Tuesday, 4 Oct 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1-99

Departmental Policies

Questions (38, 39, 40)

Mark Ward

Question:

38. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Taoiseach when a citizens' assembly will be convened on a united Ireland. [44771/22]

Brendan Smith

Question:

39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach the status of developments under the shared island initiative. [44814/22]

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

40. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the shared island unit. [44931/22]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 to 40, inclusive, together.

Through the Government’s Shared Island initiative, we are engaging with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future; and delivering tangible benefits for the whole island, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.

In the Budget last week, the Government confirmed an allocation of €100m to our Shared Island Fund for 2023 consistent with our commitment to the Fund and to take forward our all-island investment priorities under the revised National Development Plan.

We are working through all-island partnerships, with the Executive, British Government, Local Authorities, education institutions and civil society.

On 4 July, the Government allocated €70.4 million from the Shared Island Fund to take forward new cross-border schemes on community climate action; EV charging infrastructure roll-out; Arts investment projects; and, development of new Local Authority projects.

We also made an enabling allocation from the Fund for Phase 3 of the Ulster Canal restoration. On 30 August, I laid the foundation stone for Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal restoration which is fully-funded by Government including through the Shared Island Fund, and on track to be completed next year.

On 29 September, I and the Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government announced 25 awards totalling more than €4.3 million under the Shared Island Local Authority Development Funding Scheme, at an event in Cavan which brought together 23 different Councils from across the island. Through the Scheme they are now working in cross-border partnerships to progress feasibility work over the next year on new collaborative investment projects, with a view to accessing further funding in both jurisdictions for delivery stage, including through the Shared Island Fund. Projects address shared concerns for the island including on biodiversity, sustainable tourism, circular economy, innovation; and cultural and creative industries.

The Shared Island research programme commissioned by my Department is continuing. Final reports from the Economic and Social Research Institute will be published later this month on productivity levels on the island; and, next month, on coordination of renewable energy policies and electricity infrastructure.

The Government’s focus is on inclusive civic engagement with all communities and political traditions. The Shared Island Dialogue series has so far directly involved some 2,000 citizens and civic representatives through 11 dialogue events. On 29 June, I addressed a Dialogue with over 150 young people in attendance in Derry on the theme of Identities on a Shared Island. The next Dialogue will be on Arts and Culture at Queen’s University in Belfast on 13 October, with participation by Minister Catherine Martin TD for the Government and Executive Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey MLA. The Dialogues are being made available online and reports are being published, to inform wider civic and political discussion.

On 29 September, I participated in the launch of the first report of the All-Island Women’s Forum; and on Monday (3 October) I launched the report of the iCommunity hub led by The Wheel and Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action. Both projects followed on from our Shared Island engagements, and supported by the Government are forging significant new civic connections and making recommendations on common concerns for communities across the island. The Government will positively consider their recommendations, as all Departments work to develop new investment, policy and cooperation projects to contribute to our Shared Island initiative.

Questions Nos. 41 to 65, inclusive, resubmitted.

Departmental Programmes

Questions (66, 67)

Mick Barry

Question:

66. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach his views on the national reform programme for the European Semester 2022 that was published by his Department in April 2022. [44929/22]

Mick Barry

Question:

67. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach his views on the national reform programme. [44930/22]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 67 together.

Ireland submitted its National Reform Programme (NRP) for 2022 to the European Commission on 4 May. The NRP was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and published on gov.ie thereafter.

The NRP is an element of the European Semester, the annual cycle of economic and fiscal policy co-ordination among EU Member States.

The NRP provides an overview of economic reforms and policy actions under way in Ireland, including in response to country-specific recommendations received.

Development of the NRP was coordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach, with input from relevant Departments and agencies. As part of this process stakeholders were invited to make submissions on the key challenges to be addressed in the Programme.

The European Semester process provides a valuable opportunity to engage in shared analysis with the European Commission and build understanding on key economic issues.

Questions No. 68 to 77, inclusive, resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 78 to 86, inclusive, answered orally.

Budget Process

Questions (87)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

87. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Department or State agency that commissioned official promotional material in respect of budget 2023; the costs involved; if any special measures were requested in advance of the material to ensure inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48179/22]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I wish to advise the Deputy that the costs accrued during the commissioning of official promotional material in respect of Budget 2023 were paid by my Department.

