Written Answers Nos. 96-125
98. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the route selection process for the N4 upgrade from Mullingar to Rooskey, given that additional funding was allocated to complete the route selection works and a decision on same was expected to be finalised before the end of 2022. [2029/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
100. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to enhance the level of cover provided by the Irish Coast Guard service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1836/23]
View answerThe National Search and Rescue (SAR) Plan, published in 2019, sets out the objectives and priorities for SAR services and these are reviewed and adjusted periodically in order to improve effectiveness, efficiency and safety for all those involved. The National SAR Committee reviews the National SAR Plan and reports to the Minister for Transport on how the SAR Plan can be enhanced in line with emerging demands, technology and other factors.
The National SAR Committee is overseeing the phased implementation of the National SAR Plan. A number of key milestones were identified including the establishment of a virtual Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and ensuring effective SAR oversight and assurance mechanisms are in place. These and other programmes are set out in the second report from the National SAR Committee which was published in 2022 and can be found at gov.ie - The National Search and Rescue Plan (www.gov.ie)
With regard to the increasing the level of cover provided by the Irish Coast Guard, considerable progress has been made in improving interagency working through an extensive exercise programme with the Principal Response Agencies and Emergency Services. In advancing new technology, the Coast Guard has rolled out its new Drone programme and now has 16 operational Drone teams on the coast. Parallel to this project are improved decision support systems in the Rescue Coordination Centres and also improved support for the Coast Guard volunteer Units on the coast. This work is in addition to the new aviation procurement process currently underway for the Helicopter SAR service and the provision of a new fixed wing capability to support SAR and maritime casualty and pollution preparedness and response.
101. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if the expansion of the DART+ service to Sallins and Newbridge is being considered, given that they are the main commuter towns in the area. [2224/23]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) will shortly publish the statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042, following my approval.
The strategy includes proposals to extend DART services on the Kildare Line to Sallins/Naas in addition to the construction of a new train station to the west of Sallins which is envisioned to house a regional Park and ride site with approximately 1,000 car parking spaces. These projects are to be delivered over the lifetime of the strategy. However, it should be noted that as they are outside the scope of the current DART+ South West element of the overall DART+ programme, they will require their own design and approval processes.
The current focus is on completing the delivery of the DART+ programme in order to allow for later consideration of further extensions to DART services.
103. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if the effectiveness of increased fines for parking on footpaths and cycle lanes is being reviewed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2438/23]
View answerWhile my Department drafted the regulations doubling the penalties for parking on a footpath, bus lane or cycle track early last year, the enforcement of these penalties, along with the monitoring of the operational effectiveness of that enforcement, falls to local authority parking wardens and to An Garda Síochána. The Deputy may wish to bring his query to the direct attention of those bodies.
104. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport his views on the value of extending an electrified train service to Wicklow town, as included in the NTA's transport strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2222/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme.
Further extensions to DART services in the years ahead are being considered as part of the NTA’s review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The revised draft Strategy includes proposals to extend DART services beyond Greystones to Wicklow. However, any such extension is a separate project to DART+ Coastal South and would require its own approvals.
It is important that we address constraints in the rail sector and allow rail to fulfil its potential as a sustainable mode of transport in pursuit of our legally-binding decarbonisation targets.
The Strategy is a multi-modal, twenty-year transport strategy for the region and one that must be reflected in relevant land-use strategies across the GDA. The Strategy is subject to a formal statutory approval process and the final version is expected to be published in the near future.
105. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details in respect of the newly launched local hackney pilot programme; the number of rural areas this programme will operate in; if consideration will be given to extending the programme to other rural areas going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1952/23]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the Local Area Hackney Scheme, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
115. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the proposed development of the new Garda station in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60253/22]
View answerI want to thank the Deputy for his question regarding Portlaoise Garda Station. The designation of Portlaoise as the location for the Divisional HQ for the Laois/Offaly/Kildare Division has placed greater importance on this project being delivered.
The Portlaoise Garda Station project will meet all the operational, functional and accommodation requirements demanded by the new Garda operating model. To accommodate all the brief requirements the following developments are required; refurbishment of the existing building, a 2 & 3 storey extension and a new significant new building on the rear site. The construction of a building at the rear of Portlaoise Garda Station is integral to the effective redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda station to meet Garda requirements and has increased the total size of accommodation to be provided by 30%.
