Written Answers Nos. 185-204
185. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the average wage, the average industrial wage, and the average public sector wage for each year from 1997 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60755/22]
View answerAlthough earnings statistics have been produced in Ireland for many years, predominantly for the Industrial sector, the focus and means of collecting the data has evolved over time. However changes to methodologies mean that statistics produced are not available or directly comparable over the time horizon outlined in your enquiry.
For directly comparable statistics on recent developments in wages by sector, I have included data from the Earnings and Labour Costs (EHECS) survey from 2008 to 2022. The purpose of the EHECS survey is to provide timely and comparable quarterly and annual earnings and labour costs statistics across economic sectors in Ireland. However the data collected ‘’is not directly comparable with other discontinued short-term earnings surveys such as the Quarterly Industrial Inquiry (QII), the Quarterly Services Inquiry (QSI) and the Quarterly Earnings and Hours worked in Construction (QEC) releases.’’
The data from EHECS included below represents the average weekly earnings of all NACE economic sectors (average wage), the manufacturing sector (proxy for industrial wage) and the public sector. Some care should be taken when interpreting the data post-2019 as a result of compositional affects arising from the impact of the pandemic on the labour market. During the pandemic, measures were distorted as average wages increased mechanically due to the impact of containment measures in lower paid sectors and on lower paid workers. Therefore, developments over the pandemic years should be interpreted with caution.
Average Weekly Earnings in euros, nominal, CSO EHECS Survey*
|
- |
Average Wage |
Manufacturing Sector |
Public Sector |
|
2008 |
707 |
766 |
930 |
|
2009 |
708 |
771 |
952 |
|
2010 |
698 |
781 |
915 |
|
2011 |
689 |
780 |
905 |
|
2012 |
694 |
793 |
918 |
|
2013 |
691 |
795 |
915 |
|
2014 |
693 |
827 |
908 |
|
2015 |
701 |
829 |
912 |
|
2016 |
710 |
839 |
910 |
|
2017 |
724 |
849 |
934 |
|
2018 |
747 |
874 |
959 |
|
2019 |
775 |
889 |
976 |
|
2020 |
815 |
912 |
1004 |
|
2021 |
853 |
951 |
1036 |
|
2022* |
874 |
978 |
1042 |
*2022 represents an average of the three quarters of data available.
*The earnings data collected for the EHECS includes bonuses and other irregular earnings.
186. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of the categories of public sector workers and civil servants under his Department whose contracts fall under the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60770/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the Croke Park Agreement encompassed all civil and public servants under my Department. No distinction was made between categories of civil servants under the Agreement. The sectoral agreement in relation to the Civil Service and Non-Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies is attached for the Deputy’s information.
187. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Finance when the transfer of deposits account holders took place (details supplied); the person or body that approved same; and when this occurred. [60823/22]
View answerThe transfer of deposit accounts from KBC Bank Ireland to Bank of Ireland is part of a transaction which will see Bank of Ireland acquire substantially all of KBC Bank Ireland's performing loan assets and deposits as KBC prepares to exit the Irish market.
The decision to acquire or dispose of banking assets and liabilities is a commercial matter for the management of each bank. On 16 April 2021, KBC Group announced that KBC Bank Ireland had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of Ireland Group.
On 22 October 2021, the parties reached a legally binding agreement whereby Bank of Ireland Group would acquire substantially all of KBC Bank Ireland’s performing loan assets and deposits. In addition, a small portfolio of non-performing mortgages is to be acquired as part of the transaction.
On 23 May 2022, the transaction received approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
On the 1st of December, following consultation with the Governor of the Central Bank, I signed two Orders under Section 33 of the Central Bank Act, 1971, to approve a scheme for the transfer of certain banking assets and liabilities from KBC Ireland to Bank of Ireland following the commercial agreement between the two banks and the CCPC approval of the transaction.
Further information on the transaction and the next steps for customers are available on KBC's website.
In relation to the timing of the transaction, KBC stated in a press release, on 2 December 2022, that it is foreseen that the transaction will be finalised and the migration of customers will occur in the first quarter of 2023.
188. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Residential Property Services has been transferred to the LDA; if so, when this transfer happened; the number of residential units held by NARPS on transfer; the value of these properties; and the number of these properties currently in social housing leasing arrangements. [60939/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, NARPS was created by NAMA to acquire housing units for long term lease to Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities. Following a review of NAMA in 2019, as required under Section 227 of the NAMA Act, I directed NAMA to retain NARPS in permanent state ownership.
