Michael Moynihan
Question:8. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the Civil Service Renewal 2024 Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2548/22]
View answerCivil Service
Questions (8)
Written answers
The Deputy will be aware that I launched Civil Service Renewal 2030, a ten-year strategy for Civil Service Renewal, in May of last year along with the Taoiseach. This strategy was driven by the need to develop a clear direction for the future of the Civil Service, while also responding to today’s challenging environment.
The strategy provides a ten-year framework focused on three core themes
- Delivering evidence-informed policy and services
- Harnessing digital technology and innovation, and
- Building the Civil Service workforce, workplace and organisation of the future
The Civil Service Renewal 2024 Action Plan, which I launched in December, is the first in a series of three-year action plans supporting the delivery of the ten-year strategy. The Plan mirrors the themes of the Strategy and sets out the expected outcomes to be delivered in the next three years, details of the specific actions required and how the plan will be governed and managed. The action plan is ambitious, containing 77 actions for implementation by the end of 2024.
As we have seen during the pandemic, the Civil Service responded with innovation and agility to ensure the ongoing delivery of important public services, allowing Government Departments and Offices to continue to discharge their functions.
As our country emerges from the pandemic we must ensure that the Civil Service has the capability, agility and foresight to respond accordingly. Civil Service Renewal 2024 will build on the experience gained in responding to the pandemic and learn the lessons for the future to secure long-lasting change and improve our service delivery. My officials will lead on the delivery of the priorities identified in the Plan and work through the existing governance structures to ensure a cohesive and collaborative approach is taken in its implementation.
Questions Nos. 9 to 11, inclusive, answered orally.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (12)
Niamh Smyth
Question:12. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on plans for a pandemic bonus for front-line public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2541/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Government acknowledges the contribution of our frontline healthcare workers and all workers across the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have faced difficult challenges and have risen to the task.
As a Government, we have, on many occasions, stated our commitment to recognise these efforts. There were a number of issues which needed to be taken in to consideration before we could finalise our proposals, and the pandemic has remained an ongoing challenge for us all, requiring our full focus and attention.
We have given detailed consideration to these matters and yesterday the Cabinet approved a package of measures to recognise these efforts and to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working together has been a key element of the Government’s approach to the pandemic to date, and this is reflected in the approach announced yesterday. In particular, the value of the contribution of our healthcare workers on the front line cannot be overstated.
The measures we will introduce are:
- A Public Holiday which will be held on 18th March 2022 in recognition of the efforts of the general public and Ireland’s frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- A new annual public holiday from 2023 in celebration of Imbolc/St. Brigid’s day, which will be the first Monday in every February;
- A tax free recognition payment of €1,000 for:
- Public service health and ambulance workers who were working onsite in Covid-19 exposed environments;
- Those seconded or assigned to the HSE (for example our Defence Forces staff who were assigned to HSE testing centres);
- Students who were required to perform training in clinical sites; and
- Staff working onsite in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
In deciding on these measures, and to whom the payment would apply, the Government carefully considered a number of matters, including the consideration that we have a national pay agreement in place for the public service – with associated pay increases of up to 3% over the period January 2021 to December 2022.
I would like to thank both Unions and Employer representatives for the leadership they have shown throughout the pandemic and for their engagement on this matter. They have played a key role in the collective national effort that has been undertaken and is ongoing.
The effort of employees, their representatives and employers has been hugely important in our national response to covid. The public holiday which we have announced is in recognition of their tremendous efforts. In particular we all know that the health services have borne the brunt of this pandemic, and I believe that it is right to knowledge this.
Questions Nos. 13 and 14 answered orally.
Flood Risk Management
Questions (15)
Cathal Crowe
Question:15. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of the OPW drainage and flood relief programme for County Clare in 2022. [2433/22]
View answerWritten answers
Thank You, Deputy Crowe, for your question in relation to the upcoming programme of works in Clare. Your query covers a range of projects from minor works to large capital programmes and drainage maintenance. The OPW have invested heavily in Flood Relief projects in County Clare over the last number of years and continue to do so with a cumulative value for active schemes in excess of 70 million euro.
In respect of drainage maintenance: The Office of Public Works (OPW) has a statutory duty for the maintenance of completed arterial drainage schemes and certain completed flood relief schemes under the 1945 and 1995 Arterial Drainage Acts. Some 2,100km of channel and some 135km of embankments are maintained annually. The OPW Annual Maintenance Programme for 2022 includes maintenance in County Clare on the Shannon Embankments (North) Schemes and the Creegh Scheme.
