Written Answers Nos. 234-261
235. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when additional sections of the construction industry will reopen in view of the fact that many mortgage approvals will be due to expire in the coming weeks and mortgage providers seem to be unable or unwilling to extend approval periods. [11015/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the revised plan for the Government’s response to COVID-19 – "COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead" – sets out our approach to the next phase and our path forward. The plan sets out the Government's approach of making steady progress in re-opening our economy, starting with childcare and schools, while avoiding a further wave of the disease and re-imposition of restrictions.
In this overall context, public health advice is that, at present, it is too early to say how and when other restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties. The current public health measures will remain in place until 5th April. Government will meet in advance of that date to review the level of restrictions. Areas for consideration, if the situation improves sufficiently, will include a staggered start of easing of other areas of activity with a focus on outdoor activities, including some areas of construction.
Regarding the issue of mortgage approvals and the regulations that underpin this policy area, these are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance who I am sure will be in a position to provide information in this regard.
236. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 79 of 25 February 2021, if the OPW will consider putting in place portable toilets in the park and ensure that all restroom facilities within the park are open and available to visitors to the park. [12157/21]
View answerRestroom facilities are open seven days a week at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, the Tea Rooms close to Dublin Zoo and also at Farmleigh Estate during the normal opening hours at these locations. OPW is aware that many locations throughout Dublin have closed their restroom facilities in light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Office of Public Works has implemented strict cleaning regimes to ensure compliance with Covid-19 guidelines and has kept toilet facilities open. These facilities continue to cope with current visitor numbers although queues will develop occasionally on very busy days.
There are no plans to install temporary facilities throughout the Park as these may be subject to vandalism and it would be difficult to maintain them to an appropriate hygiene standard. Further it is not possible to install permanent facilities at multiple sites in the Park due to limited waste water system across the Park. Therefore, permanent facilities are located where appropriate infrastructure already exists.
OPW has carried out minor upgrade works to the toilets located at the Tea Kiosk in late 2020. Upgrade works to the public facilities at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre are planned for this year.
237. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a review of the whistle-blower legislation will be instigated. [10830/21]
View answerThe Protected Disclosures Act 2014 provides comprehensive statutory protections from retaliation for persons who speak up about wrongdoing in the workplace.
A statutory review of the Act was published in July 2018. The review found that the Act was operating broadly as intended. However, a number of implementation issues were identified in the review and a commitment was given to look at how these could be addressed in the context of the new EU Whistleblowing Directive, which was being negotiated at the time the statutory review was conducted.
In this regard, the EU Whistleblowing Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/1937) was adopted on 19 October 2019 and Ireland has until 17 December 2021 to transpose it into Irish law. Implementation of the Directive will further enhance and strengthen the protections for whistleblowers in Ireland. The approach to be taken with the transposition will examine not only what changes to the 2014 Act are needed to meet the requirements of the Directive but will also take into consideration the findings of the statutory review where relevant.
238. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of contracts of €25,000 or more that have been awarded by his Department or bodies under his aegis that were found to be non-compliant with procurement guidelines in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the value and nature of the contact work carried out in each case; the year of each contract in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11382/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the procurement processes for all contracts in my Department were carried out in accordance with the Office of Government Procurement’s (OGP) Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services which aim to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers the best value for money.
The following table sets out the procurement processes valued over €25,000 (excluding VAT) that were undertaken from 2018 to date by my Department under the terms of Article 32 of the Public Sector Procurement Directive (2004/18/EC). This Article provides for the awarding of contracts without the use of a competitive procedure in certain circumstances, including, for example: where no suitable tenders have been submitted in response to an open or restricted procedure; where competition is absent for technical reasons; and for reasons of extreme urgency brought about by unforeseeable events.
The Deputy will note that there was an increase in the number of Article 32 procurements valued over €25,000 in my Department in 2020, in comparison with 2019. This was substantially due to the operational impacts of the Covid-19 public health emergency, which led to major changes in how the Department delivered on its strategic remit.
Details of all contracts / purchases of more than €25,000 (exclusive of VAT) undertaken without a competitive process, and the reasons for doing so, are notified to the Comptroller and Auditor General when preparing the Annual Appropriation Accounts and published in that context.