‘Housing for All’ includes a commitment to agree the process for the transfer of NARPS from NAMA to the Land Development Agency (LDA). In line with this commitment, it was agreed in principle that the transfer will take place by way of a legislative amendment to the LDA Act, subject to Government and Oireachtas approval.
The timeline for the transfer of NARPS to the LDA is therefore subject to the approval and timing of legislative amendments to the LDA Act. I remain mindful of the timeline of the ultimate dissolution of NAMA by the end of 2025 and will my Department will continue to engage with the Department of Housing to progress this transfer.
The NARPS portfolio currently contains 1,366 properties.
NAMA’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2021 show that the NARPS portfolio had a fair value of €314m at 31 December 2021.
All 1,366 properties owned by NARPS are leased directly to approved housing bodies and local authorities under standardised lease terms. The relevant local authority / approved housing body manages the onward leasing of the properties; NAMA / NARPS does not deal directly with individual tenants.
Overall, NAMA has delivered a total of 2,693 residential properties for social housing to date. These figures do not include those units delivered under Part V arrangements on NAMA-funded residential developments.
189. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on his Department’s progress reviewing the disabled drivers and disabled passenger scheme as part of the Mid-Term Review of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021. [61004/22]
View answerAs the Deputies are aware, I committed to a comprehensive review of the DDS as part of a broader review of mobility supports. In order to achieve this objective, Minister O’Gorman agreed in September 2021 that the DDS review should be incorporated into the work of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) Transport Working Group (TWG).
The NDIS TWG is tasked, under Action 104 of the NDIS, with reviewing all Government-funded transport and mobility supports for those with a disability and for making proposals for transport and mobility solutions for those with a disability.
The Working Group, under the Chairpersonship of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, held a number of meetings across 2022. A draft final report will be considered at its final meeting on 8th December. It is expected the final report will be published soon after.
As part of its engagement in this process, the Department of Finance established an information-gathering Criteria Sub-group (CSG) at the start of 2022. Its membership comprised of former members of the DDMBA and Principal Medical Officers (PMOs) in the HSE. Its purpose was to capture their experiences, expertise and perspectives in relation to the practical operational and administrative challenges of the DDS, as well as to explore what alternative vehicular arrangements were available for those with mobility issues based on international experience. The CSG work led to the production of five papers and a technical annex, submitted to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in July 2022.
The main conclusion of the CSG is that the DDS needs to be replaced with a fit for purpose, needs-based vehicular adaptation scheme in line with best international practice. Both I and my Department share this view.
This conclusion, together with design principles and parameters for the new scheme as based on international practice, were incorporated into a response to three questions posed in September 2022 to members of the NDIS Transport Working Group, in respect of proposals for enhanced, new and/or reconfigured supports to meet the transport and mobility needs for those with a disability. I hope that steps to implement these proposals, particularly with respect to introducing a new vehicular adaptation scheme, will be incorporated into the Working Group's final report.
190. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans that the ESB, the Office of Public Works and Waterways Ireland have in place to prepare for floods along the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61041/22]
View answer191. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the €7 million allocated to remove pinch points on the River Shannon between Athlone and Meelick has been drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61043/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group (the Group) was established by the Government in early 2016. The Group was established, at that time, following severe flooding arising from exceptional weather conditions between December 2015 and January 2016.
The Group’s purpose to provide a forum where all statutory organisations with roles and responsibilities that involve the River Shannon catchment can further monitor and co-ordinate their respective work programmes to assist with managing flood risk along the Shannon catchment.
The Group’s work is informed by the Flood Risk Management Plans for the Shannon River Basin District (RBD). Currently, there are 13 completed schemes in the Shannon RBD and these schemes are already providing protection to over 2,600 properties. A further 36 flood relief schemes will be delivered or underway as part of the Government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030. 24 of these schemes are currently being progressed including Athlone and Springfield which are currently at construction stage. When completed, all schemes will protect 95% of properties identified as being at significant risk from flooding in the Shannon RBD.
The Group last met in Athlone on 20th October 2022. At that meeting, the Group discussed a range of issues relating to work underway to assist with flood risk management along the River Shannon including the project for the removal of the ‘pinch points’ through the Callows region between Athlone and Meelick weir. The Government has noted the decision of the Group to invest €4m in this project and a further €3m in strategic maintenance along the River Shannon.
