Written Answers Nos. 461-480
461. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide the underspend of each Department in each year since 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17121/23]
View answerTable 1 below outlines the surplus for surrender from each Vote for 2020 and 2021, using figures published by the Comptroller and Auditor General in the annual Appropriation Accounts. This data is published by the C&AG in the Vote Accounting and Budget Management chapter of the annual Report on the Accounts of the Public Services.
For 2020 and 2021 the surplus for surrender represented approximately 3 and 2 per cent respectively of total Government expenditure in that year. Underspends compared to the total amount of spending allocated can arise for a variety of reasons, such as lower than expected uptake on schemes or delivery at lower than budgeted for costs. For 2020 and 2021, both the restrictions and the required response to the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on Department’s spending plans.
Appropriation Accounts for 2022 are currently being prepared. Table 2 shows the end- December 2022 Fiscal Monitor published by the Department of Finance. This reports expenditure by Ministerial Vote Group including a comparison of estimated expenditure incurred against amount allocated. These include €687 million which is carried forward to 2023 under the capital carryover facility. Following completion of audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General, the final Appropriation Account figures will be available, including surplus to surrender.
My Department continues to monitor spending by Departments against profiled plans for 2023 and monthly figures will be published in the Fiscal Monitor throughout the year.
Table 1: Surplus for Surrender 2020 and 2021
|
Vote |
2021 |
2020 |
|
- |
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
V1 - PRESIDENT'S ESTABLISHMENT |
840 |
658 |
|
V2 - DEPARTMENT OF THE TAOISEACH |
12,157 |
11,831 |
|
V3 - OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL |
603 |
1,040 |
|
V4 - CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE |
2,938 |
2,180 |
|
V5 - DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS |
232 |
421 |
|
V6 - CHIEF STATE SOLICITOR'S OFFICE |
783 |
235 |
|
V7 - DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE |
4,284 |
3,349 |
|
V8 - OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL |
3,397 |
1,431 |
|
V9 - OFFICE OF THE REVENUE COMMISSIONERS |
9,272 |
4,841 |
|
V10 - TAX APPEALS COMMISSION |
456 |
278 |
|
V11 - PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN DELIVERY AND REFORM |
3,148 |
4,233 |
|
V12 - SUPERANNUATION AND RETIRED ALLOWANCES |
75,124 |
113,209 |
|
V13 - OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS |
19,658 |
2,233 |
|
V14 - STATE LABORATORY |
448 |
238 |
|
V15 - SECRET SERVICE |
901 |
932 |
|
V16 - VALUATION OFFICE |
4,794 |
6,967 |
|
V17 - PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS SERVICE |
1,337 |
2,613 |
|
V18 - NATIONAL SHARED SERVICES OFFICE |
4,366 |
13,038 |
|
V19 - OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN |
2,062 |
2,086 |
|
V20 - GARDA SÍOCHÁNA |
13,276 |
3,579 |
|
V21 - PRISONS |
5,430 |
1,689 |
|
V22 - COURTS SERVICE |
1,048 |
2,356 |
|
V23 - PROPERTY REGISTRATION AUTHORITY |
1,933 |
1,295 |
|
V24 - DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE |
21,773 |
20,080 |
|
V25 - IRISH HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUALITY COMMISSION |
192 |
649 |
|
V26 - EDUCATION |
27,843 |
137,912 |
|
V27 - INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION |
2,752 |
3,029 |
|
V28 - FOREIGN AFFAIRS |
21,579 |
8,812 |
|
V29 - ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND COMMUNICATIONS |
48,092 |
63,325 |
|
V30 - AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND THE MARINE |
157,977 |
104,353 |
|
V31 - TRANSPORT |
193,382 |
234,406 |
|
V32 - ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT |
156,674 |
76,222 |
|
V33 - TOURISM, CULTURE, ARTS, GAELTACHT, SPORT AND MEDIA |
22,519 |
32,912 |
|
V34 - HOUSING, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HERITAGE |
116,672 |
12,544 |
|
V35 - ARMY PENSIONS |
2,730 |
8,109 |
|
V36 - DEFENCE |
29,513 |
6,172 |
|
V37 - SOCIAL PROTECTION |
143,680 |
861,943 |
|
V38 - HEALTH |
394,234 |
51,760 |
|
V39 - OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT |
