Written Answers Nos. 146-164
146. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he intends to provide sanction to the Office of Public Works to make a payment to a centre (details supplied) that is not required under the public private partnership contract in respect of activity carried out during the period of Covid restrictions. [1967/23]
View answerThe OPW has not, to date, requested sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform to waive a deduction for non-achievement of a target number of International Conference Delegates (ICDs), as necessary due diligence is ongoing and therefore a request for sanction would be premature.
The National Convention Centre was built by the private party to a Public Private Partnership agreement where the private party designed, built, financed and is operating and maintaining the Convention Centre for a 25 year term. This PPP is governed by a detailed Project Agreement. One of the key targets in the Agreement is the attraction of between 32,000 and 34,000 ICDs per annum. ICDs are estimated to be worth c. €1,600 each to the economy. The Project Agreement provides a scale of deductions from the annual Unitary Charge (c.€24m) if the ICD targets are not reached.
Due to Government-imposed Covid restrictions, the CCD were unable to host events so they fell short of their ICD target in Payment Year 10 (Aug'19 - Jul '20), Payment Year 11 (Aug '20- July '21) where there were zero ICDs, and Payment Year 12 (Aug '21 - July '22). Cumulatively the deductions from the Unitary Charge for non-achievement of targets would come to c.€1.5m.
The OPW, as the public party to the Agreement, is completing normal, necessary due diligence in this case and has not yet reached the stage where a final decision can be made on the application of any deduction. Therefore, no sanction request can yet be made to the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform. The issue is finely balanced as the CCD had to comply with Government Covid 19 related restrictions and also hosted the Oireachtas rent free during the Covid restrictions period. All of these issues need to be carefully considered.
The OPW has consulted with the sponsoring Department, with the Operations Monitor - the NDFA, and with its legal advisors and will consider all views on the issue so as to enable an appropriate decision be reached.
The OPW intends to conclude its consideration of this matter shortly, and if necessary will then seek sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform. Should the CCD be unhappy with the decision made they may invoke the dispute resolution procedures in the Project Agreement.
147. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of all current and proposed flood relief schemes in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1920/23]
View answerTo date the Office of Public Works has built flood relief schemes that are providing protection to some 1,700 properties at Ennis and Sixmilebridge.
OPW is currently undertaking five additional major flood relief schemes in County Clare as part of the Government's €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030. The details of schemes at design and construction to protect against significant flood risk are as follows.
Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme
The Office and Public Works (OPW) and Clare County Council are working together on the development of the Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme with Clare County Council acting as the Contracting Authority for the project and funding provided by the OPW. The Consultant engineers for the scheme are RPS.
The total project budget is €41m and the scheme is expected to protect 1,237 residential and 163 commercial properties once complete. Current spend on the scheme to date is €1.3m
The Shannon Town and Environs flood relief scheme is currently at Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design where options are being prepared and are expected to be finalised in the coming months. It is expected to move to Stage 2 Planning in Q2 2024.
Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme
The Office and Public Works (OPW) and Clare County Council are working together on the development of the Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme with Clare County Council acting as the Contracting Authority for the project and funding provided by the OPW. The Consultant engineers for the scheme are JBA Consulting.
The total project budget is €4.4m and the scheme is expected to protect 194 residential properties. Current spend on the scheme to date is €570,000.
The proposed Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme is currently at Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design. A public participation day was held on Thursday 18 August 2022 with members of the public, local businesses, and other interested parties attending and submitting comments and making their views known on the scheme’s emerging options. Information gathered through this public engagement will be used to inform the final options for the scheme. It is expected to move to Stage 2 Planning in Q3 2023.
Springfield Flood Relief Scheme
The Office and Public Works (OPW) and Clare County Council are working together on the development of the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme with Clare County Council acting as the Contracting Authority for the project and funding provided by the OPW. The Consultant engineers for the scheme are Byrne Looby.
The Springfield Flood Relief Scheme is currently at Stage IV: Construction and includes the construction of a flood protection embankment, land raising, penstock / sluice, pump station and associated works at the townland and surrounding areas of Springfield and Clonlara. Total spend to date on this scheme is some €3m and the scheme will protect 18 properties.