Contracts over €25,000 approved by the Department without a Competitive Tender process
|
Year |
Company Awarded Contract |
Details of the Contract |
Value of Contract (€) |
|
2018 |
Equinix |
To support Government Network connectivity between Public Sector Bodies (PSBs) and telecommunication providers and other third party bodies that PSBs engage directly with |
€49,717 |
|
2019 |
Equinix |
To support Government Network connectivity between Public Sector Bodies (PSBs) and telecommunication providers and other third party bodies that PSBs engage directly with |
€54,853 |
|
2020 |
Equinix |
To support Government Network connectivity between Public Sector Bodies (PSBs) and telecommunication providers and other third party bodies that PSBs engage directly with |
€55,000 |
|
2020 |
AwS |
Provision of IT Cloud Services to facilitate increased demand for Gov.ie services that arose in the context of Covid-19 |
€100,000 |
|
2020 |
Eir (Security Services) |
Provision of IT Security Services to enhance malware detection and prevention systems in response to a National Cyber Security Centre alert on heightened threat levels arising from Covid-19 |
€123,000 |
|
2020 |
McCann Fitzgerald |
Provision of legal advices on advisory notes and legal agreements for use with standard form Capital Works Management Framework contracts in response to Covid-19 measures |
€29,520 |
|
2020 |
EUS Holdings LTD |
Unforeseen constraints as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic impacted on plans to establish a new contract for the national eTendering Platform - to ensure continuity of service while the procurement process is completed, it was necessary to directly award a contract |
€1,264,166 |
|
2020 |
Software One Ireland |
Renewal of 3-year licencing for Customer Relationship Management ICT system (D365) awarded to ensure continuity of support for the D365 infrastucture |
€103,609 |
|
2020 |
Oxford Global Projects |
Advice to inform the development of the new external review process for Major Capital Projects awarded as competition was absent for technical reasons |
€35,000 |
|
2021 (to date) |
AwS |
Provision of IT Cloud Services to facilitate increased demand for Gov.ie services that have arisen in the context of Covid-19 |
€16,672 |
|
2021 (to date) |
Equinix |
To support Government Network connectivity between Public Sector Bodies (PSBs) and telecommunication providers and other third party bodies that PSBs engage directly with |
€10,118 |
I am informed that the position in respect of the Bodies under the aegis of my Department is as set out in the following table.
Contracts over €25,000 approved by bodies under the Department’s aegis without a Competitive Tender process
|
Year |
Body |
Company Awarded Contract |
Details of the Contract |
Value of Contract (€) |
|
2018 |
Public Appointments Service |
Emerald Facility Services |
Continuation of commercial cleaning services pending the outcome of a decision on the long-term status of premises. A tender on foot of competitive process was awarded in February 2020 |
€72,105 |
|
2018 |
Ombudsman’s Office |
Accent Solutions |
The contract for contract cleaning services had previously been in place, following competitive tendering processes, but this had expired in April 2018. As the lease on our building was due to expire in December 2019, a decision was taken to extend the contract to that date under the same terms and conditions and hold a new tendering process for the new building at the appropriate time. |
€27,670 |
|
2018 |
OPW |
Various |
In 2018, the Office complied with procurement guidelines with the exception of payments totalling €1.62 million: nine contracts with a total value of €514,000 related to urgent specialised work of a security nature; eight contracts to the value of €781,000 related to instances where services were procured from a single suitable supplier or a contractor with specialised expertise or due to urgency; payments to the value of €327,000 were made to five suppliers where no contract was in place. |
€1.62m |
|
2019 |
Ombudsman’s Office |
Accent Solutions |
Continuation of contract for cleaning services arising due to relocation of premises in December 2019 |
€33,341 |
|
2019 |
OPW |
Various |
There were thirty-five contracts for 2019, totalling €2.959 million: €140,236 related to one contract for urgent specialised work of a security nature; €1,189,526 related to payments to eight suppliers where no contract was in place at the time of supply; €440,207 related to six contracts where the incorrect procurement method was used; €1,189,307 related to 20 contracts which were procured from a single suitable supplier or a contractor with specialised expertise |
€2.959m |
|
2019 |
Public Appointments Service |
Emerald Cleaning Services |
Continuation of commercial cleaning services pending outcome of decision on long-term status of premises. A tender on foot of competitive process was awarded in February 2020 |
€70,000 |
|
2020 |
Public Appointments Service |
TEKenable Ltd |
Urgent procurement of a suitable external vendor to reduce the timelines to deliver an IT solution in respect of the Temporary Assignment Scheme, which was put in place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic |
€58,778 |
|
2020 |
OPW |
N/A |
The return for 2020 is currently being collated and will be confirmed in the Appropriation Account on 31st March 2021. |
N/A |
|
2021 |
OPW |
N/A |
There are no known non-compliant contracts in 2021 to date. |
N/A |
239. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the meetings, correspondence and engagements he and his officials have had with a group (details supplied); if he will specifically address the concerns outlined by the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11414/21]
View answerThe details requested by the Deputy concerning the group specified are set out in the following table. As the matters raised relate to public health policy, the correspondence was referred to the Department of Health.
|
Date |
Type of engagement |
Purpose |
Action |
|
03/12/2020 |
Email to Minister |
Letter to the Taoiseach attached regarding pathways to economic recovery |
Acknowledged and forwarded to Department of Health for direct reply |
|
03/02/2021 |
Email to Minister |
Letter to the Taoiseach attached regarding NPHET response to zero COVID policy |
Acknowledged and forwarded to Department of Health for direct reply |
240. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the original business case for the setting up of the Office of Government Procurement. [11441/21]
View answerIn May 2012, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform engaged Accenture to undertake a capacity and capability review of the central procurement function and to identify the actions required to realise savings in public procurement in the short and medium term. The final report on this review was published on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website in September 2012. It can be accessed at following link:
https://ogp.gov.ie/news-sub-menu-news/page/33/
The recommendations from this report, contained in a memorandum to Government, formed the basis of a business case for the setting up of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
Among the measures referenced were:
- The Government agreed to implement arrangements in respect of the centralised purchasing frameworks organised by the National Procurement Service (NPS).
