Written Answers Nos. 34-57
34. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the policies and procedures that are in place and apply across the Government to ensure that senior civil servants are accountable for the management of public expenditure. [19920/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, there is a strict control and accountability framework in place for the use of public monies. The objective of the framework is to ensure that all public monies are expended for the purpose of and in accordance with the laws under which they were approved. The fundamental principle is that there should be transparency and accountability in the management of public money, in line with economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
The key elements of the accountability framework for public monies are the Constitution; relevant legislation; the Accounting Officer; the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General; the Public Accounts Committee and my Department. The comprehensive set of guidelines and rules that apply to the appropriation, expenditure and accountability for public money are set out by my Department in the “Public Financial Procedures”.
All Secretaries General are Accounting Officers. In their Accounting Officer role, which is personal and cannot be delegated, Accounting Officers are responsible for the stewardship of public funds and required to give evidence to Oireachtas Committees on how they discharged this responsibility.
The Role and Responsibilities of Accounting Officers are set out in the “Memorandum for Accounting Officers ” issued by my Department. The document outlines the system of accountability for public moneys. It sets out the duties and responsibilities of Accounting Officers in that system and describes the systems and functions that should be in place to support Accounting Officers in carrying out their duties.
I am satisfied that a detailed and comprehensive governance framework for public expenditure is in place to ensure that there is economical, efficient and effective use of public funds in line with the purpose to which they are allocated. It is, of course, a matter for each Department and Office of Government concerned to ensure that there are appropriate oversight arrangements and structures in place to ensure that this framework is fully implemented in all cases. It is the responsibility of each Accounting Officer to ensure that sufficient financial reporting mechanisms, internal controls and audit systems are in place to ensure as much as possible that any misspending is detected and addressed.
35. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the key policy levers being examined by his Department to support a quicker delivery of vital projects outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22043/23]
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. 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.
The recent renaming and reconstitution of my Department, to specifically include NDP Delivery, has brought about a greater emphasis and mandate for the delivery of the NDP. In light of this new role, a review of the support structures and levers available across Government to maximise delivery of projects was undertaken, as well as engagement with stakeholders and Government colleagues. As a result, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects and programmes. I secured Government approval for that package of measures on 29 March. Those measures include:
• Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects;
• As Minister I am now taking a direct role in overseeing delivery of the NDP through chairing the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board;
• Capacity reviews of departments and agencies with significant delivery programmes to ensure that adequate resources for project delivery are in place;
• Additional reforms to the Capital Works Management Framework, which sets out the contracts used for public capital projects;
• Direct reporting to Government on NDP delivery on a quarterly basis throughout 2023 and 2024 will now also take place and
• An independent evaluation of NDP priorities and capacity will be conducted over the coming months.
In addition to focusing on public sector delivery capability, my Department will continue to work closely with the construction sector through the Construction Sector Group to improve productivity and delivery capacity. Important initiatives have been launched and supported through the Construction Sector Group in recent years including the Build Digital Project to digitise the sector, Construct Innovate to provide cutting edge research, and the Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction to showcase innovative building techniques.
I am confident that the steps I am taking to boost NDP delivery will produce the critical infrastructure we need to support a growing economy and result in higher living standards for those living here.
36. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when it is proposed to release the Environmental Impact Statement which has now been completed with regard to the Blackpool flood relief scheme, and which is required to be made available for public consultation before the project can proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21897/23]
View answerFollowing the outcome of Judicial Review proceedings regarding the consenting of the River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme, my Department sought supplementary information from the Office of Public Works in February 2022. This request was made under Section 7B(4) of the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019.
The OPW submitted supplementary information to my Department in October 2022 in the form of:
• an addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment Report,
• an addendum to the Natura Impact Statement and,
• a water body status assessment under the Water Framework Directive.
Each of these assessments are already publicly available and can be found on floodinfo.ie alongside all other environmental assessments carried out on behalf of the OPW in the development of the proposed scheme.
