Written Answers Nos. 141-168
141. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 71 of 1 June 2021, his views on the fact that there are no penalties included in the National Broadband Plan; if his attention was drawn to this fact when the contract was signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32271/21]
View answer159. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 71 of 1 June 2021, if his position on the National Broadband Plan has changed or remains the same as outlined in correspondence (details supplied) of 1 April 2019; and his views on the statement in the reply which outlines that the National Broadband Plan is significantly behind schedule. [32272/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 159 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract was signed in November 2019, and is being delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high-speed and future-proofed broadband network within the intervention area, which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms, along with 695 schools. Prior to Government approving the NBP contract, my Department provided views and advice to Government in relation to the proposed contract. The Government approved the contract in May 2019, which was subsequently signed in November 2019, and the project is now being delivered by NBI. Following the signing of the NBP contract, my Department no longer has any operational role in relation to the National Broadband Plan. As the contract was signed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, responsibility for all matters in relation to the contract, including governance and operational performance, are now a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. My position, and the position of Government, is now to seek to accelerate the roll out of the NBP, as committed to in the Programme for Government. However, it is my understanding that, among other governance arrangements, the contract signed in November 2019 contains a suite of key performance indicators to ensure the service is maintained appropriately, including significant penalties to address under-performance, and substantial provisions to reclaim the subsidy from NBI in the event of cost savings achieved or additional revenues generated. These include clawback on the deployment phase, during network operation, and at contract expiry. I understand there is also a clawback mechanism with respect to any sale of shares in NBI. However, as already indicated, I and my Department have no operational role in relation to the management of the NBP contract and any questions regarding the contract and/or its roll out should be directed to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
142. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will initiate a review conducted by the OPW in conjunction with An Garda Síochána to investigate if the former Garda station on Tubbermore Road, Dalkey could be utilised by An Garda Síochána for the purposes of a base for a dedicated public transport unit or other divisional unit due to its proximity to the DART line. [32483/21]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works have advised me that operational matters for An Garda Síochána are exclusively a matter for the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. As such, it is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to determine any future requirements for the organisation.
143. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of the Office of Public Works project at Carlow castle. [32329/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, extensive damage was caused to Carlow Castle in February 2020 as the result of a storm. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery that the base of the collapse was constructed on clay foundations which has had major consequences for the safe repair and reconstruction of this section of wall. OPW is currently working to secure an appropriate method of ensuring that the tower can be made safe for the future.
Ballasts, needed to provide stability and balance, are now in place as is a temporary roof. Once the temporary works to prevent further damage are signed off, the next phase of design will commence. This will involve surveys and archaeological investigation at the base of the structure to assess it's current condition. This will inform the repair methodology going forward. It is too early at this stage to predict what the results of these surveys and investigations will be.
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department have identified any particular tendencies in the context of public spending, current or capital, including any inflationary elements which may require any corrective measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32391/21]
View answer167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which he remains satisfied with regard to public expenditure levels in the current year to date; if any particular concerns have arisen which may require specific attention now or at a later date; if all Government Departments and their subsidiary bodies continue to operate within the criteria laid down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32390/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 167 together.
In the period from 2014, prior to the impact of Covid-19, the overall fiscal strategy adopted by the Government greatly improved the monetary position of the State with the deficit at the end of 2014 of €7.1 billion or 3.6% of GDP moving to a surplus of 0.5% of GDP at the end of 2019. The position regarding gross general government debt against GDP also improved over this time period, from 104.4% of GDP at the end of 2014 to 57.4% of GDP at the end of 2019.
Underpinning this fiscal strategy was the policy of sustainable annual increases in public expenditure during this timeframe, with gross voted expenditure increasing by a total of €13.1 billion or 24%, from €54.1 billion in 2014 to €67.2 billion in 2019. Over this period, to allow for the delivery of key infrastructure projects, there has been a clear focus on increasing levels of capital investment by the State.
The decisions made in recent budgets have ensured that we had the financial resources to act in response to Covid-19 and to provide substantial supports to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic during 2020 and for 2021, with some €28 billion allocated to date across the two years for support measures.
