Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when he plans to unwind the remaining elements of the FEMPI legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52031/23]
View answerThe process of unwinding the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation commenced under the Lansdowne Road Agreement 2016-2018. This was underpinned by the FEMPI 2015 Act. The provisions of the 2015 Act also allowed for the amelioration of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR). The remainder of the process continued under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 (PSSA) and the current public service agreement, Building Momentum. This was underpinned by the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, implementation of which would complete the unwinding of the FEMPI legislation in relation to reductions in remuneration. The 2017 Act also provided for the complete unwinding of PSPR.
At the end of the PSSA 2018 - 2020, FEMPI pay reductions were reversed for all public servants earning up to €70,000 per annum, which equated to almost 90% of public servants. Allowances reduced under FEMPI were fully restored from 1st October 2020. Section 19 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provided for the complete unwinding of remaining FEMPI measures on public servants paid an annual basic salary of up to €150,000 on 1 July 2021. Section 20 of the 2017 Act provided for the complete unwinding of remaining FEMPI measures on public servants paid an annual basic salary of more than €150,000, on 1 July 2022. This completed the process of unwinding FEMPI reductions for public servants.
Each year, under the terms of the FEMPI Act 2013, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is obliged to carry out an annual review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the FEMPI Acts, having regard to the overall economic conditions in the State and national competitiveness. In this annual review, the Minister is also to consider whether or not any of the provision of the relevant Acts continue to be necessary having regard to the purposes of those Acts, the revenues of the State and State commitments in respect of public service pay and pensions. The 2023 annual report was published in June 2023 and can be found on the DPENDPR website.
43. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on plans for extending Mullingar Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52281/23]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for his question regarding Mullingar Garda Station and any plans that the Office of Public Works has for extending the current station.
The Office of Public Works, together with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána are working closely in delivering the Government approved current Garda Capital Investment Plan 2023-2030
Mullingar Garda Station is not at this time listed on the Garda Capital Investment Plan, the Garda Capital Investment Plan remains under constant review throughout its lifetime and depending on the operational needs of An Garda Síochána and the implementation of the new Garda operating model, there can be amendments made to the plan.
It should be noted that Under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration An Garda Síochána, which includes the maintenance of the Garda estate, which is progressed in close cooperation with the OPW.
The Office of Public Works also provides a full maintenance service at all twelve Garda Stations in County Westmeath to the highest standards possible bearing in mind the availability of funding and priorities agreed with An Garda Síochána.
In July 2022 the refurbished Garda District Headquarters at Barrack Street in Athlone, Co Westmeath was opened by the Minister for Justice and Equality and myself as Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works.
44. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will list the occasions over the past twelve months in which Government Departments have requested additional funds from his Department; the purposes of these requests; which ones were granted; and which were refused. [52077/23]
View answerThe annual Estimates process follows certain procedures for allocating funding at a Vote level. Following publication of the Summer Economic Statement (SES) in July, the Secretary General of my Department writes to all other Departments requesting proposals for the Budget within the parameters set out in the SES. These requests are then assessed as part of our preparations for the Budget. Available resources are allocated as part of the Budget with the detailed spending plans then subsequently set out in the Revised Estimates (REV).
Managing expenditure within the voted allocations included in the REV is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister. Monitoring of spending against profile and of progress on programmes and projects by each accounting officer is well established within each Department. My Department is in regular contact with all Departments regarding actual and projected spending, including areas where there may be cost overruns and offsetting savings that might be available for reallocation.
Where any savings identified are not sufficient to cover the cost of additional demands within a Vote, a Supplementary Estimate may be required to provide the additional funds. Over the course of this year a number of Supplementary Estimates and Further Revised Estimates (FREV) have been presented to the Dáil.
The first was an allocation by a FREV to the Department of Rural and Community Development to establish a Fund in recognition of the contribution of communities in welcoming arrivals from Ukraine. Further FREVs were afforded in the Housing, Local Government and Heritage Group to establish Tailte Éireann, and the Electoral Commission.
In September, the Dáil agreed funding for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in the amount of €1.09 billion by way of Supplementary Estimate for services to respond to Ukrainian arrivals.