The Springfield flood relief scheme is near completion. Permanent pumps for the scheme are yet to be installed due to a delay in manufacture and delivery. These pumps have since been delivered to the OPW and will be installed by end of Q1 when weather permits. Temporary pumps are currently in place to allow the scheme be operational and provide protection.
Bunratty Flood Relief Scheme
The Bunratty flood relief scheme is currently being progressed by Clare County Council. Clare County Council is preparing to tender for a consultant to carry out a feasibility study and to carry out site investigations before moving to the next stage of the project.
The scheme is expected to cost €760,000.
Kilrush Flood Relief Scheme
The Kilrush flood relief scheme is currently being progressed by Clare County Council. Clare County Council is currently carrying out underground surveys before moving to the next stage of the project.
The scheme is expected to cost €170,000 and will protect 19 properties once complete.
Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme
The OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies, costing less than €750,000 each, to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. Since its introduction in 2009, the Office of Public Works has approved €4.1m to Clare County Council under this scheme for 57 localised flood risk and coastal protection works.
148. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to improve the delivery of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2226/23]
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 National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 (NDP) published in October 2021 provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland over the next 10 years, and delivers total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030. The NDP also set out the range of actions that are being taken to strengthen delivery, maximise value for money, and ensure to the greatest extent possible that projects are delivered on time, on budget and with the benefits targeted at the outset. In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure.
In order to improve delivery efficiency, the Construction Sector Group (CSG), which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, has a number of initiatives currently underway to increase productivity in the sector. These include the recently established Construction Technology Centre, known as Construct Innovate, to accelerate research and innovation within the sector; the Build Digital Project funded by my Department to support the sector in its transition to digital; the adoption of Building Information Modelling; and an analysis of the cost of residential construction.
In relation to the changed name for my Department, I am currently examining the support structures and levers available across Government in order to maximise delivery of vital infrastructure such as housing, schools, hospitals, roads and public transport. All options to improve delivery and ensure that capital allocations are best utilised will be examined early in 2023.
149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the allocation to Monaghan County Council in relation to flood alleviation measures in each of the years 2018 to 2022 and under budget 2023. [1966/23]
View answerI am advised that Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works, within their own capital works programme and using their own resources, or by applying for funding under the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding within their areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. 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.
Since 2018 funding of €1.03m has been approved to Monaghan County Council under this scheme. Breakdown from 2018 to 2022 is as follows:
|
2018 |
€459,900 |
|
2019 |
€500,000 |
|
2021 |
€76,500 |
|
2022 |
€0 |
The scheme is demand led and the funding has always been available to cover eligible applications submitted by the Local Authorities and will continue to be available on this basis in 2023. To date, nationally and since 2009, my Office has approved 857 projects under this scheme and funding of €60.2m. This is a very significant and important scheme for managing localised flooding problems and both I and my Office promote and encourage local authorities to avail of the funding under the scheme to address such localised flooding issues.
The OPW guidelines for funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, together with a full list of funding approvals since 2009 is available on the OPW website: www.floodinfo.ie
150. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Dáil Éireann passing a motion by the Labour Party on 12 October 2022 in support of pay increases for community and voluntary sector workers, if he and his Department will support any moves by the Department of Health, the Department of Social Protection and other relevant Departments to deliver on the commitments listed in the motion; if he will support any moves in those Departments to provide for a standing forum and mechanism for collective bargaining on pay and conditions with recognised trade unions in the relevant sectors; if his Department has engaged with trade unions on this general matter since the passing of this motion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2207/23]
View answerFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the important work carried out by staff in these organisations and the vital contribution of the Community and Voluntary (C&V) sector. By way of general information, the Deputy may be aware that employees in these organisations are not Public Servants and do not fall under the remit of my Department.
The relevant legislation is clear on the range of responsibilities of the relevant departments and agencies. For information on engagement with the relevant trade unions following the 12 October 2022 motion the Deputy has referred to, I would therefore refer the Deputy to the following departments:
- Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 provides the responsibilities of the HSE and Department of Health,
- Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 provides the responsibilities of the Department of Housing,
- Section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 provides the responsibilities of TUSLA and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and
- Section 359A of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 sets out the range of responsibilities of the Department of Social Protection.
The organisations in question are private sector organisations. Accordingly, the Terms and Conditions of their employees are matters in the first instance between the individual private sector employer, the employee and their employee representatives.
