Written Answers Nos. 43-62
43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if funding from the banking levy could be used to assist in ensuring a network of bank branches throughout the country, in view of the major loss of such facilities in many towns particularly affecting rural communities; if he will give detailed consideration to proposals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23597/23]
View answerIn relation to the broader issue raised by the Deputy, the bank branch network has reduced in recent years, as the landscape for the provision of banking services has evolved. In light of this changing landscape, my Department completed a broad-ranging review of the retail banking sector. Its final report was published in November 2022 and is available on the website of the Department of Finance.
Access to banking services, particularly the ability to withdraw and deposit cash, was a key issue identified by the Review and a number of recommendations address this issue. The Review also includes recommendations in relation to access to branches which the Central Bank should address under the Consumer Protection Code. These include:
• Requiring banks to submit board approved assessments to the Central Bank when they are planning to significantly alter branch services, or when planning to close branches;
• Requiring banks to conduct ex-post assessments, to include a customer survey, after the change or closure and a requirement to rectify material issues; and
• Increasing the notice period from one to four months for significant change, and from two to six for branch closures.
The Review also outlined the important role that An Post and the credit union sector play in providing access to financial services across the State. With regard to the latter, it highlighted that the credit union sector is well placed to provide even more competition at scale given the strength of its brand and locations across the State.
The implementation of the recommendations that are directed at the Department of Finance are being carried out for the most part as part of normal policy and legislative work. A dedicated team has been put in place and commenced work on the issue of Access to Cash specifically, and that team is currently in its research phase to develop legislation and prepare heads of bill.
The Central Bank is currently undertaking a major review of the Consumer Protection Code and the outcome of this significant piece of work is likely to address several of the recommendations.
It is also crucial that the retail banking sector ensures the interest of consumers are a priority in their organisations and seek to work together, where possible, to deliver the best outcomes for the economy and citizens. The retail banking sector has been contacted regarding their role in carrying out those recommendations which fall to them.
In relation to the use of funding from the Banking levy, the banking levy as provided for in section 126AA of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 (SDCA 1999) under the heading “A further levy on certain financial institutions”, is due to expire this year, with the final payments under it by the liable institutions due to be paid to Revenue in October 2023.
With its pending expiry, and in order to allow me to make a fully informed decision on its future in advance of Budget 2024, a full review of the levy is currently taking place.
Work on that review has included a public consultation that ran between 7 April and 5 May. The submission made to that consultation, which the Deputy references, is noted and will be reviewed as part of that process.
44. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance in respect of a recent media report (details supplied), if he accepts that the 22 reports referred to, which the administrators gave to the court, should be publicly available; if these documents are in the possession of his Department; if so will he make them available; if they are not, if he will take steps to require the court to make copies publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23615/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Administrator of an insurance company is an officer of the court appointed by the High Court under the Insurance Act (No.2) 1983 as amended. Accordingly, the provision of reports of the Administrator is a matter for the President of the High Court and is independent of me, or my Department.
45. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has any plans to reform the civil/public service to ensure greater accountability, transparency and that senior management is reflective of the diversity of society today. [23300/23]
View answerMy Department has been at the forefront of driving institutional change through a wide-ranging programme of legislative reform intended to enhance trust and transparency across Government. Important legislative measures include Regulation of Lobbying; Protected Disclosures; Freedom of Information; Statute Law Revision and Houses of the Oireachtas Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures. My Department also created the whodoeswhat.gov.ie website that sets out the assignment of responsibilities under the Public Service Management Act 1997.
My Department is currently reviewing the FOI Act and, based on that review, legislative proposals will be advanced this year. As part of the drive towards greater openness and transparency, my Department has also led policy development on Open Data in Ireland with a new strategy nearing finalisation. It also coordinates Ireland's participation in the Open Government Partnership, as well as the development of Consultation Principles and Guidance, which provide guidance for public bodies seeking the public’s views relating to their work programmes.
As 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. Secretaries General, as 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.
In regard to performance management for Senior Public Service (SPS) grades, the development of robust processes was a key action of 2014 Civil Service Renewal. Performance Management processes are now embedded at SPS levels, including Secretary General level. The processes are designed to appropriately balance the range of challenges faced by senior leaders in serving the Government, their Ministers and the public interest; as administrative heads of their organisations, and leaders of the wider Civil Service. The Deputy may wish to note that ministerial responsibility for the ethics reform agenda, which has implications for accountability and transparency of senior and designated civil servants, now lies with the Minister for Finance.