A Steering Group has been established to oversee the project for the Callows region. A brief is currently being finalised for the appointment of a consultant to carry out the initial analysis and design work. The number and location of ‘pinch points’ to be removed will be confirmed as part of the consultant’s work. The project will be subject to planning consent which will require Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment under the Birds and Habitats Directives. Further consents may be required under other legislation. No work can commence in the absence of all appropriate consents.
The Group is also progressing the following work:
- the development of an annual Work Programme for 2023 which will include a broad range of planned activities by State Agencies that can help to manage flood risk along the River Shannon,
- the identification of possible measures to manage vegetation which has built up downstream of the University of Limerick and the Mulkear River,
- a review of areas that require maintenance along the River Shannon. A steering group has been established to oversee this project and it is finalising a list of sites for maintenance work,
- Waterways Ireland is undertaking some tree cutting works that will enhance the conveyance capacity and navigation on the River Shannon.
As a member of the Group, the ESB has provided the OPW with the following information in relation to its operations.
The ESB is continuously monitoring the water levels throughout the Shannon and continues to operate in accordance with its regulations and guidelines for control of the River Shannon.
The ESB:
- engages with the local authorities and Waterways Ireland on a daily basis when Lough Derg, Lough Ree or Lough Allen is in flood,
- publishes its twice weekly predicted water levels and expected discharge amounts based on the latest Met Éireann forecast,
- publishes the water levels throughout the three lakes and Ardnacrusha discharges on a daily basis. This information can be found on ESB’s website at: Hydrometric Information (esb.ie), and
- communicates discharges at Parteen Weir to local stakeholders by text message on a daily basis when Lough Derg is in flood.
While the ESB has an influence on water levels on some parts of the river as mentioned above, it does not control the water level of the River Shannon, nor was the Shannon Hydro-electric Scheme designed for that purpose. The river level is primarily the result of the amount of rain that falls on the river catchment area. While the ESB uses the water flowing in the river to generate electricity when it reaches Ardnacrusha, the rate at which the water travels to Ardnacrusha is primarily a result of the natural topography of the river and the natural restrictions in the river. It takes many days for water to travel down the Shannon. There have been times when there was flooding in the Callows area south of Athlone and further north yet only enough water in Ardnacrusha to operate the generating station at less than half maximum output.
The ESB can only manage the flow of water as it arrives at Parteen Weir from Lough Derg. All of the water arriving at Parteen weir is discharged either via Ardnacrusha station or down the old Shannon channel. The ESB does not store any water upstream of Parteen weir in the Parteen Basin.
The water flow from Lough Derg to Parteen Basin is restricted by the flow capacity of the outlet channel from Lough Derg at Killaloe. The capacity restriction acts like a bottleneck limiting the discharge from Lough Derg. The ESB will continue to maximise the discharge of water from Lough Derg.
The ESB will be operating in accordance with its regulations and guidelines for control of the River Shannon and will be in frequent contact with all stakeholders across the winter.
Waterways Ireland, as a member of the Group, has provided the OPW with the following information in relation to its operations and the current status regarding sluices at Meelick weir and Athlone weir.
Waterways Ireland has been and continues to operate the water level regime on the Shannon in line with established protocols and in conjunction with the ESB.
In the case of the Lower Shannon:
- All sluices are open on Meelick Weir (12) and the New Cut (18) at present and have been open since 16th October, 2022.
- The tilting gates on Meelick weir are in the down position and have been since 7th October 2022.
- Sluices on Athlone Weir have been closed since 17th October 2022.
Waterways Ireland has advised that there is no further action that it can take at Meelick weir at this time.
With regard to the North Shannon, Waterways Ireland has been operating sluice movements at Termonbarry, Rooskey and Jamestown in line with the agreed protocols. 12 sluices have been open at the three locations on the North Shannon since mid-October.
It is not possible to predict rainfall with any certainty beyond 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on how unsettled the meteorological situation is. Therefore, actions can only be taken within these timelines and in line with agreed water level management protocols on the River Shannon.
Under the Strategic Emergency Management Framework, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is designated as the Lead Government Department with responsibility for severe weather events, including flooding. Local Authorities are designated as the lead agency for response to flooding in the Framework for Major Emergency Management.
192. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any properties owned or managed by the Office of Public Works have been designated or refurbished as accommodation centres for those seeking international protection or to accommodate beneficiaries of temporary protection; if so, the location and details relating to same; the costs associated with the refurbishment of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60154/22]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) manages a property portfolio in excess of 2,500 properties ranging from heritage buildings, commercial office blocks, green field sites, warehouses, Coast Guard Stations and Garda Stations. Given the types and age of these properties, most are not suited to residential use or would require significant investment to comply with current building regulations for use as residential property. However, the OPW has actively engaged with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) in providing information on any non-operational, vacant buildings owned. That Department then assesses those buildings in terms of what might be suitable for residential use.
As the Deputy is aware, the OPW has been asked by Government to develop the programme of rapid build modular homes, on behalf of the DCEDIY which is the lead Government Department for the emergency humanitarian response. The OPW is the Sponsoring Agency for the purposes of rolling out the programme, with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) identifying sites that might be suitable.
Those sites are then assessed by the Department (DCEDIY) in terms of location, access to local facilities, with the OPW undertaking the necessary technical site assessments. When sites are identified as suitable, the OPW will be responsible for site preparation and the acquisition and installation of the homes onto the sites. Thereafter, the DCEDIY will take over the management of the sites and the housing units.
In that regard, the OPW is contributing three of its sites for development – at Cavan, Thurles and Claremorris. These sites are included in an initial phase of site development on State owned lands around the country to achieve a target of an initial 500 housing units by February 2023. Other sites in the first phase are in Cork and Sligo (owned by the Local Authorities), with a number of other sites currently being assessed for further phases over the coming months, in order to reach the target number of homes. In addition, the OPW has made a large property in Shannon available to DCEDIY, which is currently being considered for emergency accommodation.
The OPW has provided a list of its limited number of vacant properties, including former Garda stations, to DCEDIY, DHLGH and the relevant local authorities so that they can assess them for suitability for social or humanitarian housing purposes. The OPW continues to engage with other State bodies on a regular basis in this regard.
In relation to costs associated with the above works for developing sites for rapid build homes, the final costings can only be determined once the full site selection process and related site investigation works are completed; as well as agreeing the final order for the manufacture, delivery and installation of the homes for the full phase of the programme. As with any such developments, the site costs will vary depending on the technical conditions such as access, ground conditions, boundaries and site services etc.
Similarly, in relation to potential building refurbishments, the costs will vary depending on factors such as the age and condition of the property and the scale of works required to repurpose a property into residential use.
193. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if work on land belonging to a person (details supplied) will be facilitated during the winter months rather than having to wait until the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60208/22]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended. The location concerned does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the OPW.
The maintenance of all drainage schemes carried out under earlier Acts, known as Drainage Districts, is the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority. The location does not form part of the Banna Drainage District for which the Local Authority has maintenance responsibility.
Local flooding and coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. The Minor Works Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding 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.floodinfo.ie/
The responsibility for the condition of the channel and riverbank typically rests with the riparian owner who has an important role in ensuring that watercourses are managed and free flowing so that in extreme weather events the risk of flooding can be minimised. A guide to the rights and responsibilities of landowners is available online at www.flooding.ie
194. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total allocation of European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) for Ireland for 2021-2027; the amount of funding allocated to each NUTS 2 region; the criteria used to decide the amount allocated to each region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60272/22]
View answerAcross the EU, the European Commission classifies regions within the Union as either being a “Less Developed Region”, a "Region in Transition” or a “More Developed Region”, based on their GDP per head of population relative to the EU27 Average. The Northern and Western Region is classified as a “Region in Transition” on the basis that its GDP is between 75%-100% of the EU27 average. The other two regions in Ireland, the Southern region and the Eastern and Midlands region, are classified as "More Developed" as their GDP is above 100% of the EU average. Under the Cohesion Policy rules set out in the Common Provision Regulation (CPR), regions classified as "Regions in Transition" like the Northern and Western benefit from a higher co-financing rate, where the EU provides 60% of the funding for programmes, whilst More Developed regions get a co-financing rate of 40%. In addition, under these rules, "Regions in Transition" have slightly more flexibility available in terms of the range of areas they can support in their programmes than "More Developed Regions".