It is my intention to hold a public consultation on the proposed scheme in accordance with Section 7C of the Regulations. It is my intention to open this period of public consultation during Q2 of this year and a notice outlining the details of this consultation will be made available on the Department's website in due course.
37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he expects reform and prudent management to continue to remain central to his Department's policy having regard to the need to ensure stability in the financial and banking system here notwithstanding increased corporation tax revenues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21473/23]
View answerObjectives such as ensuring value for money for taxpayers, prudent budgetary management, and expenditure and policy reform remain key objectives of public expenditure management throughout all Government Departments. These goals are embedded across the system of Government and are progressed in a number of ways, from the day-to-day management of resources by accounting officers, regular engagement across Departments on cross cutting issues and through the public service reform programme which is co-ordinated by my Department.
Managing the delivery of public services within budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and their Department and measures are in place to help ensure that these budgetary targets continue to be met. My Department is in regular and ongoing communication with all Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within overall fiscal parameters. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against the published expenditure profiles and there is regular reporting to Government on these matters. Information in relation to voted expenditure is published monthly with the Exchequer Returns.
Budgetary reform remains a central feature of public expenditure management, and is progressed through a range of initiatives including, but not limited to:
• the Spending Review Process
• Wellbeing and Equality Budgeting
• Performance Budgeting
• Green Budgeting and
• the development and review of the National Development Plan
These reforms and processes broaden the approach to how public expenditure is appraised, implemented and reviewed. They govern not only how and where the money is spent but also the impact of public expenditure across different cohorts of society and the different categories of expenditure. They work in tandem with broader initiatives, such as the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), to develop capacity and enhance the role of economics and analysis in public policy making. There is a broad suite of training available too that covers public service management under the likes of One Learning and the refund of fees initiative.
My Department engages regularly in international fora such as OECD working parties and committees, to discuss and share knowledge. These discussions focus on areas such as spending reviews, budgetary reform and insights that strengthen public sector institutions’ ability to promote systemic change as way to respond to economic, social and environmental challenges.
In respect of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of policy delivery, improving and supporting the evaluation capacity within Government Departments has formed an important part of our reform programme. Supported by the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, this has led to the development of a number of additional processes and reports to support the budgetary framework.
For example the Spending Review process is co-ordinated by my Department and seeks to assess the effectiveness of public expenditure in meeting policy objectives while fostering cross Departmental engagement and learning. To date 15 of 18 Government Departments, alongside a number of agencies, have engaged with the spending review process; which has seen 173 papers published since introduction in 2017 with another 20 in the pipeline this year. Such research helps build our evidence base for future policy formulation.
Each reform area above represents one part of an overall reform process. Together, these reforms aim to provide a more comprehensive and thorough insight into how public services are supporting society. It is with this more complete understanding that policymakers can work towards the achievement of value for money objectives in the context of the budgetary process, can ensure responsiveness to emerging opportunities and trends where appropriate, and can enhance the impact of policies and programmes on the lives of people in Ireland.
38. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what input his Department has in terms of ongoing HSE capital allocations, given the new attention on capital budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22061/23]
View answerMy Department has committed medium-term ceilings to the health sector for capital investment to allow for future planning of substantial infrastructure projects and programmes. Currently, the Department of Health have NDP allocations of €1,161 million in 2023 (as per the Revised Estimates for 2023), €1,255 million for 2024 and €1,360 million for 2025. The NDP ceilings for 2023 to 2025 are set and will not to be re-opened. My Department will be engaging with all Departments later this year in relation to agreeing NDP ceilings for 2026 to 2028 to ensure rolling 5 year medium-term capital allocations for sectors.
Individual projects are selected by Departments or Agencies based on a detailed process which begins with setting their own sectoral strategy and goals, and then subsequently identifying specific needs or challenges to be addressed, whether that be through regulation, education or potentially expenditure on an investment project. Appropriate options are then assessed in line with the Public Spending Code, and within the overall NDP allocation that has been granted to the Department for capital investment.