- The appointment of a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) and the establishment of a National Procurement Office (NPO, which became the OGP).
- The NPO to be established, inter alia, by the transition of the functions of the National Procurement Service in the Office of Public Works and the National Public Procurement Policy Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
- The feasibility of transitioning related activities of the Centre for Management and Organisation Development in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to be examined in the course of planning the transfer of functions to the NPO.
- The CPO to develop, for approval for government, by the end of Q1 2013, a detailed implementation plan for the reform of the central procurement function, in line with the strategic recommendations of the Accenture Report.
- The report estimated that implementation of its recommendations, over a three-year period, could yield potential annual savings in the range of €249 million to €637 million on an addressable spend of €7 billion, depending on the approach taken.
241. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funds allocated as part of Budget 2021 to payments of the pandemic unemployment payment outside of the recovery and contingency funds. [11550/21]
View answer242. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funds allocated as part of Budget 2021 to payments of the employment wage subsidy scheme outside of the recovery and contingency funds [11551/21]
View answer243. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expected profile of payments through the pandemic unemployment payment and employment wage subsidy scheme from January to the end of June 2021; and if he expects the need for a supplementary estimate in the event that funds allocated to the contingency fund are insufficient to fund additional payments under the schemes. [11552/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 to 243, inclusive, together.
The Departmental Estimates for 2021 presented to the Dáil in December included expenditure on Covid-19 related measures and supports of €6½ billion, within the overall gross voted expenditure amount of €82.4 billion. In addition there was €5.4 billion held back in Contingency Funds to be made available for further measures to address the challenges of Covid-19, bringing the overall expenditure ceiling for the year to €87.8 billion. Within the overall allocated amount of €6½ billion, as set out in Expenditure Report 2021, there was €3.2 billion allocated to the Department of Social Protection for additional expenditure on employment and income supports arising from Covid-19. This includes €1.2 billion in respect of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and €0.6 billion for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
Included in the expenditure figures in the recently published Fiscal Monitor is just under €0.8 billion in expenditure incurred by the Department of Social Protection on the EWSS, which is broadly in line with profile at the end of February. Further to this nearly €1.1 billion has been spent on the PUP to the end of February reflecting the impact of Level 5 restrictions. This leaves expenditure on the PUP €0.7 billion ahead of profile at the end of February. However, taking into account underspends on other schemes, overall gross voted expenditure for the Department of Social Protection is just over €0.4 billion ahead of profile at the end of February.
Given that the aggregate expenditure of €1.9 billion to date this year on the EWSS and PUP is above the aggregate allocation of €1.8 billion for both schemes, as we move forward through March and quarter 2, additional expenditure would be fall to be met by reallocating from the Contingency Funds.
In this current week, payments of €140 million are being made by the Department of Social Protection to 468,847 people in receipt of the PUP. If this was maintained through March, overall expenditure on the PUP would be approximately €1.8 billion, which would leave expenditure on this scheme c. €1.2 billion ahead of profile.
The extent of the demand on these funds in quarter 2 will depend on the situation with the virus and the restrictions in place. Based on current restrictions, there is aggregate expenditure of over €0.2 billion per week on the PUP and EWSS. In addition to utilising the Contingency Funds, as the assumptions underpinning the REV allocations saw recipients transferring from the PUP to jobseekers payments, it can be expected that relative to the REV allocations there will be some underspends on jobseekers payments that will partially offset the additional expenditure on the PUP.
This additional expenditure on the EWSS and PUP would place a significant demand on the Contingency Funds. However, with the vaccine rollout underway, the significant measures in place for households and for businesses should support the commencement of a recovery in the Irish economy as restrictions are eased. The question of the need for the allocation of additional funding over and above the amount set aside in the Contingency Funds would be considered taking into account the overall spending and fiscal position at that time and the Government's commitment to support the recovery in employment.
244. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are limits on the amount of sick leave a public servant can take; the provisions available to a person who is suffering repeated bouts of illness; and whether annual leave entitlement can be affected. [11673/21]
View answerThe arrangements for paid sick leave in the Public Service are set out in the Public Service Sick Leave Regulations (S.I. 124 of 2014) and the administration of the Scheme is managed on a sectoral level by each public service employer.
The access to paid sick leave as provided for in the Scheme is as follows.