For 2021, the Revised Estimates for Public Services (REV) outlined an overall Government Expenditure Ceiling of €87.8 billion, which included almost €12 billion in funding to respond to Covid-19. Within this overall expenditure ceiling, €5.4 billion was set aside in reserve to be used as required during the year for temporary, targeted measures to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19.
This reserve was partially allocated as part of Further Revised Estimates agreed by Government in April, with almost €4.3 billion in additional funding provided to the Departments of Social Protection; Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and Rural and Community Development for measures in response to the impact of Covid-19. In addition to this, additional Departmental Estimates will be presented to the Dáil in due course reflecting the various measures set out in the National Economic Recovery Plan.
It is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister to manage expenditure within their respective allocations, particularly given the exceptional level of funding being provided this year, and careful monitoring of spending against profile and of progress on programmes and projects is required. My Department is in regular contact with all other Departments and Offices regarding this.
Based on Departmental Estimates presented to the Dáil to date and as set out in the most recent Fiscal Monitor, total gross voted expenditure to end-May 2021 amounted to nearly €33 billion. While this is nearly €1½ billion ahead on the same period in 2020, the public health restrictions in place this year have impacted on spending plans of departments. Accordingly, gross voted expenditure is running almost €1.4 billion or 4% below profile.
In 2021 the main spending Departments will be reporting to Government quarterly on spending within their areas. This stands alongside a range of reforms implemented in recent years in order to enhance Ireland’s budgetary framework and to ensure efficient and effective management of public expenditure. Looking forward, the Programme for Government commits to continuing reform and improvement of the Budgetary process, building on the budgetary reforms already in place and the significant work on public service reform already completed.
Furthermore, inflationary pressures continue to be dealt with on a year-by-year basis as part of the normal budgetary process. There is an expectation and a responsibility across all Departments and agencies to generate efficiency dividends and promote productivity with the resources that are provided. As the economy recovers from the impact of the pandemic, we will continue to monitor and develop our budgetary process with a view to ensuring that value for money is delivered across Government projects and programmes.
145. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position in relation to remote working arrangements for civil servants and other public sector workers; if the results of the recent survey among civil servants in relation to remote working will be taken on board by his Department in the months ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32213/21]
View answerThe Government, has committed, in the Programme for Government, to mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working in 2021. In this context, My Department is, as a matter of priority, working with employers across the Civil Service to develop the longer term approach to remote working in the sector. My Department is also working closely with the wider public sector to ensure a consistency of approach. To this end the Department is working on a Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations which will assist those organisations in developing long-term remote working policies.
146. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will conduct a study into the possible operation of a four day week in the public and civil service and in particular will his Department examine the experience of other jurisdictions that have adopted such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32470/21]
View answerThe matter of a four day working week has been raised by the Four Day Week Ireland campaign led by Forsa, ICTU and other civil society groups. Correspondence on this issue has been received in my Department and I note that the campaign has engaged with the Tanáiste on their proposals.
In the context of the civil and public service, there are two main concerns in considering a move to a four day week - the cost to the taxpayer and ensuring the continuity of services to the public.
On the issue of costs, there are potentially significant costs associated with a move to a four day week in the public service. Significant additional recruitment would be required in order to ensure the continued delivery of essential public services, in particular in terms of frontline and emergency public services that must be available on a seven day basis.
A comprehensive analysis of the potential costs involved would involve a high degree of complexity, as it would encompass over 342,000 public servants in nearly 200 organisations. At a very high level, paying people for four days but providing services to the citizen over five and in some cases seven days would add at least a fifth to the current pay bill of approximately €21bn. That equates to an extra €4.2bn that would have to be found to deliver the same level of services. This is likely a conservative estimate, given the premiums associated with overtime and agency staffing, which would likely be required.
In addition, maintaining the accessibility of services to citizens would be a huge challenge. For example, would there be sufficient time in four days to teach our children properly? What would happen to childcare costs if the public service moved but parts of the private sector did not? And how would the emergency services - hospitals, fire brigades, lifeguards and the Gardaí - operate on a four day week?