In relation to the Public Spending Code, on March 29th I announced interim changes to allow for streamlining of the processes in the Code and to provide greater responsibility to Departments in approving projects and programmes in their sectors. There is now a greater onus on Accounting Officers in each Department/agency to ensure that they are satisfied that projects deliver value-for-money and remain affordable. For major projects (those over €200 million), my Department and Government will continue to review the proposals at key stages in the project life-cycle.
As the Deputy will be aware, capital investment has a critical role to play in enabling reforms proposed in the Programme for Government, enhancing service provision, and to drive the reforms as set out in Sláintecare. To reflect this ambition, spending in this area has increased significantly from circa. €500 million in 2018 to an allocation of €1.2bn in 2023. This investment will enable the HSE to progress projects across the country in 2023. Projects and Programmes being progressed include:
- New Children’s Hospital
- Capacity projects including critical care beds and acute hospital beds
- Elective hospitals
- Relocation of the National Maternity Hospital and other maternity services projects
- Primary Care Programme including the building and equipping of centres across the country
- HIQA Programme for Community Nursing units involving refurbishment to HIQA standard of units throughout the country
- Mental health facilities including CAMHS units and acute mental health units across the country
- Accommodation for Enhanced Community Care programme
- Investment in Trauma and Rehabilitation projects
- Equipment replacement and infrastructural risk projects
- Investment in Climate Action and Sustainability projects
- Replacement ambulance programme and ambulance bases renovation
39. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the allocations to date from the Brexit adjustment reserve; the Departments to which funds were allocated; the purpose of the allocation; the funds remaining to be dispersed; and his intentions to do so. [22041/23]
View answerThe European Union’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), provides support to counter the adverse economic, social, territorial and, environmental consequences of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.
The application for BAR funding must set out the negative impacts of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and how the measures carried out under the Fund alleviate the adverse consequences. The Government has therefore, over a series of budgets, allocated BAR funding across a number of impacted sectors in order to mitigate those adverse effects of Brexit and to adapt to regulatory changes.
Following agreement to transfer €150 million to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Ireland’s allocation from the reserve will be €1.015 billion. This transfer is to be made from Ireland’s overall BAR allocation. Ireland’s allocation now represents approximately 30% of the overall BAR fund, following transfers by other Member States to their National Recovery and Resilience Plans.
The Government has made significant allocations across a range of sectors, both before and during the 4-year BAR period. In order to be eligible for BAR funding, the expenditure must fall within the BAR eligibility period for expenditure runs from the 1st of January 2020 to the 31st of December 2023.
Following the BAR Regulation coming into force in October 2021, specific funding of €389 million was provided in Budgets 2022 and 2023 across a number of sectors. This was allocated as follows:
|
Department |
€m |
|
Agriculture |
271 |
|
Enterprise |
15 |
|
Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
37.3 |
|
Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform |
4.4 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
2.2 |
|
Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sports and Media |
7.75 |
|
Environment Climate and Communications |
24 |
|
Health |
5.5 |
|
Justice |
21.5 |
|
Transport |
0.1 |
|
Total |
389 |
Further funding can also be considered for allocation over the remainder of 2023. This would include consideration of funding in relation to permanent infrastructure at Rosslare port required for customs and SPS checks.
Officials in my Department are currently engaging in a review exercise of Brexit related spending, from the 1st of January 2020 to the end of December 2023, for possible inclusion in Ireland’s BAR claim to the EU Commission in September 2024. This involves engaging with Departments on spending since 2020 outside of that allocated under Budgets 2022 and 2023 which may qualify for inclusion in the BAR claim. A figure of approximately €0.7 billion has been identified in this regard.
This work is ongoing and the exact makeup of Ireland's BAR claim will not be decided until the claim is submitted in September 2024. It should be noted that in addition to the above, the Government also provided significant funding to prepare for Brexit prior to the BAR eligibility period.
40. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will report on the progress to date on the development of a model to assess the impact of infrastructure investment as contained in the 2023 Climate Action Plan; if a framework has been established to capture the value and consequences of infrastructural development and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22091/23]
View answerThe Public Spending Code is the tool that the Government uses to consider the costs and benefits of the capital investment decisions it faces. As part of my Department’s enhanced mandate around the delivery of the National Development Plan (NDP), I recently announced that the Public Spending Code will be replaced by a set of Infrastructure Guidelines. It is critical that these Infrastructure Guidelines incorporate a realistic assessment of the likely impact on greenhouse gas emissions of Government investment decisions.
The National Development Plan 2021-2030 committed my Department to reviewing certain elements of the Public Spending Code to ensure climate considerations are adequately incorporated. As part of this programme of works, my officials have been working with the OECD, funded by the EU Commission through DG REFORM’s Technical Support Instrument, on two aspects of public capital expenditure appraisal requirements in Ireland.
1. The model for assessing the emissions impact of infrastructure investment; and
2. The appraisal of investments that may be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
This work will help to improve the Government’s understanding of the relationship and impacts of investment decisions on the wider environment and climate.
There has been extensive engagement with other Departments and stakeholders including an OECD fact finding mission in April 2022 and a workshop and diffusion event in January 2023.
The OECD are currently finalising their report on Strengthening Environmental Considerations in Public Investment Management in Ireland . On completion of the report, my Department will evaluate the OECD’s recommendations before considering what changes may be appropriate for the new Infrastructure Guidelines.
Over the longer term, as set out in the NDP 2021-2030, the Department will examine the role that the Infrastructure Guidelines can play in the achievement of broader environmental objectives and the role of the code in support the national commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050.
41. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 2 March 2023, the status of the review of the programme for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; the status of the revised programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22154/23]
View answerI am advised that Galway City Council, as Project Sponsor and Contracting Authority, is leading the development of the Coirib go Cósta – Galway City Flood Relief Scheme, with technical advice and funding being provided by the Office of Public Works.
The primary objective of the Coirib go Cósta Project is to assess, design and deliver a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway City.
While not complete, early indications from the ongoing hydrological and hydraulic modelling for the Scheme indicate that there may be a requirement to provide significantly more defences across the city than was initially anticipated through the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.
This increase in scope will have an impact on the scheme's programme. I am advised that the process of redefining the scope, though taking longer than first envisaged due to the complexity of the scheme, is now nearing completion. When completed a revised programme will be made available and then uploaded to the project website. Galway City Council has advised that it expects that the new programme should be available at the end of June 2023.
42. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the electronic health record IT project, providing details on the potential risks to the health capital expenditure over the medium term, and the impact of contractual disputes in connection with the National Children's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22178/23]
View answerIn the first instance, the development, planning and delivery of IT projects in the health sector are matters under the responsibility of the Department of Health. Accordingly, queries regarding the current position in relation to the electronic health record project and any other e-health related projects should be directed to that Department.
However, I understand from recent information provided by the Department of Health that following on from a 2019 Government decision regarding the tendering of the National Children’s Hospital component of the electronic health record project, there is now a contract in place and staff are being recruited to support the roll out of an electronic health record system at the new hospital.
As the Deputy will be aware, as 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 then a responsibility of each Department and Minister.
Accordingly, for the new National Children’s Hospital and as with all health infrastructure projects, the Department of Health is the sponsoring Department and is responsible for delivering this project in line with the national expenditure frameworks. This includes oversight of issues in relation to the enforcement of the existing live contract and dealing with claims to manage costs.
On the matter of the wider capital plan for the health sector over the medium term, it is important to note that the Department of Health has NDP allocations of €1,161 million in 2023 (as per the Revised Estimates for 2023), €1,255 million for 2024 and €1,360 million for 2025. These ceilings for 2023 to 2025 are set and will not be re-opened. My Department will be engaging with all Departments later this year in relation to agreeing NDP ceilings for 2026 to 2028 to ensure rolling 5 year medium-term capital allocations for sectors.
