ran the statutory public consultation period required in relation to this process from 28th July to 28th August, 2020. The initial phase of the review of the EIAR and NIS was carried out by consultants engaged for this purpose by DPER, during September and early October. DPER has now forwarded submissions from the public consultation, and the EIAR and NIS reviews, to the OPW, along with a request for supplementary information, pursuant to ADA regulations 2019, to ensure that the design of the scheme complies with relevant environmental directives and regulations.

The OPW, Wexford County Council, and scheme consultants Mott Mc Donald are currently compiling the supplementary information required, in order to formally respond to the points raised by the review of the scheme by DPER and their consultants.  To this end the OPW has written to DPER indicating that the relevant information will be forwarded by the end of April 2021. DPER and their consultants will then need to review the material submitted with a view to confirming the scheme. It is not possible to provide a specific timeline for a formal decision regarding confirmation in advance of that.

Completion of the above tasks and the progression of the flood relief scheme is a priority for all parties. In parallel with the confirmation process OPW and Wexford County Council have been working on the following to ensure as efficient progression of the works as possible once the scheme is confirmed;

- the Foreshore licence application public consultation has been completed, approval expected mid 2021

- a legal agreement with Irish Water for diversion of services has been agreed. The detailed design for these works is complete, and contractor tender documents are currently being reviewed prior to advertisement.

- Technical approvals have been received from Irish Rail regarding the rail line crossings, with the legal agreement well advanced

- Archaeological excavations are ongoing

- Removal of invasive species (e.g. Japanese Knotweed) are ongoing

- Pre-qualification of the bridgeworks contractor is almost complete, with a view to expediting contractor appointment post-confirmation.

EU Directives

Questions (225, 226)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

225. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date on which a Bill that will provide for the transposition of EU Directive (EU) 2019/1937 also known as the EU whistleblowing directive will be introduced; if he will embark on pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill; and if this will occur in advance of the deadline for the transposition of this directive which is 17 December 2021. [5826/21]

View answer

Catherine Murphy

Question:

226. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the window of time for the consultation process given to the public to make submissions on EU Directive (EU) 2019/1937 was limited by his Department to just a five week period between 8 June and 10 July in 2020; and his plans to accept further submissions. [5827/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 226 together.

Directive (EU) 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law (also known as "the Whistleblowing Directive") was adopted on 23 October 2019 by the European Parliament and Council and must be transposed into Irish law by 17 December 2021. The Directive provides for a range of measures to establish a common set of minimum standards for the protection of persons who report breaches of EU law across all Member States.

Ireland already has comprehensive whistleblower protection laws in place in the form of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. Transposition of the Directive will require a number of amendments to be made to the Act.

A public consultation on those areas of the Directive where Ireland has discretion as regards implementation was conducted in June and July 2020, which was notified using the gov.ie public consultations page, through targeted invitations to relevant stakeholders and via notice in the national press. In all, 24 submissions were received to this consultation from a wide cross section of national and international sources, including advocacy groups, professional organisations, academics and whistleblowers. These submissions have been published on the public consultation page on gov.ie.

My Department continues to consult with stakeholders on a number of matters related to the transposition of the Directive and always welcomes any further submissions or feedback on this topic from interested parties.

I hope to bring the text of a draft general scheme of the legislation to transpose the Directive to Cabinet for approval in the coming weeks. The provision for Pre-legislative scrutiny has been made in the Legislative Programme for the Spring Session. I intend to complete the transposition of the Directive in advance of the deadline of 17 December 2021. 

Heritage Sites

Questions (227)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

227. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will honour commitments made by his predecessor to restore or loan artefacts originally from Athenry Castle and currently with the National Museum back to the castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5840/21]

View answer

Written answers

I understand that officials from the Office of Public Works are liaising with colleagues in the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the National Museum of Ireland in relation to this matter. I have asked for the Deputy to be informed as soon as there is further information.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (228, 229)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

228. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 27 January 2021, the number of all State and semi-State board appointments made by him since taking office; the name of the board or agency; the remuneration level associated with the board position in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5860/21]

View answer

Mattie McGrath

Question:

229. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 27 January 2021, the reason the Department's website states that 13 boards are under the aegis of the Department but the reply only provided information on two boards; if he will provide a complete list of all State and semi-State boards that fall under the aegis of his Department; the level of potential remuneration being paid to each board member including chairpersons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5861/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.

As set out in correspondence sent to the Deputy on January 29th 2021, there are two State Boards which fall under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.  

The answers provided in response to Parliamentary Questions No. 256 and 257 of 27 January 2021 provided details of State Boards that fall under the aegis of the Department, and details of appointments made by me as Minister since this Government took office.