These are essential public services, the importance of which has been underlined by the Covid-19 pandemic. The wider implications of this proposal also need to be carefully considered for the entire labour force, not just the public service. Indeed any movement by the public service in isolation could have serious consequences for, in particular, small to medium businesses already struggling in the face of Covid-19.
I would also like to make the point that the State is already a good employer that offers considerable flexibility to staff through the availability of, amongst other things, work sharing, flexible working hours, shorter working years, career breaks and now remote working. At this time, work is underway on developing a framework for ‘blended’ working, which is a priority area for my Department.
In my role as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform I have to ensure that quality public services are delivered to the Irish people in a manner that delivers value for money to the Irish taxpayer.
With this in mind, and in light of the large potential costs and disruption to critical services I do not believe that it is the right time to consider a transition to a four day week.
147. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of approving the Crossmolina flood relief scheme; when final approval is likely to be granted to allow the scheme proceed to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31853/21]
View answer153. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current position in relation to the flood alleviation scheme for Crossmolina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32335/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 153 together.
Thank you, Deputy Dillon and Deputy Calleary, for your queries in relation to the much needed Flood Relief Scheme in Crossmolina. The current status in relation to Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme is as follows:
As part of the approval process under the Arterial Drainage act, the Office of Public Works (OPW) submitted the scheme documentation to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (MPER) for Statutory Confirmation. As part of this statutory process, stakeholders were afforded a formal opportunity to provide comments on the environmental element of the proposed works. Once this step concluded, the Department of Public Expenditure (DPER) procured independent consultants to carry out an assessment of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS).
Following a review of the material by DPER, the OPW received comments and requests for supplementary information. The project team for the Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme are now compiling a response to DPER and will respond with the additional requested information in July. Once DPER receive our comments, they will in turn have to review this material prior to granting Statutory Confirmation of the Scheme. I cannot provide an indicative timeline for this stage of the Confirmation process as this is outside of our control.
Subject to a satisfactory conclusion of DPER's Consultation and Independent Review, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will give statutory consent to the scheme, allowing the project team to bring Crossmolina to construction. Subject to confirmation, it is currently anticipated that the OPW construction crew will be in a position to commence advance construction works this year. These are indicative timelines and may vary depending on the confirmation process and favourable ground conditions.
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/
148. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will be taking on a management role at heritage sites currently operated by Shannon Heritage in County Clare. [32138/21]
View answerBunratty Castle is a National Monument in State care, protected by legislation.
The Commissioners of Public Works are currently engaged in an assessment of the building's fabric and installations with a view to estimating the potential cost of undertaking any necessary works. At this point in time, no decision has been made in relation to the Commissioner's role in the future management of the site.
149. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has received a report from the Department of Health on the most recent cost estimate and timescale for the completion of the new National Children’s Hospital. [32342/21]
View answerThe Minister for Health and his Department have oversight responsibility in relation to the National Children’s Hospital. I understand that the Minister for Health is in the process of preparing an update on this matter for Government.
151. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of and position regarding the overpayment of rent at the Miesian Plaza; the contacts which his officials have had with the landlord over the past three months; and when he expects to recoup this overpayment. [32464/21]
View answerI am informed by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) that since the previous question on this matter was tabled by Deputy Shortall in April, they have continued to engage with the landlord in relation to the measurement standard applied as the basis of calculation of the annual rent of Miesian Plaza. A further, without prejudice, meeting was held on 3rd June 2021 and while there was a constructive discussion around the general issue, further discussions will be necessary to progress the matter. Both the OPW and the Landlord are committed to continuing this process with a view to establishing if a solution that is acceptable to both parties can be reached.
152. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the completion of the flood relief scheme in Skibbereen and Bantry, County Cork. [32353/21]
View answerIn relation to the flood relief schemes in Bantry and Skibbereen, County Cork, I am advised as follows:
Bantry Flood Relief Scheme:
The Flood Risk Management Plans launched in May 2018 included a recommendation to progress the project-level development and planning of a flood relief scheme for Bantry. A Steering Group, comprising representatives from the Office of Public Works and Cork County Council, is in place to progress the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme. The Plans, with outline design of possible measures, estimated a preliminary Total Project Cost of €6.7m for the scheme, which will protect some 198 properties.