Ordinary Sick Leave
Under the Scheme, public servants have access to the following paid sick leave:
- a maximum of 92 days (3 months) on full pay in a rolling one year period;
- followed by a maximum of 91 days (3 months) on half pay;
- subject to a maximum of 183 days (6 months) paid sick leave in a rolling four year period.
Critical Illness Protocol (CIP)
In order to provide support to public servants who suffer from a critical illness or injury, the Scheme provides for up to 365 days paid sick leave in a four-year period (comprising 183 days on full pay in a rolling one-year period, followed by 182 days on half pay).
Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR)
In addition, public servants may be awarded Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR).
If the required eligibility criteria are met for the payment of TRR, as set out below, the maximum period payable is 547 days in the case of ordinary illness. There is increased access to TRR under the CIP if applicable.
Requirements for eligibility:
(a) an individual must have the service required for an ill health retirement pension; and
(b) there must be a reasonable prospect of return to work to give regular and effective service.
Access is dependent on individual circumstances and in particular, the amount of paid sick leave taken, the nature of the illness and whether CIP has been granted.
Annual Leave and Sick Leave
Periods of sick leave at full and half pay will accrue full annual leave entitlements. Statutory annual leave accrues thereafter.
The statutory leave accrued can be carried over for a period of 15 months post the leave year in which it was accrued.
245. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the year the lands at a site (details supplied) were acquired by the State; the year the archaeological dig finished on the site; the annual rent being paid by the current occupiers of the lands; his plans for the future use of the lands; the current stage of planning; and the anticipated year of completion. [11728/21]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW) acquired/assembled a development site at Hammond Lane, Dublin 8, over a number of years. The property referred to by the deputy was acquired in 1999. The purpose of this acquisition was to facilitate the development of a Family Court complex and office accommodation for the Court Service.
The site has been archaeologically examined and a report was completed in 2008.
In April 2019, the OPW was approached by the developers of an adjoining site to request the temporary use of the site as a building compound. In October 2019, the Commissioners entered into a licence agreement with the contractor for a period of 1 year with 2 possible extensions of 6 months each permitted. A licence fee of €50,000 was payable for the duration of the licence.
In relation to the future use of the site, I understand that my colleague Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice and Equality last year provided for funding to cover ongoing preparatory work for the Family Court complex. In that regard, architects in my Department have been engaging with the Courts Service on the design of that facility and a business case is currently being prepared on behalf of the Department of Justice in line with the public spending code.
246. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he plans to revise the Phoenix Park by-laws that currently ban the use of charabancs and omnibuses; if so, the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11729/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works has sought legal advice from the Chief State Solicitor's Office with regard to updating the bye-laws pertaining to the Phoenix Park which, as the Deputy has pointed out, are somewhat out of date with reference to modern day operations and usage of the Park.
OPW requires detailed advices in respect of the primary legislation. Certain bye-laws could possibly be changed by the Commissioners of the Office of Public Works with my consent (as per the Act). This work will likely take some time to be completed and will require the input of the Attorney General.
It should be noted that the review of the bye-laws is a key recommendation in the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study which is currently out for non-statutory consultation. It is the intention of OPW to pursue this work as part of the first phase of implementation of any recommendations as set out in the final report.
247. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 191 and 192 of 17 February 2021, if the Office of Public Works will open consultation or hold an online briefing with residents affected by the construction of new flood defences in locations (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if the areas are included in the flood cells outlined in response to the previous questions highlighted; and the timeline for completion of the flood defence projects designed to protect the properties. [11768/21]
View answerThe Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme is being led by Westmeath County Council with funding from the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Building on the option development work of the Shannon CFRAM (Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment & Management) Study, Westmeath County Council appointed Engineering Consultants in April 2017, to progress appropriate flood risk alleviation measures for Athlone. Following detailed option development, eight discrete cells of flood defence works were identified and six of these were progressed individually through Part 8 Planning by the Council. One cell did not require Planning approval, as the works were minor in nature, and one cell remains to be progressed to Part 10 Planning stage.
Construction of the Scheme is progressing well, despite Covid-19 restrictions and effects, and notwithstanding the high water levels that have hampered progress to some extent. The areas referred to in the Question are part of Flood Cells 1 and 2, as referenced in my reply to Parliamentary Question Nos. 191 and 192 of 17 February 2021. The current anticipated timeline for completion of these areas is Quarter 2, 2022 but the timeline is somewhat tentative, given the current Covid-19 situation and the continuing high water levels.
|
Location |
Flood Cell |
Anticipated completion |
|
The Park, Parnell Square, Canal Walk, Canal Bank |
FC1 – Deerpark |
Q2 2022 |
|
Friary Lane, Wolfe Tone Terrace, Griffin Street |
FC2 – The Strand |
Q2 2022 |
Westmeath County Council, as the Contracting Authority, is responsible for public liaison and Councillors are updated by the Executive at regular meetings. Consultation on preliminary options developed under the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management study (CFRAM) was undertaken by the Office of Public Work in 2015, and a further public consultation event was undertaken by the Council on the River Al flood cell in December, 2019.