In order to ensure that Budget documentation was made available promptly to members of this house, to Seanad Éireann, and to media representatives, a limited print run of the full set of documents was prepared. Folders to hold these documents were printed at a cost of €1,526. The “The Budget in Brief: Your Guide to the Budget” document was also printed externally at a cost of €1,200. Total costs to date are therefore in the order of €2,726.

Question No. 88 answered orally.

Public Sector Pay

Questions (89, 124)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

89. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expected duration of the process to determine whether he will accept the recommendations made by a person (details supplied) in the matter of the secretarial assistant remuneration package in the Houses of the Oireachtas scheme for secretarial assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48340/22]

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

124. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the process that will be employed in ascertaining the merits or disadvantages of accepting the independent review by a person (details supplied) in the matter of the secretarial assistant remuneration package in the Houses of the Oireachtas scheme for secretarial assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48339/22]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 124 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, a claim by SIPTU in respect of staff employed under the Scheme for Secretarial Assistance has been under consideration at the conciliation service of the Workplace Relations Commission. The staff in question are employed in the Houses of the Oireachtas by individual TDs and Senators. It was agreed to appoint a third party to conduct an independent review of the Secretarial Assistant grade in the Oireachtas Scheme for Secretarial Assistance and, as part of the terms of reference, to formulate proposals for my consideration.

I understand that the report referred to by the Deputy was considered and noted by the Oireachtas Commission at its meeting of 14 September 2022. The report was then sent to me on 28 September by the Ceann Comhairle in his role as Chairman of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission.

I intend to give this matter a complete and thorough review, and I will need time to consider the report's contents fully. Working together with my officials I will make my decision in due course.

Defence Forces

Questions (90)

Thomas Gould

Question:

90. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of pay negotiations for the Defence Forces. [34158/22]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy may be aware, my colleague, the Minister for Defence, provided his consent for temporary association membership of ICTU to PDFORRA and RACO which was accepted by the associations on the 24th of May and 2nd of June this year respectively. Accordingly, the Defence Forces representative associations are now encompassed by the Public Services Committee of ICTU for the purposes of public pay negotiations.

The current public service is ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ which was due to expire at the end of 2022. As the Deputy will be aware, discussions recently concluded between the parties to the Agreement - the Public Service Committee of ICTU and certain other non-ICTU affiliated unions and associations. These discussions followed the triggering of the review clause in Building Momentum by public service unions and associations in response to the increases in the cost of living.These were challenging discussions given the impact elevated levels of inflation but also because of the uncertainty in the global economic outlook. The Government’s aim in these talks was to strike the right balance and seek to achieve a deal that is fair and affordable to both taxpayers generally and public service employees. The outcome of these discussions was a set of proposals put forward by the Workplace Relations Commission to extend Building Momentum for a period of 12 months to the end of 2023. Three additional pay adjustments totalling 6.5% are provided for under these proposals over 2022 and 2023.

These are:

An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 3% backdated to 2 February 2022.

- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 2% on 1 March 2023.

- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 1.5% or €750, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2023.

The cost of theses proposed pay adjustments under the extension to Building Momentum is estimated to be €1.6 billion spread over three calendar years - 2022, 2023, and 2024.This extension would make Building Momentum a three year pay deal. The extension acknowledges the higher than anticipated rates of inflation that have emerged since 2021 and in particular the impact of cost of living pressures. The existing Building Momentum Agreement provided headline benefits of 3%. In total, including the existing Agreement and the extension, headline benefits over the lifetime of Building Momentum amount to 9.5%, or just over 3% per year. In respect of public servants at lower pay levels, the extended Building Momentum provides for increases of 12.5% over its lifetime, which is an average of just over 4% per annum. It should also be noted that Government has provided a winter cost of living package as part of Budget 2023 which contains temporary, targeted cost of living expenditure supports for individual households and businesses amounting to €2.2 billion which will be implemented in 2022. The terms of the proposals are currently being considered by members of public service unions and representative associations. I understand that, following this process, the Public Services Committee of ICTU will meet in the coming days to consider its position on the proposals. It is the Government's view that an agreement on public service pay at this challenging time will play an important role in underpinning broader stability, minimising industrial unrest and supporting the continued delivery of reform and quality public services.