As noted by my colleague the Minister for Health in the debate on 12 October 2022, in the debate the Deputy has referred to, a process involving the Department of Health, the HSE and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, was initiated at the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, in 2019.
In that debate, the Minister for Health noted that it was considered that this process could provide a template of engagement which could be applied to other organisations in the Community and Voluntary (C&V) Sector. As further noted by Minister Donnelly at that time, he considered that a process along these lines could play a useful role in providing solutions to the current pay-related issues that have been raised by organisations in the sector.
It will be for the individual, relevant Departments to decide on how they wish to engage with C&V organisations and/or trade unions on these matters. Engagement between my Department and the relevant Departments referred to by the Deputy will continue in the normal course.
Any follow up questions would need to be directed to the Minister for Health, or in respect of other Community and Voluntary organisations to the relevant Minister.
151. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has undertaken any cross-cutting work on the operation of means tests across Government and, in particular, the fairness and appropriateness of the diverse approaches. [2208/23]
View answerMeans assessments are used in many schemes across Government Departments, which are tasked with providing support to households, including schemes in the areas of Social Protection, Health, Housing and Education. Means testing facilitates the appropriate targeting of assistance provided by the State, ensuring those in need receive support and that state resources are efficiently and effectively allocated. They target limited resources at those most in need with the eligible means applied for different supports varying depending on the specifics of each policy area. The rationale of different interventions, and the groups which supports are aimed at helping, tends to vary significantly across schemes and policy areas. As such, individual line Departments have responsibility for determining and operating means tests for the schemes they have responsibility.
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has not finalised or published any cross-cutting work on the fairness and appropriateness of means tests as the responsibility for determining the appropriate means test in each case rests with the relevant line departments. Changes to means testing policy are typically considered by the relevant Ministers as new measures are part of the annual Budget process and are considered alongside other priorities in light of the available resources.
152. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm whether the Government will take action in relation to Garda pensions, specifically those who have joined post-2013 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60621/22]
View answerThe Single Scheme is a statutory Public Service Career-Average Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, established on 1 January 2013 under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The entitlements of the Single Scheme are clearly set out in law and were enacted on 28 July 2012. All new entrant public servants, including members of An Garda Síochána hired after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Scheme. It should be noted that while career averaging pension schemes are common across the public and private sectors, defined benefit schemes are no longer commonly available in the private sector.
Members of An Garda Síochána are categorised as being members of the ‘Uniformed Accrual’ cohort and are eligible for retirement benefits earlier than standard accrual members. Uniformed Accrual members pay employee contributions at higher rates than Standard Accrual members and accrue benefits at higher rates.
Members of An Garda Síochána who retire at the Compulsory Retirement Age (normally 55 years of age) are eligible to receive their retirement lump-sum in addition to the commencement of their pension benefit payments as well as still having the opportunity to work in other employment.
The Single Scheme is integrated with the Contributory State Pension and members pay full PRSI Class A contributions and therefore have access to the Contributory State Pension, from the Normal Retirement Age of 66 years.
An Interdepartmental Working Group, which includes representatives of Departments where there are fast accrual groups of employees, is in place for 2023. Its purpose is to generate an evidence base regarding the current fast accruals landscape, (for both pre-existing scheme and single scheme groups).
This work will enable DPER to review current fast accruals policies and inform future policy direction. Cognisance must be taken of the fact that fast accruals are beneficial terms that many other public servants do not enjoy. This also includes the fact that an earlier Mandatory Retirement Age does not preclude subsequent employments in other sectors, including the public sector, and in turn further pension accruals.
I am not in a position to comment on AVCs or other private pension schemes, as these are financial decisions to be made by individuals.
153. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will detail his plans to reform ethics legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2278/23]
View answerI am happy to inform the Deputy that my Department has just completed a review of ethics legislation and a report on the Review 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 to reform the legislation 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.
154. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role his Department has in ensuring the national development plan fulfils required climate actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2365/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the allocation of public funds across each area of Government spending and to ensure that expenditure is managed by Departments in line with these allocations. The responsibility for the management and delivery of investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case.