Last week, a Supplementary Estimate of €0.939 billion was agreed by the Dáil for the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications for the energy Credits announced in the Budget and further Supplementary Estimates were presented for additional funds totalling €3.489 billion over 19 Votes, including €1.034 billion for the Department of Health, and also €0.678 billion for the Department of Social Protection to make provision for the various costs of living measures announced in the Budget.
45. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on OPW planned flood relief works across County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52032/23]
View answer53. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on progress being made on flood defences in County Louth, taking into account the recent flood and near flooding in Dundalk and north Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52339/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 53 together.
To deliver the proposed measures set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans for County Louth, Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed. The funding for these schemes has been allocated under the €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030.
The development of flood relief schemes, overseen by project Steering Groups with representatives meeting typically monthly from the OPW and Louth County Council, involves five distinct, sequential and related stages. Aligned to the decision gateways of the Public Spending Code these are assessing the flood risk and identifying options; seeking planning consent, detailed design, construction and maintenance. Public consultation forms part of each stage and project websites, available on floodinfo.ie provides updates on each scheme’s progress.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee projects are being progressed simultaneously and engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. The proposed scheme will protect some 1,880 properties when completed. The scheme option for Dundalk/Blackrock South is expected in Q3 2024 and Ardee is currently at options review.
Consultants for the Drogheda and Baltray schemes were appointed in September 2021. The proposed scheme will protect some 454 properties when completed. The scheme option is expected in Q4 2024.
The OPW established a working group on Carlingford and Greenore that is focused on ensuring that all approaches for implementation are considered from a technical perspective and to propose the best method to proceed. OPW met with Louth County Council engineers on 9th October 2023 to review the work completed to date and to plan for the project going forward. This included scoping requirements and data collection. I visited Louth following the recent flooding events and saw at first hand the devastation that flooding caused in this area. Drone footage was captured and surveying of the impacted area arranged. The OPW met with Louth County Council in November to assess the flood mechanisms and damages from the event and this will help to inform the proposed scheme. The next meeting is scheduled for the end of November.
While the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified. The OPW is reviewing the flood risk in these communities.
The OPW since 2009, has approved €1.9m for 32 local flood projects under the OPW's Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
46. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the actions his Department will take in order to help expedite current flood relief projects, in view of the fact that the average flood relief project is taking 10-12 years to reach a conclusion; if this process can be made more efficient to ensure delivery of projects in a faster timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52141/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW), as the lead agency for flood risk management, is coordinating the delivery of measures towards meeting the Government’s National Flood Risk Policy.
A broad range of structural and non-structural measures have already been implemented to address flood risk under an approach structured around three pillars: prevention, protection and preparedness.
The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities throughout the country, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning and construction to some 100 schemes at this time.
Nationally, 54 schemes have been completed to date, at a cost of some €550m, which are providing protection to over 12,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €1.9 billion. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway.
While the OPW strives to expedite and progress capital flood relief works with the minimum delay, major flood relief schemes involve complex engineering and construction operations that can impact on people's living, built and natural environment and, therefore, require lengthy planning and decision lead-in times.
The process follows a number of stages from feasibility through design, planning, detailed design and construction. It is important that the work is done correctly and achieves its objectives. Extensive and detailed technical analysis is required to establish the most appropriate solution, technically and environmentally, from a range of possible mitigation options. The solution must also be adaptable to the increased risk from climate change.
Extensive public consultation is required at various stages to ensure that those affected by a scheme have the opportunity to input into its design and implementation. Ecological and archaeological issues often require in-depth analysis in order to ensure that the technical solution selected will meet the requirements of existing EU and national environmental legislation.
Delays against profiled programme can occur due to a variety of constraints and factors, including: demand in the market for surveys; extended timeframes to obtain planning decisions; extensive and increasing environmental assessments; and Judicial Review processes.
As well as through strong project management, by means of Steering Group structures, local authorities will, where it is feasible, bring forward advance works or some minor works, prior to the main scheme being completed. These can be funded by the OPW and can mitigate the impact from a flood event. This process, by means of the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme, provides funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This scheme provides 90% funding to local authorities to manage localised flood risk.
Of the flood relief schemes being progressed, seven schemes are currently at construction stage and, once completed, these schemes will provide flood protection to approximately 1,700 properties.