The total resources available at Union level for ERDF were determined as part of the overall negotiations of the Multiannual Financial Framework (the EU Budget) for the 2021 – 2027 period. This process also agreed the allocation methodology for different categories of regions and the criteria for determining those categories. The amount of resources allocated to each Member State is based on the amounts calculated for each of its individual regions by the Commission using averaged Eurostat data from the relevant reference years – in this case 2015 to 2017. While the weightings and amounts used in the calculations vary according to the category of region, the allocations for transition regions and more developed regions are established by taking account of each individual regions:
a) Population;
b) relative GDP per capita;
c) level of unemployment;
d) level of youth unemployment;
e) level of education attainment;
f) level of greenhouse gas emissions;
g) level of net migration from outside the EU; and additionally in the case of more developed regions
h) population density.
Based on the calculations undertaken by the Commission, Ireland was allocated a total of €395,716,021 in ERDF funding. The formal notification of this allocation from the Commission was based on category of region only– details at NUTS II level were not provided. From this allocation, the total for "Regions in Transition" (i.e. the Northern and Western region – Ireland’s only region in transition) was allocated €110,238,539 and the total allocation for Ireland’s “More Developed regions” (i.e. the Southern and the Eastern and Midland regions) was €285,477,482.
In recognition of the "Region in Transition" status of the Northern and Western region, I made a decision, in consultation with the Regional Assemblies, to transfer €20m in ERDF resources from the two "More Developed" regions to the Northern and Western region. My Department in conjunction with the Regional Assemblies, engaged with the Commission on this matter and secured their agreement on this use of ERDF funds. This increased the allocation in the Northern and Western region to €130,238,539.
After nearly three years of development of Ireland's two ERDF programmes for the 2021-27 period, by the Regional Assemblies and my department, the Commission formally adopted the programmes on the 18th of November 2022.
195. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the flood relief scheme in Skibbereen, County Cork will be officially completed. [60375/22]
View answerThe Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme was substantially completed on 6th June 2019. All known defects arising from the construction have been remedied, with some delays as a result of COVID-19.
Planning for the operation and maintenance of the scheme is ongoing in conjunction with Cork County Council, who will act as agents of the OPW in carrying out the statutory operation and maintenance of the scheme. A small number of works to address elements identified during construction and since completion of the scheme works, which were outside the main construction contract, remain to be completed and are being progressed in separate works packages.
A length of flood defence wall upstream of the footbridge in the Town centre remains to be constructed which will facilitate flood defence at a high level (for relatively rare floods) for the adjacent apartments and the town centre, as well as for a proposed future public walkway, being proposed by Cork County Council. Cork County Council is continuing to engage with the owners of a property located on Levis Quay to gain the relevant consents to construct a River Walkway when completing a section of sheet piled flood protection wall on the left bank of the River Ilen. It is expected that the cost for this remaining work will be shared between Cork County Council and the OPW.
In addition, some drainage works on N71 Cork Road, which fall outside the remit of the main scheme, have subsequently been identified as being necessary. The Council has tendered for these works, with submissions due on 7th December. These works are being progressed in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and some funding is being provided by the OPW under the Minor Works & Flood Mitigation Scheme.
As part of the main Flood Relief Scheme, follow-on works are being progressed at two culverts on the Mill Road and Carrig Road. In addition discrete sections of rock revetments are to be installed. It is intended to invite tenders for these works in 2023.
196. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of the categories of public sector workers and civil servants under his Department whose contracts fall under the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60742/22]
View answerThe Croke Park Agreement encompassed all civil and public servants under my Department. No distinction was made between categories of civil servants under the Agreement. The sectoral agreement in relation to the Civil Service and Non-Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies is attached for the Deputy’s information.
197. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the basic salaries for TDs and Senators for each year from 1997 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60754/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables below.