The site to the rear of the existing Garda station is currently occupied by the Defence Forces who are to be relocated from the rear site to the new identified site closer to the Midlands Prison. Tenders have been returned for these works and are currently being assessed. On completion of this, a contract for the building works will be placed. Works are expected to commence on site in Q1 2023. The delivery of the new Defence Force building will not delay the placing of the main contract works for the redevelopment of the Portlaoise Garda Station. The construction works are expected to be completed in 10 months.
The tender documentation for Enabling Works to the existing Garda Station was issued in Q4. The Enabling Works include conservation works to the historic wall and demolition works to modern structures attached to the historic wall. These works will help de-risk the delivery of the redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda Station. Tenders are being assessed and OPW anticipate works will start on site in Q1 2023.
The tender documents for the redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda Station are being finalised and subject to Approving Authority Approval, OPW expect to go to tender in Q1 2023. The estimated construction time on the main Garda Project is 144 weeks.
An option appraisal is being concluded for the decant phase of the existing Gardaí and the new operational model. The state owned decentralised office site has been identified as the preferred option. Test fit studies have been undertaken. OPW and AGS expect to conclude the Option Appraisal process shortly.
121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he will consider to maximise the benefits of reform in the context of public expenditure, with particular reference to ensuring any factors contributing to a challenge might be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2349/23]
View answer145. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which reforms throughout the public sector remain in place to ensure accountability, collective responsibility and good value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2384/23]
View answer216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the utilisation of reform is likely to continue with consequent benefit to the Exchequer and the consumer over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2580/23]
View answer217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to introduce reform as a means of ensuring greater value to the consumer in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2581/23]
View answer218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which each Department and those bodies under their aegis have observed the principles of reform as means of ensuring value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2582/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 145, 216, 217 and 218 together.
My Department works to serve the country, its people and the Government by delivering well managed and well-targeted public spending, delivered through modernised, effective and accountable public services. My Department develops major initiatives in collaboration with Government Departments and public service sectors and works to enable the delivery of sectoral reform priorities.
Examples of reforms developed by my Department since it was established in 2011 include those in relation to:
- Successive Civil and Public Service Reform Plans and Making Innovation Real the Public Service Innovation Strategy
- Expenditure reforms and innovations in policy-making including the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES)
- Digital Government including the establishment of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the infrastructure to provide online services;
- Shared services and procurement reform including the establishment of the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) for shared HR, pensions and payroll services and the Office for Government Procurement to lead procurement reform
- HR professionalization and OneLearning the shared learning and development centre and rules governing staff including the Civil Service People Strategy and revised Disciplinary Code
- Initiatives to support better customer service and enhanced employee engagement and
- Legislative and policy reform to enhance trust and transparency across government including Regulation of Lobbying, Protective Disclosures, Freedom of Information legislation and well as delivering the Open Government Partnership National Action Plan with Civil Society, the development of the Open Data Strategy, the implementation of Data Governance legislation and deliver the biennial OECD Trust in Public Institutions Survey with CSO.
The current plans are ambitious and build on the achievements to date. In that context, the ten-year strategy for the Civil Service, Civil Service Renewal 2030 is built on three core themes – Digital First and Embedding Innovation; Workforce, Workplace and Organisation of the Future, and Evidence-Informed Policy and Services. The strategic priorities will be achieved through three-year Action Plans, the first of which is Civil Service Renewal 2024.
Connecting Government 2030: A Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service sets out an approach to deliver digital government for all, benefitting both society and the broader economy. My Department recently hosted a public consultation process to help plan how we deliver improved digital public services. In addition, work on the next phase of public service transformation, as a successor to the Our Public Service reform programme, is continuing with an opportunity to focus on the needs of people and the way in which services are delivered in an integrated manner (e.g. life events portal). This next phase will also build on the lessons learned from the successful innovations implemented during the COVID-19 response.
In terms of collective responsibility for the implementation of reform, my Department chairs the Public Service Leadership Board, drawn from senior management in the Civil and Public Service, to ensure coherence of reform across the system. The Board will play a key role in leading the next phase of reform. In regard to value for money, all Government Departments and public service bodies are required to carefully manage public funds and to ensure that the best possible value is obtained whenever public money is spent or invested.