There are also some 30 Small Projects currently being implemented by their respective local authorities, with funding being provided by the Office of Public Works. Of these, the scheme at Westport (Cois Abhainn & Ashwood) recently completed construction.
Schemes currently being delivered have been prioritised as Tranche I schemes. Also included in these active schemes are four Tranche II Pilot projects. The pilot, which I announced in May 2023, is in response to engagement between OPW and local authorities to agree a planned national approach to future schemes that matches return on investment from the available capacity in the local authorities and OPW. Consequently, a new delivery model for flood relief schemes is being piloted which will better inform the future Tranche II schemes' delivery.
47. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if consideration will be giving to reprioritising the Glashaboy flood relief scheme following severe and unprecedented flooding in Cork; the interaction his Department has had with the local authority and the contractor in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52126/23]
View answer213. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to arrange for Cork City Council to put in place temporary flood defence barriers in an estate (details supplied) in view of the fact that over 25 houses recently suffered severe flooding and this is the second occasion on which it occurred; if the necessary funding will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51912/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 213 together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Cork City Council are engaging proactively to progress the Glashaboy flood relief scheme for Glanmire.
The Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme was confirmed in January 2021 by the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 to 1995. The scheme is being funded from the €1.3 billion in flood relief measures under the National Development Plan to 2030, and as part of Project Ireland 2040.
The scheme, when complete, will provide flood protection to some 103 properties; 78 residential properties and 25 commercial premises and will address the flood risk in a number of locations in the Glanmire area. The scheme will include defences, such as walls and embankments; culvert upgrades; channel widening and road re-grading.
In April 2023, Cork City Council, following a successful tender competition, awarded the civil works contract to Sorensen Civil Engineering. In July 2023 Sorensen Civil Engineering mobilised on site carrying out site investigation works, working with utility providers to agree diversions and engaging with stakeholders with works commencing on site at Cúil Chluthair and Springmount.
The construction programme is anticipated to take 32 months with the works split up into several Zones to minimise disruption to the public and businesses. A Steering Group with representatives from Cork City and County Councils, the consultant engineers and the OPW meet monthly to review progress and performance with the delivery of this scheme. The schedule for the next 3 months of work is available on a dedicated webpage on the project website which has been set up to provide updates to the public throughout the works.
Following the significant flooding that occurred during Storm Babet, I visited the area and met with the local authority to discuss the impact from the storm event and progressing the construction of the scheme. The project team are currently considering all interventions or mitigations that may be beneficial to mitigate flooding until the scheme is complete.
Members of the project team met with the Copper Valley Vue Residents’ Association last week to discuss proposals for temporary works prior to construction of the permanent flood relief scheme works. The project team is currently preparing a design for these works.
48. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the new infrastructure guidelines for the Public Sector Spending Code, to include consideration of climate and nature impacts, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52342/23]
View answer72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will report on his Department’s evaluation of the OECD report on Strengthening Environmental Considerations in Public Investment Management in Ireland; how his Department plans to implement the report's recommendations; what impact this will have on the infrastructure guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52283/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 72 together.
The National Development Plan 2021-2030 committed my Department to reviewing certain elements of the Public Spending Code to improve the Government’s understanding of the relationship and impacts of investment decisions on the wider environment and climate. As part of this programme of works, my officials worked 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.
Following 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 finalised report on Strengthening Environmental Considerations in Public Investment Management in Ireland was published in July 2023.
My Department is in the process of finalising the new Infrastructure Guidelines, which we plan to publish before the end of 2023. The updated guidance will take into account the recommendations put forward by the OECD.
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 supporting the national commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050.
49. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the analysis that has been conducted on the impact of the increasing reliance on public private partnership and leasing contracts and the potential impact of public finances into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52368/23]
View answerPublic Private Partnerships (PPPs) are partnerships between the public and private sectors for the purpose of delivering a project or service and are an internationally recognised model to design, build, finance, operate and maintain public infrastructure. Some of the advantages associated with PPPs are that they allow the public sector to avail of private sector expertise and innovation and the private partner assumes responsibility for a considerable portion of the risk. The contracts tend to be long term arrangements, typically spanning 25 years or more.