In relation to diversity of staff, the Civil and Public Services are committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion across all grades. The Civil Service Renewal 2030 Strategy commits to nurturing an equal, diverse, inclusive, engaged and empowered workforce. While, one of the key priorities of Better Public Services, the new Public Service Transformation Strategy which I launched recently, is to ensure a Public Service that is more diverse, agile and inclusive and reflects Irish society. I look forward to seeing progress in these areas over the lifetime of each strategy.
46. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the bodies included in the second phase of the implementation of the Financial Management Shared Services Project; the number that will have migrated to the new system by the end of the second quarter of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23364/23]
View answer47. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how many and which bodies are scheduled to take part in the third phase of the Financial Management Shared Services Project; the number of the original 50 identified bodies that will remain for further phases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23365/23]
View answer48. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the completed expenditure on the Financial Management Shared Services Project currently; the projected expenditure for 2023/2024; the current estimated cost of the project on completion by the NSSO of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23366/23]
View answer49. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current projected completion date for the Financial Management Shared Services Project by the NSSO; if the number of bodies that have migrated to the new system is up to date with the agreed project timeline from the project's commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23367/23]
View answer50. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline any further procurement or tendering required for the completion of the Financial Management Shared Services Project by the NSSO; if any further procurement of tender packages sit outside the original business case accepted by his Department; the estimated cost of further packages beyond the original €115 million estimate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23368/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50 together.
I am advised by the NSSO that Wave 2 of the Financial Management Shared Services Programme will see a further 15 central Government Departments and Offices (in-scope client organisations) migrate their finance and accounting functions to the NSSO. This will bring the overall total number of client organisations to 23, which is almost 50% of the total scope of Departments and Offices of Government. The Wave 2 group are primarily the clients of the existing Department of Justice Shared Services Centre in Killarney, together with the Department of Transport. The migration timeline for Wave 2 organisations has moved to the latter part of 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The programme mobilisation and engagement with organisations in Wave 2 has already commenced.
Wave 3 will consist of approximately 16 clients after which up to 8 Departments and Offices of Government will remain to be on boarded. This is subject to change as the number of Departments and Offices of Government can change over time. E.g. Tailte Eireann. At full deployment some 50 clients will have migrated their finance and accounting functions to the NSSO.
The indicative capital envelope for this Programme is €115 million and some €73 million has been expended to date. As 80% of the technical design and system build has already been completed, the bulk of development and therefore cost incurred to date is frontloaded to the early phase of the programme. The revised estimate for 2023 provides for a further €16.4 million of expenditure including €1.2 million of Capital Carryover from 2023. The 2024 allocation will be discussed in the context of the 2024 Budget Estimates. While the final costs will not be known until the completion of the project, just as with all programmes of this scale, every effort is being made by the NSSO to control programme costs. Some future costs are dependent on the requirements of Government Departments and Offices who may need customisations so that they can continue to deliver their public goods effectively. It is vital that the system meets the varied requirements of the Civil Service.
Based on the expected timeline for the upgrade it is likely that Wave 2 will be fully deployed in the latter part of 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The NSSO’s expectation is that initial engagement and design for Waves 3 and 4 can commence in parallel with the end stage of deployment of Wave 2. The timeline for those waves is being examined as part of a planning exercise that is underway.
Given the complexity of the project, further procurement may arise. For example, the agreement with the current System Implementer will expire in 2024. The NSSO will likely return to market shortly on this. The business case had made provision for system implementation costs. Provision for this will be revalidated following the conclusion of a tendering process.
51. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will clarify the way in which income derived from telecom masts at Garda stations is accounted for; and if it is returned to the central fund or if the OPW retains part of it for capital works in the Garda estates portfolio. [23384/23]
View answerI am advised by my officials in the Office of Public Works that all licence fees from operators on telecommunication masts managed by the OPW are collected quarterly in advance. The fees are payable to the OPW and are subject to VAT at 23%.
That income is subsequently allocated as follows:
• 11% of all licence fees collected plus VAT is transferred to the OPW’s agent who is contracted to manage mast sites on behalf of the OPW;
• 30% of the licence fees collected in respect of Garda Masts is transferred to the Department of Justice.
•
• The balance of the licence fees, less minor expenses, is surrendered to the Exchequer as part of Appropriations in Aid on the OPW's Vote.
52. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the names of external cleaning companies that have provided cleaning services to his Department in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and the amount paid to each company for such works, in tabular form. [23412/23]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of the companies that provide cleaning services to my Department is set out in the table below.
|
Company |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 (Year to date) |
|
Allpro Security Services |
- |
€230,861 |
€93,333 |
|
Rentokill Initial Ltd |
€2,019 |
€1,714 |
€1,165 |
|
Service Matters Ltd |
€1,452 |
€1,982 |
€937 |
|
Accent Facilities Solutions |
€102,642 |
- |
- |
|
Advanced Waste Recycling |
€593 |
€196 |
- |
|
Bunzl Cleaning & Safety Supplies |
- |
€555 |
€196 |
|
Grosvenor Cleaning |
€4,540 |
€1,769 |
€1,814 |
|
GG Cleaning |
|
€1,006 |
|
|
McKechnie Cleaning Services |
|
€3,160 |
€2,459 |
|
Precision Clean |
|
€624 |
|
53. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW has awarded the contract for works at a location (details supplied); if so, the name of the company awarded the contract; and when works will commence. [23427/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works can confirm that there is no plan to remark and resurface the front car park to Raheny Garda Station, nor has any request been received from An Garda Síochána to do so.
54. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the Bantry flood relief scheme. [23546/23]
View answerThe Flood Risk Management Plans launched in May 2018 included a recommendation to progress the design, planning and construction of a flood relief scheme for Bantry. A Steering Group, comprising of representatives from the Office of Public Works and Cork County Council, is in place to progress this Flood Relief Scheme to protect some 198 properties.
In February 2022, J.B. Barry and Partners Ltd., in a joint venture with JBA Consulting Ltd were appointed by Cork County Council as engineering and environmental consultants to carry out the design of a viable scheme for the town. The scheme development and design is progressing with environmental surveys continuing in the area. Topographical surveys (including river and threshold surveys) were undertaken in 2022. The hydrological modelling is largely complete and hydraulic modelling is ongoing. Monitoring equipment including an additional rain gauge and river level gauge were installed in December 2022 and January 2023 respectively. A Ground Investigation contract, which included works related to the Bantry Mill Culvert Project, was completed on site between January 2023 and April 2023.
Consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, is taking place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to input into the development of the scheme. A project website is available at ‘www.bantryfrs.ie’. A number of Public Participation Days (PPD) will be held throughout the delivery stages of the project. The initial PPD was held in May 2022. A second PPD is scheduled to take place in Q4 2023 when the public can provide feedback on the emerging flood relief options which will be presented by the project team.
In tandem with progressing this scheme, Cork County Council is to progress the repair and re-construction of a culvert on Main Street, called the Bantry Mill Culvert Upgrade Project. An application for a Section 50 has been submitted to the OPW for approval. Cork County Council is currently addressing some queries and once approval for the Section 50 is granted a tender for Consultancy Services for the detailed design and construction of the culvert will be advertised. The culvert has been identified as a significant element contributing to flooding on Main Street, New Street and north and south of Wolfe Tone Square in recent months. The OPW and Cork County Council are liaising on the integration of these works with the flood relief scheme for the town.
Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection (Minor Works) Scheme my office approved a total of €183,917 in funding to Cork County Council for interim works to mitigate flooding in Bantry. The installation of non-return valves on gullies and the storm pipe non-return valves have been completed. There has also been high capacity mobile pumps and sandbags purchased for deployment by the local authority area office ahead of forecasted extreme weather and/or high tide events.
Separately, Cork County Council is working on developing an Individual Property Protection Scheme for Bantry. Expressions of interest for the scheme were requested, with positive responses received. Surveys of the properties which would benefit from Individual Property Protection are ongoing. These surveys need to be completed before issuing agreements for signing to all interested property owners. Once this has been completed, Cork County Council can make a further application for additional funding under the OPW Minor Works scheme.
55. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the Skibbereen flood relief scheme. [23547/23]
View answerThe Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme was substantially completed on 6th June 2019.
Planning for the operation and maintenance of the scheme is ongoing in conjunction with Cork County Council, who will act as agents of the OPW in carrying out the statutory operation and maintenance of the scheme. A small number of works to address elements identified during construction and since completion of the scheme works, which were outside the main construction contract, remain to be completed and are being progressed in separate works packages.
A length of flood defence wall upstream of the footbridge in the town centre remains to be constructed, which will facilitate flood defence at a high level (for relatively rare floods) for the adjacent apartments and the town centre, as well as for a proposed future public walkway, being proposed by Cork County Council. Cork County Council is continuing to engage with the owners of a property located on Levis Quay to gain the relevant consents to construct a river walkway when completing a section of sheet piled flood protection wall on the left bank of the River Ilen. It is expected that the cost for this remaining work will be shared between Cork County Council and the OPW.
In addition, some drainage works on the N71 Cork Road, which fall outside the remit of the main scheme, have subsequently been identified as being necessary. These works are being progressed in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and some funding is being provided by the OPW under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.
As part of the main flood relief scheme, follow-on works are being progressed at two culverts, on Mill Road. In addition, discrete sections of rock revetments are to be installed.