There are a wide range of bodies which fall under the aegis of my Department, including independent Statutory Bodies, the Office of the National Lottery Regulator and the Office of the Ombudsman. Most of these organisations do not have a State Board. Please see the explanatory table below which refers. I am happy to address any further queries the Deputy may have in respect of these organisations.

Table

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (230)

Marian Harkin

Question:

230. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the situation on flexible working arrangements in the public sector will be clarified; the reason various Departments and authorities do not allow those working from home to have the option of flexitime whereas those who work in the office are given this option (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5957/21]

View answer

Written answers

Government Departments and Offices have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health requirements by introducing new measures of flexibility in working arrangements.

Civil Service Departments and Offices have been advised by my Department, as standard practice across the public service during COVID-19, to consider all forms of flexible working including:

- working from home where possible

- working adjusted hours and providing for alternative arrangements where possible, including flexible shifts, staggered hours, wider opening hours including weekend work, both for those working from home and when workplace attendance is required

Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on normal working arrangements, the operation of traditional flexitime and attendance management rules do not support the flexible arrangements and agility required during this extraordinary situation. These arrangements were temporarily suspended in April 2020 to facilitate the required new ways of working across the public service.  Many public servants are still working remotely as part of these temporary measures and in order to support public health measures rather than under a formal remote working strategy.

As more public servants have returned to their workplaces, flexitime arrangements were re-introduced, with effect from the 24th August 2020, for those employees who are attending the work premises on their pre-COVID arrangements.

Any further changes to the suspension of flexi for other civil and public servants will be considered in the wider context of the overall  response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All guidance issued by my Department in relation to COVID-19 is reviewed regularly and officials in my Department consult with both civil and public service employers and union representatives in this regard.

Cruinnithe an Aire

Questions (231)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

231. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an féidir cóip de dhialann an Phríomh-Aoire, a bhaineann leis an tréimhse ó ceapadh é mar Phríomh-Aoire agus Aire Stáit an Spóirt agus na Gaeltachta i mí Iúil 2020 go dtí an lá inniu, a chur chugam; agus an gcuirfear dialann an Phríomh-Aoire ar fáil go poiblí ar líne as seo amach. [4996/21]

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Written answers

Ba mhaith liom a chuir in iúl don teachta go bhfuil dialann an Aire Stáit ar fail anois ar suíomh Gréasáin na Roinne. 

Is féidir teacht air anseo https://www.gov.ie/ga/eolas-eagraiochtai/32666-dialann-na-nairi/

Broadcasting Sector

Questions (232)

Imelda Munster

Question:

232. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the review of the Children’s Commercial Communications Code will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5254/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Broadcasting Authority Of Ireland Statutory Report On The Effect Of The BAI Children's Commercial Communications Code was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on Thursday 21/01/21.

For the Deputy's convenience, a link to the report is provided below:

https://opac.oireachtas.ie/Data/Library3/Documents%20Laid/2021/pdf/TCAGSMdocslaid210121_210121_172534.pdf

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (233)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

233. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be examined. [5307/21]

View answer

Written answers

As part of my Department's sectoral response to COVID-19, an Audience Re-engagement scheme for small, regional and specialised museums was launched in 2020.  Under that scheme, an allocation of €6,900 was awarded to the museum to which the Deputy refers. However, the museum was not in a position to draw this funding down.

My Department has recently written to the museum in question outlining further possible funding opportunities which may arise through my Department in 2021 which would include the following schemes:

- The Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme provides grants for capital works which enhance the exhibition/display facilities within the museum or which promote access to the museum. Full details of last year’s scheme including eligibility requirements are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/676e1-regional-museum-exhibitions-scheme/.   Funding available under this scheme is capped at €15,000. 

- The Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme. This Scheme is designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools which are not in receipt of other central Government monies and which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events. Funding available under this scheme is typically capped at €5,000.   Full details of last year’s scheme are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/89595-small-scale-local-festivals-and-summer-schools/

- The Co-operation with Northern Ireland Funding Scheme. Funding available under this scheme is capped at €15,000. Full details of last year’s scheme are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/071b7-co-operation-with-northern-ireland/

- The Mobility of Collections Scheme to support greater regional and local access to material held in the National Collections.  Full details of the scheme can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/6a6bd-mobility-of-collections-scheme/       

It is currently envisaged that all above four schemes will launch in the first quarter of this year. All schemes are subject to a competitive assessment process. It may be useful for a museum representative to monitor my Department's website and apply upon announcement of the schemes.

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