A senior-level Inter-Departmental / Agency Group was established to review Ireland's experience of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and to make recommendations on the future role of PPPs. The full report outlining the findings of the group was published on the ppp.gov.ie website in 2018. In essence, that report found that PPPs have proven to be a very useful element in facilitating the delivery of important public infrastructure projects.
As you know, a new Programme for Government was adopted on 27 June 2020, which included a commitment to accelerate the Mid-Term Review of the National Development Plan. As part of the preparations for the review, the recommendations of the Expert Group on PPPs, which informed the previous NDP, were re-visited and updated.
A summary of this updated PPP review was published in April 2021 as part of the NDP Phase 1 report. Broadly, the review found that the PPP policy framework continues to be robust, and that the current guidance for the use of PPPs (updated in 2019) remains fit for purpose with a track record of successful delivery – including examples of successful risk transfer to the private partner. Departments will continue to evaluate projects for suitability for PPP in line with the 2018 review, and value for money will remain the main driver for PPP.
In ensuring Departments obtain the best value for money from public capital investment, PPPs are subject to the same robust and rigorous project appraisal process as traditionally procured projects. It is essential that projects are judged on their merits and in cases where PPPs can be demonstrated to give better value for money than traditional procurement, it is appropriate that they should be selected on that basis.
The Deputy might be interested to know that I publish two sets of financial data on PPPs. The data can be accessed on the PPP website at www.ppp.gov.ie/ppp-projects. The first set of data provides an update on the existing Financial Commitments for PPPs, which contains detailed information in relation to all PPP projects for which contracts have been signed and which are operational.
In addition, I also publish the projected annualised breakdown of the expected future unitary payments for each year, by project, extending out to when each project will be handed back by the PPP Company to the Sponsoring Authority. Analysis of this data will show, for example, that expenditure commitments of approximately €330 million for PPP’s in 2024 will account for just 2.5% of the overall allocation of €13.1 billion.
In relation to leasing contracts, that is a matter for each sector to assess and to manage within their overall allocations. Public Bodies must adhere to DPER Circular 17/2016, which details the 'Policy for Property Acquisition (including leases and lease renewals) and for Disposal of Surplus Property'. The Deputy would need to ask Departments directly concerning their use of such contracts.
50. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current position of the Blackpool flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52140/23]
View answerThe Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform acts as the competent authority for the confirmation of flood relief schemes submitted under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995 as amended. The process for examining the schemes submitted to my Department is set out under the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019.
In line with the regulations, to ensure that I have access to sufficient expertise to examine these schemes and make a conclusion on the environmental impacts, my Department has contracted independent environmental consultants to carry out the relevant assessments and examination of the proposed River Bride Flood Relief Scheme in Blackpool, Cork.
With regards to an update on the progression of the scheme, in early 2021, the scheme received Ministerial confirmation under Section 7 of the Regulations. This decision was then subject to Judicial Review, during which a stay was also granted on works being carried out pursuant to the confirmation of the scheme, pending the resolution of these proceedings.
In early 2022, my Department conceded the matter on a single ground related to public consultation procedures as part of the confirmation process and consented to an order reverting the evaluation of the Blackpool Flood Relief scheme back to an earlier phase of the process. On foot of the outcome of these proceedings, my Department sought legal advice on matters relevant to the confirmation process. This informed a request for supplementary information which was made to the OPW in February of 2022.
In October 2022, the OPW submitted supplementary information following the request made by my Department. This information has been examined by the environmental consultants and a report has been submitted to me recommending specific areas of the assessments which will require further supplementary information in order to reach a reasoned conclusion on the environmental impacts of the proposed works. Having considered the independent advice received, I have accepted this recommendation and have sought supplementary information from the OPW in accordance with Section 7B(4) of the Regulations.
51. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on OPW planned flood relief works in the Mornington and Bettystown areas of east Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52030/23]
View answerThere is an existing Flood Relief Scheme in place in Mornington, Co. Meath providing protection to 162 properties. The OPW has a programme of maintenance in place for this scheme.
After the August 2023 flood event in the Mornington/Bettystown area a senior level group involving the OPW and Meath County Council was established to review the event and any additional measures in the Mornington/Bettystown area that may now be required.
To date two meetings have taken place between the OPW, Meath County Council and the engineering consultants RPS. The most recent meeting to review progress to date on the potential flood relief measures for Mornington/Bettystown took place on 26th October and was attended by representatives from the OPW, Meath County Council, RPS consulting engineers and Uisce Éireann. The next meeting is due to be held on the 1st of December.