All of the above works are programmed to take place in 2023 subject to planning and procurement.
56. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide a schedule of the amount of funds, beneficiary of funds and use of funds released by his Department under the per cent for art scheme in each of the past five years to date in 2023, in tabular form. [23587/23]
View answerdThe Per Cent for Art Scheme is a Government initiative whereby 1% of the cost of any publicly funded capital, infrastructural and building development, subject to maximum limits, can be allocated to the commissioning of art projects and acquisition of artworks. The mechanisms for the implementation of this policy originated in the Public Art Research Project Steering Group Report to Government (1997), which was subject to Government Decision (S29498, May 1997). Since 1997 this scheme has been made available to all capital projects across all government departments.
In 2019, the Government raised the funding limits that had been in place since 1997, thereby significantly increasing the budgets available for investment in public art and artists in Ireland. In line with the PER CENT FOR ART SCHEME GENERAL NATIONAL GUIDELINES – 2004, the OPW may pool funding for projects to facilitate greater flexibility in the use of funds and to ensure that a range of artworks are available to meet a diverse range of client requirements.
The OPW has responsibility for management of the most widely distributed public art collection in the State with over 90% of c. 13,300 artworks on display in over 400 locations across the country. The State Art Collection includes both historical and contemporary paintings, original prints, sculpture, fine art and decorative objects, music, and poetry.
A summary table is provided below of OPW expenditure on Percent For Art funding received between 2019 – end April 2023:
|
|
Individual Percent For Art Transfers (Total) |
Percent For Art Projects (2019 – 2023) Total Spend* |
Pooled Art Funds (total) |
Pooled Art Funds Total Spend |
Overall Total Spend on 2019 – 2023 projects Per Annum |
|
2019 |
€685,258.00 |
€63,746.96 |
€275,967.14 |
€380,637.14 |
€444,384.10 |
|
2020 |
€863,058.04 |
€153,805.27 |
€326,913.20 |
€230,328.27 |
€384,133.54 |
|
2021 |
€225,944.13 |
€25,240.01 |
€172,752.69 |
€161,183.6 |
€186,423.61 |
|
2022 |
€266,368.93 |
€0 |
€110,651.05 |
€121,079.83 |
€121,079.83 |
|
To April 2023 |
€212,908.83 |
€0 |
€46,682.64 |
€99,705 |
€99,705 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL: |
€2,253,537.93 |
€242,792.24 |
€932,966.72 |
€992,933.84 |
€1,235,726.08 |
*Excludes spend on projects which started prior to 2019 and which may have taken place in 2019 – 2023.
The expenditure listed above does not include ongoing projects which started prior to 2019.
A detailed breakdown of the figures above is included in the attachment to this PQ.
57. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the planned amendment to the rostering system for a company (details supplied) which has been criticised by trade unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23267/23]
View answerContractual terms of employment are a matter for agreement between the parties to the contract. Whilst it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the particulars of proposed changes to employment contracts within a company, I would note that any alterations must comply with our existing suite of employment legislation including the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and the Payment of Wages Act 1991.
The Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 transposed Directive 91/533/EEC concerning an employer's obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship. The Act provides that an employer must provide its employee with a written statement of the particulars of the employee’s terms of employment. Included amongst those particulars are the terms or conditions relating to hours of work, such as overtime.
The Directive was updated in 2019 by the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive, which was transposed in Ireland by the European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations 2022. These Regulations introduced new protections including reducing the amount of time that an employer must take to notify an employee of the nature and date of any change to the particulars contained in the written statement.
Other changes introduced last year include the right to know in a reasonable period in advance when work will take place – that is, for workers with unpredictable working schedules, such as for on-demand work and the right for employees to request a transfer to a form of employment with more predictable and secure working conditions, where it is available. The Act provides a right of complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission.
More generally, it is important to emphasise that responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers rests in the first instance with the employer, the workers and their representatives. The State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences.
58. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail the position in relation to the High Court injunction preventing the implementation of an ERO in the security sector; if his Department has taken any steps to contest the attempt by some firms to stop this ERO; when the State will seek to enforce the ERO; when he expects to be able to clarify the State’s legal defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23274/23]
View answerOn 3 August 2022, the former Minister of State for Employment Affairs, Business and Retail announced an intention to issue an Order to give effect to a statutory recommendation of the Labour Court concerning minimum rates of remuneration and other terms and conditions in the Security Sector. The Order was to apply from 29 August 2022.
On 24 August 2022, my Department was informed that High Court had granted an injunction prohibiting the commencement of the proposed Statutory Instrument giving effect to the new Employment Regulation Order for the Security Industry.