1,761 |
2,308 |
|
V40 - CHILDREN, EQUALITY, DISABILITY, INTEGRATION AND YOUTH |
95,312 |
118,627 |
|
V41 - POLICING AUTHORITY |
840 |
615 |
|
V42 - RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT |
41,450 |
5,521 |
|
V43 - OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER |
316 |
411 |
|
V44 - DATA PROTECTION COMMISSION |
4,330 |
4,623 |
|
V45 - FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND SCIENCE |
12,138 |
8,184 |
|
Total: |
1,664,246 |
1,943,248 |
Table 2: End December 2022 Issues – Gross Voted Expenditure Variance from Profile
|
Ministerial Vote Group |
Variance €M |
|
Agriculture, Food And The Marine |
-44 |
|
Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth |
-77 |
|
Defence |
-2 |
|
Education |
-30 |
|
Enterprise, Trade And Employment |
-674 |
|
Environment, Climate And Communications |
-301 |
|
Finance |
-6 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
-4 |
|
Further And Higher Education, Research, Innovation And Science |
-25 |
|
Health |
-29 |
|
Housing, Local Government And Heritage |
-244 |
|
Justice |
-46 |
|
Public Expenditure And Reform |
-65 |
|
Rural And Community Development |
-2 |
|
Social Protection |
-238 |
|
Taoiseach's |
-31 |
|
Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport And Media |
-39 |
|
Transport |
-38 |
|
Total Gross Cumulative Voted Spending |
-1,896 |
462. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the total non-core expenditure that has not yet been allocated and remains in reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17122/23]
View answerSince 2020 considerable policy challenges have arisen due to the impact of Covid-19, Brexit and the war in Ukraine. The approach of allocating non-core or temporary funding to respond to external challenges facilitates responsive fiscal policy providing supports to deal with key emerging issues while protecting core or permanent day-to-day expenditure and investment.
The Revised Estimates 2023 set out €5.2 billion in non-core funding. At the end of March 2023 approximately €4.1 billion of non-core funding has been allocated to Departments. This includes allocations of €1.6 billion for Ukraine related supports; €1.5 billion for Covid related supports including National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP); €0.7 billion for Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) and €0.4 billion for Brexit and other non-core pressures. These allocations leave approximately €1.1 billion in non-core funding for further allocations throughout 2023 if required.
Table: Non-Core Funding 2023
|
- |
Funding Provision |
Allocated to Depts. |
Unallocated |
|
Covid (including NRRP) |
€1.7bn |
€1.5bn |
€0.2bn |
|
Ukraine |
€2.0bn |
€1.6bn |
€0.4bn |
|
TBESS |
€0.7bn |
€0.7bn |
€0bn |
|
Other (including Brexit Adjustment Reserve) |
€0.8bn |
€0.4bn |
€0.4bn |
|
Total Non-Core |
€5.2bn |
€4.1bn |
€1.1bn |
*Rounding affects totals
463. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if 2022 saw a decline in real terms in investment in public services due to high inflations levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17123/23]
View answerThe 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.
Gross current expenditure by Departments was €77.8 billion in 2022, representing a year-on-year increase of over €0.2 billion or 0.3% above the same period in 2021, while gross capital expenditure by Departments was €10.9 billion, inclusive of an estimated capital carryover spend of just under €0.8 billion into 2022. This represented a year-on-year increase in capital investment of almost €1 billion or 9.9%.
In the interest of safeguarding public projects that are already under construction and to mitigate the risks of significant losses being sustained by contractors, in May 2022 the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced details of the “Inflation Co-operation Framework" (the Framework) for those parties engaged under a public works contract.
The Framework facilitates both parties to engage with one another for the purpose of addressing the impacts of the most recent onset of exceptional inflation and supply chain disruption and operates on an ex gratia basis. Reports from Departments suggest that agreements have been reached on a wide range of projects and, where formal agreement has not yet been reached, parties continue to engage with works progressing.
