Written Answers Nos. 195-214
195. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to detail the efforts made to reintroduce the native red squirrel to the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39692/23]
View answerUnfortunately the presence of the red squirrel has diminished in Ireland over the last few decades. This is in the main due to the high levels of grey squirrels and their speed of colonising new areas thus reducing the presence of suitable habitats. The grey squirrel has an extensive range on the eastern seaboard and the NPWS has no plans to undertake a national cull.
Office of Public Works in association with the Mammal Conservation Unit of University College Dublin, undertook a three year research project on the grey squirrel ‘home range’ within the Phoenix Park. However, the findings indicated that grey squirrels from surrounding areas recolonised areas within the Park, that the grey squirrels had been removed from, within one to two year. Therefore the possibility of reintroducing the red squirrel into the Phoenix Park was not considered scientifically feasible.
The Phoenix Park covers an area in excess of 700 hectares, has twenty-four habitats and serves a wide range of functions. It is an important location in terms of its biodiversity and wildlife habitat and the OPW's long-term vision is to protect and conserve it, while also facilitating the sustainable use of the Park's resources for recreation and other appropriate activities.
196. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department will install pedestrian crossings, zebra or otherwise in the Phoenix Park, specifically at various points along Chesterfield Avenue, allowing for the safe passage of people north to south and vice-versa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39695/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works had developed plans for the installation of a number of pedestrian crossings on Chesterfield Avenue, a number of years ago, but these were not achieved at planning stage with an Bord Pleanala.
In 2021, the Office of Public Works, in collaboration with Dublin City Council (DCC), Fingal County Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study which focused on a number of transport and mobility issues, including pedestrian movement within the Park.
The NTA and DCC together with the OPW are developing plans for Chesterfield Avenue which prioritises pedestrian and cyclists with dedicated paths and crossing points. The primary objective of the project is to provide permanent infrastructure enhancements to improve pedestrian and cycle movement along this route. This project will be delivered subject to planning permission being granted and availability of funding.
The Phoenix Park is a historic landscape of international importance and one of the largest designed landscapes in any European City. A heritage-sensitive design for the pedestrian and cycle infrastructure and crossing points along Chesterfield Avenue will be very important and the OPW is currently working closely with the NTA and DCC on the design proposals for this scheme.
197. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department will make efforts to amend the Islandbridge turnstile access point to the Phoenix Park, specifically to improve the steps which are in a bad state of disrepair and to enhance bicycle access through the entrance. [39699/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works has responsibility for the maintenance of the Phoenix Park. The access points and gated entrances are also maintained by the OPW. A programme of works for the Phoenix Park is in place and the repair of the steps at the Islandbridge turnstile as referenced is part of this work plan.
It is envisaged these works should take place in 2024, subject to availability of funding.
The turnstiles and the entrances to the Phoenix Park are protected structures and significant modifications to these structures, to allow for cyclist access, would not be possible. Cyclists can enter and leave the Park via the Chapelizod gates and the gates at Islandbridge which are suitably wide enough for bicycles, buggies etc. Cyclists can dismount and use a pedestrian route to and from the Park via these gates.
199. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will report on the appointment of all CEOs to bodies under the remit of his Department in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; the reason for the departure of each appointee's predecessor; whether it was a retirement or not; the date of departure of each appointee's predecessor; the date of advertisement of each vacancy; the date on which an offer and acceptance was made in respect of each vacancy; the date on which each appointee took up their position; the length of time during which each acting CEO was in situ, where relevant; and if he will make a statement on the adequacy of existing practices, in terms of good practice, governance and succession planning. [39713/23]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Name of Public Body |
Reason for Vacancy |
Dates Requested by the Deputy |
Length of time an acting CEO / Head was in post, where applicable |
|
Public Appointments Service (PAS) |
Former CEO moved to a Government Department on Mobility |
Previous CEO departed on 8 July 2022; Role advertised on 23 September 2022; Role accepted on 20 December 2022; and new CEO took up position on 1 January 2023 |
6 months |
|
State Laboratory |
Retirement of previous State Chemist |
Previous State Chemist departed on 20 May 2022; Role advertised on 1 April 2022; Role accepted on 27 July 2022; and new State Chemist took up position on 14 November 2022 |
Just under 6 months |
|
National Shared Services Office (NSSO) |
Resignation of former CEO |
Current CEO departs shortly; Role advertised on 30 June 2023; Date role accepted to be confirmed (ongoing); and appointee expected to take up position shortly |
N/A |
There were no issues experienced in relation to the adequacy of existing practices, in terms of good practice, governance and succession planning. The recruitment processes were well managed and followed the necessary processes.
202. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his plans to use a compulsory purchase order in respect of lands at Castletown House in Celbridge County Kildare; if he has engaged with landowners regarding maintaining access from the M4 side of the grounds for public access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39854/23]
View answerThe OPW remains hopeful that a satisfactory arrangement can still be reached which will allow full public access to the site. To this end, on 15th September, the OPW reached an agreement with the current landowner to continue dialogue. On this basis, access through the privately owned lands will continue until at least 29th September. The OPW continues to work, in good faith, to achieve an appropriate outcome that is acceptable to all.
On the matter of a compulsory purchase order, both the OPW and the local authority are seeking legal advice on this matter. It is important to note that the process can take a considerable amount of time. A CPO process is legally complex and it can be particularly challenging to satisfy the conditions that the compulsory purchase of the property is necessary for the common good.
204. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has received correspondence from a union (details supplied) concerning 7,000 An Post pensioners who are still awaiting agreed increases to their pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39977/23]
View answerI am aware of the the strong interest in the Ministerial approval of increases to pensions in payment under the An Post Main Superannuation Scheme and my office has received correspondence on the matter from pensioners and from union representatives.
Under the rules of the An Post Main Superannuation Scheme pension increases are subject to the authorisation of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications given with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.On 9 March 2023 An Post wrote to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications requesting Ministerial approval for three increases to pensions under the Scheme. The Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications wrote to this Department on 29 August requesting my consent for the increases.The increases concerned are:
I. 5.0% increase effective from 1 January 2022II. 2.0% increase effective from 1 January 2023III. 1.0% increase effective from 1 July 2023
I gave my consent for the increases on 8th September 2023 and this has been communicated to the Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications. This resolves the issues raised by union representatives in relation to these pension increases.The payment of the increases is now a matter for the trustees and administrators of the An Post Superannuation Scheme.
207. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of the establishment and operation of the national flood warning system; what plans there are for the system to go live and be made publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40055/23]
View answerIn 2016, the Government agreed to the establishment of a National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service (NFFWS) to enable members of the public and local authorities take more preparatory action to reduce the impact of flooding.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) chairs the Steering Group for the NFFWS, which is also comprised of representatives from Met Éireann, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the County and City Management Association, to steer and support the establishment of the new Service.
The Steering Group has agreed an implementation plan for Stage I (establishment phase) of the multi-stage development of the NFFWS and there has been significant progress made to date in relation to its development. Stage I of the Service is primarily concerned with the set-up and establishment of the Service and comprises the following main tasks:
• Recruitment and training of staff for Met Éireann’s Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) (11 Staff members)
• Provision of accommodation for the FFC
• Provision of real-time hydrometric and meteorological data for the Service
• Development of hydrological models (river models) for flood forecasting
• Transfer of the National Tide and Storm Surge Forecast model to Met Éireann
• Development of the Irish Flood Information Communication System (IFICS)
The Irish Flood Integrated Communication System (IFICS), developed by Met Éireann is an online platform that is being used to disseminate flood forecasts, weather and hydrological observations and for the issuing of Daily Flood Guidance Statements (DFGS) on a trial basis to a restricted group of agencies. Met Éireann has provided training to Local Authorities on the use of the system and on the interpretation of the forecasts.
A pre-operational version of the national scale flood forecasting system has been developed and testing of the system will conclude shortly. This will be followed by a report on the outcomes of the testing which will contain recommendations for any further improvements to be made.