On 11th March 2021 Cork County Council, in partnership with OPW, issued the tender documentation for the procurement of Engineering Consultants via www.etenders.gov.ie. Tenders are due for return on 26th July 2021.
Once consultants are appointed to progress the Flood Relief Scheme for Bantry, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of this scheme. In the meantime, Cork County Council has engaged a contractor to treat some of the invasive species in preparation for a flood relief scheme for the town.
The flood relief scheme will be funded from within the allocated €1 billion for flood risk management over the period of the National Development Plan 2018-2027. Provision for the cost of the Scheme is included in the Office of Public Works' multi-annual capital allocation.
Cork County Council have also commenced the preparation of the consultants brief to carry out the repair and re-construction of the Main Street Culvert, which has been identified as a significant element contributing to flooding on Main Street, New Street and north and south of Wolfe Tone Square in recent months. The OPW is liaising with Cork County Council on the integration of these works with the flood relief scheme for the town.
In March 2021, an application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for interim works to mitigate flooding in Bantry, which includes installation of non-return valves and provision of mobile pumps, was submitted to the OPW by Cork County Council. This application is currently under consideration.
In addition to the above proposals, prior to forecasted extreme weather events, local area staff from CCC are implementing interim measures to assist mitigate flooding, such as deployment of sandbags at Sands Quay and mobile pumping.
Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme
Construction of the Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme commenced in July 2016 and was substantially completed on 6th June 2019. The Scheme was constructed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, with Cork City Council acting as Contracting Authority and agent for the OPW. All identified defects arising from the construction have now been remedied, with some delays as a result of Covid-19.
Planning for the Operation and Maintenance of the scheme is ongoing in conjunction with Cork County Council, who will act as agents of the OPW in carrying out the statutory operation and maintenance of the scheme. A small number of works to address elements identified during construction, which were outside the main construction contract, remain to be completed and are being progressed in separate works packages.
154. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. [24136/21]
View answerThe Brexit Adjustment Reserve represents an important response by the European Union to the challenges posed by the United Kingdom’s departure from the EU.
Ireland played a leading role in securing support for the Reserve at the marathon European Council meeting last July.
The purpose of the Reserve is to help counter the adverse economic and social consequences of Brexit in the sectors and Member States that are worst affected.
Measures may include: support to economic sectors, businesses and local communities, including those dependent on fishing activities in the UK waters; support to employment, including through short-time work schemes, re-skilling and training; ensuring the functioning of border, customs, sanitary and phytosanitary and security controls, fisheries control, certification and authorisation regimes for products, communication, information and awareness raising for citizens and businesses.
It is generally acknowledged that Ireland is the Member State most impacted by Brexit and so we expect to be a significant beneficiary of the Reserve.
For Ireland, relevant areas for support are expected to include enterprise supports; supports for the agri-food sector; fisheries; reskilling and retraining; and infrastructure for the ports and airport.
At the end of April the Council of Ministers agreed its position on the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, ahead of trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission that are now underway.
The Council proposes that Ireland would receive the largest single Member State allocation of just over €1 billion, or just over 20% of available funding.
The proposed allocation for Ireland reflects the unique, adverse and disproportionate impact of Brexit on our economy, and reflects continuing strong EU solidarity with Ireland.
155. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on gender balance on State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32360/21]
View answerData from the State Boards website indicates that the average gender breakdown of the 2,120 board members is now 45% (954) female and 55% (1,166) male. There are 208 non-vacant boards (a vacant board is an established board with no board members currently in place).
In 2021, 34% of applicants to State Boards were female, and 52% of those appointed to State Boards were female.
108 non-vacant boards (51.9%) have met the goal of having at least 40% of each gender represented on the board in question.
I am committed to furthering the diversity of gender representation on State Boards. In September 2020, I launched an Annex to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, dealing with the issues of Gender Balance, Diversity and Inclusion. This Annex sets out measures designed to enhance the diversity of membership of State Boards, addressing recommendations made by the Inter-departmental group report on Gender Balance on State Boards (2019).
Notwithstanding the progress made to date, I will continue to look at options to further gender diversity on State Boards.
156. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on additional holiday entitlements for workers in the public sector who were frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32463/21]
View answerWorkers across the economy, including of course our public servants, have made an extraordinary contribution during the COVID pandemic and I would like to pay tribute to them.
Notwithstanding the sacrifices and efforts of the last year or more and the progress we have made in recent months to roll out vaccines, this pandemic remains an ongoing challenge for us all and it continues, for now, to require our full focus and attention.
Accordingly, while this is not yet, I believe, the most appropriate time to deal with this matter, the Government will consider in due course how best to recognise the efforts made by workers during this pandemic.
158. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will carry out an audit of flood prevention embankments and other infrastructure to establish the potential that such infrastructure holds for adaptation to walking and cycling infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32349/21]
View answerThe provision of walkways and cycleways is a matter for local authorities and the Office of Public Works (OPW) would be happy to work with the local authorities and other State bodies with their planned development of such community assets, where feasible.
In respect of the OPW’s planned programme of flood relief works that involve embankments, the OPW works with those local authorities that wish to explore opportunities for the provision, where feasible, of additional public realm elements such as cycling and walking.
The Deputy will be aware that the OPW is responsible for the maintenance of embankments that form part of arterial drainage schemes it completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts. These embankments are not in State ownership but are on lands that are for the most part privately owned. I am advised that these embankments were not designed or constructed to cater for cycleways or walkways and might not have the capability to have any sort of walking or cycling infrastructure placed on top of them.
160. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on follow-up trade union and worker engagement planned following the publication of the Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey 2020 COVID-19 Remote Working Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32462/21]
View answerI launched the COVID-19 Remote Working Report in December 2020 following the Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey which took place in September-October 2020. Over 20,000 civil servants engaged with the remote working module making it the largest workplace survey on remote working undertaken in Ireland during the pandemic.
As a follow on to the Launch, on March 4th 2021, my Department hosted an online event entitled COVID-19 and the Future of Remote Working: National and International Perspectives. The event included expert participation from the OECD and the National University of Ireland, Galway which contextualised the Report with regard to the national and international experience of remote working during the pandemic. The event was attended by over 1,200 civil servants from across the country.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment in relation to remote working. In this context, my Department is working with employers and stakeholders to develop a longer term approach to this issue appropriate to the civil and public service. The findings of the survey and subsequent engagements are valuable inputs to this policy formulation process.
162. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of flood defences in the Spanish Arch and docks area of Galway city; the details of any public consultation taken to date or planned in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32125/21]
View answerGalway City Council is leading the development of a flood relief scheme for Galway City, with technical advice and funding being provided by the Office of Public Works. Following a tender process undertaken by the City Council, consultants were appointed in November, 2020, to review and build on the initial proposals in the FRMP. Public consultation will be to the forefront during the development of options that will eventually lead to a preferred scheme to be brought though the Planning process. The opening public engagement process is currently underway; beginning on 1st June and finishing on 7th July 2021. This event has been widely advertised and is being held online due to current Covid 19 restrictions.
The project, now identified as the “Coirib go Cósta – Galway City Flood Relief Scheme” has a website (http://www.coiribgocosta.ie/) that provides information on this public engagement process and the facility for public comments and submissions. This website will continue to provide up-to-date information on the project as it moves forward through its development. There will, of course, be several such public engagement events throughout the course of the project, both with the statutory and non-statutory stakeholders and the general public before the final design is chosen in order to keep those living, working and visiting the City fully informed of developments.
163. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason his Department has chosen to propose a once-off gratuity for the community enterprise scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors as opposed to the pension scheme recommended by the Labour Court in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32045/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the matter of community employment schemes falls within the policy remit of the Minister for Social Protection.
I have however a strong appreciation of the role of Community Employment Schemes in communities right across the country and I know that this role could not be fulfilled without the leadership of the Scheme Supervisors. In this context I have taken the opportunity to meet with the relevant parties involved in these schemes to hear at first hand their issues of concern.
The particular matter raised is a complex one that raises significant policy, legal and exchequer cost issues. As it relates to the Community Employment scheme, a resolution must be progressed via the Department of Social Protection. The Deputy will appreciate that the State is not the employer of the workers concerned. This is a factor which must be borne in mind in the terms of the approach to this.