Costs relating to implementation of the Framework are to be met from within existing capital expenditure ceilings. The levels of capital spending set out in the NDP, at close to 5% of GNI*, are already among the highest in the EU and are close to the limit of the overall capability to deliver in the coming decade. The ceilings detailed in the NDP have to be cognisant of the overall capability of the construction sector to deliver on the NDP and of the appropriate share of National Income being devoted to infrastructure. Similar to any process of Vote management, it will be up to sectors and Accounting Officers to assess whether existing timelines for the implementation of key projects will need to be adjusted on account of the Framework implementation or if there will be a need for prioritisation within their existing five year departmental ceilings.
The use of the Framework is voluntary, but participation by the parties is strongly encouraged. It represents a pragmatic and proportionate response to the current challenges caused by inflation that are not within either party’s control.
464. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the transfer of the OneLearning service from his Department/National Shared Services Office, along with a number of civil servants, to the Institute of Public Administration was carried out in accordance with public sector procurement rules, rules around State aid, and the terms of national agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17143/23]
View answerMy Department has central responsibility for Civil Service learning and development policies and supports for all levels up to and including the Senior Public Service (SPS). The SPS Team predominantly focuses on those at the most senior levels, working in close collaboration with OneLearning colleagues who provide training that is common across the Civil Service with a particular focus on CO-PO level. Learning and Development Units across the Civil Service also source and procure tailored learning and development solutions for their organisations.
The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) is a recognised college of the National University and operates as a publicly-funded organisation under the ageis of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDPDR).
The IPA focuses exclusively on public sector development and provides supports to public bodies, such as education, training, and research to a broad range of public bodies, including Government Departments, Local Authorities, the HSE, etc.
The Government Decision (June 2010), provided for the establishment of the Senior Public Service and included the intention to extend the focus to the broader public service over time to cover non-commercial state-sponsored bodies, local authorities, and the health and education services.
The Senior Public Service (SPS) was established in 2011, in recognition of the need for effective, unified leadership at senior levels of the civil and public service to deliver on key challenges facing the country and envisaged:
- the creation of a Senior Public Service to encompass top level management across Civil Service in a common management pool;
- a structured development programme and mobility between organisations to support a whole of government philosophy of public service management;
- a focus on Civil Service first – but then to encompass the broader senior public service leadership at some point.
In line with the ongoing reform of public services, the optimisation of shared services across the Government sector continues in many areas such as ICT, procurement, payroll, financial and HR services. Senior officials in my Department are working with the IPA to transfer the operational activities of the SPS and OneLearning in (DPENDPDR) to the IPA.
This change will support an integrated strategic approach to providing best in class professional learning and leadership development across the public service. The pre transfer phase is now under way and includes consideration of all requirements; procurement, staffing etc. and good progress has been made so far.
The demand for professional learning and leadership development is continually increasing within the context of a highly challenging public service operating environment. The integration of existing services provided by DPENDPDR with the IPA will provide for a specialist learning and development focus to support further development across the public service. DPENDPDR will continue in its governance role of the IPA.
465. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the closure of the international and research services of the IPA will lead to a discontinuation of the public sector trends reports; if this was agreed with his Department in advance; if the Institute of Public Administration’s grant in aid was discussed in light of recent changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17144/23]
View answerI am informed by the IPA that the IPA has not taken the decision to close the Institute’s international services. However, as the IPA is undergoing a significant transformation at this time to enable the implementation of the organisation’s new five-year strategy (A New Era for Learning 2022-2027), the decision has been taken by management to pause taking on any new international work until Q1 2025. It is important to note that this does not affect any existing international work that the IPA is engaged in which will continue as normal. Future international work will be undertaken in accordance with strategic priorities.
With regards to the Institute’s research activities, the research unit will be restructured to align with the priorities of the new strategic plan which seeks to integrate research more closely within the teaching and learning practice of the IPA. In doing so, the strategy aims to strengthen the Institute’s authoritative position on public administration with the emphasis on building the IPA’s thought leadership capability. This will mean a re-prioritisation of services but no decision has been taken at this point to discontinue the public sector trends reports. The restructuring of the research unit has been discussed and agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. The funding dimension of this transformation will be kept under review as appropriate.
466. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if other agencies, public bodies, local authorities, State agencies or bodies funded by public funding will be required to deliver their training needs to the IPA; what commitments have been made as part of the new developments regarding OneLearning; what properties have been secured; what recruitment has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17145/23]
View answerI am informed by the IPA that it is planned that the range of training courses provided by OneLearning will be available to the wider public service over time. In the immediate term, the current training provided by OneLearning will continue with the priority to ensure business continuity across the civil service. In this regard, there are a number of providers under contract with the Department to provide a wide range of training courses via OneLearning which will continue as normal. In time, once the transfer of OneLearning to the IPA has taken place, the Institute will commence the provision of training courses in conjunction with providers to the wider public service in a planned and phased manner. Agencies, public bodies, local authorities, State agencies and other public-funded bodies will therefore be able to avail of the courses on offer via OneLearning. However, it will not be a requirement to deliver all training requirements through the IPA as there will always be unique and specialist requirements that may not be covered within the OneLearning portfolio.
The IPA and DPENDPR are currently engaged in the pre-transfer process which will facilitate the planned transfer of OneLearning to the Institute. This is expected to be completed in the coming months after which, an implementation plan will be scoped to ensure the smooth transition process. Therefore, there have been no developments as yet regarding properties or recruitment.
467. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline how the SME Advisory Group purports to address the issues affecting SME participation in public procurement and to understand how representative bodies, that are not included on the group, can make submissions on operational matters that impact them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17179/23]
View answerThe Government recognises the importance of the SME sector and continues to enhance the already substantial measures to support SMEs in accessing the public procurement market. The primary avenue by which the Government engages with SMEs on issues relating to public procurement is the SME Advisory Group, which is chaired by Minister of State Ossian Smyth who has responsibility for public procurement.
The SME Advisory Group, which meets quarterly, includes representatives from the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (Ibec), the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME), the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Chambers Ireland and the Small Firms Association (SFA). The group has afforded the Government the opportunity to hear first-hand from SMEs about their experiences tendering for public contracts, and to voice any concerns to Government on issues affecting SME participation in public procurement. Some of the many issues that have been discussed by the group include the impact on the ability of SMEs to access public procurement as result of Brexit, Covid-19, Inflation and rising energy costs. Minutes from the meetings of the SME Advisory Group are available on the OGP website www.gov.ie/en/collection/8a305-sme-advisory-group/.
The SME Advisory Group also includes representatives from public body stakeholders including Enterprise Ireland, InterTrade Ireland, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). A dedicated sub-group allows for the development of an aligned approach to promoting awareness of public procurement opportunities and supporting SMEs compete for public contracts. The SME Advisory Group has collaborated on a series of events aimed at promoting public procurement as a business opportunity for SMEs including breakfast briefings and go-to-tender workshops. The group has also worked together to develop video case studies profiling regional SMEs that have been awarded public contracts. A further initiative emanating from the SME Advisory Group is the Tender Advisory Service which was established by the OGP, in consultation with SME stakeholders, to address concerns in relation to perceived barriers for SMEs in competing for tender opportunities.
Most recently, the OGP engaged with the SME Advisory Group as part of the revision of Circular 10/2014. Feedback from the SME Advisory Group was that Circular 10/2014 had a tangible impact on improving access by removing the primary barriers to SME participation but that there is a need to reaffirm and update existing measures and consider the introduction of new measures. A Working Group of the SME Advisory Group was established to allow for a more detailed, technical, consultation on matters relating to Circular 10/2014 and to propose amendments to the Circular. A number of recommendations were brought to, and agreed by, the SME Advisory Group and were taken into consideration by the OGP as part of the wider consultation process on the development of Circular 05/2023: Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement.
My Department will continue to proactively engage with business to enhance the significant measures and strategies already in place to support SME access to public procurement opportunities building on the progress to date. Any representative bodies not included on the SME Advisory Group can contact my officials in the OGP directly at OGP Headquarters, 3A Mayor Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 PF72 or email at support@ogp.gov.ie.
468. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of Departmental staff currently on sick or stress leave; and the number who took stress or sick leave in each of the past five years and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17784/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that employees are not obliged to state the nature of the illness on medical certificates or on the NSSO Human Resources Management System (HRMS) when reporting illness and absence.
The figures below were supplied by the National Shared Services Office, who maintain these records on behalf of my Department, and were provided by them to my Department on 12/04/2023.
