Written Answers Nos. 230-240
230. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to encourage active travel modes to and from work in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17376/22]
View answerThe Cycle-to-Work scheme is an action of my Department and Revenue that encourages people to cycle to and from work. Section 118(5G) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provides for this scheme. This scheme provides an exemption from benefit-in-kind where an employer purchases a bicycle and associated safety equipment for an employee. Under section 118B TCA 1997, an employer and employee may also enter into a salary sacrifice arrangement under which the employee agrees to sacrifice part of his or her salary, in exchange for a bicycle and related safety equipment. Where a bicycle or safety equipment is purchased under the Cycle-to-Work scheme or through a salary sacrifice arrangement, certain conditions must be met. Further guidance regarding the Cycle-to-Work scheme and salary sacrifice arrangements can be found on Revenue’s website. The Cycle-to-Work scheme is available to all staff in my Department and is centrally administered for my Department by the National Shared Services Office.
My Department has a number of facilities to aid staff who actively travel to work. There are dedicated, secure bicycle parking facilities across a number of locations, and a dedicated bicycle repair station is available. My Department also has a dedicated drying room, where staff can dry wet gear. There are shower facilities in all buildings occupied by my Department, which staff can utilise as required, and an increase in the capacity of shower cubicles is currently being assessed.
The following has been provided by the bodies under the aegis of my Department which have employees regarding the steps they are taking to encourage active travel modes to and from work:
The Central Bank published a Smarter Travel Action Plan on its intranet site, encouraging a shift to sustainable travel modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. The Bank is also considering a post-pandemic travel survey for all staff. It provides secure bicycle spaces, showers, changing rooms and drying rooms across its city centre campus to support/encourage staff to walk, run and cycle to work. These end of journey facilities, which include a bike maintenance station provide staff with the means to commute to work in a comfortable manner. Similar facilities are provided at the Bank’s premises in Sandyford. The Bank’s Facilities Management team meets regularly with a staff cycling liaison group to discuss any issues, and ensure provision of safe, secure and efficient facilities. This has been paused during the Pandemic due to the limited numbers cycling into the office. The Bank also advertises the Cycle to Work scheme for staff twice per year. The Tax Saver Public Transport programme for staff is actively promoted in the Central Bank’s communication channels and pop-up info stands during the course of the year. In conjunction with other organisations in the area and independently, the Bank has been in regular communication with the National Transport Authority to review transport options in the North Wall Quay (NWQ) district. Within the confines of the NWQ car park, 5 spaces are provided exclusively for the use of multi-occupancy cars and there are three electric car spaces available. With the construction of its new Mayor Street building (adjoining NWQ), facilities supporting active travel will again be to the fore, with a provision of a 200 space bike park and end of journey facilities.
The Investor Compensation Company shares a premises with the Central Bank and its staff are seconded from the Bank. As such, any facilities provided by the Bank or measures taken by the Bank to encourage active travel, as set out above, also apply to the Investor Compensation Company.
While the Credit Review Office is a body under the aegis of my Department, its staff are seconded from Enterprise Ireland (EI). EI is a body under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and as such EI is responsible for any measures taken to encourage and facilitate staff in the Credit Review Office to use active travel to commute to work.
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General has approximately 200 head count staff and four car park spaces but a large number of bicycle locking facilities and therefore the Office can more easily facilitate those who bike to work rather than those who drive. The Office also has changing rooms and showers at its premises, to facilitate those who use active travel to commute to work.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council includes information on the Cycle to Work scheme in its employee handbook/HR manual. A large number of employees have availed of this scheme since beginning their employment with the Council. In addition, on site facilities include dedicated secure bicycle parking and shower facilities.
The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman encourages employees to commute to work using active travel by promoting the Cycle to Work scheme and making facilities available for staff who cycle to work. Since the implementation of its Phased Return to Work plan, the FSPO has encouraged active travel, both in the context of overall employee well-being and the potential impact on passenger numbers on public transport. The FSPO communicated the benefits of the Cycle to Work scheme most recently to staff in March 2022, which included useful information on the application process.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) are under my Department’s remit. The NTMA provides business, facilities and support services to NAMA, HBFI and the SBCI, and operates the Cycle to Work Scheme to encourage employees to use active travel to commute to work. The NTMA’s The Treasury Dock building has various facilities to encourage walkers, runners and cyclists such as 346 bicycle spaces, 4 changing rooms which house 30 showers and 324 lockers and 2 drying rooms for wet gear equipment
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners has an active employee well-being framework in place that includes encouragement of employees to remain active to support their well-being. Revenue supports cycling to work via the government Bike to Work Scheme. Some 80% of Revenue staff remain working from home. Those staff who are attending the workplace are advised to avoid the use of public transport and to walk or cycle to work where possible.