Question No. 91 answered orally.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Questions (92)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

92. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of capital projects that have made an application under the Price Inflation Agreement; the value of each; the number of these applications that have been approved to date; the value of each approved application; the number of these applications that remain outstanding to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48276/22]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The “Inflation/Supply Chain Delay Co-operation Framework" was introduced on 10 May in the interest of safeguarding public projects that are already under construction by mitigating against the risk of insolvency or contract repudiation in light of the exceptional increases witnessed in the price of construction materials, fuel and electricity.

The Framework facilitates both parties to a public works contract to engage with one another for the purpose of addressing the impacts of this most recent onset of exceptional inflation and supply chain disruption and operates on an ex gratia basis. The Framework sets down the approaches and the parameters within which parties to a public works contract calculate additional costs attributable to material and fuel price fluctuations on an ongoing basis using price indices published by the Central Statistics Office.

Any increase that is determined as attributed to inflation may be shared between the parties with the State bearing up to 70% of the additional cost. Any additional costs that are identified are to be met from within the capital ceiling allocations for each Approving Authority.

Whilst the use of the framework is voluntary, participation by the parties is strongly encouraged since it represents a pragmatic and proportionate response to the current challenges caused by inflation that are not within either party’s control.

The measures available under the Framework strike an important balance between the additional costs incurred by the State to support contractors engaged on public projects and the State’s ability to deliver the NDP including housing delivery, whilst providing value for money for the taxpayer.

The detailed information being sought is not collated centrally. Management and delivery of capital projects and programmes are a matter for the Sponsoring Agency and Approving Authority in each case.

The feedback that has been received by my Department would suggest that the parties are engaging and, crucially, works are progressing in the majority of cases whilst this engagement is ongoing.

The additional cost attributed to inflation for each project will not be known until it is completed and the measures introduced are intended to operate until completion or where they are no longer required.

Question No. 93 answered orally.

Ethics in Public Office

Questions (94)

Ged Nash

Question:

94. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of his plans to reform the Standards in Public Office Commission; and when the Heads of the Ethics in Public Office Standards Bill 2015 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48283/22]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

We made a commitment in the 2020 Programme for Government to ‘reform and consolidate the Ethics in Public Office legislation’. As the first step, I asked my Department to undertake a review of the statutory framework in advance of bringing fresh proposals for reform to Government. I am happy to inform the Deputy that this process is now well advanced.

I expect the Ethics Review to be completed in the coming weeks. When I have considered the review’s findings, I will bring a report to Government, with proposals for the way forward. I intend to return to Government later in the year seeking approval of a general scheme of a Bill.

In developing a renewed legislative approach, my Department has taken as its point of departure the policy framework developed for the 2015 Public Sector Standards Bill. As the Deputy may recall, this Bill was published in December 2015. It commenced Second Stage in the Dáil in January 2016 and Committee Stage commenced in April 2017 - but was not finalised. The Bill lapsed with the dissolution of the Dail in January 2020, in advance of that year’s General Election.

The underlying policy approach involves consolidation of the statutory framework for ethics and giving effect to relevant recommendations of the Mahon and Moriarty Tribunals. Notably, it would see a significant strengthening of the legal obligations on public officials to disclose, as a matter of routine, actual and potential conflicts of interest, including, for the first time, provision for the confidential disclosure of liabilities over a certain threshold, in addition to sources of income and assets.

In this, my ultimate goal is to build a fit-for-purpose, easy to understand and user-friendly statutory framework for Ethics that contributes to the quality and effectiveness of our public governance and by so doing enhances trust and confidence in public officials and our democratic institutions.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (95)

Brian Leddin

Question:

95. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of solutions identified to decrease the impact of seasonal flooding at Ballycar Lough (details supplied) on local land and strategic infrastructure; the details of such plans to implement the solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48341/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I am informed that a Flood Alleviation Options Assessment for Flooding at Ballycar Lough was initiated by Iarnród Éireann and was completed by Consultant Engineers RPS in December 2020. This assessment study built on previous reports of 2011 and 2015 commissioned by Iarnród Éireann. Having considered all various options, the assessment study recommends a new preferred option of a technically viable drainage scheme that would prevent flooding of the railway occurring whilst also including any flood mitigation measures downstream that would be necessary either directly or indirectly with this option.