It was not, therefore, the role of the NDP to set out a specific blueprint for the achievement of Ireland’s climate targets. Rather, Departments in receipt of the capital investment allocations are directly responsible for developing a detailed suite of policies and measures to maximise the impact of this planned investment in a way that is consistent with the achievement of Ireland’s climate ambitions.
As part of the NDP review completed in October 2021, my Department undertook an assessment of the contribution that the Exchequer-funded capital spending in the NDP would make to seven climate and environmental outcomes – climate mitigation, climate adaptation, water quality, air quality, waste & circular economy, nature & biodiversity and just transition. This was the first time the Government undertook a systematic climate and environmental assessment of all capital expenditure plans. Further information on this assessment is available in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (www.gov.ie/en/publication/774e2-national-development-plan-2021-2030/) and supplementary material (www.gov.ie/en/publication/77fe2-national-development-plan-phase-1-report-2021/ ).
In interpreting the results of this analysis it is important to remember that a positive assessment was not an endorsement of the proposed measures, and a negative assessment did not mean that these measures are incompatible with the achievement of Ireland’s climate and environmental objectives. An unfavourable assessment demonstrated that there should be an increased focus on ensuring that the climate and environmental impact of this investment is minimised in so far as is possible. All measures will be subject to the requirement to achieve value for money. This requires analysis of the strategic fit of the proposal with public policy, including national policy on climate action, and a quantitative assessment of the environmental impact of investment proposals, including greenhouse gas emissions.
155. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the further measures his Department is considering in dealing with crippling rising interest rates, which are greatly affecting thousands of households across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/23]
View answerBudget 2023 set out the Government’s response to assisting households and businesses with inflationary and other cost of living pressures.
A winter cost of living package for households, totalling €2.2 billion, was a major part of this Budget. It included:
- a double week of social welfare schemes,- a fuel allowance lump sum of €400,- a once-off payment of €500 to those in receipt of the Carer's Support Grant, Disability Allowance, Blind and Invalidity Pensions,- a €200 living alone allowance lump sum,- a €500 working family payment lump sum,- a double child benefit payment, - a once off reduction in student contribution/tuition fees for undergrads, post-graduates and apprentices,- three €200 electricity credits for all households.
In addition, a Christmas Bonus was paid to eligible Social Protection recipients.
Budget 2023 also included new core permanent spending measures, focusing on cost of living, with an estimated value of c. €1.3 billion, including a €12 weekly Social Protection rate increase for working age and pension payments and an increase in the universal subsidy on the National Childcare Scheme.
Due to the timing of implementation, the benefit of many of these budgetary measures continue to impact including: two electricity credits, significantly increased childcare subsidies, Social Protection rate increases, and the continued reduction in public transport fares.
In recognition of the unprecedented rise in energy bills, Government also introduced a number of support measures to various sectors such as;- €340 million in support of public and community services, - a €200 million Ukraine Emergency Response Scheme to help firms faced with liquidity issues as a result of increased energy costs,- a Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, providing support to businesses encountering increased energy costs. Outside of the expenditure supports, additional taxation measures for households and business were also announced. Ireland is not alone in facing such high levels of inflation and cost of living pressures, while the supports are substantial, Government cannot protect all households and businesses against the full effects of inflation as to do so would lead to further inflationary pressures. However, the measures introduced do recognise the particular challenges faced by those on lower and fixed incomes.
My colleagues and I remain conscious of the pressures faced by households due to rising interest rates for some and wider cost of living pressures. My Department, alongside the Department of Finance, will continue to closely monitor economic developments and the impact on society as we progress through the year.
156. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he intends taking in 2023 to ensure more civil servants are capable of providing services through the medium of Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1371/23]
View answerThe Irish Languages Services Advisory Committee was established by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in June 2022 in line with the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021. This Committee includes representatives from my Department and the Public Appointments Service and has been meeting regularly to prepare a National Plan for Irish Language Services. This Plan is to be delivered by mid-2024 and will focus on the overall objective of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021, which is that 20% of recruits to the public service will be competent in the Irish language no later than 31 December 2030. The Committee is considering approaches to the future recruitment of Irish speakers.