As the Deputy will also appreciate, we are now facing major challenges in managing the public finances. However, in conjunction with the Minister for Social Protection, I have given fresh consideration to all the issues involved and have recently written to Minister Humphries in relation to a proposed way forward in relation to this complex issue. I understand that Minister Humphries and her officials are now in the process of engaging with the relevant stakeholders to make progress.
164. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the expenditure on good causes undertaken by the National Lottery over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32358/21]
View answerThe National Lottery does not undertake any expenditure on Good Causes, however I am pleased that €254m was transferred from the National Lottery Fund to the Exchequer in 2020 to be utilised by Good Causes projects. This represents a 1.4% increase on 2019 levels.
As per the terms of the National Lottery Licence, 65% of gross gaming revenue is made available for use by Good Causes. The National Lottery Regulator transfers these moneys from the National Lottery Fund to the Central Fund of the Exchequer pursuant to section 44 of the National Lottery Act 2013, to be utilised for the purposes set out in section 41 of the 2013 Act.
Funding is provided by the Oireachtas, in accordance with the 2013 Act, through expenditure subheads which form part of Departmental expenditure programmes.
A breakdown by Department of all the expenditure areas that are supported by National Lottery proceeds is set out in Appendix 1 of the Annual Revised Estimates for Public Services: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/#2021
166. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cumulative additional expenditure undertaken to support the economy and society during the Covid-19 pandemic to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32359/21]
View answerTo date over €28 billion has been provided in direct voted expenditure measures for Covid-19 related supports across 2020 and 2021. This substantial additional funding has been critical in supporting our citizens and businesses devastated by the impact of the pandemic and providing the necessary funding to our key public services to allow them to respond effectively to the crisis.
Following the onset of the pandemic in 2020, additional funding of over €16 billion was allocated to Departments during the year to provide supports in response to Covid-19. Key areas where this additional funding was allocated include: over €10 billion provided to the Department of Social Protection to fund measures including direct income supports for businesses and workers; €2.5 billion for the Health service; almost €1 billion for business supports through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in addition to €0.9 billion to meet the costs of the commercial rates waiver; along with substantial additional funding for the transport and education sectors. At the end of 2020, gross voted expenditure as per the outturn in the December 2020 Fiscal Monitor was €85.3 billion, almost €15 billion higher than the original pre-Covid allocation of €70.4 billion reflecting the impact of the additional funding allocated to respond to Covid-19.
Budget 2021 provided for an overall expenditure ceiling of €87.8 billion, with almost €12 billion of this available to fund measures to continue the response to the challenges of Covid-19. €6½ billion of this was allocated at Departmental level for measures related to Covid-19 while €5.4 billion was set aside in reserve.
Among the main measures provided for by the additional allocations to Departments: were the continuation of employment and income supports, with €3.2 billion for Social Protection; €1.9 billion to support the health service; just over €0.45 billion to the Education sector (including Further and Higher Education); roughly €0.45 billion for transport measures; €0.1 billion for on-going Covid-19 supports to businesses; and over €0.2 billion for measures to address the significant impacts on sectors including tourism, culture, and sport.
The allocation of almost €4.3 billion of contingency funding to Departments was agreed by Government in April. This provided for €4 billion of additional funding to the Department of Social Protection, primarily to fund the extension of the PUP and EWSS to the end of June, an additional €250m for a range of business supports and €10m additional funding to the Covid-19 Stability Fund.
The Economic Recovery Plan published by Government on June 1st announced continued support for people and businesses. Where costs for these measures exceed the provision already made available, additional estimates for Departments will be necessary, with an increase to the Government Expenditure Ceiling as required.
168. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if engagement has taken place with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on extending the pyrite remediation scheme to counties Mayo and Donegal; his plans to consider expanding the pyrite remediation scheme or increasing the funding made available under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32061/21]
View answerThe pyrite grant scheme comes under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and is administered by the relevant local authorities.
This scheme was informed by the work of an Expert Panel and finalised in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and my Department. Any changes to the scheme would require a whole of Government approach. I will of course engage with colleagues in relation to any proposals to amend the scheme and its funding requirements.