For the 2023 to 2025 period, it is a matter for the Department of Health to manage and prioritise project delivery within the agreed NDP allocations. It is important to note that these allocations represent increased amounts relative to previous years.
43. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress of the CFRAM programme in Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22162/23]
View answerIn 2018, the Government's Flood Risk Management Plans recommended some 118 additional flood relief schemes to manage Ireland's flood risk. The delivery of these schemes is funded through €1.3bn from the National Development Plan to 2030. Since 2018, the OPW has trebled the number of schemes, to 90, in the pipeline being designed and at construction.
There are a number of flood relief projects currently being progressed in County Limerick. The delivery of these projects is being led by Limerick City and County Council with the OPW providing technical support and steering group representation.
Limerick City & Environs Flood Relief Scheme (FRS) is currently at Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design). Based on the current programme planning consent will be applied for in the second half of 2025 and construction will commence at the end of 2026. It is estimated that the full Limerick City & Environs Scheme will protect 1,120 residential properties and 243 commercial properties.
Kings Island FRS is currently at Stage 3 (Detailed Design and Tender for Construction). It is programmed to go to Tender for construction in Q3 of 2023 with construction programmed to commence in Q1 of 2024. It is estimated that the flood relief scheme for Kings Island will provide protection to 450 residential and 23 commercial properties
Castleconnell FRS is currently at Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design). The Scheme is estimated to go to planning in Q1 of 2024 with construction to commence in Q1 of 2025. It is estimated that the full Castleconnell Flood Relief Scheme will protect approximately 42 properties.
Adare FRS is currently at Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design). It is programmed that the scheme will go to planning in Q1 of 2024 with construction programmed for Q4 of 2025. It is estimated that the full Adare Flood Relief Scheme will protect approximately 88 residential and 32 commercial properties.
Athea FRS is currently at Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design). It is programmed that this scheme will go to planning in 2023. It is estimated that construction will commence in Q1 2025 and the Flood Relief Scheme will protect approximately 15 residential properties.
Rathkeale FRS was due to be progressed under the first tranche of flood relief schemes. The viability of what was proposed under the Flood Relief Management Plans is currently under review as is the associated mapping.
The proposed flood relief schemes for Askeaton, Newcastle West and Foynes form part of the Flood Risk Management Plans for County Limerick and are in tranche 2 schemes to be progressed, as part of a national programme of some 60 schemes.
45. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has reviewed the operation of the legislation which mandated the preparation of strategy statements, annual reporting against objectives and systematic annual evaluation of a rolling number of key programmes; his views on whether it has achieved its objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21714/23]
View answerThe Public Service Management Act 1997 was introduced to provide a statutory underpinning for the Strategic Management Initiative, which was one of the first major programmes of public sector reform in this country. The Act provides for a new management structure for the Civil Service to enhance the management, effectiveness and transparency of the operations of Departments of State and certain other offices of the public service.
Among other things, the Act requires every Secretary General to prepare and submit a statement of strategy in respect of their Department to the Minister of said Department within 6 months of the appointment of a new Minister and at the expiration of the three year period since the last statement was prepared and submitted.
Strategy statements must set out the key objectives, outputs and related strategies (including use of resources) of the Department concerned. All strategy statements are published and laid before the Oireachtas. Secretaries General are also required to provide annual progress reports to their Ministers on the implementation of the strategy statement.
There has been no formal review of the Act since it came into force some 25 years ago. It is clear, however, that the Act has, to a large extent, delivered on its intended purpose, which was to create greater openness and transparency as to the objectives of each Government Department and how they are performing in delivering in those objectives. The process of developing and publishing strategy statements and annual reports has been fully embedded across the Civil Service for many years now.
