Written Answers Nos. 279-298
279. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the amounts paid into the Credit Institutions Resolution Fund by credit unions; the amount paid out of the fund to support credit unions in each year since its inception in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16583/22]
View answerThe Central Bank and Credit Institutions (Resolution) Act 2011 (the “2011 Act”) established a resolution regime for credit institutions and credit unions in Ireland. The Credit Institutions Resolution Fund (“CIRF”) was established under this legislation to support resolution actions in the State, and is managed and administered by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Following the establishment of the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) in 2016, Credit Unions are now the only financial institutions contributing to the CIRF.
In 2019, the Department of Finance, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Ireland, issued a consultation paper on the establishment of a target level for the CIRF. Following this review it was decided that the target size of the CIRF should be set at €65 million and that this target should be met by 2025. It was also agreed that the Resolution Fund should be reviewed in 2025 and that the annual levy should be reduced to approximately €5 million per annum from 2020 to 2025.
The adjusted annual levy rate would be dependent on the movement of the asset size of the sector over the five years and whether any costs of resolution have been incurred by the Resolution Fund.
Below are the details of all amounts that have been paid into the CIRF and the amounts paid out each year since its inception.
Please note that the proceeds from both the sale of the building and amounts received under the loan book profit sale agreement as per the terms of the Newbridge Credit Union resolution have also been included in the income line.
280. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants in his Department currently on secondment to the private sector; if he will list the entities that they are working for in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17152/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently no civil servants in my Department on secondment to the private sector.
281. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that when purchasing a ticket for the National Lottery Euromillions online the National Lottery website adds in an additional €1.00 for lotto plus, therefore creating an opt-out system when an opt-in system should be in place; if he will address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16576/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the responsibility for the regulation of the National Lottery is, under statute, under the remit of the Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery (the National Lottery Act, 2013.)
I understand that the Regulator will, on foot of complaints received, consider the opt-out system for the draw based add-on “Plus” games in the National Lottery’s online channel as part of the Lottery Regulator's 2022 work programme.
282. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of retainers his Department has with outside organisations; and the cost of each retainer in tabular form. [16156/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), has no retainers in place with outside organisations.
283. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when buildings (details supplied) were last occupied; his plans for their future use; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16268/22]
View answerThe property referred to by the Deputy is not in the control of the Office of Public Works but is vested in the Courts Service in accordance with section 26 of the Courts Service Act 1998.
284. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the name of the entity that currently occupies lands (details supplied); the details of any contractual agreement entered into including any consideration paid for occupation of the lands; the duration of such an agreement; if he will outline the plans of the Office of Public Works for the site; the proposed occupiers and uses of same; the timeline for the completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16269/22]
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 purpose of this acquisition was to facilitate the development of a Family Court complex and office accommodation for the Court Service.
In relation to the current use of the site, the OPW was approached in 2019 by the developers of an adjoining site to request temporary use 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 October 2021, the OPW extended the licence for a further 12 month period at the request of the developers. A licence fee of €50,000 was payable for this extension.
It is envisaged that the site will ultimately transfer to the Courts Service to address the need for improved court accommodation for family law cases in Dublin. The development proposed for the site will provide a purpose built facility where family law cases can be dealt with in a dignified, secure and non-threatening environment with all required support services to hand. The complex is being designed with the needs of family law users in mind and is cognisant of reforms proposed in the Family Courts Bill and the Courts Service modernisation programme.
285. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works can itemise the lands that it holds in the environs of Dún Laoghaire Harbour; in the case of lands that are leased to yacht clubs or other private organisations, if he will in each case identify the lands, the lease-holder and the annual rent paid, if any; and if he will provide full details and a map of the lands held and leased in each instance. [16270/22]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they hold no properties in the environs of Dún Laoghaire Harbour in respect of any land leased to yacht clubs or other private organisations.
286. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works plans to refurbish the vacant public toilets on Infirmary Road, Dublin 7 to provide public tea rooms and toilet overlooking the children’s playground at the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16271/22]
View answerDear Deputy,
The Office of Public Works has previously advised the condition of the premises which you refer to and which have not been in use for over 15 years. In the past, Dublin City Council employed a caretaker to open/close and maintain the toilets. Unfortunately, the toilets were subject to considerable anti-social behaviour and arson, which led to the decision by DCC to close them to the public. OPW will examine the building block in question and will develop a plan to refurbish. It is unclear what might ultimately be possible at this location but we will endeavour to provide toilet and café facility if at all possible.
It should also be noted that there are permanent tearooms at three locations in the Park and the OPW is also considering a mobile unit to serve teas, coffees etc at the Papal Cross. This is due to tender in the coming weeks. I can also advise that there are several toilet facilities located within the Park and these are all open during daylight hours where cleaning staff provide passive surveillance and security.
287. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servants in his Department currently on secondment to the private sector; if he will list the entities that they are working for in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16272/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently no civil servants employed by my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement, on secondment to the private sector.
288. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the external consultancy organisation or provider which delivered diversity and inclusion training within his Department in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the costs associated with such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16380/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy for my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), is set out in the tables below.
As part of its “People @PER Strategy”, my Department is fully committed to recognising, valuing and harnessing the diverse talents of its staff, and to creating an inclusive working environment where staff feel supported to achieve their full potential. A diagnostic undertaken by my Department in 2018 and 2019 sought to understand the employee experience of inclusion and identify key issues to be addressed. This will also be used to enable the future diversity and inclusion strategy development in my Department, and to ensure that future strategy is evidence based to give maximum and sustainable impact.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
|
Year |
Name of Company/Service Provider |
Cost |
|
2019 |
Ernst & Young |
€30,750 |
|
2018 |
Ernst & Young |
Included in 2019 payment |
*no associated engagement or costs in 2020, 2021 or 2022 to date
Office of Government Procurement (OGP)
|
Year |
Name of Company/Service Provider |
Cost |
|
2022 (to date) |
Jack Kavanagh |
€500 |
|
2021 |
Niamh O Connell |
€750 |
|
2020 |
Ernest & Young |
€23,232 |
*no associated engagement or costs in 2018 or 2019
289. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide funding under the coastal erosion risk management measures to repair and protect the public walkway known as the O’Sullivan Mile in Adrigole in the Beara Peninsula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16558/22]
View answerLocal flooding and coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address.
Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications for flood and coastal protection works are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding 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.opw.ie. There is no application on hand under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for works in this area.
290. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons who are in receipt of a public and civil service pension who are over the ages of 66, 68 and 70 years. [16565/22]
View answerThe authorities responsible for the administration of the large number of pension schemes operating in the various sectors of the Irish public service are, in general, the relevant employers and Ministers in those sectors.
It would be a matter for those sectoral authorities, including relevant Ministers, to supply such information as may be available in respect of the number of retirees in each year to those individual pension schemes.
I and my Department are responsible for the civil service pension schemes, which cover members of established and unestablished civil service and State Industrial schemes.
The table below shows the number of civil service pensioners in each of the age band categories requested.
|
Civil service pensioner age band (years) |
Number of civil service pensioners |
|
66-67 inclusive |
3,172 |
|
68-69 inclusive |
2,807 |
|
70 Plus |
13,064 |
291. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a schedule of offices his Department use by location and include the display energy certificate, DEC, rating for each; the amount his Department has received historically from the public sector energy efficiency programme; and if he consulted with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in respect of a minimum threshold their buildings should not fall below in the context of a sustainable energy standard. [16652/22]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has demonstrated significant success with regard to energy efficiency in its portfolio of buildings over many years. The bulk of the savings have been achieved through a large scale staff energy awareness campaign (Optimising Power @ Work). Launched in 2008 the campaign operates in over 275 large Central Government buildings (this covers approximately 80% of the energy usage in the OPW portfolio). Average energy savings of over 25% have been achieved through this initiative.
Since 2017, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication (DECC) through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) have provided significant funding for energy efficiency retrofit projects in central government buildings. The programme is a joint venture between DECC/SEAI and OPW. The energy retrofits carried out, mainly comprised lighting, heating and controls systems upgrades.