|
TD: |
|
|
|
|
Date Effective |
Gross Annual € |
|
|
|
|
NMAX |
LSI 1 |
LSI 2 |
|
01 Oct 2022 |
105,271.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
02 Feb 2022 |
104,229.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Feb 2022 |
101,193.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 2021 |
100,191.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Oct 2020 |
98,113.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Sep 2019 |
96,189.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Oct 2018 |
94,535.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jan 2018 |
93,599.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Apr 2017 |
89,965.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 2013 |
87,258.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
09 Mar 2011 |
92,672.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jan 2010 |
92,672.00 |
95,550.00 |
98,424.00 |
|
01 Sep 2008 |
100,191.00 |
103,389.00 |
106,582.00 |
|
01 Mar 2008 |
97,747.00 |
100,867.00 |
103,982.00 |
|
01 Jun 2007 |
95,363.00 |
98,407.00 |
101,446.00 |
|
01 Dec 2006 |
93,493.00 |
96,477.00 |
99,457.00 |
|
01 Jun 2006 |
90,770.00 |
93,667.00 |
96,560.00 |
|
01 Dec 2005 |
88,556.00 |
91,382.00 |
94,205.00 |
|
01 Jun 2005 |
87,247.00 |
90,032.00 |
92,813.00 |
|
01 Dec 2004 |
83,707.00 |
86,378.00 |
89,047.00 |
|
01 Jul 2004 |
82,066.00 |
84,684.00 |
87,301.00 |
|
01 Jan 2004 |
80,457.00 |
83,024.00 |
85,589.00 |
|
01 Oct 2002 |
73,914.00 |
76,272.00 |
78,627.00 |
|
01 Apr 2002 |
71,071.00 |
73,338.00 |
75,603.00 |
|
01 Dec 2001 |
66,600.00 |
68,725.00 |
70,850.00 |
|
01 Oct 2001 |
65,592.13 |
67,684.66 |
69,777.19 |
|
01 Jul 2001 |
62,172.73 |
64,156.06 |
66,139.39 |
|
01 Apr 2001 |
58,892.99 |
60,772.20 |
62,651.42 |
|
01 Mar 2001 |
57,738.80 |
59,581.19 |
61,423.58 |
|
01 Oct 2000 |
55,114.25 |
56,872.84 |
58,631.43 |
|
25 Sep 2000 |
52,240.83 |
53,906.73 |
55,572.63 |
|
01 Apr 2000 |
49,753.42 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 1999 |
49,260.76 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 1998 |
47,580.90 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Apr 1998 |
46,533.36 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 1997 |
45,729.62 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Apr 1997 |
45,398.22 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jan 1997 |
44,067.53 |
--- |
--- |
|
Senator: |
|
|
|
|
Date Effective |
Gross Annual € |
|
|
|
|
NMAX |
LSI 1 |
LSI 2 |
|
01 Oct 2022 |
73,726.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
02 Feb 2022 |
72,996.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Feb 2022 |
70,870.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Oct 2021 |
70,168.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 2021 |
70,134.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Oct 2020 |
69,473.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Sep 2019 |
68,111.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Oct 2018 |
66,940.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jan 2018 |
66,277.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Apr 2017 |
65,311.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 2013 |
65,000.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
09 Mar 2011 |
65,621.00 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jan 2010 |
65,621.00 |
67,634.00 |
69,647.00 |
|
01 Sep 2008 |
70,134.00 |
72,371.00 |
74,608.00 |
|
01 Mar 2008 |
68,423.00 |
70,606.00 |
72,788.00 |
|
01 Jun 2007 |
66,754.00 |
68,884.00 |
71,013.00 |
|
01 Dec 2006 |
65,445.00 |
67,533.00 |
69,621.00 |
|
01 Jun 2006 |
63,539.00 |
65,566.00 |
67,593.00 |
|
01 Dec 2005 |
61,989.00 |
63,967.00 |
65,944.00 |
|
01 Jun 2005 |
61,073.00 |
63,022.00 |
64,969.00 |
|
01 Dec 2004 |
58,595.00 |
60,465.00 |
62,333.00 |
|
01 Jul 2004 |
57,446.00 |
59,279.00 |
61,111.00 |
|
01 Jan 2004 |
56,320.00 |
58,117.00 |
59,912.00 |
|
01 Oct 2002 |
51,740.00 |
53,390.00 |
55,039.00 |
|
01 Apr 2002 |
49,750.00 |
51,337.00 |
52,922.00 |
|
01 Dec 2001 |
44,533.00 |
45,954.00 |
47,375.00 |
|
01 Oct 2001 |
43,823.74 |
45,222.99 |
46,620.97 |
|
01 Jul 2001 |
41,539.48 |
42,865.09 |
44,190.69 |
|
01 Apr 2001 |
37,264.27 |
38,452.75 |
39,641.22 |
|
01 Mar 2001 |
36,534.17 |
37,699.79 |
38,865.41 |
|
01 Oct 2000 |
34,874.63 |
35,986.92 |
37,099.21 |
|
25 Sep 2000 |
33,056.36 |
34,110.24 |
35,164.13 |
|
01 Apr 2000 |
31,481.89 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 1999 |
31,170.80 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 1998 |
30,108.03 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Apr 1998 |
29,445.23 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jul 1997 |
29,057.96 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Apr 1997 |
28,726.55 |
--- |
--- |
|
01 Jan 1997 |
27,910.11 |
--- |
--- |
Note: NMAX = Normal Maximum. LSI = Long Service Increment. LSIs were abolished with effect from March 2011.