The specific areas referred to in the Question were part of Flood cells No.1 and No.2, which were advanced by the Council through the Part 8 planning process. These were all publicly advertised and it was open to the public to make submissions. Any specific interaction with interested parties during the construction phase of the scheme falls within the remit of Westmeath County Council.
248. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the catchment and flood risk management plan under CFRAM for County Louth; the progress on the implementation of same that has been made to date; the funding that has been allocated to the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11811/21]
View answerThrough the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, detailed engineering analysis, assessment and extensive public consultation was undertaken for 300 communities throughout Ireland, including 90 coastal areas, which in 2012 were identified as being most likely to be impacted by future coastal and fluvial flooding.
One key output of the CFRAM Programme were the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP’s) that contain proposed flood relief measures - informed by costs, benefits and environmental factors - to address the flood risk in each community and nationwide.
The evidence provided by the CFRAM Programme, launched in May 2018, supports the Government’s €1bn planned investment in flood relief through the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project 2040.
As part of this, Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Dundalk / Blackrock South, includes the Ardee Flood Relief Scheme and will protect some 1,880 properties when completed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Drogheda and Baltray, will protect some 450 properties when completed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Carlingford and Greenore will protect some 409 properties when completed.
While the CFRAM process investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified, and so a review of the risk in these communities and the likely costs and benefits is to be undertaken. The Office of Public Works has put in place a process for undertaking such reviews, and it is envisaged that these reviews, including those for Annagassan and Termonfeckin, will be complete within the next 12 months.
The tender for Engineering Consultancy Services was awarded in 2020 to Binnies (formerly Black and Veatch) and Nicholas O ‘Dwyer (Joint Venture) for the Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee projects that are being progressed simultaneously. The preliminary cost estimate for these projects is €80.9 million. The tender brief for Drogheda and Baltray, also being progressed simultaneously, has been finalised and advertised with tenders due back on 25th March 2021. The tender brief for the Carlingford and Greenore scheme will begin in the coming months.
Once consultants are appointed to progress each scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the proposals within the scheme.
249. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount the OPW spent on refurbishment of Raheny Garda station, Dublin 5 in each of the years of 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; and the nature of works carried out each year. [11883/21]
View answerI can confirm that the Office of Public Works (OPW) carried out no major refurbishment works at Raheny Garda Station during the years 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021. Ongoing minor works were carried out and details of the expenditure for each of the 3 years is outlined separately in the following tables. These figures include works funded by both the OPW and An Garda Síochána and include both maintenance and mechanical and electrical works.
|
Year |
OPW Funded Expenditure |
Garda Funded Expenditure |
Total |
Works Include |
|
2019 |
€78,598.17 |
€32,020.78 |
€110,618.95 |
Kitchen Repairs, Window Frame Replacement, Painting and Minor Roof Repairs. Electrical and Mechanical Repairs |
|
2020 |
€80,041.02 |
€31,720.55 |
€111,761.57 |
Fascia and Soffit replacements. Lock replacements. Installation of Public Counter Screens. Electrical and Mechanical Repairs |
|
2021 |
€3,254.25 |
€245.16 |
€3,499.41 |
Door and Lock Repairs, Electrical and Mechanical Repairs. |
250. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the commitment in action 45 of the National Migrant Integration Strategy to aim to have 1% of the Civil Service workforce from ethnic minorities; the arrangements his Department has put in place to identify the number of civil servants from ethnic minorities; the measures put in place to meet this target; the current proportion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11992/21]
View answerThe civil service is strongly committed to equality of opportunity for all in terms of its recruitment and employment practices. Our commitment is demonstrated and documented with key actions in the Civil Service People Strategy and the Our Public Service Renewal Strategy, both of which are to be renewed this year.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Public Appointments Services (PAS), which is an agency under the aegis of my Department, is the principal recruiter for the civil service. PAS plays a central role in attracting a diverse range of talented people to take up employment opportunities in the civil service.
PAS has a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee in place with both employer representatives and external experts in diversity and inclusion, working closely with officials in my Department. PAS will shortly launch an updated ED&I Strategy and has extensive engagements with NGOs from a diversity and inclusion perspective, including representatives from organisations including, for example, Mi-Wow, New Communities Partnership, AkiDwA, Business In The Community, the National Youth Council, the Immigrant Council of Ireland as well as groups representing members of the Traveller and Roma communities. Recently hired civil servants that identify as coming from an ethnic minority background have also presented to a number of career fairs and Institute of Guidance Counsellor conferences to share their experience of working in the civil service.