To inform this group the OPW has instructed RPS to investigate both the cause and magnitude of the flooding events in Mornington in August and again in October of this year. This investigation will inform any appropriate short term measures that can be taken to manage the flood risk in this area and in the longer term the design for those further flood relief defences currently proposed.
The first part of this report for the August event is currently being finalised. An additional part will include the October event and RPS are endeavouring to have an initial draft of this addendum report for the meeting on the 1st of December.
When this work is complete, OPW, MCC and Uisce Éireann will consider the contents of same before identifying any medium or long-term actions.
The following actions have been identified to be undertaken by Meath County Council in the short term:
• Weather conditions and water levels will be monitored on a regular basis and the Council crews will regularly check for blockages at bridges and culverts (and remove as required).
• As a response to any potential future event, Meath County Council will maintain a supply of sandbags on hand to distribute at short notice and continue to provide temporary pumping solutions in some areas.
• Meath County Council are due to commence at the end of November, the removal/trimming of trees in some of the streams in the area. These include the streams to the north and south of the Village Estate which form part of the Mornington Drainage District. When the larger pieces of vegetation that could cause blockages have been removed, any cleaning required will be undertaken.
In addition OPW have commenced, on the 9th October, the annual maintenance of the Mornington Stream channel and embankments. This work will continue until mid-December 2023. Meath County Council have also requested OPW to undertake the annual maintenance of the Northlands scheme and this is scheduled, weather permitting, to take place between the 4th and the 6th of December.
52. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when he will publish the next revision of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52254/23]
View answerThe National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 (NDP) published in October 2021 provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland over the next 10 years, and delivers total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030. In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects. As Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments.
An independent evaluation of investment priorities and capacity of the National Development Plan (NDP) has been conducted by the ESRI, and my Department has recently received the final draft. The evaluation focuses on the capacity to deliver current Government priorities, to utilise sectoral capital allocations and estimates the impact of components of the NDP on key economic indicators. The report will be published during Q4 this year. On foot of the ESRI report, my Department will consider the process to underpin sectoral NDP allocations out to 2028. My Department will engage with Departments where appropriate in relation to their broad objectives for delivery of priority projects and programmes out to 2028, in line with the overall NDP framework.
54. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the programmes of public expenditure that will be subject to evaluation in the coming year, and whether this process needs to be reformed. [52333/23]
View answerEvaluations of Government expenditure are a vital component of the public expenditure management framework, and are central to ensuring and demonstrating the appropriate use of public money.
As with other business, evaluations are planned and conducted by individual Government Departments dealing with policies which fall under their Departmental remit.
One of the main initiatives by Department to support the expenditure management framework is the Spending Review process which tracks and facilitates some of the evaluation work being done across Departments. The Spending Review takes place across three-year cycles; two cycles have so far been completed, having previously run from 2017-2019 and 2020-2022.
The 2023 Spending Review takes place outside of the traditional multi-year cycle, in order to facilitate the piloting of a number of reforms aimed at enhancing impact; I will discuss this in more detail shortly.
Since 2017, a total of 177 formal Spending Review papers have been published, on a variety of policy issues including labour market, health, climate, housing, childcare, to name a few, with more Departments routinely assessing key policies and programmes as part of the spending review processes.
While the Spending Review process is coordinated and facilitated by my Department, the identification and selection of topics, project scoping, analysis, and drafting are all conducted on a decentralised basis, with each Department responsible for areas and policy questions that fall within their own remit, and for managing the execution of the analysis and the follow-up policy reforms, where relevant.
Specifically in relation to the selection of topics for review in the coming calendar year, while the Spending Review cycle takes place over three years, Departments are not required to submit the full list of areas subject to review in advance of the cycle. Instead, analytical and policy units in their respective Departments identify and plan their expected research projects in tandem with general business planning. This process, which is overseen by line-management structures, takes place with consideration of unit capacity, strategic priorities, and business needs. Business planning generally takes place at the end of the calendar year; my Department therefore expects to have a preliminary list of areas subject to evaluation in 2024 in the coming months.