The Tax Appeals Commission has a small number of designated car parking spaces available so the Commission has been actively promoting the Cycle-to-Work scheme for any staff member who resides within a reasonable distance from its workplace. A sufficient number of secure bicycle racks are also available to meet the needs of any staff member who wishes to avail of the scheme. In addition to this, the Commission is also implementing a Pilot Blended Working Scheme which is reducing the need for staff to commute to and from work.
231. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if an update will be provided on the implementation of the works introduced on 28 February 2022 as part of the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Report; and the steps that have been taken to ensure motorists adhere to the new 30km/h speed limit in view of the fact that users feedback low compliance with the speed limit. [17135/22]
View answerElectronic signage notifying motorists of road speed limit changes were installed in the Park before and after the implementation on 28th February 2022. New 30km/h signs and road markings were also installed, and all speed limit signs updated. An Garda Síochána were notified of these changes and have assured the OPW that speed limits will be monitored as part of their city wide traffic monitoring programme. All speed limits are updated on GPS and in-car GPS where available. Further information on the progress of the Transport and Mobility recommendations are outlined on PQ 17139/22.
232. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the data that the surface mounted counters reveal about traffic volumes and speeds in the first month since the introduction of the new 30km/h speed limit in the Phoenix Park in tabular form. [17136/22]
View answerSurface mounted counters were installed in the Phoenix Park in late December 2021 to monitor traffic until June 2022. The monitors count vehicular and cycle traffic while also recording vehicle speeds for the duration of the survey.
As part of the project, interpretive data analysis reports will be supplied for the first quarter 2022. The OPW will share this data with the Deputy once it is available.
233. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the 30km/h speed limit introduced in the Phoenix Park is enforceable and mandatory or if it is advisory given there are no regulatory signs on entering the Park. [17137/22]
View answerOn 28th February 2022, The Office of Public Works introduced a 30km/h speed limit in the Phoenix Park. The public and users of the Park were advised of this change, in advance, through public notices, signage, press communications and social media channels over a two-week period in February.
Signs advising motorists of the new speed limit in the Phoenix Park are in place at all of the main entrances. As per the previous speed limit of 50km/h, signs are located at appropriate places throughout the Park advising of the new 30km/h speed limit.
The Commissioners of Public Works have the authority to implement changes and regulations governing the operations and management of the Phoenix Park under the Phoenix Park Act. An Garda Síochána has the power to enforce these regulations and enforce fines under the Road Traffic Act.
234. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of the commitment that An Garda Síochána has provided to the OPW regarding enforcement of the new 30km/h speed limit in the Phoenix Park. [17138/22]
View answerAn Garda Síochána are supportive of the 30km speed limit in the Park, which is now aligning with the limits introduced by DCC on the Dublin City Quays.
235. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the works relating to the implementation of the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Report will be completed (details supplied). [17139/22]
View answerThe Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Study recommendations for Phase One are well advanced with the majority of the implementation works undertaken on site to date.
The implementation of the 9-month pilot study of the cul-de-sac on the upper Glen Road and one-way route on the North Road have commenced and are working well. The North Road has new road markings and signage and is operating as a one-way system, in the city direction only. The North Road one-way system is clearly marked as one way for cars only, with “No Entry” signage on the North Road at Garda HQ. In addition, there are two cycle lanes clearly marked on the North Road. The OPW will review all signage, as the No Entry sign visible on the North Road, may need an exception on it for cyclists. Signage has been erected at both entrances to the Upper Glen Road notifying motorists that there is a cul-de-sac and also that this is a “no through road”. Specific additional signage has been ordered ‘no motorbikes’. The bollards are delineated the cul-de-sac allow for cyclists, wheelchairs, and people with buggies access.
The OPW completed the installation of traffic lane separators along the entire length of Chesterfield Avenue, on both sides of the road, providing a safer environment for cyclists. All appropriate signage is in place and a review will be undertaken to ensure that there is no misleading way markers.
It should be noted that 30 kilometre per hour signage is painted on the road at each entrance of the Phoenix Park, with further signage throughout the Park. All signage is compliant with the Department of Transport regulations. When exiting the Phoenix Park, the local authority has responsibility over the correct speed limit signage that is appropriate to their roads. It would not be appropriate for OPW to erect such signage within the Phoenix Park.
236. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the level of funding remaining and unallocated in the Covid-19 contingency reserve for 2022; and the amount that has been allocated disaggregated by policy measure and Department. [17188/22]
View answerSome €4 billion in funding was held in reserve in Budget 2022 to be allocated, if needed, for additional Covid-19 related measures that might be required in 2022. In the Revised Estimates for Public Services (REV) 2022 in December, given the ongoing effects of the pandemic, a number of further targeted supports totalling €96 million were provided to Departments in respect of Covid-19, bringing the funding remaining in the Covid-19 related reserve funds to just over €3.9 billion.
These allocations comprised €10 million to the Department of Transport for a support scheme for travel agents; €10 million to the Department of Social Protection in respect of the Covid mitigation redundancy and insolvency scheme; €25 million to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media for additional supports to the Live Entertainment sector in response to further Covid related restrictions for that sector and €51 million to Department of Education in relation to Covid-19 measures in term 2 of the 2021/2022 school year.
The remaining reserve provision includes amounts earmarked for the Departments of Health and Education (€0.2bn) and for labour market impacts as Covid-19 related income and support schemes are unwound (€0.9bn). Given the additional expenditure pressures as a result of the Omicron wave, the Health and Education funding is currently expected to be required in full. Costs incurred on the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and Covid-19 Illness Benefit to date are currently in excess of the REV provision for these schemes and a further allocation to the Department of Social Protection may be required in respect of these later this year. Further Covid-19 related allocations to Departments may also be needed to meet the cost of the Quarter 1 Commercial Rates Waiver, the health staff recognition payment and for the costs of antiviral drugs.
These measures, together with the expenditure package agreed to support citizens with energy costs, mean that approximately €1½ billion of this reserve is in effect committed. While there is potential for some of these costs to be met from underspends in other areas, if the full amounts fall to be met from the reserve funds this would leave a remaining balance of some €2½ billion. There may be further Covid-19 related spending requirements during 2022 which would need to be met from this reserve as Covid-19 related employment support schemes are unwound and depending on the position with the virus later in the year.
237. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the likely timeline for the roll-out of the PEACE PLUS Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17348/22]
View answerThe new PEACE PLUS cross-border EU programme is now at a very advanced point of development and will be formally launched later this year.
Development of the new programme was led by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), working closely with my Department and the Department of Finance NI, together with a cross-border and cross-sectoral Programme Development Steering Group. The draft PEACE PLUS programme was approved by Government as well as by the Northern Ireland Executive and the North South Ministerial Council in the autumn of 2021.
The draft programme is now in the process of submission to the European Commission for its final review and approval. The approval and adoption process is expected to conclude in summer 2022.
In parallel, SEUPB is preparing for the first Calls for Applications, and is already providing pre-application support for potential applicants for some Investment Areas, including Investment Areas 1.1 (Local Authority Peace Action Plans) and 3.2 (PEACE PLUS Youth Programme). SEUPB is also preparing for the initial Programme Monitoring Committee meeting for PEACE PLUS in summer 2022. The Programme Monitoring Committee will be asked to approve the first tranche of Calls for Applications documents, as well as other programme rules and processes, to allow for the beginning of programme mobilisation.
238. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to identify and address gender pay disparity in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17363/22]
View answerMy Department is committed to creating an inclusive working environment for all staff. As the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth recently announced details of the introduction of gender pay gap reporting in Ireland. The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 introduced the legislative basis for gender pay gap reporting and I have been informed that the regulations under the Act will be published in the coming weeks.
The regulations will require organisations, including my public bodies, with over 250 employees to report on their gender pay gap in 2022. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will also publish guidance for employers on how gender pay gap calculations should be made. Once this guidance has been published, my Department will review and take any action required to meet our commitment to create an inclusive working environment for all staff, as will the bodies under the aegis of the Department.
239. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to encourage active travel modes to and from work in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17382/22]
View answerThe Department of Transport is the principal Department with responsibility for active travel. Among a broad set of responsibilities across the transport area, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has certain statutory objectives and functions in relation to the promotion of active travel. In January of this year, the Minister of Transport announced that the NTA had allocated funds to Ireland’s local authorities with a view to spending €289 million on walking and cycling infrastructure in 2022. This funding covers approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects.
Project Ireland 2040 sets out the Government’s policy on spatial planning and infrastructure development over the period to 2040. Active travel is a feature of the two overarching policy documents – the National Planning Framework and the ten-year National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030.