PAS has introduced a voluntary mechanism where applicants applying for civil service roles can opt, if they wish, to voluntarily complete an ED&I survey alongside their application that includes information on race and ethnic origin. Officials in my Department and PAS have recently analysed large volume open competitions undertaken in 2020 to identity, on an aggregate basis, diversity trends and some details are set out in the attached Table 1. It should be emphasised that this Table only reports on individuals who opted to voluntarily identify as being from an ethnic minority background and, as such, the statistics for candidates from an ethnic minority background may be under-representative.
Civil service employers do not currently request ethnic background information from civil servants, and any information voluntarily collected by PAS is not passed on to Civil Service Departments on assignment. As such, data for existing civil servants is not available centrally at present.
Employee demographic data is recognised as being critical to both baselining, evaluating and reporting progress in further embedding ED&I initiatives across the Civil Service. An action of an ED&I Working Group recently established in my Department is to explore how aggregate ED&I data might be captured to a common data standard by all Civil Service bodies, adopting best practice while being particularly mindful of data protection and other statutory obligations, noting that data related to racial or ethnic origin is deemed to be special category personal data under GDPR.
It is expected that equality, diversity and inclusion will continue to be a core component of new Civil Service Renewal and People Strategies that are currently being developed for implementation from this year, ensuring that we continue to build a diverse civil service that is reflective of the modern Ireland that we serve.
|
In the case of candidates that voluntarily identified to PAS as being from an ethnic minority background |
|||||
|
2020 Civil Service Competition |
Total Applications for competition |
Number of such candidates at application stage |
% total applicants for competition at application stage |
Number of such candidates subsequently placed on panel |
% of successful candidates subsequently placed on panel for assignment to a civil service employer |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
7,437 |
178 |
2.4% |
70 |
2.4% |
|
Clerical Officer |
26,356 |
481 |
1.8% |
14 |
1.8% |
|
Executive Officer |
14,602 |
344 |
2.4% |
4 |
0.01% |
|
Administrative Officer (Graduate Entry) |
8,259 |
619 |
7.5% |
4 |
4.4% |
|
Assistant Principal |
3,821 |
30 |
0.8% |
1 |
1.1% |
|
Principal Officer |
1,754 |
16 |
0.9% |
1 |
1.5% |
251. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the submissions which he has received on the review of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; and if he will classify them into the key categories. [12040/21]
View answerFrom inception, a strong public consultation process was a fundamental part of the process underway to deliver the revised National Development Plan (NDP) and a range of events, platforms and strategies were used to engender dialogue and encourage feedback. Review to Renew, the consultation process, ran from 3 November 2020 to 19 February 2021 and sought to allow all relevant stakeholders an opportunity to participate in shaping our revised capital plan. Over 560 submissions were received from members of the public, organisations, groups and NGOs, City and County Councils, Chambers of Commerce, the third level sector, political parties and regional assemblies.
Consideration of submissions received is ongoing. Emerging themes arising include:
- Enterprise, Skills and Innovation Capacity;
- Tourism and Connectivity including Airports and Ports;
- Housing and Sustainable Urban Development;
- Climate;
- Health;
- Transport/Roads;
- Water Infrastructure;
- Rural Development;
- The All-Island Perspective;
- Remote Working;
- Sports, Culture and Heritage; and
- Utilities.
A detailed summary of the submissions received will be included in the Phase 1 Report of the NDP. It is intended that this report will be completed by end-March 2021 and published soon after.
252. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision in the past six months; and the outcome of any engagement.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12125/21]
View answerI met with representatives of National Broadband Ireland on Friday, 26th February 2021, when the company gave me a presentation on the progress being made in rolling out the National Broadband Plan and their future plans in this regard.
253. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW made attempts to purchase Garda buildings at Harcourt Square in 2013; the rent paid for those buildings since occupation in tabular form; and if the buildings will be vacated on time. [12140/21]
View answerThe Harcourt Square complex was part of a bundle of properties being sold by NAMA in 2013 under Project Aspen. The Commissioners of Public Works engaged with NAMA at that time to explore the possibility of the Commissioners acquiring Harcourt Square. However, this did not proceed as it was not possible for NAMA to separate Harcourt Square from Project Aspen and deal with it in isolation.
The Commissioners first leased the buildings in Harcourt Square in the early 1980s. The following table shows rental expenditure for each year since 2006 when the Commissioners’ current accounting system was introduced. To confirm rental payments prior to 2006 would entail manual searches of hard copy files which cannot be accessed at the moment due to COVID restrictions.
|
- |
- |
- |
Harcourt Square Complex Rent 2006 to Date |
|
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
|
€6,010,000 |
€6,010,000 |
€6,010,000 |
€6,010,000 |
|
- |
|||
|
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
|
€5,711,413 |
€5,276,050 |
€4,608,550 |
€4,986,050 |
|
- |
|||
|
2012 |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
|
€4,854,800 |
€4,933,550 |
€4,933,550 |
€4,933,550 |
|
- |
|||
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
|
|
€4,933,550 |
€4,922,189 |
€3,292,674 |
254. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the new Garda building project at Military Road, Dublin; if the project is on schedule and within budget; if his attention has been drawn to delays in delivering this project; if he has been briefed in respect of the anticipated cost overrun; and the estimated amount of expected overrun costs. [12141/21]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that construction of the new Garda Security and Operations Centre at Military Rd, Dublin 8 is on schedule to be completed on time in September 2022. I am further advised by the Commissioners that the project is being developed within budget and it is expected that the project will be delivered on time within its total project budget.
255. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason for the reference to presumably indoor auditoriums and conferencing and event centres given in the context of outdoor events on page 47 of the document COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead; and when the specific guidance outlined will be developed and published. [11499/21]
View answer270. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason for the reference to presumably indoor auditoriums and conferencing and event centres given in the context of outdoor events on page 47 of the document COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead; her plans to engage with the events sector; and when the specific guidance outlined will be developed and published. [11498/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 270 together.
The current epidemiological situation is such that Government does not consider it appropriate to move to a level under the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: the Path Ahead that would provide for the reopening of indoor auditoriums, conferencing and event centres. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations.
The public health measures recognise the need to reduce congregation and interactions between people to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead is based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
Indoor events are only allowed for under levels 1 and 2 of the revised plan. Under level 1 up to 100 patrons are allowed and 200 in larger venues where strict 2 metre seated social distancing and one way controls for entry and exit can be implemented. These numbers are halved respectively under level 2 of the plan.
The Government's Plan for Living with COVID-19, published last year, committed to the development of guidelines for large purpose built auditoriums and stadia. In response to this commitment, key stakeholders supported by my Department have developed or are in the process of developing the following guidance documents:
- For the sports sector the Expert Group on the Return to Sport has drafted guidance on the safe reopening of stadiums;
- Fáilte Ireland has developed draft guidance on conferencing and events;
- Guidelines for the live entertainment sector are currently in preparation and my Department continues to engage with stakeholders from the events sector.
My Department continues to work with stakeholders and the Department of Health on the finalisation of these guidance documents to ensure that they are in place for the reopening of the live entertainment sector when it is safe to do so.
256. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason that Ireland and the European Union did not secure equal protection for cultural industries as secured by Canada in Article 7.7 of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement; and if this will put Irish and European cultural workers and businesses at a disadvantage compared to their Canadian counterparts. [11981/21]
View answer297. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the inferior protection given to Irish and European cultural industries compared to Canadian cultural industries under Article 7.7 of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement; and the impact that will have on the ability to subsidise or support cultural workers and businesses. [11982/21]
View answer298. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if representations were made by her Department on behalf of the Irish cultural industry in negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada; and if so, the details of same. [11983/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 256, 297 and 298 together.
The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) has provisionally applied since 21st September 2017, meaning that duties on 98% of products (tariff lines) that the EU trades with Canada have been removed. CETA covers virtually all facets of economic activity.
Article 7 of CETA, similar to the vast majority of provisions under the Agreement, is provisionally in place since September 2017 pending final ratification by the Member States. Over 80% of Europe’s cultural and creative operators are SMEs. The reduction in trade barriers and tariffs facilitates Irish and other European designers, artists and other cultural professionals in the sale and export of their products and services. At the same time, European cultural and creative professionals such as architects, will have their professional qualifications recognised and can now tender for contracts at the federal and regional level in Canada.
CETA will address areas of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) by bringing Canada's rules in line with EU laws for protecting new technologies and managing digital rights. The creative industries, through choice or necessity, are increasingly pivoting to the digital environment to support their livelihoods.
Having regard to the Deputy’s question on the matter of whether representations were made by my Department on behalf of the Irish cultural industry in negotiations on CETA, I can advise the Deputy that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment leads on trade policy negotiations for the whole of Government in Ireland.
257. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason County Wexford has been excluded from the grant scheme for outdoor dining infrastructure; and if she will consider expanding the scheme to include County Wexford. [10986/21]
View answer295. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider seeking an expansion of the outdoor dining grant to include urban centres in the Border region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11913/21]
View answer301. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of the roll-out of the outdoor dining grant; if the grant will be inclusive of all businesses in the hospitality sector; if the grant will be administered by Fáilte Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12094/21]
View answer306. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if concerns raised by an association (details supplied) in relation to the exclusion of 18 counties from the outdoor dining grant will receive a response; if the matter will be reviewed to include County Louth which has the two largest towns in Ireland, Drogheda and Dundalk due to their urban population size; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12171/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 257, 295, 301 and 306 together.
I am advised by Fáilte Ireland that contrary to some reports the proposed Outdoor Dining Scheme is still in development and has not been finalised. As the development of the scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputies’ questions to them for further information. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
258. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the frustration of young sports persons, and the effects on their mental health at not being able to train and engage in team sport; when outdoor sports and training for various age groups can recommence for sports clubs; when the roadmap for sports will reopen as Ireland emerges from the current lockdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11147/21]
View answerThe Government recently agreed that the current public health restrictions on sport and exercise will be extended until 5 April. The current epidemiological situation is such that it does not permit Government consideration at this time of the resumption of sporting activity for children or adults. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations.