When Stage 1 is completed, the next stage of implementing the Service (Stage II) will focus on further developing the fluvial and coastal forecast system to provide a greater level of detail and accuracy in forecasted information. The system will be continually refined, involving the installation of new rainfall and flow gauges, improvements to the rainfall radar network and re-calibration of models after notable flood events amongst others. It is envisaged that making the outputs from the flood forecasting system available to a wider audience will be reviewed under Stage II of the Service as forecast information is improved.
When fully operational, this Service will be of significant benefit to communities and individuals to prepare for and lessen the impact of flooding. The Service will deal with flood forecasting from fluvial and coastal sources and it will involve the issuing of flood forecasts and general alerts at both national and catchment scales. Existing flood forecasting and warning systems and arrangements will continue to be maintained until the national Service is fully operational.
208. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to examine a pension issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40060/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I have overall policy responsibility in relation to public service occupational pension schemes payable to retired public servants.
For all new entrants to the public service (including members of An Garda Síochána) on or after 6 April 1995 (the date of introduction of full social insurance for public servants who now pay Class A PRSI) and before 1 January 2013 (the date of introduction of the Single Public Service Pensions Scheme) pension payment comprises of three components:
1. A Public Service Occupational Pension payable by the public service employer;
2. Social Insurance benefit(s) payable, subject to eligibility, by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and;
3. Where the Social Insurance benefit payable does not equate to the full rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC), an occupational supplementary pension may be payable by the public service employer subject to an individual meeting eligibility criteria.
An occupational supplementary pension seeks to make up the difference between the occupational pension which would have been payable had that pension not been integrated, and the occupational pension in payment when combined with any Social Insurance Benefits in payment. The payment of an occupational supplementary pension is not automatic and is subject to an individual meeting the following criteria:
• The retired public servant is not in paid employment;
• The retired public servant, due to no fault of their own, fails to qualify for Social Insurance benefit(s) or qualifies for a benefit at less that the value of the SPC; and
• The retired public servant must have reached minimum pension age or retired on grounds of ill-health.
In relation to the first condition above, any paid employment irrespective of the PRSI contribution the individual makes would exclude a retired public servant from the payment of the occupational supplementary pension in full - see below.
The second condition is important to ensure no duplication of payments from public funds. To verify this condition, prior to payment of the Occupational Supplementary Pension, a retired public servant must engage with the DSP and obtain proof that they have exhausted any relevant benefits for which they may be eligible under the social insurance system. The rules surrounding qualifying for a Social Insurance benefit are a matter for the DSP.
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 only and will be payable for the other 4 working days in the week, similar to how an entitlement to Jobseeker’s Benefit is treated. Therefore, taking up paid employment for one day in the week/year would not cause an occupational supplementary pension to cease for the whole year. The occupational supplementary pension would not be payable for that one day of paid employment. My officials have confirmed this policy with the Department of Justice. A pro-rated occupational supplementary pension is based on number of days during which the pensioner is not employed, rather than monetary amount earned, e.g. if an individual in receipt of a occupational supplementary pension takes up employment for 1 day a week, the occupational supplementary pension would be payable at 80% (i.e. 4/5th), rather than ceasing in its entirety. The onus is on the individual to notify their pension paying authority should there be any change in their employment status.
My Department is aware that there are some issues concerning the procedures for qualifying for the payment of an Occupational Supplementary Pension and we are liaising with the DSP and other key stakeholders to review the processes involved and establish if a more efficient and streamlined approach is possible.
209. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to detail in tabular form the number of formal reviews on PAS competition decisions, and the number that were overturned, in each of the years 2021, 2022 and to 12 September 2023; the five main reasons listed for overturning on formal review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40165/23]
View answerI am informed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) that the number of formal reviews on PAS competition decisions and the number overturned across the period requested by the Deputy are as per the table below.
|
Year |
Reviews Completed |
Decisions Overturned |
|
2021 |
286 |
18 |
|
2022 |
315 |
33 |
|
2023 until 12th September |
141 |
19 |
As part of a Formal Review, each case is considered on its own merits. Therefore, there may be a number of factors considered by a Formal Reviewer when overturning a decision in a specific case, some of which may apply to other reviews and some may be very specific to that particular case. The top five reasons for overturned decisions are as follows:
1. 23 Shortlisting decisions were overturned based on a re-evaluation of the evidence provided either on the Application Form or as part of a Video Shortlisting Exercise. PAS received 162 requests for formal review of a Shortlisting or Video Shortlisting decision during this timeframe.
2. 11 Decisions in relation to eligibility for a competition on the basis of qualifications achieved were overturned. These decisions were overturned for several reasons, including the candidate providing more detailed information on their qualifications during the review process and/or a re-evaluation of the qualifications submitted by the candidate during the review process.
3. 7 Decisions were overturned based on a re-evaluation of the evidence provided at Interview by the Assessment Board and because of process errors which negatively impacted on a candidate’s ability to be fairly and reasonably assessed, respectively. The most common outcome for candidates in these cases was for PAS to offer a second assessment.
4. 5 Decisions were overturned where a candidate had been deemed ineligible for a competition in the first instance; however, a fresh evaluation of the information provided (or upon receipt of further clarifying information from the candidate) indicated the candidate was eligible.
210. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department has a policy statement on the practice of naming State buildings after notable Irish people by the Office of Public Works. [40171/23]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works own and manage a range of significant State buildings as part of their property portfolio. While the naming of buildings rarely arises it is determined in consultation with the occupiers of such buildings on a case by case basis.
211. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide details on the measures his Department has taken to implement specific action points (details supplied) of the action plan to support the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. [40237/23]
View answerThe National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 set out a comprehensive strategic framework for addressing LGBTI+ equality centred around four main areas: visibility, equality, health and safety. The Strategy presented a coordinated approach to addressing the needs of LGBTI+ people and involved all Government Departments and many public agencies.
The establishment of the FinPER Pride Network, which is comprised of staff from both the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in 2019 followed on from the publication of the Strategy. I joined the Network and other members of the Civil and Public Service as well as my own Fine Gael party’s LGBT group in marching in Dublin Pride 2023.
My Department’s equality and diversity goals are articulated in a number of key strategies and initiatives to which the Department has committed, including the Programme for Government. An example of where this commitment is detailed is found in the Civil Service Renewal Strategy 2030, which acknowledges that Ireland has a growing and increasingly diverse population and sets out our goal of ensuring that our policy and service responses are focused on equality, inclusivity and accessibility.
Within my own Department, we are committed to nurturing a workforce for the future by bringing equality and inclusivity to the fore of our organisational design. We are dedicated to fostering an organisation which works to attract, engage and nurture a diverse and inclusive workforce in order to best serve and reflect Irish society and to empower our staff to continue thriving. Our Department also actively promotes and encourages an organisational culture where every individual treats one another with respect, all contributions are valued, all individuals can feel safe, that they belong and can achieve their full potential.
The Better Public Services strategy, published by my Department, outlines our vision of delivering inclusive, high quality and integrated Public Service provision that meets the needs and improves the lives of the people of Ireland. These commitments include recognising and supporting all employees’ gender identity and gender expression in our approach to policy development to further develop a positive, accepting and supportive work environment where every employee is treated with dignity and respect.
In terms of recruitment, my Department has policy responsibility for recruitment to the Civil Service. As reflected in the Civil Service Renewal 2024 Strategy , the Civil Service is strongly committed to equality of opportunity for all in terms of its recruitment and employment practices, and building a more diverse and inclusive workforce that is reflective of the modern Ireland that it serves. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), which is a body under the aegis of my Department, is the primary recruiter for the Civil Service and some parts of the Public Service. PAS are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce, with the skills and attributes to meet the future challenges of the Public Service.
