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Wednesday, 19 Jan 2022

Written Answers Nos. 392-412

Departmental Reports

Questions (393)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

393. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current number of persons employed in the public service; the current number of persons employed in the civil service; the number employed at each civil service grade level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1762/22]

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Written answers

The total number of public service employees at 30 September 2021, the most recent quarterly data available, was 364,352 in full-time equivalent (FTE) terms.

This number includes 45,108 civil servants, comprising 42,726 civil service employees (FTE) whose details are captured on the Civil Service HR Databank, a further 905 civil servants who are primarily serving abroad, and 1,477 civil service industrials.

The grade breakdown of the 42,726 civil service employees is set out in the following table. Data on the grade levels of other civil servants and civil service state industrials grades is not available.

Grade

Number of Employees (FTE)

Secretary General

35.00

Second Secretary

1.00

Deputy Secretary

21.00

Assistant Secretary

240.40

Principal Officer

1,734.82

Assistant Principal

5,275.06

Higher Executive Officer

6,036.86

Administrative Officer

3,051.57

Executive Officer

9,269.30

Staff Officer

2,212.41

Clerical Officer

12,782.63

Temporary Clerical Officer

1,059.55

Services Officer

903.51

Other

1.00

Unknown

83.40

Teacher

16.60

Non Pay Scales Political

2.00

Total

42,726.11

Public Sector Staff

Questions (394)

David Cullinane

Question:

394. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a series of matters in relation to the 2019 Irish language executive officer panel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1790/22]

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Written answers

I would refer the Deputy to my recent replies to a number of related Parliamentary Questions on this matter (PQs 62607/21, 56346/21, 54814/21, 55749/21).

As the Deputy will be aware, this competition was undertaken by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) as the independent, statutory body that provides professional recruitment and selection services to the civil service.  PAS forms panels for general civil service positions that candidates are assigned from as and when vacancies are notified to it by civil service employers. All recruitment is demand led and, while every effort is made to endeavour that panels are not large, candidates are advised from the outset that placement on a particular panel is no guarantee of appointment to a position arising from their participation in a particular competition.

The panels established from the 2019 competition expired on 31 December 2021, with my Department having previously authorised a three month extension.  A new competition will be advertised by PAS on 20 January that may be used to fill vacancies arising for fluent Irish speakers at the grade of Executive Officer over the next 2 years.  I consider this an appropriate timeframe in terms of striking a balance between how long candidates may remain on panels against the need to refresh panels by allowing applications from those either not eligible at the closing date or who did not meet the standard at a point in time for a particular competition.

Departmental Data

Questions (395)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

395. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a schedule of all client and or customer facing and or orientated services that his Department provide via a contracted service provider; the contractor that provides the service; and the cost of same for the past five years to date in 2022. [1805/22]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no such contracts in place.  However, the Deputy may wish to be aware that my Department’s telephony service is provided by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI).  This service is provided under a Department of Finance contract in the context of a number of services that are shared by both Departments.  I understand that the total amount paid to the NCBI for the past five years for the provision of this service to both Departments was €439,619 (excluding VAT).

Public Sector Staff

Questions (396)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

396. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of full-time staff by grade working in the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer; the number of vacancies by grade in the Office; and when each of these vacancies will be filled in tabular form. [1890/22]

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Written answers

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) currently has 74 staff assigned and 31 vacancies. Recruitment of skilled IT and Digital resources is challenging and the Department is actively working with the Public Appointments Commission (PAS) to fill vacancies. It is expected that vacancies at HEO and EO will be filled with successful candidates from recent and ongoing PAS competitions for Senior Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Specialist (HEO) and EO ICT Specialist in the coming weeks. Given the pan-Government and strategic nature of our work, where we can, we cover vacancies with contractors until the posts can be filled through recruitment.

Grade

Officers

Vacancies

Deputy Secretary

1

0

Director

1

0

Principal Officer - ICT / Digital

6

0

ICT Manager (Assistant Principal)

20

3

Senior ICT Specialist (Higher Executive Officer Level)

28

15

ICT Specialist (Executive Officer Level)

15

13

Clerical Officer

3

0

Questions No. 397 answered with Question No. 370.
Question No. 398 answered with Question No. 370.
Question No. 399 answered with Question No. 370.
Question No. 400 answered with Question No. 370.
Question No. 401 answered with Question No. 370.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (402, 403, 404, 405)

Alan Kelly

Question:

402. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way Departments and the public service have responded to vulnerabilities in computers, other devices, servers and network systems (details supplied); when this was first raised as an issue; the actions that have been taken; if a crisis meeting was held to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2233/22]

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Alan Kelly

Question:

403. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Departments or public service computer, device or network systems were compromised due to a computer system vulnerability (details supplied); if online or other services stopped working due to same; if so, the details of such incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2234/22]

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Alan Kelly

Question:

404. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the costs to date of addressing a computer systems vulnerability (details supplied); if this issue has been resolved; if specialist teams were established, recruited or contracted to address the issue; if additional resources were procured; if so, the details and costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2235/22]

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Alan Kelly

Question:

405. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of computers and devices impacted in Departments and the public service by a computer system vulnerability (details supplied); if data was compromised; the number of servers that were impacted; if the issues have been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2236/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 to 405, inclusive, together.