As part of this broader approach to ensuring value for money, the introduction of shared services and centralised procurement in earlier phases of reform have been further integrated in public service operations and expanded into new areas. These expansions will continue and we are exploring new areas to further embed reforms that will enhance the cost-effectiveness of public services; for example, through leading or enabling digitalisation of key public services, automation, innovation, new ways of working and service design.
Finally, in regard to the Public Service Pay Agreement ‘Building Momentum’, the parties to the Agreement are committed to the ongoing reform and development of public services to meet the changing needs of citizens, communities, businesses and the staff who deliver public services.
122. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the future use of a location (details supplied), following his visit to Drogheda in 2022 and his Department’s constructive engagement on the matter; if he will provide details of Louth County Council’s plan to develop the site to become a public realm for tourism and events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1345/23]
View answerI was delighted to have had the opportunity to visit Drogheda and the impressive barbican of St Laurence’s Gate, which is an iconic part of Drogheda’s medieval architecture.
I am aware that Louth County Council's County Development includes an ambition to upgrade the public realm in the vicinity of St Laurence’s Gate in Drogheda. No further details or scheme have been made available to my Office and so it would be more appropriate for the local authority to update the Deputy on its own plans in this respect and the Office of Public Works will be happy to engage with the local authority in due course if such plans advance.
OPW's statutory mandate relates to the conservation and protection of National Monuments entrusted to State care. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware from previous correspondence and parliamentary questions on this matter that the Office of Public Works commissioned an investigation by a structural engineer in 2017. This report was shared with local public representatives and underscored that any proposal to open St Laurence’s Gate to general public access would require a substantial project to ensure the conservation and protection of the Monument, as well as ensure visitor safety. On the latter point, I would reiterate my concerns on the need to design an effective and safe visitor management solution, given the physical limitations of the Monument itself and its proximity to busy streets with vehicle traffic.
For these reasons, the Office of Public Works has decided against opening St Laurence’s Gate to general public access, but has facilitated limited, controlled access in recent years during community events such as the All-Ireland Fleadh, Heritage Week and the Drogheda Arts Festival. On such occasions, access was ticketed and strictly reserved to advance bookings. The Office of Public Works will continue to engage positively with local stakeholders to ensure occasional access for visitors as part of specific festivals or community events in Drogheda.
The Office of Public Works continues to discharge its statutory duty by providing ongoing maintenance at St Laurence’s Gate. Any proposal to enhance the visitor experience at the Monument, however, will require both a wider public realm vision and detailed consideration as to the type of day-to-day operations that could be provided there.
As a strong advocate for St Laurence’s Gate and indeed the overall heritage of Drogheda, I know the Deputy will continue to ensure this matter continues to receive due attention and I would like to reassure the deputy that I and my Officials will continue to engage constructively on this matter.
123. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current progress of the Report of the Review of Ireland’s Statutory Framework for Standards in Public Office; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2281/23]
View answerI am happy to inform the Deputy that the review to which his question refers has been completed and the Review Report was submitted to Government by my predecessor Minister McGrath in December. The Government approved the Report‘s publication and agreed to the preparation of a General Legislative Scheme informed by the Review's outcome. On foot of this, my Department will prepare a draft legislative scheme in consultation with relevant Ministers and bring it to Government for approval to publish during 2023. The Review Report itself is currently being prepared for publication and it will issue shortly.
As the Deputy might recall, my Department’s review of Ireland's statutory framework for standards in public office, which was agreed by the Government in September 2021, covered the following elements:
- A review of Ireland’s existing ethics legislative framework, including a reassessment of the 2015 Public Sector Standards Bill;
- A review of the recommendations of relevant tribunals of inquiry;
- A review of recommendations of the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) based on its operation of the current regime;
- Consultations with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on the local government aspects of a consolidated statutory regime;
- A review of current EU/International best practice; and
- Public Consultation - Consultations with various parties.
The Review considered input from key public sector stakeholders including the Departments of Justice and Housing and Local Government. It also engaged with the Dáil and Seanad Committees on Members Interests. It also considered recommendations from the Standards in Public Office Commission.