The number of staff who availed of sick leave in each of the past five years and to date in 2023, is documented below in tabular form. This includes those who have opted to disclose the reason for sick leave as a stress related absence.
|
Sick Leave |
No. of staff who availed of sick leave including stress-related sick leave |
No. of staff who disclosed stress-related sick leave |
|
2023 (to date) |
76 |
0 |
|
2022 |
177 |
2 |
|
2021 |
130 |
1 |
|
2020 |
146 |
8 |
|
2019 |
244 |
2 |
|
2018 |
231 |
2 |
Note: Figures supplied to my Department by the National Shared Services Office.
469. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of allegations of bullying made by departmental staff against departmental staff in each of the past five years and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will detail what actions are being taken by his Department to investigate the allegations, or if they are being investigated. [17802/23]
View answerIn the past 5 years my Department have dealt with 2 cases brought under the Civil Service Dignity at Work Policy. All matters brought under this policy are addressed in full as set out in the Civil Service Dignity at Work Policy. I include a link to the policy in full here.
www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/227348/8fcbe889-eb13-490a-9488-2ee7df1ae319.pdf#page=null
470. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of Departmental staff dismissed in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17820/23]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform has on record 3 dismissals since 2010.
|
Year |
Dismissal |
|
2010 |
0 |
|
2011 |
0 |
|
2012 |
0 |
|
2013 |
0 |
|
2014 |
0 |
|
2015 |
0 |
|
2016 |
0 |
|
2017 |
0 |
|
2018 |
0 |
|
2019 |
1 |
|
2020 |
0 |
|
2021 |
0 |
|
2022 |
2 |
|
2023 |
0 |
471. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if consideration has been given to allowing members of the Prison Service recruited post-1995 to work a certain number of hours each week whilst retaining certain social welfare benefits, as other welfare recipients can do (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17975/23]
View answerSince 6 April 1995, all newly-appointed public servants became fully insured under the Social Insurance System. They pay Class A PRSI, which would entitle them to Social Insurance Benefits such as, maternity benefit, illness benefit, State Pension Contributory (SPC) and other social insurance entitlements not available to public servants paying modified PRSI (Class B, C or D). A significant number of occupational pension schemes (both private and public sector) take account of a member’s entitlement to the SPC when calculating occupational pension benefits. This is known as ‘integration’, and is also sometimes referred to as 'coordination'. It should be noted that prior to the extension to all public servants, of Class A PRSI in April 1995, as many as 39,000 public servants were always fully insured.
A public servant paying Class A PRSI will receive both an occupational pension combined with their SPC element, which is paid for by way of PRSI contributions. This part of the pension is bound by the rules and criteria as set by Department of Social Protection (DSP). An occupational supplementary pension may be payable in circumstances where the total pension package (i.e. the combined total of the public service occupational pension plus any social insurance benefits) is less than that of the pension payable to a public servant on an equivalent salary and whose pension is not integrated with the Social Insurance system and who do not have an entitlement to the SPC.
The payment of an occupational supplementary pension is subject to an individual meeting certain criteria, such as the retired public servant shall not be in paid employment and:
fails to qualify for a Social Insurance Benefit or
qualifies for a Social Insurance Benefit at a reduced rate, or at a rate less than the full rate of the SPC, and
has reached minimum pension age or is in receipt of an ill-health pension.
The following Social Insurance payments are considered when assessing an individual for an Occupational Supplementary Pension: The State Pension Contributory (SPC), Illness Benefit, Invalidity Pension, Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds and Jobseeker’s Benefit. In order to qualify for the payment of a supplementary pension, a retired public servant must engage with the Department of Social Protection and apply for any of above mentioned benefits to which they may have an entitlement. The rules regarding qualifying for the above Social Insurance payments are a matter for the Department of Social Protection.
Where an individual, in receipt of an occupational supplementary pension, takes up employment, for example, for one day, the supplementary pension would cease for that one day and be payable for the other 4 working days in the week. This is similar to the treatment of the Jobseeker’s Benefit which is payable by Department of Social Protection.
My Department is aware that there are some issues concerning the procedures for qualifying for the payment of an Occupational Supplementary Pension. My officials are currently reviewing the processes involved to establish if there is a more efficient and streamlined approach to the procedures. However, I understand that the matter is quite complex and involves other stakeholders and there is no quick solution.
472. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the timescale for the delivery of each of the components of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18146/23]
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 National Development Plan (NDP) is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister. Each Minister is responsible to deciding on the priority programmes and projects that will be delivered under their remit within the NDP and for setting out the timelines for delivery.
In 2023, over €12 billion is available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements. However, no-one is any doubt that the need to ensure timely project delivery must be part of the government’s focus to respond effectively to the pressing challenges of our time, particularly in areas like housing, health and climate.
The Government is also committed to continue to detail progress on the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments that have been made throughout the country.
The latest iterations of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map, from February 2023, are detailed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/f828b-myprojectireland-interactive-map/. They contain project updates and the latest timelines for delivery for key NDP projects.
473. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of repair works at a site (details supplied); and when it will reopen to the public. [18306/23]
View answerRepointing and re-grouting are progressing well with the work undertaken by the Office of Public Works District Works Crew. It is a labour intensive task necessary but necessary to dry out the building before internal works can commence. All going well, it is anticipated at this time that re-grouting works will be complete in 2024.
In tandem with this, work has commenced on the next phase of the project which is the upgrade of the mechanical and electrical systems within the Castle. An Invitation to Tender for a suitably qualified contractor has issued with responses currently being assessed. OPW is currently working with expert ecologists and it is hoped that this next phase can commence later in the year subject to the receipt of the necessary Ministerial Consent and Derogation Licences.
The Office of Public Works is mindful of the fact that Barryscourt Castle has been unavailable to visitors and the local community for a number of years. I have asked my officials in the National Monuments division to start work on a re-opening plan for the site to ensure there is no delay when all works are complete and I would envisage that progress will be made in this regard during 2023. However, it is not possible to give a definitive date for reopening at this stage due to the complexity of the ongoing conservation works.
474. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of work, and if he has received any request or correspondence from a Local authority regarding a building (details supplied). [18307/23]
View answerThis property was the subject of PQ 55497/21 and PQ 7920/23 submitted by the Deputy.
The position regarding Vernon Mount House remains the same. The House and it’s immediate curtilage registered under Folio CK136041F is owned by a private company Vernon Mount House Restoration Ltd. This company is live, its annual returns are up to date and the CRO status is Normal. The house is not State property and, that being the case, neither the OPW nor the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform has any role in this matter.
There is no record of OPW receiving correspondence from the local authority in respect of Mount Vernon House during 2022 or 2023. As this property is privately owned there is no expectation that the OPW would receive such correspondence, because it has no role in the ownership or management of the property.
475. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the exemptions from TUPE in circumstances (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16080/23]
View answerI cannot provide interpretation or comment on whether TUPE regulations would apply in the event of any specific sale/transfer.
The European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 131 of 2003) safeguards the rights of employees in the event of any transfer of an undertaking, business or part of a business from one employer to another employer as a result of a legal transfer (including the assignment or forfeiture of a lease) or merger.
The main provisions of the Regulations provide that all the rights and obligations of an employer under a contract of employment (including terms inserted by collective agreements), other than pension rights, are transferred to the new employer on the transfer of the business or part thereof. The new employer must also continue to observe the terms and conditions of any collective agreements until they expire or are replaced.
Both the outgoing and incoming employers are obliged to inform their respective employees’ representatives of, inter alia, the reasons for the transfer and the legal, social and economic implications of the transfer.
476. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether any conditions related to environmental sustainability and meeting the goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan are placed on companies in order to receive financial support from the IDA. [16374/23]
View answerAmbitious action on sustainability is to the forefront of decision making in executive offices at a global, EU and national level, as highlighted in this Government's White Paper on Enterprise. In this regard, IDA sees the sustainability agenda as an opportunity for future investments and a competitive necessity for clients in the existing FDI base.
IDA Ireland’s 2021-24 strategy includes a focus on sustainable growth in all its forms, including the promotion of responsible and environmentally sustainable business practices among the Agency’s client base. Sustainability considerations, including a company’s corporate level approach to the environment and whether a client has a climate action plan for its Irish site, form part of IDA’s due diligence process in assessing investment projects for approval.