In relation to my Department, I wish to advise that ICT services for my Department are provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) which is a division of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.  Information relating to services provided and or responses initiated to events in other Departments should be directed to these Departments.

My Department implements a multi-layered approach to cyber security and to protecting ICT systems, infrastructures, and services.  The threat landscape is constantly evolving and significant effort is expended to continually enhance and strengthen ICT security to mitigate against emerging threats, risks, vulnerabilities and cyber security issues. In addition to deploying intrusion protection systems, software vulnerabilities are managed by maintaining up-to-date versions.

The vulnerability referenced in the question was identified by my Department on Friday 10 December. In accordance with current standard operational procedures my staff immediately began to examine the Department’s internal and external facing systems in a coordinated fashion to identify potential vulnerabilities.  Vendors of key software applications, equipment, and services were consulted to identify any potential issues with their applications, equipment or services. The recommendations that were detailed in advisory alerts issued by the National Cyber Security Centre on the vulnerability were followed which included checking through system logs for exploits and ensuring that mitigation measures such as applying security patches were put in place.

There were no unplanned stoppages of my Department’s online or other services and there is no evidence to indicate that any computers, devices or services were compromised by the vulnerability.

No additional costs have arisen to date to address the vulnerability. As the vulnerability was investigated and addressed where necessary by existing Department resources and under existing support arrangements, there was no need for additional dedicated specialist teams to be established, recruited or contracted.

Question No. 403 answered with Question No. 402.
Question No. 404 answered with Question No. 402.
Question No. 405 answered with Question No. 402.

Freedom of Information

Questions (406)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

406. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the methodology he will be using for the cost of his review of the freedom of information regime; and the way he will be calculating the cost savings that it generates. [2267/22]

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Written answers

An initial public consultation on the scope of the freedom of information review closed a week before Christmas, having received almost 1,200 responses.  The process of analysing the responses has commenced, which will inform a consultation paper to be published in the spring.  A customer satisfaction survey is also set to launch shortly, which seek to gain a deeper insight into the experiences of the FOI process on the part of requesters, as well as staff of FOI Bodies.

As regards the costing exercise that is planned for the review, at present the methodology has not yet been finalised but will be published once work has been completed.

International experience has noted the inherent difficulty in placing a monetary cost on FOI-type systems.  However, in order to paint a full and realistic picture of all facets of the system, estimating the resourcing implications is a necessary part of the task.  In terms of "cost savings" associated with FOI, this would be even more difficult to estimate in purely pecuniary terms, or to isolate from the vast array of audit and oversight measures operating across the civil and public service.

The costing aspect of the review process represents only one part of the approach, and contributes to the broader task of assessing the impacts of FOI, in order to ascertain what can be improved in order to provide the best possible outcomes and value for money.

Legislative Measures

Questions (407)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

407. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he plans to remove the clauses in the heads of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2021 which the Oireachtas Joint Committees on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach deemed to be regressive; if he will be redrafting this Bill given the other serious concerns that the committee outlined in its pre-legislative scrutiny report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2268/22]

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Written answers

Legislation to amend the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 to provide for the transposition of EU Directive 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law ("the Whistleblowing Directive") is at an advanced stage of preparation and will be published shortly.

The Pre-legislative Scrutiny Report on the draft general scheme of the Bill, prepared by the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Taoiseach, has been received and its contents are being considered. I would like to thank the Committee for the significant amount of work they have put into the scrutiny of this important issue.

The recommendations of the Report will be taken into careful consideration in the process of finalising the Bill for publication and during its passage through the Oireachtas. A number of recommendations have been incorporated into the text of the Bill, which will go to Cabinet for approval shortly. There are also a number of recommendations which require further consideration with the Attorney General. Given that the date for the transposition of the Directive has now passed and in order not to further delay the publication of the Bill, I have decided that, depending on the outcome of deliberations with the Attorney General, these outstanding issues can be addressed by Committee Stage amendments if required.

Public Sector Staff

Questions (408)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

408. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress he has made to date implementing the recommendations of the report that was issued by the Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach in relation to top public service appointments and remuneration (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2269/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the Report on the Processes and Procedures Applying to the Appointment of Senior Executives in the Public Service by the Houses of the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach is a lengthy examination of complex issues that span a number of policy and legislative areas. Given the scope and extent of the 288 page report, and the detailed recommendations therein, the report requires careful consideration. I am conducting a review of these issues which I expect to be completed in the near future. The recommendations of the Committee's report will form an important input to this review.