I can inform the Deputy that the recommendations in the Review Report broadly focus on five key themes:
- A legislative framework for Ethics to be underpinned by a set of overarching integrity principles
- New specific statutory prohibitions, including on the use of insider information
- Strengthening disclosures requirements to improve transparency and examining whether the regime should encompass more office holders
- Strengthening the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO)
- Post-term employment restrictions for elected officials/public servants that address matters not already covered by lobbying regulation and should align closely with that legislation.
The Government’s ultimate goal is to create a fit-for-purpose, easy to understand and user-friendly ethical framework that contributes to the quality and efficacy of our public administration.
124. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role his Department has in ensuring the national development plan fulfils plans for expansion of acute, primary and community care in line with Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2368/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. Management and delivery of individual investment projects within the allocations agreed under the NDP is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister. The delivery of the Sláintecare policy is the responsibility of the Minister for Health and his Department, including delivery of infrastructure priorities that may support Sláintecare or other healthcare priorities.
In publishing the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 (NDP), there was significant engagement with all sectors, including the Department of Health. The NDP provides public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030 and established the Government’s over-arching investment framework and broad direction for investment priorities for this decade. The Department of Health was allocated almost €5.7 billion over the period 2021 to 2025 to invest in infrastructure priorities over that period.
It is important to note that the NDP is fundamentally a high-level financial and budgetary plan, which sets out the framework and broad direction for investment priorities. It includes Exchequer allocations for Departments for the period 2021-2025 to support the delivery of the ten national strategic outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework, including investments in healthcare under NSO 10.
In relation to ongoing project engagement, my Department engages with the Department of Health to provide independent scrutiny for major public capital projects over €100 million under the Public Spending Code, in particular through the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG). The MPAG scrutinises project proposals and external reviews as a prerequisite to seeking Government approval for major projects at key points in the project lifecycle. The Department of Health also provide regular updates on key NDP projects to the Investment Projects and Programmes Tracker and the Project Ireland 2040 Annual Reports published by my Department.
In addition to the overall NDP delivery monitoring mechanisms, the typical high-level expenditure oversight arrangements between my Department and the Department of Health also apply. These focus on overall regular monthly monitoring of spending out-turn compared to budget. However, it is a matter for the Department of Health in the first instance to ensure that capital projects are delivered within budget.
125. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the new projects to be delivered in the northern and western region following the recent allocation of €217 million under the European Regional Development Fund programme; the details of any engagement between his Department and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly in the development of the 2021 to 2027 programme and, in particular, with regard to reducing regional inequality in Ireland, as highlighted at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1885/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for the question.
Ireland was allocated a total of €395.7 million in European Regional Development Funding (ERDF). The Northern and Western region - a Region in Transition - was initially allocated €110.2 million while the Southern and the Eastern and Midland Regions (designated as more developed regions) were allocated €285.5 million. Noting the Northern and Western Region’s Region in Transition status, my predecessor made a decision, in consultation with the Regional Assemblies, to transfer €20m in ERDF resources from the other Regions to the Northern and Western Region, which increased the allocation for the Northern and Western Region to €130.2 million. When combined with national funding of €87 million, this provides €217 million in available funding for the Northern and Western Region programme.
The Northern Western Regional ERDF Programme focuses on three selected Policy Objectives, and is structured under three priorities to reflect this.
Priority 1: A Smarter and More Competitive Region;
Priority 2 A Low-Carbon Energy Efficient Region;
Priority 3 - Sustainable And Integrated Urban Development.
There was extensive engagement with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) in the development of the 2021-2027 programme. My predecessor appointed the NWRA as the Managing Authority of the 2021-2027 ERDF Programme for the Northern and Western region in October 2020, prior to which the NWRA played a very active role in the programming for the 2021-2027 round in conjunction with officials from my Department.
The NWRA were represented on the Partnership Process Steering Group, which guided the development process of the Partnership Agreement for 2021-2027. The NWRA was also part of a working group that managed the public consultation process to inform the selection of priorities for the use of EU funding for the next period. After nearly three years of development by the Regional Assemblies and my department, Ireland's two ERDF programmes for the 2021-27 period were formally adopted by the Commission on the 18th of November 2022.
The NWRA will lead the implementation of the programme in that region and will set out further details in due course.