In relation to reforms of the Spending Review, following a consultation process with key stakeholders via the cross departmental Steering Group, Spending Review 2023 is trialing a number of reforms that aim to increase the impact of the spending review process. Following an appraisal of the Spending Review process during 2022 it was proposed that the 2023 iteration would see:
• The introduction of Technical Review Groups (formed thematically to replace or supplement the current Subgroup process);
• Changes to the Steering Group (to bring in a streamlined approach with a more strategic focus).
• These changes were proposed along with some operational improvements such as revisions to the format of the scoping documents, the format of the templates, and the feedback process.
In addition, more minor reforms were made which formalise the engagement and consultation processes and to encourage a wider focus on impact for the evaluations. The impact of the changes introduced will be assessed at the end of this year, with a view to wider rollout as part of the 2024-2026 Spending Review cycle.
55. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his views on the €14 billion deficit in the National Development Plan; how this will impact on achievement of our 2030 targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52282/23]
View answerIn Budget 2024, additional capital of €900 million was allocated for 2024. This will bring total capital investment in 2024 to €12.6 billion. Additional capital expenditure of €250 million is also being made available for 2024 from windfall exchequer receipts, to be allocated to critical infrastructure projects that are at an advanced stage as well as to the existing Climate Action Fund. A further €2 billion from windfall exchequer receipts is being made available across 2025 (€750 million) and 2026 (€1.25 billion). Recognising the capacity constraints in the economy, it is intended that the additional funding will be targeted at projects that are ready for development.
Delivery challenges persist, particularly the continued impact of inflation on projects, labour supply, planning issues and supply chains. Record levels of capital carryover have been seen over the past number of years with almost €820 million carried forward from 2021 into 2022 and almost €690 million carried forward from 2022 into 2023. Capital underspending persists into 2023. Cumulative net capital expenditure to end-October was €7,047 million, while expenditure was €666 million behind profile, in y-on-y terms, net capital issues are €1,619 million (29.8%) ahead of the end-October 2022 position of €5,429 million. This indicates that the nominal amounts provided for in the NDP in 2021 remain sufficient to allow for the delivery of all projects that can proceed even with the inflation seen in the past two years.
In March 2023, I committed to an independent mid-term evaluation of investment priorities and capacity of the NDP, focusing on the capacity to deliver current Government priorities, to utilise sectoral capital allocations and to estimate the impact of the NDP on key economic indicators. It is anticipated that the report will be published during Q4 this year.
On foot of the report, my Department will communicate with relevant Departments to commence the process of agreeing sectoral NDP allocations out to 2028, with a view to the publication of the revised NDP sectoral allocations during 2024.
57. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether the budgeting process operated by his Department promotes innovation to a sufficient extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52334/23]
View answerBudgetary and expenditure reform is a key feature of public expenditure management and is progressed in a number of ways including through regular engagement across Departments on cross cutting issues and through the public service reform programme.
The promotion of innovation may be seen within the overall context of budgetary reform through a range of initiatives including:
• Performance Budgeting;
• Equality Budgeting;
• Green Budgeting
• Well-being framework; and
• The Spending Review Process.
Together, these reforms aim to provide a more comprehensive insight into how public services are supporting society. They consider not only how and where the money is spent but also the impact of public expenditure across different cohorts of society. They work in tandem with broader initiatives, such as the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, to develop capacity and enhance the role of economics and value for money analysis in public policy making.
In terms of innovation initiatives as a standalone objective, the current framework for public service transformation is contained within Better Public Services, which builds on earlier reforms by my Department. The core of the Strategy is made up of three themes;
[1] Digital innovation at scale,
[2] Workforce and organisation of the future; and
[3]Evidence informed policies and services designed for and with the public.
Making progress under these themes will support sectoral level reform programmes already underway in the Public Service and build on recent successes in the area of innovation across the Public Service.
Since its launch in May of this year, there have already been important cross-organisational initiatives established to drive digital innovation at scale, including Ireland’s ambitious ‘Life Events’ programme. This programme aims to deliver seamless end-to-end services, designed with and for our customers in a manner that ensures that key certificates and credentials are available digitally at all of our fingertips.
In November 2020, my Department published the Public Service Innovation Strategy, ‘Making Innovation Real’. My Department has since then assisted Public Service organisations in setting their own innovation goals and actions.