Indeed, the framework for measuring the effectiveness of Government Departments in delivering on their objectives has undergone and continues to undergo a continuous process of improvement and refinement under the many public service reform initiatives that have been delivered since 1997. This has included over the years: the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service; the ongoing programme of Organisational Capability Reviews; the establishment of the Civil Service Management Board; the development of the National Data Infrastructure; as well as the implementation of the Civil Service Renewal Plan and, more recently, Civil Service Renewal 2030.
46. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform with respect to the national capital tracker, if his Department plans to provide an annual comparative analysis of annual spend by project and sector with respect to regional population benefit and cumulative capital spend in that region and sector over the previous three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22058/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have responsibility 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.
Under the National Planning Framework (NPF), the three Regional Assemblies are now responsible for co-ordinating, promoting and supporting the strategic planning and sustainable development of their regions, consistent with the objectives of the NPF, through the preparation of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). These strategies help inform the targeting of public infrastructure investment at the regional and local level.
The Government is committed to detailing progress on the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals to allow for full transparency of the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This is achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer which list projects and programmes on a regional and county level.
The capital tracker and interactive map are key tools in overseeing the progress of Project Ireland 2040 at a regional level. Their purpose is to facilitate communication, monitoring and planning of investments and to inform citizens of the variety of projects currently in the planning and construction phase in their local regions. The latest editions of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and interactive map, were published on the gov.ie/2040 website in February. The tracker includes comprehensive details on almost 320 large scale projects and 140 individual programmes, while the interactive map database includes an exhaustive overview of 1,240 individual projects. Since the launch of the first NDP in 2018, the capital tracker has been regularly updated and contains comprehensive project updates detailing a brief outline of the project; the Department or Body responsible for delivering the project; the location and region of the project; the type of investment which links it to specific sectors; the alignment of the project with the National Planning Framework’s 10 National Strategic Outcomes; the current status of the project; the construction commencement date of the project; the completion or anticipated completion date of the project; the current stage of the project lifecycle as per the Public Spending Code and finally, there is also information on the project cost range of each project, except where commercial sensitivities arise or the project is still in the planning stage and the costs are subject to appraisal. All of this information can be filtered and sorted by the user into their required data fields.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, with an update for 2022 scheduled to be published in the coming months. The reports set out the projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the three Regions, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
47. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the progress of Project Ireland 2040 deliverables with respect to County Clare to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22160/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case.
The NDP published in October 2021 provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland out to 2030 and delivers total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes identified in the National Planning Framework .
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. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, and, most importantly, delivering the infrastructure to support our future climate, social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail 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 which have been made throughout the country.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, including County Clare, and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the Southern Region have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, with an update for 2022 scheduled to be published in the coming months. The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the Southern Region, including in County Clare, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure in Clare, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
49. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if additional funding can be considered to allow for further planning roles within An Bord Pleanála, all local authorities, the Office of the Planning Regulator amongst other State entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11516/23]
View answerFunding for An Bord Pleanála, local authorities and the Office of the Planning Regulator is in the first instance a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Funding for all Government Departments and State Bodies will be considered in the context of the 2024 Estimates process.
50. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the disposal of disused Garda stations in counties Sligo and Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22070/23]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works (CPW) that the following Garda Stations are surplus to requirements in counties Sligo and Leitrim:
|
County |
Property |
Current Status |
|
|
1. |
Sligo |
Former Garda Station Cliffoney |
Intra-State Transfer to Sligo County Council |
|
2. |
Sligo |
Former Garda Station Ballymote |
Being prepared for disposal |
|
3. |
Leitrim |
Former Garda Station Dromahair |
To be leased to Leitrim County Council |
|
4. |
Leitrim |
Former Garda Station Keshcarrigan |
To be leased to Leitrim County Council |
The Office of Public Works (OPW), like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties. The arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) Circulars:
• Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets
• Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property
As a matter of policy, no property or site is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
The OPW policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property is to:
Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector.