Public Sector Staff

Questions (409)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

409. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department factored in the potential for increased productivity that might arise from the reduced Haddington Road working hours; and the methodology that was used by his Department to reach its estimated cost (details supplied). [2270/22]

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Written answers

The recommendations of the Independent Body Examining Additional Working Hours were received earlier this month. However, estimating the cost of implementing the recommendations will depend on the detail contained in the Independent Body’s full report. The Terms of Reference of the Independent Body state that, as part of the deliberative process, the Independent Body will consider:

‘any associated costs with reference to possible replacement mechanisms, e.g. rostering changes, productivity measures, recruitment, overtime/premia payments, agency staffing.’

The Independent Body intends to issue their completed report by the end of January. Without the report it is not possible to comment on the detail, including estimated costs, at this point.  Government will consider the Body’s recommendations in due course.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (410)

Holly Cairns

Question:

410. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the flood relief scheme in Skibbereen, County Cork will be officially completed. [2618/22]

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Written answers

The Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme was substantially completed on 6 June 2019.  All known defects arising from the construction have 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 (and since completion of the scheme works), which were outside the main construction contract, remain to be completed and are being progressed in separate works packages.

In addition, some drainage works on Cork Road, which fall outside the remit of the main Scheme, have subsequently been identified as being necessary.  Detailed assessments are currently being progressed by Cork County Council and consultants RPS, in conjunction with the OPW and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), to identify the most effective solution. The OPW is providing some funding under the Minor Works & Flood Mitigation Scheme towards these works.  While work is currently ongoing on the development of a solution, the Council is not yet in a position to confirm the programme times in relation to planning approvals and construction.

A length of flood defence wall upstream of the footbridge in the Town centre remains to be constructed which will facilitate flood defence at a high level (for relatively rare floods) for the adjacent apartments and the town centre, as well as a proposed future public walkway, being proposed by Cork County Council.  It is expected that cost for this remaining work will be shared between Cork County Council and the OPW.

Cork County Council and their consultants have been undertaking assessments of the wider surface water drainage network in the area and these assessments are progressing. Discussions have taken place with a view to completing some remedial/improvement works with any further works to be progressed once the required reports or consultations are completed.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (411, 412)

Brendan Smith

Question:

411. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be provided to Cavan County Council in 2022 for flood alleviation measures in view of increasing problems with flooding due to heavy rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2642/22]

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Brendan Smith

Question:

412. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be provided to Monaghan County Council in 2022 for flood alleviation measures in view of increasing problems with flooding due to heavy rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2643/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.

The Government has allocated €1.3bn under the National Development Plan to 2030 to support the design and construction of some 150 flood relief schemes to manage Ireland’s risk from significant flooding. Cavan County Council confirmed in May 2019 that the Council would act as lead agency on the management and delivery of the proposed flood relief scheme in Cavan Town. A Steering Group, comprising of representatives from the Office of Public Works and Cavan County Council, is now in place and is progressing this Scheme.   Following a competitive procurement process, it is expected that Engineering and Environmental Consultants will be appointed in the coming weeks to progress this scheme. Once appointed, 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.

The OPW and Monaghan County Council will work closely to ensure that the three schemes for Ballybay, Iniskeen and Monaghan town will be commenced as soon as possible within the ten year timeframe for this programme of investment under the National Development Plan.

Outside of this national programme of investment on major flood relief schemes, local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All Local Authorities, including Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council, may carry out flood mitigation works, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This Minor Works Scheme was introduced by my Office in 2009.

The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under local authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.

Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding by the OPW, of up to 90% of the cost, is available for approved projects.  Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.gov.ie/opw

Since 2009 funding to Cavan County Council under this scheme has totalled €463,302. This includes recent approvals in 2020, totalling €75,600 to Cavan County Council for projects at Aghadreenagh Redhills, Ballyhaise Pitch, Ballyhaise Cavan Rd, Drumliffe Ballyhaise Knockateery Cloverhill and Mullinavaranogue. 

In 2021, the OPW approved funding of €75,500 to Monaghan County Council for a project at Drumfalra, Ballybay, bringing the total approved funding under this scheme since 2009 for this Council to €2,495,359. In December 2021 my Office received an application for funding for a project on Plantation Road, Monaghan from Peace Campus to Peter’s Lake. This application is currently under consideration by my Office. Details of all approved localised flood relief schemes and coastal protection measures by my Office under this scheme are available on the OPW website at www.gov.ie/opw

Under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, as amended, the OPW maintains the Boyne, Inny, Blackwater and Glyde and Dee catchments in accordance with its statutory requirements. Cavan County Council has statutory maintenance responsibilities for the parts of Erne Catchment.

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