The focus on decarbonisation in the White Paper on Enterprise aligns with the objectives of the sustainability pillar of IDA’s 2021-24 strategy. As set out in the White Paper, IDA will incorporate carbon abatement as a consideration in project evaluations alongside factors such as employment and value added. To this end, the IDA is working with my Department to incorporate carbon pricing into the agency's grant "Economic Appraisal Model" or EAM. The pilot of this model is well advanced and the Agency should be in a position to implement the new model by year-end.
In addition, all environmental supports require an assessment of the project proposal and its projected environmental impact, in the first instance, and thereafter it is a condition of each grant that the proposed capital investment is completed and commissioned in line with the project proposal. In addition, it is often a requirement of these types of grants that payments be linked to the achievement of certain interim project milestones and/or a follow-up review of the completed investment to ensure that it meets the objectives outlined in the project proposal.
Finally, IDA’s current standard grant terms and conditions include a condition wherein the grant aided entity must comply with all environmental controls and prevention of pollution regulations throughout the term of the contract.
477. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff within his Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels; their present roles and responsibilities; the posts and responsibilities presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16557/23]
View answerThere are currently 11 staff within my Department who are working with the European Union in Brussels. *In addition to these 11, there is 1 staff member - a seconded national expert - seconded to the European Commission, in Washington D.C.
I can also confirm there are currently no vacant posts.
The tables below set out the number of staff, their present roles, and responsibilities and also the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016.
Table 1 - Officers seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs to work on behalf of my Department at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels:
|
Number of staff in post on 18 April 2023 |
Number of staff in post on 23 June 2016 |
Role |
Responsibilities |
|
1 |
1 |
PO Counsellor, Competitiveness Council |
Competitiveness, Industry, SMEs, State Aid, Data, Chips Act, Artificial Intelligence, Space, Foreign Subsidies |
|
1 |
1 |
Attaché (First Secretary), Competitiveness Council |
Competition, Single Market, Better Regulation, Standardisation, Intellectual Property, Digital |
|
1 |
1 |
Attaché (First Secretary), Competitiveness Council |
Consumer, Company Law, Chemicals, Workplace Health & Safety, Technical Harmonisation |
|
0 This posting transferred to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Science as part of the transfer of functions in 2021. |
1 |
Attaché (First Secretary), Research, and Innovation |
Furtherance of the Department’s Research and Innovation agenda |
|
1 |
1 |
PO Counsellor, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured, and protected. |
|
1 |
0 Attaché post created in 2020 |
Attaché (First Secretary), Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) |
Furtherance of the Department’s Employment / Labour Affairs agenda |
|
1 |
0 Attaché post created in 2017 |
Attaché (Third Secretary), Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) |
Ensuring Ireland’s position on individual trade and investment matters are promoted, secured, and protected |
Table 2 – Seconded to the European Commission, Brussels and Washington, to work as Seconded National Experts (SNEs). There were no staff of my Department seconded to the European Commission, Brussels as SNEs in 2016:
|
Number of Staff currently in post |
Role |
Responsibilities |
|
1 |
Seconded National Expert - DG - TRADE-G-5 - |
Dealing with anti-dumping and anti-subsidy matters |
|
1 |
Seconded National Expert – Directorate General for Internal Policies of the EU |
Providing administrative and logistical back up for Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee |
|
1 |
Units COMP – H2 and HR |
Policy and enforcement of EU State aid rules applicable in all Member States in the areas of Research & Development & Innovation |
|
1* |
Seconded National Expert - DG Trade (delegation) based in Washington D.C. |
Policy Analysis, monitoring and co-ordination |
Table 3 – On EU special leave to work in the European Commission, Brussels as per D/Finance Circular 33 of 1991:
|
Number of staff currently in post |
Number of staff in post on 23 June 2016 |
|
2 |
1 |
478. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if non-Irish healthcare assistants with level 7 or level 8 relevant equivalent qualifications will only be permitted to renew their employment permits if they complete the NFQ level 5 apprenticeship for the occupation of healthcare assistant, once this has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16592/23]
View answerIn response to work undertaken by my Department and the Department of Health, access was provided to the General Employment Permit in June 2021 for the role of healthcare assistant. The framework agreed with the Department of Health included the requirement for the employment to offer a remuneration level of €27,000 or more and for the permit holder to attain a relevant qualification of at least QQI Level 5 after 2 years employment in the State.