If there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.
If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW may consider community involvement (subject to a detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).
In line with the above policy, the former Garda station at Cliffoney is currently being prepared for transfer to Sligo County Council under the Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets (DPER Circular 11/2015). As no alternative State use has been identified for the former Garda station at Ballymote, the property is being prepared for disposal on the open market.
The OPW is liaising with Leitrim County Council to progress the transfer of the former Garda station properties at Dromahair and Keshcarrigan by way of a Lease Agreement. The Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) is liaising with the Councils’ legal representatives to finalise matters and it is expected that the Lease Agreements will be executed in the coming weeks.
51. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he plans to exceed the 5% expenditure rule in respect of Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21438/23]
View answerA 5% growth rate for core expenditure was set out in the Summer Economic Statement 2021 as part of our medium term expenditure strategy. This strategy aims to align core voted expenditure growth with the trend growth rate of the economy as measured by GNI*. This seeks to ensure a level of public spending that is sustainable, allowing us to provide consistent investment in delivering public services and infrastructure.
In setting expenditure parameters, however, the Government is aware that our fiscal strategy also needs to adapt to the evolving nature of our economy and society. Accordingly, last summer Government took the decision to increase the growth rate of public expenditure above 5% for Budget 2023 to take account of higher than anticipated inflation. This adjustment to the expenditure strategy allowed us to balance the immediate need to support households, individuals, businesses and our core public services against the longer term need to ensure sustainable public finances.
The Stability Programme Update was published last month. This set out - on a technical, no policy change basis – voted expenditure projections out to 2026. On this basis, the voted expenditure ceilings reflect the 5% growth rate anchor for core spending that has been set out under the medium term strategy.
The Summer Economic Statement provides the key anchor for budgetary policy each year. Over the coming months, in advance of the 2023 Summer Economic Statement I will further consider our budgetary position, in collaboration with the Minister for Finance. The 2023 Summer Economic Statement will set out the expenditure parameters for Budget 2024, taking into account the latest data available.
52. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is planning any new measures in Budget 2024 to address the recruitment and retention difficulties across key areas of the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22156/23]
View answerThe level of employment in Ireland reached over 2 and a half million people in 2022. This strong employment has resulted in tightness in the labour market, and skills shortages for some sectors, which creates challenges for all employers, including the civil service and wider public service.
It 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. Between 2015 and 2021, the estimated numbers in full-time equivalent terms increased from 302,000 to 366,000, an increase of 64,000 or over one-fifth. The 2022 Public Service numbers (the latest is end-2022), including Local Government and the Oireachtas are 376,216 (FTE), an increase of 10,323 (2.8%) over the end of 2021 numbers.
The public service is a good employer offering competitive terms and conditions to attract and retain staff, including flexible working arrangements, decent pension provision, fair wages that increase over time and secure employment.
In the case of recruitment to the civil service, for which I have policy responsibility, the Civil Service 2024 Renewal Action Plan sets out actions to ensure that the civil service is as an employer of choice with a range of initiatives under the Workforce, Workplace and Organisation of the Future themes to help further attract, develop and retain a diverse civil service that delivers for our citizens. To achieve these objectives, my Department works closely with the Public Appointments Service and other Government Departments to streamline recruitment processes and create new employment pathways into the civil service through a variety of initiatives, from apprenticeships to paid internships.
Staff recruitment and retention are influenced by a broad range of factors. Pay in the public service has been governed by a system of collective agreements since the Croke Park Agreement was negotiated in 2010. The current public service agreement is ‘Building Momentum.’ 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.
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, making it 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.
Three additional pay adjustments totaling 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 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.
As the extension to the Building Momentum Agreement is to the end of 2023, the parties will engage on the potential for a successor Agreement before the end of this year.