At this moment in time the Order cannot be proceeded with. The matter is before the courts.
59. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23358/23]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of the Department informs me that there is no record of a new application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit in respect of the person concerned (in the details supplied) having been received.
However, I have also been informed that the person concerned in the details supplied was granted a Critical Skills Employment Permit on 08/03/2021 which was valid up to 07/03/2023 and that the person concerned was issued with a Stamp 4 Support Letter from the Department on 03/05/2023 to enable them to apply for Stamp 4 permission from the Department of Justice. Once that is obtained, they will not require an employment permit in order to be employed in the State.
60. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider changes to the work permit scheme to allow those coming to work as health care assistants to bring their spouses and children to live in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23382/23]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permit system through occupation lists, namely the critical skills and ineligible occupation lists, which are reviewed twice a year. This is an evidence-based process that takes account of labour market conditions and submissions from sectors and other stakeholders together with contextual factors, including for example the impact of COVID-19. The purpose of the system is to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting the Irish labour market.
Access to the General Employment Permit for the role of health care assistant was announced in June 2021 to address skills and labour shortages in the healthcare and nursing home sector. Evidence within the healthcare sector suggest increasing competition for skilled candidates in several healthcare roles and that despite increased efforts to recruit from the Irish and European labour markets, including through engagement with the Department of Social Protection, supply could not not sufficiently meet demand.
Increases in the aging population and consequent increases in demand for services means a significant number of health care assistants are required to provide sufficient long-term residential care for older people into the future. In order to attract non EEA nationals and encourage them to take up employment in the role in a priority sector, the removal of health care assistant from the ineligible occupations list was introduced under a framework that the permit holder can be assured a salary of at least €27,000. The permit holder should also attain a relevant qualification at least QQI Level 5 after 2 years employment in the State.
Holders of General Employment Permits are eligible to apply to the Minister for Justice for family reunification permissions after a period of one year on the permit. The conditions governing family reunification are a matter for the Minister for Justice.
61. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the names of external cleaning companies that have provided cleaning services to his Department in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and the amount paid to each company for such works, in tabular form. [23404/23]
View answerThe external cleaning companies that have provided cleaning services to my Department and Offices under its aegis at the various locations in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 are set out as follows:
|
Year |
External cleaning company |
Amount Paid |
DETE Offices |
|
2021 |
Grosvenor Cleaning |
247,281.96 |
Dublin |
|
Kilkenny |
|||
|
Cork |
|||
|
Sligo |
|||
|
Bidvest Noonan (ROI) Ltd |
39,588.72 |
Carlow |
|
|
Xcel Xecutive Cleaning |
2,625.32 |
Ennis |
|
|
Year |
External cleaning company |
Amount Paid |
DETE Offices |
|
2022 |
Grosvenor Cleaning |
212,851.72 |
Dublin |
|
Kilkenny |
|||
|
Cork |
|||
|
Sligo |
|||
|
Bidvest Noonan (ROI) Ltd |
38,761.31 |
Carlow |
|
|
Xcel Xecutive Cleaning |
9,307.40 |
Ennis |
|
|
Year |
External cleaning company |
Amount Paid |
DETE Offices |
|
2023 to end April |
Grosvenor Cleaning |
55,364.17 |
Dublin |
|
Kilkenny* |
|||
|
Cork |
|||
|
Sligo |
|||
|
Allpro |
6,162.70 |
Kilkenny** |
|
|
Bidvest Noonan (ROI) Ltd |
16,832.04 |
Carlow |
|
|
Xcel Xecutive Cleaning |
3,315.84 |
Ennis |
* Contract for Kilkenny expired February 2023
** Contract for Kilkenny commenced February 2023
Contracts for Cleaning Service entered into by the agencies under my Department's aegis, are a day to day matter for the bodies concerned themselves. I have referred the Deputies question to the Agencies and will revert with this information at the earliest opportunity.
62. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to workers of a company (details supplied). [23441/23]
View answerThe Protection of Employment Act 1977 imposes certain legal obligations on employers proposing collective redundancies.
These obligations include engaging in an information and consultation process of at least 30 days with employees’ representatives, and to notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment of the proposals at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes place. Employers may not issue notices of redundancy during this 30-day consultation period. I understand that the consultation process in this instance concluded on 5th May.
The State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms i.e., the WRC and the Labour Court to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences. The WRC and Labour Court are independent statutory bodies. As such, I have no direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of the Labour Court or scheduling of hearings.
I understand that a Labour Court hearing is scheduled for this week. However, I must reiterate that the Labour Court is independent in the performance of its functions. As Minister I must respect this independence and I cannot intervene in this matter.