The 38th Report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector in 2000, accepted by Government at the time, recommended that the pay of TD's should be linked to the Principal Officer grade in the Civil Service. This recommendation was based on their independent and expert consideration of the level of responsibilities and an appropriate pay analogue. That Review Body report also recommended that Senators be paid 70% of the TD rate.
198. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the sick leave entitlements of public servants who get long-Covid and if he plans to extend the leave period of support in light of the long-lasting effects which have been documented. [60850/22]
View answerThe Public Service Sick Leave Scheme provides for the payment of the following to staff during periods of absence from work due to illness or injury:
A maximum of 92 days on full pay in a rolling one-year period
- Followed by a maximum of 91 days on half pay in a rolling one-year period
- Subject to an overriding threshold of 183 days’ paid sick leave in a rolling four-year period
For those individuals who may become incapacitated as a result of critical illness or serious physical injury, and who have supporting medical evidence for an extended period of sick leave, they may, on an exceptional basis, be granted paid sick leave extended as follows:
- A maximum of 183 days on full pay in a rolling one-year period
- Followed by a maximum of 182 days on half pay in a rolling one-year period
- Subject to an overriding threshold of 365 days’ paid sick leave in a rolling four-year period
The Protocol does not distinguish between critical conditions. Access is based on the established criteria as per Part 4 of S.I. 124/2014 (Public Service Management [Sick Leave] Regulations 2014) and as laid out in relevant circulars.
199. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total amount of funds allocated per county to applicants under the under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme since 27 June 2020, by county in tabular form. [60280/22]
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 €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 round of the SCEP closed for applications on Monday 1 March 2021 and by the deadline a record 3,106 applications were submitted. Approximately one thousand of the submitted applications were for 'equipment-only' projects. These applications were assessed first and grants with a total value of €16.6 million were announced on 6 August 2021. The remaining capital applications were then assessed and 1,865 individual grant offers with a total value of over €143.8 million were announced on Friday 11 February 2022.
Unsuccessful applicants were able to appeal the Department's decision. The deadline for submission of capital appeals was Monday 4 April and 146 appeals were received. Consequent allocations on foot of successful appeals amounting to €6.14 million were announced on Tuesday 31 May. The total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP. A list of all allocations, arranged on a county basis, under all recent rounds of the SCEP (including the 2020 round) is published on my Department's website at: - www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/.
Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review has now been complete and contains further statistical information. I expect to publish this Review shortly.
200. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total amount of funds allocated per county to applicants under the under the Covid-19 Sports Club Resilience Fund since 27 June 2020, by county in tabular form. [60281/22]
View answerSport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including the allocation of funding under its various programmes.
Covid funding support was invested through grant schemes with Sport Ireland’s recognised funding partners, including the National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded sporting organisations.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to funds allocated under the Covid-19 Sports Club Resilience Fund. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
201. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the most recent data on the level of Údarás na Gaeltachta supported jobs by county respectively in tabular form; the number of additional jobs created since 27 June 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60282/22]
View answerIn order to fulfill its reporting & planning requirements, Údaras na Gaeltachta collects employment figures once annually at the end of October and published in January of the following year. At the end of 2021, there were 7,809 full-time jobs (and 485 part-time jobs) in Údarás na Gaeltachta supported companies, in comparison to 7,363 full-time jobs (and 437 part-time jobs) in 2020.825 new full-time positions were created in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies in 2021. When the number full-time jobs lost are accounted for, there was a net gain of 446 full time jobs on 2020. 427 new full-time positions were created in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies in 2020. When the number full-time jobs lost are accounted for, there was a net lost of 481 full time jobs on 2019. The table below provides a breakdown of employment figures by county. The figures for 2022 are currently being collated and will be available in January 2023.