In relation to the budget, and as the Deputy is aware, the Summer Economic Statement provides the key anchor for budgetary policy each year. Over the coming months, in advance of the 2023 Summer Economic Statement, I will further consider our budgetary position, in collaboration with the Minister for Finance. The 2023 Summer Economic Statement will set out the expenditure parameters for Budget 2024, taking into account the latest data available. Available resources are allocated as part of the Budget announced annually.
53. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the steps he is taking to ensure that public bodies do not use FOI refusals as a means to delay the release of information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22176/23]
View answerThe Freedom of Information legislation provides for a right of access to records held by public bodies. However, it also recognises that there are types of records and information the release of which may harm important rights and interests of third parties or the body itself, such as the protection afforded to individuals' personal information. The legislation sets out exemptions from release for certain types of information in certain circumstances.
Since the Freedom of Information legislation was updated in 2014, the volume of requests received by public bodies annually has more than doubled. However, other key indicators have remained notably stable over that time, following an initial adjustment following the introduction of the new regime. In each year since 2015 for which figures are available, around four out of every five FOI requests decided on were granted in full or in part.
Where a requester is dissatisfied with the FOI decision they receive they may seek a review, firstly at a higher grade within the organisation concerned, and from there if required to an independent review by the Information Commissioner. The rates at which FOI decisions have been challenged has remained consistently low over time, with internal reviews sought on average in 3.2% of cases annually since 2014, and reviews by the Commissioner sought in an average of 1.4% of cases in that time.
Where the Commissioner has been called upon to make a formal finding on the approach taken by a public body in relation to a particular request, the decision has been upheld in an average of 64% of cases since 2014. The approach has been varied, i.e. upheld in part or upheld on a different basis, in 20% of cases on average, while the body's decision has been annulled or overturned in an average of 16% of cases in these years.
A review of the FOI regime is currently being concluded by my Department. Among the issues under consideration are means of ensuring that access to information is provided by more straightforward and less bureaucratic means than relying on formal FOI requests. In particular, this has included consideration of creating an informal pathway for the release of information, and updating the existing proactive publication mechanism, in order to supplement formal FOI requests. I expect to bring the final review report to Government shortly.
54. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to clarify the exact amount of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund that has been reallocated from expenditure on fisheries and the marine to other Government Departments. [18287/23]
View answerThe European Union’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), provides support to counter the adverse economic, social, territorial, and environmental consequences of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.
The application for BAR funding must set out the negative impacts of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and demonstrate how the measures carried out under the Fund alleviate the adverse consequences. The Government has therefore, over a series of budgets, allocated BAR funding across a number of impacted sectors in order to mitigate those adverse effects of Brexit.
It is important to note that in general the BAR allocation made by the EU was not broken down into allocations to a range of particular sectors, but rather to support member states generally in addressing Brexit impacts. The only exception to this rule was in respect of fisheries, where a minimum amount of €55.6 million was to be allocated to fisheries from Ireland's overall BAR allocation.
To date, my Department has conveyed sanction to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine for approximately €253 million of BAR expenditure for the Fisheries sector. It will be noted that this far exceeds the minimum amount required by the EU. Brexit related schemes which have been sanctioned by my Department to date for fisheries and the marine include, but are not limited to:
• Temporary Fleet Tie-up schemes,
• Brexit Voluntary Permanent Cessation Scheme,
• the Brexit Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Scheme, and
• a Capital support scheme for the seafood processing sector.
Officials in my Department are currently engaging in a review exercise of Brexit related spending, from the 1st of January 2020 to the end of December 2023, for possible inclusion in Ireland’s BAR claim to the EU Commission in September 2024. This involves engaging with Departments, including with officials in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine, on spending since 2020 outside of that allocated under Budgets 2022 and 2023 which may qualify for inclusion in the BAR claim.
This work is ongoing and the exact makeup of Ireland's BAR claim will not be decided until the claim is submitted in September 2024. It should be noted that in addition to the above, the Government also provided significant funding to prepare for Brexit prior to the BAR eligibility period.