Last week, the Government published the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead and agreed that the public health restrictions will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The public health advice is that it is too early to say how and when other restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties. Government will meet in advance of the 5th of April to review the level of restrictions. The focus of the assessment, based on the public health advice, will be on achieving the following before any significant easing of measures is contemplated:
- Disease prevalence (case numbers/incidence) is brought to much lower levels that can be managed and controlled by public health and that the reproduction number (“R” number) is such that we can be confident that we can continue to suppress the disease e.g. at or below 1.
- Hospital and critical care occupancy are reduced to low levels to protect the health service and allow for the safe resumption of non-COVID-19 care.
- Ongoing and steady progress on the vaccination programme such that the most vulnerable are protected through vaccination.
- Emerging information on variants of concern.
Any easing of measures should be slow and gradual with sufficient time between phases to assess impact and to respond if the epidemiological situation was to deteriorate. It will take account of emerging international and national evidence and experience and with a specific focus on supporting mental health and wellbeing. The Government has agreed that the following areas may be considered if the situation improves sufficiently:
- Some easing of restrictions on outdoor activities and meetings beyond 1 other household.
- Consideration of extending the current 5km limit.
- Staggered start of easing of other areas of activity with a focus on outdoor activities including sport and some areas of construction.
Minister Martin and I will continue our engagement with Sport Ireland and the sporting bodies with a view to bringing proposals at the appropriate time for consideration by Government, in consultation with NPHET and the public health authorities. We are both acutely aware of the important well-being benefits associated with sporting activity for young people.
259. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the coach tourism business continuity scheme will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11156/21]
View answerAs part of the July stimulus package and in response to the challenges being experienced by the Coach Tourism sector the Government provided €10m to fund the Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme which is administered by Fáilte Ireland. The scheme opened for applications last October and I understand allocations are being made this week.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to Fáilte Ireland for further information. Please let my private office know if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
260. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the consideration being given to ensure that gyms can be prioritised in the schedule being considered for reopening of society given the well-being and mental health benefits of exercise for persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11264/21]
View answerThe Government recently agreed that the current public health restrictions on sport and exercise – including those applying to gyms – will be extended until 5 April. The current epidemiological situation is such that it does not permit Government consideration at this time of the resumption of such activities. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations.
Last week, the Government published the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead and agreed that the public health restrictions will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The public health advice is that it is too early to say how and when other restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties. Government will meet in advance of the 5th of April to review the level of restrictions. The focus of the assessment, based on the public health advice, will be on achieving the following before any significant easing of measures is contemplated:
- Disease prevalence (case numbers/incidence) is brought to much lower levels that can be managed and controlled by public health and that the reproduction number (“R” number) is such that we can be confident that we can continue to suppress the disease e.g. at or below 1.
- Hospital and critical care occupancy are reduced to low levels to protect the health service and allow for the safe resumption of non-COVID-19 care.
- Ongoing and steady progress on the vaccination programme such that the most vulnerable are protected through vaccination.
- Emerging information on variants of concern.
Any easing of measures should be slow and gradual with sufficient time between phases to assess impact and to respond if the epidemiological situation was to deteriorate. It will take account of emerging international and national evidence and experience and with a specific focus on supporting mental health and wellbeing. The Government has agreed that the following areas may be considered if the situation improves sufficiently:
- Some easing of restrictions on outdoor activities and meetings beyond 1 other household.
- Consideration of extending the current 5km limit.
- Staggered start of easing of other areas of activity with a focus on outdoor activities including sport and some areas of construction.
Minister Martin and I will continue our engagement with Sport Ireland and the sporting bodies with a view to bringing proposals at the appropriate time for consideration by Government, in consultation with NPHET and the public health authorities.
261. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will sanction a 2% increase in pensions in payment for members of the RTÉ superannuation scheme with effect from 1 January 2021 as provided for under section 85 of the RTÉ superannuation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11328/21]
View answerAs Minister for Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, I have responsibility for the governance of RTÉ to ensure the company is fully compliant with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State bodies and the governance functions included in the legislative and regulatory framework for broadcasting.
The RTÉ Superannuation Scheme is a funded, contributory defined benefit scheme, established under legislation and sponsored by RTÉ. The scheme is managed by a board of trustees who have responsibility for overseeing the schemes’ operations, including the investment of the schemes’ assets.
In December 2020, the proposal for a 2% pension increase was submitted to my Department seeking my approval, as required under the governing legislation. In addition, Section 85 of the RTÉ Superannuation Scheme provides for authorisation of increases and this is for determination by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The matter is currently under review, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and a decision will be made on the matter when the review and consultations have concluded.