Existing civil servants are being encouraged to pursue Irish language training courses via OneLearning- the Learning and Development Centre for the civil service based in my Department. At the start of 2023, OneLearning is launching Irish language courses due to commence on 6th of March, 2023. Courses provided by Gaelchultúr to Civil Servants on behalf of OneLearning (the Civil Service’s Learning and Development Centre) are now certified by Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG). TEG, provides a series of general Irish language proficiency examinations and qualifications and is the first certified system of its kind for adult learners of the Irish language. Full TEG certification is in place for advanced level and partial certification for all other levels since 2022, with a plan to have full certification for all levels in 2023. 583 enrolled in OneLearning Irish Language training in 2022. Enrolment for 2023 Irish language training is currently underway.
TEG qualifications will hold a particular value in the coming years for both learners and employers alike, as people with particular language skills will be sought for a wide variety of diverse roles across the civil and public service. Both Departments are examining ways to further support Irish-language learners within the system as well as creating more awareness around the language. One such additional measure to be taken is the addition of language awareness elements to some of OneLearning’s courses, focusing initially on customer service and junior manager.
A number of dedicated recruitment and promotion competitions exist which target Irish language speakers. PAS has held general civil service competitions for individuals with fluency in Irish at Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, Higher Executive Officer and Principal Officer level. There are currently panels in place for Irish posts at CO, EO and HEO levels and these panels will be drawn from as requests are received from Departments and Offices. New competitions for Bi-lingual candidates at CO, EO and HEO levels are expected to be advertised by mid-2023.
In addition, some Departments or Government Officers may also plan to recruit fluent Irish speakers directly under their local recruitment licence instead of through PAS.
157. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the review of Ireland's statutory framework for standards in public office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1602/23]
View answerI am happy to inform the Deputy that my Department has completed the review to which his question refers and a report on the Review was submitted to Government by my predecessor Minister McGrath in December. The Government approved the publication of the Review Report and agreed to the preparation of a General legislative Scheme informed by the Review’s outcome. The Review Report is currently being prepared for publication and will issue shortly.
As the Deputy may recall, the 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 such as the Departments of Justice and Housing and Local Government and the Dáil and Seanad Committees on Members Interests, recommendations from the Standards in Public Office Commission.
I can inform the House that the recommendations in the Review Report centre, broadly, 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.
158. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual cost to the Exchequer associated with the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2436/23]
View answerThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is the consenting authority for flood relief schemes which are prepared by the Office of Public Works under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995.
EU Directive 2011/92 obligates the consent authority (DPER) to undertake an independent assessment of the Environmental Impact Statement for flood relief schemes prepared by the OPW. EU Directive 2014/52 which harmonises the EIA process and brings about additional appropriate assessment (AA) responsibilities to the consent process for flood relief schemes is aimed at providing a high level of protection of the environment and human health.
The costs to the exchequer incurred by my Department in discharging this consenting function mainly relate to the procurement of independent, specialist consultancy services as well as any advertising costs expended to raise public awareness of public consultations which are carried out during the process. These costs pertain to the consenting process only and do not include the costs incurred to the delivery of the flood relief schemes themselves, which is separately funded and managed by the Office of Public Works.
The extent of costs regarding the consent process will vary in a given year and this is influenced by a number factors such as the number of schemes which seek consent in a given year, the nature of any particular flood relief scheme and whether further periods of public consultation are required.
A breakdown of the costs incurred under the Arterial Drainage Act consent process by my Department in the previous 5 years are as follows:
2022: €33,492.87
2021: €71,220.56
2020: €35,100.01
2019: €1,162
2018: €24,408.40
159. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current position of the Blackpool flood relief scheme; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1916/23]
View answerI am advised that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed the River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme in March 2021 under Section 7 of the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, as amended. In June 2021, the community group, Save Our Bride Otters (SOBO), was granted leave to apply for a Judicial Review of this decision of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. A stay was also granted on works being carried out pursuant to this Ministerial decision, pending the resolution of these proceedings.
Following an extensive legal review of the grounds of the Judicial Review, and the statutory processes around the decision-making process, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform agreed to consent to an order reverting the evaluation of the Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme back to an advanced stage of further public consultation. In agreeing to this, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform conceded the matter on a single ground related to public consultation procedures on certain information as part of the confirmation process.
Following this decision, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform submitted a Request for Further Information to the OPW on foot of the issues raised in the Judicial Review and to which OPW responded on 13 October 2022.