The OPW is currently working with SEAI to secure additional funding (€20M) over a 3-year period for deeper energy retrofit pathfinder projects in OPW buildings. In addition to the type of upgrades carried out in the previous programme, the new projects will also include substantial building fabric and air tightness upgrades. The energy standard that will be required in these projects will be to achieve a minimum BER B after the energy retrofit works are complete.
The table attached, shows the office buildings managed by the Office of Public Works (owned and leased) which are occupied by the various Government Departments and agencies, the Display Energy Certificate energy rating (where available) and the amounts to date received under the DECC/SEAI/OPW public sector energy efficiency programme.
292. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress that has been made towards action 75 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [16341/22]
View answer293. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress that has been made towards action 76 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [16342/22]
View answer300. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress that has been made towards action 75 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [16339/22]
View answer301. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress that has been made towards action 76 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [16340/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 292, 293, 300 and 301 together.
As the Deputy will be aware from my response given to Dáil Questions Nos. 320 and 321 of 13th July last, overall responsibility for coordination of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021, rests with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Updates on the progress of the Strategy are published the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/8072c0-national-disability-inclusion-strategy-2017-2021/ :
Within that context, responsibility for actions 75 and 76 under the Strategy is shared between my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The table below details sets the position at the end of December 2021 in relation to my Department's implementation Actions 75 and 76 of the Strategy 2017-2021 as reported to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
|
No. |
Action |
Progress Report (December 2021) |
|
75 |
We will ensure that new buildings and facilities for arts, sport or leisure are based on universal design principles. |
CULTURE Chester Beatty - Compliance with Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005 will be adhered to in any designs related to the Chester Beatty Capital Development Plan. An access and inclusion audit of current premises and services will be carried out in 2022. National Gallery - NGI has a policy to embed universal design principles into any new building and facilities works. National Museum - Accessibility is one of the NMI’s five values as part of the Master Vision Statement 2018 – 2032. Connecting our Past and our Future 2018 – 2032 sets out a roadmap for transforming the National Museum of Ireland into an institution of international standing, by modernising its facilities and promoting learning, creativity and inspiration through engaging experiences. The Statement, which was developed following a process of consultation with key stakeholders, provides the guiding principles for investment at the NMI’s 4 sites up to 2032. SPORT Sports Capital - It is a requirement of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme that all facilities are accessible to people with disabilities and capital projects must conform to the 7 principles of universal design. All gym equipment funded must be accessible to people with disabilities and the Department has produced a guide to accessible gym equipment. Sports Inclusion Disability Capital Project - The SIDP capital supports aim to reduce barriers to sports participation for people with a disability through minor infrastructure development and the provision of equipment. The fund is provided to organisations to purchase a range of disability sports equipment and enabling infrastructure including hoists/pool pods, fittings, paddle boards, wheelchairs, hand cycles etc. Through Dormant Accounts Funding, Sport Ireland allocated €400,000 that was administered to 26 Local Sports Partnerships in 2021. |
|
76 |
We will foster disability awareness and competence in voluntary, sporting, cultural and other organisations. We will ensure that disability inclusion is fully integrated into funding programmes, monitored and linked to further funding. |
CULTURE Chester Beatty - These initiatives will be considered as part of the new EDI Policy in 2022. National Gallery - A Public Sector Equality & Human Rights Duty (PSEHRD) project is underway. Relevant actions under the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy will be incorporated as part of this project. National Museum - Accessibility is one of the NMI’s five values as part of the Master Vision Statement 2018 – 2032. Within this Statement, NMI commits to ensuring its collections and activities are wide-reaching and will seek to engage with new audiences. The NMI aims to provide universal access across all its sites and to make NMI’s sites, exhibitions and interpretations fully accessible for all people. SPORT Irish Sport Monitor Data - People with a disability are far less likely to participate in sport, walk for recreation, volunteer for sport, be a sports club member or attend a sporting event than those without a disability. Work is ongoing in the sector to match the gradient of participation in sport for people with disabilities and the general