With regards to the promotion of ED&I across the Civil Service, OneLearning, the Civil Service Learning and Development Shared Service Centre based within my Department, provides staff with the opportunity to undertake a self-guided eLearning module developed by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) on Equality and Human Rights in the Public Service. This eLearning module has been developed to support and enable staff to understand and meet their obligations under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty (Public Sector Duty) within public bodies and to support the goal to develop more diverse and inclusive workplaces.
In addition, OneLearning and the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (CSEAS) host at least one Health and Wellbeing webinar a month covering a range of topics, including ED&I from a personal perspective. Three webinars for Civil Servants were hosted in June 2023 to celebrate Pride month:
• Pride Month – Letters and Stripes, delivered by Pride at Work. A presentation on the evolving LGBTQI+ terminology, with an emphasis on understanding pronouns, the differences between sexual orientation, gender identity and biological sex.
• Pride Month – The Journey of Pride, delivered by Pride at Work. On the history of Pride and LGBTQI+ activism and how that activism has shaped and influenced generations of LGBTQI+ people.
• Pride Month - Growing up in Ireland as a transgender woman, delivered by Jenny Behan. A personal account of Jenny’s experience of being a transwoman in Ireland – offering an insight into her experiences before and after transition and the issues currently facing the Transgender community, and indeed the LGBTQI+ group as a whole.
212. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of works on the weir at Ballincollig Regional Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40259/23]
View answerBallincollig Weir, which is part of Ballincollig Regional Park, is in the ownership of Cork City Council since the boundary change between Cork County and City in June 2019. The Weir had apparently been in disrepair for many years before a breach occurred in December 2014, which has left the weir in extremely poor condition.
While there are no hydraulic benefits to the flood relief scheme from the weir, the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme Steering Group in 2021, committed to the incorporation of remedial works to the weir as part of the construction contract and budget for the Scheme, if appropriate.
The nature of any such remedial works will be subject to an assessment of planning, structural, fisheries and cultural heritage considerations, which the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme Steering Group has asked the Scheme’s design consultants, contracted by the OPW, to review. The consultants’ proposal to undertake a preliminary feasibility assessment and constraints study for the reinstatement of Ballincollig Weir has been approved and is ongoing. Site surveys and inspections have now been completed, and a report is expected to be completed within the next few months.
213. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 290 of 16 May 2023, if he has received the OPW report on the inspection of the Oweynagat cave at Rathcroghan; if he will publish the report and/or its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40294/23]
View answerRathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in Co. Roscommon. The Office of Public Works purchased 71 acres at Rathcroghan, County Roscommon, in 2008 on behalf of the then Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The OPW managed landholding is leased for sheep grazing and also contains the Rathcroghan Mound the focal point of the complex. Beside the mound the public car park is owned by Roscommon Co. Co. Of the 240 or more archaeological sites that constitute the complex the state has 60 in ownership or guardianship.
Oweynagat, the Cave of the Cats, is one of a number of National Monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the State that make up the part of the archaeological site complex at Rathcroghan. There is an association with Halloween leading to, it is understood, an increase in visitor interest over the last number of years. The Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, a community social enterprise) located in Tulsk village offers guided tours of Rathcroghan to visitors. The inclusion of Oweynagat in this offering is of concern to OPW as it relates to the health and safety of visitors accessing the cave in addition to the challenges being presented in terms of the longterm preservation of the Cave.
On foot of this, a Report has been prepared by a member of the Senior Architectural team in the Office of Public Works regarding the Oweynagat Cave at Rathcroghan. This report is currently being considered by both the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and OPW taking into account both the context of the on-going protection of the monument and also the safety of visitors. We expect to have more information to share on this in the coming months.
As part of the strong commitment to the local community, OPW has supported the Tulsk Action Group and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Rathcroghan European Innovation Partnership (EIP), which promotes the continuation of farming in the area by providing guidance and support for farmers to maintain the archaeological landscape.
214. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform The steps the OPW has taken to stop erosion at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40328/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended.
The location in question will be examined by the OPW South West Regional team to establish if the area forms part of the Maine Arterial Drainage Scheme and, if it does, to advise what maintenance works are to be completed at this location.