The Public Service Innovation Advisory Board was established in November 2021. The role of the board is to provide best practice, learnings and recommendations on driving innovation across the public service.
Finally, in 2023, the Public Service Innovation Fund allocated €750,000 to support 18 innovative projects in areas of Digital Transformation, Citizen Support Innovation, Green and Sustainable Initiatives. Since its establishment in 2019, the fund has supported around 100 projects.
58. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the steps he is taking to reduce the over reliance of the public sector on private consultants making particular reference to the requirement of public bodies to report consultancy fees in their annual financial statement under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52369/23]
View answerWith regard to the availability of necessary expertise within the Public Service, I would make the point that Better Public Services 2030, which is the Government’s Public Service Transformation Strategy, includes Workforce of the Future as one of its three pillars. This reflects a strong commitment to growing capability across the Public Service to ensure that our workforce has the skills to meet future demands. In prioritising upskilling and reskilling as a key action in Better Public Services 2030, we can ensure that specialist expertise is developed and shared across the sector to provide organisations with the capacity to deliver better outcomes through expert-led research and analysis.
Turning to the use of private consultants by public bodies, Public Financial Procedures, the State’s guide to financial management, stipulates in Section D2.39 that “Consultancy services or external support should only be availed of where the expert skills or capabilities are not available within the Government Department or Public Body contracting the service or where an external review is required by an outside body such as, for example, the EU Commission.” In line with Public Financial Procedures and Public Procurement Guidelines, it is the responsibility of all public bodies to ensure that they have effective financial management, public procurement and risk management processes in place. This applies to all areas of public spending, including in respect of consulting contracts.
In the case of my own Department, external consultancy is only used where the necessary expertise is not available within the Department. In addition, every effort is made to limit the costs that arise, with approval at senior level required for the engagement of consultancy, and to ensure that skills transfer to the staff of the Department is part of the engagement with the supplier.
59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which his Department continues to identify, isolate and confront delays in the delivery of various services such as housing, health services and educational needs, with a view to ensuring a smooth transition of procedures in order to facilitate the meeting of the various needs on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52295/23]
View answerThe mission of my Department, as set out in its Statement of Strategy 2023-25, is to drive the delivery of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for the people of Ireland. In this context, my Department works closely with all Departments in seeking to enable and support them in the delivery of better public services, including in the implementation of Better Public Services 2030, which is the Government’s Public Service Transformation Strategy. As set out in Estimates 2024, the Government continues to prioritise and make very significant investment in the key areas of housing, health and education. The Deputy will be aware that Parliamentary Questions regarding the delivery of services in those sectors should be addressed to the relevant Ministers.
60. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress his Department as co-chair has made in implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. [49686/23]
View answerIreland is expected to receive €914m in grants over the lifetime of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). In order to access this funding, Ireland has developed the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The RRF is a performance-based instrument with payment contingent on the satisfactory achievement of milestones and targets. The NRRP is based on sixteen investment projects and nine reform measures and their associated 109 milestones and targets covering the following priorities:
• Priority 1: Advancing the Green Transition;
• Priority 2: Accelerating and Expanding Digital Reforms and Transformation; and
• Priority 3: Social and Economic Recovery and Job Creation
The NRRP is overseen by an Implementing Body in my Department who report to me on progress. I then report to the Cabinet Committee on the Economy and Investment, as necessary and to Government every six months on progress on the implementation of milestones and targets relating to both investments and reforms in the NRRP and Ireland's drawdown of RRF funds.
A Delivery Committee chaired at a senior level (Assistant Secretary) by my Department and deputy co-chaired by the Departments of Taoiseach and Finance meets at least quarterly. Its role is to maintain oversight of implementation of the plan, and address issues as they arise.
While the Implementing Body and Delivery Committee monitor the implementation of the Plan and are responsible for exchanges with the EU institutions, responsibility for implementing the individual measures lies with the relevant Departments and bodies.
The delivery of the plan is well underway. Ireland’s first payment request was formally submitted on 7 September 2023. There are 41 milestones and targets with a value of €324m in this request. The payment request is currently undergoing detailed assessment by the Commission and, following this, by other Member States through the Economic Policy (EPC) and the Economic and Financial (EFC) committees of ECOFIN.