The proposed options identified in the assessment study include:

1. Removing underground restriction between the swallow hole and spring and ancillary works

2. Attenuation of some flows at Rosroe and Finn Loughs along with removal of the restriction between the swallow hole and spring and ancillary works

3. Diverting the Rosroe Lough sub-catchment flow towards the Ratty River catchment (Clovemill Stream - tributary of Owengarney River) along with removing the underground restriction between the swallow hole and spring

4. Raising existing railway embankment in the vicinity of Ballycar Lough

5. Pumping of flood flows from the swallow hole to spring

Option 2 was identified in the Report as the preferred option. The selection of the preferred option was based on the hydrological, hydraulic environmental impact assessments (mainly ecology, geology and hydrogeology) and costs of each option. The primary benefits of the measures identified in the assessment are derived from the protection of Iarnród Éireann infrastructure and accordingly it is with Iarnród Éireann to source funding for the proposed project. It is understood that Iarnród Éireann has yet to identify a funding source for the works. The OPW will continue to work with Iarnród Éireann and the other stakeholders which include Clare County Council, Geological Survey Ireland and the National Parks & Wildlife Service in addressing the problem on the Rail Line at Ballycar. However, it is not a matter for the OPW to fund the measures that are proposed to Iarnród Éireann infrastructure.

Public Sector Pay

Questions (96)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

96. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on calls for pay increases to match rises in the cost of living; the way he will calculate the affordability of such calls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48067/22]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Public service pay has been governed by a system of collective agreements since the Croke Park Agreement was negotiated in 2010. These collective agreements have helped to ensure that public pay is managed in a sustainable, affordable and orderly manner. These agreements have also enabled significant reform of public services and changes to work practices.

The current public service is ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ which was due to expire at the end of 2022. As the Deputy will be aware, discussions recently concluded between the parties to the Agreement following the triggering of the review clause in Building Momentum by public service unions and associations due to the increases in the cost of living. These were challenging discussions given the impact high levels of inflation are having on living standards of workers but also because of the uncertainty in the global economic outlook. The Government’s aim in these talks was to strike the right balance and seek to achieve a deal that is fair and affordable to both taxpayers generally and public service employees.

The outcome of these discussions was a set of proposals put forward by the Workplace Relations Commission to extend Building Momentum for a period of 12 months to the end of 2023. Three additional pay adjustments totalling 6.5% are provided for under these proposals over 2022 and 2023. These are:

- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 3% backdated to 2 February 2022.

- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 2% on 1 March 2023.

- An increase in annualised basic salaries for public servants of 1.5% or €750, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2023.

The cost of theses proposed pay adjustments under the extension to Building Momentum is estimated to be €1.6 billion spread over three calendar years - 2022, 2023, and 2024.

This extension would make Building Momentum a three year pay deal. The extension acknowledges the higher than anticipated rates of inflation that have emerged since 2021 and in particular the impact of cost of living pressures.

The existing Building Momentum Agreement provided headline benefits of 3%. In total, including the existing Agreement and the extension, headline benefits over the lifetime of Building Momentum amount to 9.5%, or just over 3% per year.In respect of public servants at lower pay levels, the extended Building Momentum provides for increases of 12.5% over its lifetime, which is an average of just over 4% per annum.

It should also be noted that Government has provided a winter cost of living package as part of Budget 2023 which contains temporary, targeted cost of living expenditure supports for individual households and businesses amounting to €2.2 billion which will be implemented in 2022.

These proposed pay increases are currently being balloted on by members of the relevant unions and representative associations. It is expected that the outcome of this ballot will be known by Friday, 7th October.

An agreement on public service pay would play an important role in underpinning stability, minimising industrial unrest and supporting the continued delivery of reform and quality public services over the period ahead.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (97)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

97. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the selection of a contractor for the Glashaboy flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48152/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme at Glanmire / Sallybrook, Cork is being progressed by Cork City Council. The Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Cork City Council are engaging proactively to progress the flood relief scheme for Glanmire.

The Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme was confirmed in January 2021 by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 to 1995. The scheme is being funded from the €1.3 billion in flood relief measures under the National Development Plan to 2030, and as part of Project Ireland 2040. Provision for the total project budget for this scheme is included in the Office of Public Works multi annual capital allocation.

The Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme will protect 103 properties from a significant risk of flooding.

The tender documentation for the procurement and appointment of a contractor was issued in September 2021 with a return date of 24th January 2022. Unfortunately, Cork City Council was not in a position to appoint a Contractor for the works on foot of this procurement process. However, Cork City Council is proceeding towards issuing updated Tender Documents in Q4 2022 and is working with key project partners to minimise the overall delay in the completion of these works. I hope to visit Cork shortly and will be discussing this matter with the Council.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (98)

Alan Dillon

Question:

98. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the Office of Public Works projects in County Mayo currently in progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48344/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I will outline those flood projects currently in progress by the Office of Public Works.

On 22 September, I was delighted to unveil a plaque in Carrowholly marking the substantial completion of the Carrowholly Flood Relief scheme. This scheme is protecting 14 properties at a cost of €984,000. The scheme is one of some 40 schemes and €2.3 million approved investment in County Mayo by the OPW, since 2009 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

I also recently (22 September) marked the start of construction of a flood relief scheme at the Cois Abhainn and Ashwood Estates in Westport. The approved scheme, when complete in Spring 2023, will protect 15 properties at an estimated budget of €1.181 million.

The OPW has submitted documentation to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for Ministerial Confirmation for a flood relief scheme in Crossmolina. The scheme, when completed, is expected to provide protection to 116 properties from the River Deel. The total budget for the scheme is currently estimated at €14.6 million with a construction duration of 4 years.

In Ballina, an emerging preferred option for a flood relief scheme has been identified. The recommended measures comprise hard defences, improving existing culvert capacities and also utilising upstream flood water storage facilities. An application for Part 10 Planning Approval is expected to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in Q1 of 2023. The proposed scheme is expected to provide protection for 175 properties with a construction period of 2 years.

A Feasibility Study was carried out in connection with Flood Relief for the Neale/South Mayo area in 2021. The report estimated a cost of works at €6.4m. In June of this year, I met with Deputy Ring and a delegation of the local community to discuss how a viable scheme might be identified and progressed. Mayo County Council has finalised and submitted to the OPW, for review, a feasibility study report. Having finalised its review the OPW will convene a meeting with Mayo County Council and the Department of Transport to discuss possible funding options for a viable scheme for this area, given the majority of benefits are to roads and road access.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (99)

Holly Cairns

Question:

99. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood relief scheme in Bantry, County Cork. [46990/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Flood Risk Management Plans launched in May 2018 included a recommendation to progress the design, planning and construction of a flood relief scheme for Bantry. A Steering Group, comprising of representatives from the Office of Public Works and Cork County Council, is in place to progress this Flood Relief Scheme protecting some 198 properties.

In February 2022 I visited Bantry to announce the appointment of J.B. Barry and Partners Ltd., in joint venture with JBA Consulting Ltd., by Cork County Council as engineering and environmental consultants to carry out the design of a viable scheme for the town. The scheme development and design is progressing with environmental surveys and hydrological modelling continuing in the area. Tenders for site investigations have been received and once contractors are appointed these investigations will commence.

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 the scheme. A project website is available at ‘www.bantryfrs.ie’. A number of Public Participation Days will be held throughout the delivery stages of the project, the first of which was held on 18th May 2022, with the second due to take place in Q2 2023.

In tandem with progressing this scheme, Cork County Council are to progress the repair and re-construction of a culvert on Main Street, Bantry with a Section 50 application currently with the OPW for approval. This culvert has been identified as a significant element contributing to flooding on Main Street, New Street and north and south of Wolfe Tone Square in recent months. The OPW and Cork County Council are liaising on the integration of these works with the flood relief scheme for the town.

Under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme my office approved a total of €183,917 in funding to Cork County Council for interim works to mitigate flooding in Bantry. The installation of non return valves on gullies and the storm pipe non return valves have been completed. There has also been sandbags purchased for deployment in case of forecasted extreme weather events.

Separately, Cork County Council are working on developing an Individual Property Protection Scheme for Bantry. Expressions of interest for the scheme were requested, with positive responses received. The next steps will be to complete surveys and for agreements to be signed with interested property owners prior to making an application for further funding under the OPW Minor Works scheme.