The confirmation process for this scheme, including any additional public consultation required, is a matter for the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Office of Public Works will continue to engage with Department for Public Expenditure and Reform as appropriate to further progress the scheme. Subject to receipt of confirmation the procurement process for a contractor will follow in 2023 with the works to commence shortly after.
160. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the report of the Review of Ireland’s Statutory Framework for Standards in Public Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2277/23]
View answerI am happy to inform the Deputy that my Department has completed the review to which her question refers and a report on the Review was submitted to Government by my predecessor Minister McGrath in December. The Government approved the publication of the Review Report and agreed to the preparation of a General legislative Scheme informed by the Review’s outcome. The Review Report is currently being prepared for publication and will issue shortly.
The 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 such as the Departments of Justice and Housing and Local Government and the Dáil and Seanad Committees on Members Interests, recommendations from the Standards in Public Office Commission.
I can inform the House that the recommendations in the Review Report broadly encompasses 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.
161. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 28 April 2022, the progress that has been made to date with respect of works to repair a property (details supplied); the works that remain uncompleted; the timetable for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2227/23]
View answerI’d like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to Barryscourt Castle and I welcome the opportunity to update him on progress. As the Deputy is aware from my previous responses to Parliamentary questions in respect of Barryscourt Castle, the Office of Public Works is very much committed to the conservation and repair project at the Castle.
To date the works completed include the erection of scaffolding, pointing and regrouting, lead-work and works in relation to the lowering of the ground water level around the Castle. These works are labour-intensive and delivered by skilled stone masons in the OPW direct labour workforce.
The next stage of works which will require Ministerial consent from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, includes the design of new mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems for the Castle. The proposed M&E installation works will commence when repointing and grouting work are complete on site and the building has sufficiently dried out.
To this end, the OPW is currently working on the design for these new systems which will include the installation of new heating, lighting, fire alarm, emergency lighting, external lighting and CCTV. This work is at an advanced stage and it is hoped that a final design can be signed off before the end of Qtr 1 2023. It will then be necessary to go out to tender to engage the services of a suitably qualified contractor to undertake these works and, as advised, to obtain the necessary Ministerial Consent prior to any commencement of works on site.
I would like to reassure the Deputy that once consent is granted, these works will be prioritised for completion. Regrettably, I cannot confirm an exact re-opening date for the Castle as year but the OPW is working towards a staged reopening of the site to the public during the 2024 season.
162. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of funding that was allocated for flood relief schemes by local authorities in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1921/23]
View answerI understand the Deputy is referring to the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies. Under this 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. Details of this scheme are available on the OPW website: www.opw.ie.
Since it's inception in 2009, the OPW under this scheme has approved 922 applications with allocated funding of €60.2m, up until end of 2022. Officials from my Department engage regularly with staff in Local Authorities to discuss the progression of solutions to flood risk in their area and continue to encourage Local Authorities to submit applications under this Minor Works scheme.
In 2022, 37 applications were approved by the OPW under this scheme with a total of €2.6m allocated to 15 Local Authorities, as follows:
164. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has considered revisiting the current public sector pay, given the real difficulties that are faced in staff retention issues, which is having an impact on public services, particularly in health and education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2252/23]
View answerIt is worth noting that despite tight labour market conditions, staff numbers in the public service have continued to grow over the last number of years. Estimated 2022 public service numbers, including Local Government and the Oireachtas are 380,664, an estimated increase of almost 14,771 (4.04%) over actual end-2021 numbers.
Staff retention in the sectors highlighted by the Deputy is influenced by a broad range of factors. In terms of pay, pay in the public service 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 way while enabling reform of public services and changes to work practices.
The current public service agreement is ‘Building Momentum’ which was due to expire at the end of 2022. As the Deputy will be aware, discussions took place last year between the parties to the Agreement following the triggering of the review clause in Building Momentum by public service unions and associations due to 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 achieve a deal that is fair and affordable to both public service employees and taxpayers generally.
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 the extension to Building Momentum 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 WRC proposals were accepted by public service unions and representative associations.
The cost of these 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 makes 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 proposed 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, Building Momentum as extended provides for increases of 12.5% over its lifetime, which is an average of just over 4% per annum.