population.2021 Funding - €8,178,000 (National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), CARA Sport Inclusion Ireland, HP Athletes, Paralympic Ireland, Dormant Accounts and Women in Sport).Inclusive Volunteer Programme - Developed by CARA Sport Inclusion Ireland and supported by Sport Ireland, Federation of Irish Sport, and Volunteer Ireland, over 170 active volunteers participated in the programme from across Ireland with a variety of backgrounds, sports and activities.Sport Inclusion Disability Charter - The Charter continues to grow in sign-ups, with over 1,400 signees to date.Xcessible ‘Bronze’ Pilot Programme - CARA Sport Inclusion Ireland supported and guided seven NGBs & LSPs to create more opportunities through coaching, participation, volunteering, officiating, and high performance while building a strong strategic platform for inclusion within each of the organisations (Basketball Ireland, Swim Ireland, Badminton Ireland, Cycling Ireland, Mayo LSP, Clare LSP & Kildare LSP. Clare, Mayo and Kildare Local Sports Partnerships and Basketball Ireland).Paralympic Games – The Irish Paralympics Team had a successful Paralympic Games in Tokyo, winning 7 medals and with many athletes achieving personal bests (PBs).Coaching - An e-learning resource to educate coaches as part of NGB awards or as continuous professional development has been progressed and will be launched in 2022.Organisation Development and Change – A module on diversity and inclusion (gender and disability) was included in the Arena and Accelerate programmes for CEOs and managers/supervisors in sport organisation.National Seminar for Inclusion – CARA, in association with Sport Ireland and HSE, hosted a virtual Live Cast on 03 December 2021, titled ‘I’m In Too – My Choice to be Active’. |
294. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider engaging with a club (details supplied) and Cork City Council to resolve the issues the club is having in gaining access to the deeds of their playing facilities and thus funding grants provided by his Department and Sporting Ireland. [16000/22]
View answerThe Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.1 billion.
Applications are accepted from sports clubs, local authorities, community groups and schools. Full details of the Programme can be found at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
In the case of possible projects on local authority owned land, it is open to the relevant local authority to apply for funding to improve sports facilities which may be used by a particular sports club.
It is also open to a club that does not own its own land to apply for funding for sports equipment or to apply for capital work up to €50,000 with the consent of the landowner. I understand the club referred to by the Deputy has been awarded funding for sports equipment previously.
My officials are always available to advise potential applicant on the terms and conditions of the Programme and the club or Cork City Council can contact the Sports Capital Division of my Department directly in this regard.
295. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of the development being constructed, the planning permission authorising the works, the purpose of the construction being undertaken by building contractors (details supplied) at the Údarás na Gaeltachta industrial estate at Tullagh, Baile na hAbhann, Indreabhán, Contae na Gaillimhe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16040/22]
View answerI am informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that the development the Deputy refers to involves the design and construction of a new cell and gene therapy with clean room facility for Hi-Tech Health Laboratories within an existing building at Eastát Tionscail na Tulaigh, An Tulaigh, Baile na hAbhann, Co. na Gaillimhe. The facility will be licensed and is to meet all standards associated with Good Manufacturing Processes (G.M.P). I am informed that planning permission was not required for these internal works.
296. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of retainers her Department has with outside organisations; and the cost of each retainer in tabular form. [16160/22]
View answerI am advised that my Department has not entered into any contracts or agreements that necessitate the use of advance payments or retainers for services.
297. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide details of the extent of payments made under the strategic tourism transport business continuity scheme; the number of successful recipients for category A Tourism Vehicle Rental Sector and category B Tourism Chauffeur, Limousine Services and Escorted Private Tours for each county; and the average grant payments to successful applicants per category in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16175/22]
View answer298. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an application by a person (details supplied) can be examined under the strategic tourism transport business continuity scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16176/22]
View answer299. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an application by a person (details supplied) can be examined under the strategic tourism transport business continuity scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16177/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 297 to 299, inclusive, together.
In Budget 2022, I secured €50m for the Tourism Business Continuity Programme which is designed to support strategic tourism businesses to survive through the pandemic and to help drive the recovery of the Irish tourism industry. The Tourism Business Continuity Schemes for 2022 are managed by Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