My Department is currently liaising with the NTA with a view to signing up to the TFI Smarter Travel programme to promote and encourage sustainable and active commuting. My Department recognises the environmental, health and well-being, economic and social benefits of active travel. In this context, staff in my Department have access to the Cycle to Work Scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners. In operation since 2009, the Cycle to Work Scheme is a tax incentive scheme that allows employers to purchase new bikes and related safety equipment for employees who repay the costs through an agreed schedule of deductions from their gross salary. The amount of salary sacrificed is exempt from tax, employee’s PRSI and income levies.
My Department also provides secure bike sheds, shower facilities and dry-rooms in a number of our buildings for staff who travel to and from work by bicycle or by other modes of active travel. In addition, a bicycle repair station for staff use for routine bicycle maintenance is situated at the rear of the Government Buildings campus.
More generally, my Department is committed to a culture of staff well-being and this is reinforced by the Department’s Health and Well-being Strategy. It has been well documented that the health and well-being of staff directly affects employee engagement and performance and many of the initiatives under the strategy are focused on encouraging staff to be more active. My Department’s “PERsonal Wellbeing Calendar 2022” sets out a series of events and conferences designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and to mark various national awareness days. These include a Step Challenge and events to mark National Walking Day.
The position in relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out below.
Office of Public Works (OPW)
The OPW will continue to encourage staff to use active travel by approving employee applications on the Cycle to Work Scheme. The OPW provide secure bike sheds and storage facilities, shower and changing facilities and lockers for staff in the main offices who choose active forms of travel.
The OPW will continue to encourage the use of the Travel Pass for all TaxSaver Travel Pass Tickets which will contribute to active travel.
Public Appointments Service (PAS)
PAS is committed to meeting their responsibilities to ensure that services are delivered through the efficient use of resources with minimal environmental impact. In collaboration with their Corporate Social Responsibility committee, PAS encourage staff to travel to work using their own energy where possible. In the last five years, 11.5% of the PAS workforce have availed of the cycle to work scheme and the PAS has bike storage on-site where staff can store their bicycles safely. Staff are not encouraged to drive to work and only a very limited number of parking spaces are available on-site, which are reserved for staff who need them on an exceptional basis, including those who require them as a reasonable accommodation.
Where staff are not within walking or cycling distance of the office, they are encouraged to use public transport. Prior to the pandemic, 30% of the workforce availed of the annual travel pass scheme which encourages staff to travel to work using public transport and this is likely to resume from 2022.
As part of the Staying Well and Connected programme, PAS have run a number of step and fitness challenges which have all encouraged staff to build a walking commute into their daily routine and to walk on local journeys where possible.
National Shared Services Office (NSSO)
The NSSO provides showers and bicycle cages to facilitate and encourage staff to walk, run and cycle to and from work, and for those that wish to exercise during break times. In addition, NSSO staff have access to the Travel Pass Scheme and Cycle to Work Scheme. The NSSO also runs a series of health and well-being seminars and talks whose aims included getting people to become and stay active.
Office of the Ombudsman
The Office of the Ombudsman provides showers, lockers and bicycle cages to facilitate and encourage staff to walk, run and cycle to and from work. Staff were also offered free bicycle servicing on a particular day during the pandemic. The Office has also ran a series of health and well-being seminars and talks whose aims included getting people to become and stay active.
State Laboratory
The staff of the State Laboratory have access to the Travel Pass Scheme and Cycle to Work Scheme. Secure and sheltered bicycle parking is available to staff, as are showers and changing facilities.
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery Regulator (ORNL)
The ORNL supports staff who wish to cycle to work by facilitating participation in the Cycle to Work Scheme. The ORNL has secure storage available to staff cycling to work. Shower facilities are normally available which can be used by staff who want to cycle or run to work, although these facilities are currently unavailable due to refurbishment works.
240. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she is taking to identify and address gender pay disparity in her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17367/22]
View answerThe Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 introduced the legislative basis for gender pay gap reporting and requires organisations to report on their gender pay gap and reporting by employers with over 250 employees will begin later this year.
I welcome the announcement by Minister O'Gorman, Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on 8th March 2022 of further details for the introduction of gender pay gap reporting and forthcoming guidance regarding gender pay gap calculations to assist this process.
My Department is committed to embedding a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion in all its employment practices. My Department closely monitors and undertakes quarterly analysis on the proportion of male and female employees across the relevant grades in the Department and recruitment in terms of gender breakdown for all internal competitions.
With regard to the Agencies under my Department’s remit, this is an operational matter for the respective Agencies. In that context, I will forward your question to the relevant Agencies and bodies, under the aegis of my Department, and request them to respond directly to you on the matter. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