In respect of Capital Flood Relief Schemes: Currently there are five major schemes and two small schemes been progressed in County Clare.
Of the major schemes:
Ennis Lower
Ennis Lower Flood Relief Scheme is now substantially complete. The last of the works of this scheme at Bank Place in Ennis was completed in 2021. Apart from some minor snagging there are no works planned or required at this location for 2022.
Ennis south
Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme is substantially complete with only some small items to be completed. It is expected that this minor snagging and landscaping will be completed early 2022. Once this has concluded, Clare County Council will then be in a position to complete the remaining work on the Riverside walk.
Kilkee Flood Relief
The proposed Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme is currently at Stage 1: Scheme Development and Preliminary design. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in December 2019. Since this time the consultants have commissioned and completed most of the baseline surveys, including topographic, Site investigation and environmental and ecological surveys. The consultants are currently finalising the survey work and processing the data. The consultants are now focused on progressing the Initial Options Assessment for Kilkee. It is expected that the scheme will be submitted for Planning in early 2023.
Shannon Town & Airport Flood Relief Scheme
The proposed Shannon Flood Relief Scheme is currently at stage 1: Scheme Development and Preliminary design. Since the appointment of engineering and environmental consultants for the project in 2020 the group has been working to ensure that the development of the scheme is based on the most accurate and up to date information. To this end the consultants have been carrying out survey works such as Topographical Surveys, Ground Investigation and CCTV surveys. This survey work, along with Hydraulic Analysis, Environmental Assessment and scheme Analysis and Development, will continue throughout 2022.
Springfield Flood Relief Scheme
The Main works are currently suspended on the scheme over the winter period due to unfavourable weather and ground conditions. In the interim, Clare County Council have appointed Contractors to carry out ground water monitoring and two site visits have been carried out. Clare County Council will shortly appoint another contractor to carry out further geophysical surveys at the location to inform completion of the scheme. Subject to suitable weather and ground conditions, it is anticipated that the site will open this spring and works should largely be completed this year.
The two small schemes of Bunratty and Kilrush are currently been progressed.
Further analysis of the proposed Bunratty scheme is required. Clare County Council in cooperation with the OPW are progressing this element.
A consultant’s brief is currently being prepared for Kilrush with a view to appoint consultants in 2022.
Minor Works
The following is an update on the Minor works schemes either commencing, underway or recently completed in County Clare:
On the Cloughaninchy Flood Relief Project:
Clare County Council are finalising remaining land agreements. Subject to funding; Detailed Design and procurement of contractor for works is scheduled for 2022.
On the Milltown Malbay Flood Relief Project:
Negotiations between Clare County Council and a key landowner are ongoing. This element of the works will need to be concluded before the scheme can progress.
The Spanish Point Minor Coastal Protection Scheme is Substantially complete.
On the Thomond Villas Flood Relief Project:
Clare County council intend to submit to An Bord Pleanála for planning in 2022.
The Kilbaha Erosion Protection project Is at study finalisation.
On the Whitestrand Coastal Protection Scheme
The preliminary design has now been completed. Subject to funding, it is Clare County Council’s intention to submit for planning in 2022.
And finally, on the Quin Flood Relief Works:
Clare County Council hope to submit for Part 8 Planning imminently and commence construction of scheme this year.
Question No. 16 answered orally.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (17)
Ged Nash
Question:17. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps the OPW has taken to improve ventilation in properties under its aegis in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic; the funding available to the OPW for ventilation enhancements in such buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2484/22]
View answerWritten answers
The OPW has issued guidance on ventilation to Departments, based on the recommendations contained in the Government’s “Work Safely Protocol”. On an ongoing basis the OPW Maintenance Helpdesk provides advice and assistance on request to Departments occupying OPW buildings. Responsibility for risk assessing individual work places, including the level of ventilation in OPW buildings, rests with the occupying Department. In buildings where the OPW manages the maintenance of ventilation systems, this is done in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations and guidelines. Control settings, such as extended run times (before and after building occupation) have been changed in line with the latest public health recommendations. In circumstances where a concern or issue relating to poor ventilation in an area is raised by an occupying Department, these are addressed on a case by case basis by OPW Engineers/Technical Inspectors. The OPW is funded to carry out essential maintenance of Civil Service occupied buildings. This maintenance includes ventilation systems. Government Departments are funded to carry out elective works and OPW will advise/manage where requested to do so.