|
Contae /County |
2020 |
2021 |
Difríocht/Difference |
|
Dún na nGall/Donegal |
2,168 |
2304 |
136 |
|
Maigh Eo/Mayo |
604 |
661 |
57 |
|
Gaillimh/Galway |
2955 |
3180 |
225 |
|
An Mhí/Meath |
215 |
194 |
-21 |
|
Ciarraí/Kerry |
611 |
617 |
6 |
|
Corcaigh/Cork |
664 |
702 |
38 |
|
Port Láirge/Waterford |
146 |
151 |
5 |
|
Iomlán/Total |
7,363 |
7809 |
446 |
202. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the WTE staff by job title working in the marketing department of the National Concert Hall as of 29 November 2022; the WTE staff vacancies by job title currently in this department; and when these vacancies will be filled in tabular form. [60405/22]
View answerThe National Concert Hall is funded through a combination of Exchequer funding and income generated through its commercial activities. The salaries of its staff members are met from a mix of Exchequer and commercial revenues. As such, the information sought by the Deputy is a matter for the National Concert Hall, however I can confirm that at present it has 12 staff members in its Marketing Department.
The Department does, however, provide sanction to the National Concert Hall for the recruitment of posts. At present the Department is not aware of any requests for sanction for marketing staff at the National Concert Hall.
203. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the next appointment to the Board of Fáilte Ireland is due to take place; the procedure for the appointment process; and the criteria employed as part of such appointments. [60406/22]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media I have responsibility for appointments to the Board of Fáilte Ireland.
Appointments to State boards are made via a process managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS), which operates a dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, through which it advertises such vacancies. Since this process was put in place in 2014, it has consistently been used by my Department to identify suitably qualified members of the public who are interested in serving on boards under my remit. The procedures employed and criteria used by PAS are available on their website.
I expect to be in a position to fill the current vacancies on the Board of Fáilte Ireland in the very near future.
204. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 in the context of business and enterprise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60496/22]
View answerIn the context of my Department’s role in coordinating the implementation of the Government’s Action Plan for the Irish Language (Plean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022), my Department recently published on behalf of Government the third annual progress report on its ongoing implementation, following Government approval.The plan itself was first published in 2018 in order to accelerate and better co-ordinate implementation of the Government’s overarching 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 which represents Government policy in relation the Irish Language and Gaeltacht.This third report provides an overview of the progress made in 2021 on the implementation of the 180 or so actions contained in the plan itself and its publication is in line with the commitment made to publish such reports on an annual basis in the interests of accountability and transparency. The actions are not limited to the business and enterprise sectors. Key achievements in 2021 that are related specifically to business and enterprise include:
- 825 new full-time jobs were created in Údarás na Gaeltachta client-companies in 2021.
- there were 7,809 full-time jobs and 485 part-time jobs in companies that receive support from Údarás at the end of 2021.
- the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta approved State investment of €8.07 million in employment, training and education grants during 2021.
- up to €13.75 million in capital provision was approved during 2021 to restore and develop the business infrastructure of the Gaeltacht to help develop employment and new initiatives.
- expansion of the gTeic network of remote and blended working hubs - there were over 320 people, over 180 of whom are not included in the employment figures, working in over 27 gteic Gaeltacht hubs by the end of 2021
- investment in renewables - significant investment was made in 'An Ghaeltacht Ghlas' photovoltaic developments in Údarás na Gaeltachta business parks in Galway and Donegal.
- two new visitor centres opened in Gaeltacht areas; seaweed baths in Leitir Mealláin and Blacksod Lighthouse in Mayo.
- further development of the 'Gaeltacht na h-Éireann' brand to highlight the produce of uniquely Gaeltacht companies including large scale digital campaigns run by Údarás na Gaeltachta for 'Ón nGaeltacht le Grá' for Valentine's Day 2021, 'Blas na Gaeltachta', and 'Faoi Gheasa ag an nGaeltacht'.
- Foras na Gaeilge Business Support Schemes; 47 businesses were funded through the Business Support Schemes in 2021.
- Q-Mark for Irish Language - A further three companies were awarded the Q-Mark 'Gnó le Gaeilge' in 2021, with a further 12 companies undertaking the process to meet the standard required in 2022.
A full overview of progress made and in hand is set out in the report itself which can be found on my Department's website.I am confident that the additional financial allocation which my Department will be providing to Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2023 will further enable An tÚdarás in taking significant strides to advance their work-plans in support of the development of enterprise and business in Gaeltacht regions.