My officials are working with the Department of Health in relation to clarification of qualification comparisons to determine if nursing qualifications achieved from outside the EEA at an equivalent Level 7 or 8 include the requisite modules, standards and requirements provided as learning to this QQI level 5.
The framework around access to this Employment Permit as agreed with the Department of Health included the requirement for the employment to offer a remuneration level of €27,000 or more and for the permit holder to achieve a relevant Level 5 Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) qualification after two years employment in the State. The Level 5 qualification after two years is the minimum required for this role. This criterion was established to ensure all workers in the Health Care Assistant role would work towards building their skills and range of qualifications and in safeguarding the care of vulnerable patients that a similar standard of learning will be met and delivered upon across care settings.
It would be preferable if all Health Care Assistants obtained the QQI level 5 award as stated. However, it is now clear that some Health Care Assistant staff who are availing of the employment permits have other qualifications, aligned to the care industry but not as Health Care Assistants.
The HSE currently accept QQI Level 5 or equivalent as part of their eligibility criteria. It is therefore reasonable to accept a healthcare award at Level 6/7/8 instead of the QQI Healthcare Support Level 5 award for employment permit purposes, where the clinical lead in the organisation or the employer provides assurances to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment that the staff member has demonstrated the skills, experience, and knowledge to carry out the role competently as compared to those staff members with the QQI L5 qualification. A “sign-off” from the clinical lead in the organisation or employer would be required. A standard form will be available for this purpose. This would allow for those staff who have demonstrated competence to continue to apply for the extension of the permit and identify those staff who may be required to complete the qualification within two years to proceed with a renewal of the employment permit.
479. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he met the Australian Prime Minister during his recent visit to Australia for the St. Patricks day events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16694/23]
View answerThe 2023 St Patrick's Day programme saw the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Government Ministers take part in an extensive international programme to promote Ireland and Irish interests around the world. These visits provided an opportunity for Ministers to promote Irish trade and meet business leaders, to engage with political counterparts and to meet the Irish diaspora in different locations.
As part of this St Patrick’s Day programme, I visited Australia and carried out a wide-ranging programme of community, business and political engagements in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth. This included a brief meeting with the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, at the Australian Parliament. The discussion was very warm and touched on current topics.
In conjunction with the official St Patrick’s Day programme, I carried out a series of trade and investment engagements in both Melbourne and Sydney. These included a series of meetings with both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland client companies. I also attended and spoke at business events including the Enterprise Ireland Melbourne St. Patrick’s Week Business Lunch, the Sydney St. Patrick’s Week Business Lunch, the Sydney Business Advisory Panel Breakfast, and the Queensland Irish Association. There were 47 Enterprise Ireland client companies involved in this trade mission programme and these business meetings and engagements provided a platform for me to highlight growth opportunities for Enterprise Ireland and IDA client companies in Digital Technologies, FinTech, Construction, Engineering, Healthcare, Energy, Consumer Goods and other key sectors.
480. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to transfer of undertakings protection offered to workers who are changing employer as a result of such transfers, if current legislation guarantees that such workers being transferred to a new employer shall suffer no diminution of their pay or conditions in the first year after such a transfer takes place; if he can further clarify if TUPE legislation has any implications in situations where a company has won a State tender/contract and is now transferring its work to a new company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16719/23]
View answer481. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a worker who has opted out of a company pension and receives an increase in salary instead is entitled to retain the same salary with a new employer under TUPE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16908/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 481 together.
I cannot provide interpretation or comment on whether TUPE regulations would apply in the event of any specific sale/transfer.
The European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 131 of 2003) safeguards the rights of employees in the event of any transfer of an undertaking, business or part of a business from one employer to another employer as a result of a legal transfer (including the assignment or forfeiture of a lease) or merger.
The main provisions of the Regulations provide that all the rights and obligations of an employer under a contract of employment (including terms inserted by collective agreements), other than pension rights, are transferred to the new employer on the transfer of the business or part thereof. The new employer must also continue to observe the terms and conditions of any collective agreements until they expire or are replaced.
Both the outgoing and incoming employers are obliged to inform their respective employees’ representatives of, inter alia, the reasons for the transfer and the legal, social and economic implications of the transfer.
Where an employee considers that a breach of the Regulations has occurred, they have the right to refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The WRC are also responsible for adjudication in disputes as to applicability of TUPE.