Cybersecurity Policy
Questions (18)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:18. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures planned or in progress to upgrade and improve the resilience of the State’s IT systems across the civil service and the public sector particularly given the risk of cyber-crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2255/22]
View answerWritten answers
In November 2021, the Public Sector Cyber Security Baseline Standard was published by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. This was a commitment in the National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024 and sets out a range of guidance for civil and public service bodies as they continue to work to mitigate the risk of cyber crime and improve resilience of their ICT and digital systems. The Cyber Security Baseline Standards Framework will be used by Public Service Bodies to assess and improve the management of cybersecurity and will allow them to identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from an attack, minimising damage and impact. I am happy to advise that the measures in place in my own Department already meets the baseline standard.
It is critical that the State continues to upgrade and improve the resilience of the State’s IT systems across both public and private sectors. This is a global issue and the European Union has put in place specific EU-wide legislation, the Network and Information Security (NIS) directive, to ensure that critical IT systems are subject to a higher standard of cyber-security. Updated legislation is currently being drafted by my colleague Minister Ryan whose Department is responsible for the transposition of the NIS2 Directive in to national law. This new legislation is needed in order to strengthen the security requirements and expand the list of systems and industries that fall under its scope. For the first time this legislation will cover critical public administration activities carried out by the public sector.
Question No. 19 answered orally.
Office of Public Works
Questions (20)
Brendan Griffin
Question:20. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a site for a community playground in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2552/22]
View answerWritten answers
The OPW’s involvement with An Blascaod Mór goes back to 1988 with Ionad an Bhlascaoid, (the Blasket Centre) being developed with assistance from the locally based voluntary group, Fondúíreacht an Bhlascaoid in 1992-3. The Visitor Centre was officially opened in April 1994.
The Visitor Centre site on the mainland at Dún Chaoin supports and animates the OPW’s operations on the Great Blasket Island.
To enhance the visitor offering on the mainland, in 2020 we constructed a striking Viewing Platform on a clifftop site overlooking the Blasket Sound, which I had the pleasure of opening in July 2020.
A major project is currently underway to refurbish Ionad an Bhlascaoid and install a reimagined exhibition which will deliver a world-class visitor attraction in Dún Chaoin. This project is at an advanced stage and is due for completion in Spring 2022. It is expected to be transformative for tourism in the locality.
The Viewing Platform and the upgrades to the Visitor Centre are part of a major programme of investment of circa €2.6m in the Blaskets by the strategic partnership of Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Since the inception of Ionad an Bhlascaoid at Dun Chaoin, the OPW has been highly engaged with the local community and Fondúireacht an Bhlascaoid in seeking to meet the cultural and social needs of the community.
The OPW’s role is to preserve and animate our national archaeological, natural and cultural heritage through compelling visitor experiences. The lands at Ionad an Bhlascaoid were acquired for the construction of the Ionad and are maintained by the State for the purpose of conserving and presenting the unique natural, literary and cultural legacy of the Blasket Islands.
Playground Development
In the latter part of 2020, the OPW was approached by Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin regarding the possibility of the OPW providing lands at the site of Ionad an Bhlascaoid for the purposes of a community playground.
The OPW management team assessed the proposal holistically and considered multiple issues about capacity, best practices in heritage presentation and the long-term objectives of the site. It was decided that any solution must address these concerns while meeting the needs of the local community.
Last September I had a really positive meeting with the Comharchumann, at which the OPW made an offer in principle of a site to be leased for a playground for the community in Dún Chaoin.
A location adjacent to the Ionad on OPW lands, but not on the immediate footprint of the Ionad site, has been provisionally identified. I can confirm that the site has been assessed by both Comharchumann Dhun Chaoin and Kerry County Council, and I was assured that this site is acceptable to both.
Following the offer in principle of a lease on the relevant lands, the Comharchumann is engaging now with Kerry County Council to secure their support and assistance in the design and development of the playground facility. The next step is for a detailed proposal for design and layout of the playground to be developed and agreed with all stakeholders. Thereafter, this proposal must be submitted for planning permission through the normal process.
Any lease for the purposes of a playground will be entered into when planning permission is secured. The OPW is happy to provide a letter setting out the availability of the site subject to lease in support of the planning application, and to support the Comharchumann through the process.
The OPW is in regular and proactive contact with the Comharchumann regarding the playground and is making every effort to ensure that this issue is progressed without delay.
I assure the Deputy that the OPW is keen to receive the proposals and looks forward to assisting the Comharchumann as they progress this project to planning permission and funding applications.