Written Answers Nos. 376-398
376. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how the proceeds of the carbon tax are spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56346/23]
View answer
As per Sections 27, 28 & 29 of the Finance Act 2020, the carbon tax increased by €7.50 a tonne as part of Budget 2024. The increase on transport fuels was effective from 11 October 2023, while the increase on home heating fuels will not take place until 1 May 2024.
In the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, the Government committed to ring-fence all revenues raised from the increase in carbon tax rates for the period out to 2030, estimated to be €9.5 billion, and to allocate these amounts to:
• Ensure that the increases in the carbon tax are progressive by spending €3 billion on targeted social welfare and other initiatives to prevent fuel poverty and ensure a just transition;
• Provide €5 billion to part fund a socially progressive national retrofitting programme;
• Allocate €1.5bn of funding to encourage and incentivise farmers to farm in a greener and more sustainable way.
• From Budget 2021 to date, all additional funding estimated to have been raised from the increases in the carbon tax has been allocated in full to Departments in line with these commitments on an annual basis. €788 million was allocated as part of Budget 2024 to climate action measures, to sustainable farming, and to ensure the most vulnerable are protected from unintended impacts of the tax increase. This represents an increase of €165 million on the amount funded from the Carbon Tax increases in 2023.
• Further details of these allocations are provided in ‘The Use of Carbon Tax Funds’ papers published annually on Budget Day, which are available to download on www.gov.ie .
• The Revised Estimates for the Public Service (REV) 2024 will contain further detail on the subhead level allocations to relevant programmes at Appendix 9. This is available at www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/
377. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is aware of the concerns expressed by an organisation (details supplied) of a threat to a discontinuation of a pay/pension parity between retired members and serving gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56393/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for public service pension policy, including in relation to pension increases in the public service.
As the Deputy may be aware, a frequently used method of post-retirement pension adjustment for retirees' public service pension schemes is known as ‘pay parity’. This method of pension adjustment was agreed by Government in 2017 to be used in relation to pre-existing (pre-2013) public service pension schemes. This was in the context of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020, and was extended under the successor pay agreement, Building Momentum 2021-2023, which expired at the end of 2023.
Pensions in payment under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme do not use this method, and are adjusted in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as provided for under section 40 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
Under the policy of pay parity, general round pay increases are passed on to pensions awarded under pre-existing public service schemes (pre-2013 pension schemes). Where applicable, salary increases awarded to serving public servants will be passed through to the pensions of those persons who have retired on an equivalent grade and pay scale point.
Negotiations are currently ongoing in relation to the successor to the Building Momentum agreement. These public service pay talks are attended by Trade Unions and Staff Representative Associations, who represent current public service employees.
While I have overall responsibility for pension increase policy, responsibility for implementing pension increases, where they fall due, rests with individual public service bodies and their associated pension administrator.
378. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW has received a request from Cork County Council for funding to carry out flood prevention measures in Castlemartyr in east Cork; if he will support such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56396/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) acknowledges the devastating impact flooding has for home owners, businesses and communities.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management or CFRAM Programme, the largest study of flood risk, was completed by the OPW in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two thirds of the population against their risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. The key output from this study was the Flood Risk Management Plans. These 2018 Plans are providing the evidence for a proactive approach for designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at risk communities.
It is not possible to progress all 150 flood relief schemes identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans simultaneously, due to the constraint of the availability of the professional and specialised engineering skills required to design and construct flood relief schemes. While the prioritised approach to delivering schemes means that work is complete or underway to protect some 80% of all at risk properties, nationally, the flood relief project for Castlemartyr is not in the first tranche of projects being progressed nationally. However the funding for this scheme is available.
The OPW is currently trialling a new delivery model towards a more efficient means of delivering all 50 schemes in the second tranche of schemes. Once consultants are appointed to progress this scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the scheme.
Local Authorities are responsible for investigating and addressing localised flooding issues in their area. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications by local authorities for localised flood mitigation measures are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/ .
In July 2018, Cork County Council submitted an application under this scheme for river cleaning works upstream and downstream of Castlemartyr bridge. However, the OPW indicated that the application would not be successful for funding at that time as the works would compromise the major flood relief scheme. Cork County Council has confirmed that it is reviewing its original application, in light of the recent devastating flooding from Storm Babet, and I understand the Council intends to submit an updated application to the OPW for Castlemartyr Village. This application once received will be considered by the OPW and discussed with Cork County Council in relation to the linkages of any proposed minor works with a flood relief scheme for the town.
379. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the attention of the OPW has been drawn to a possible bequest to the State of a property with a view to securing the property for cultural and heritage use (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56534/23]
View answerMy officials have advised me that property in question has been the subject of correspondence between the executor of Mr. Tim Robinson’s will and the OPW. I have asked my officials to look into this matter and revert to you directly.
380. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he supports the retention of the pay/pension parity link for gardaí and other public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56766/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for public service pension policy, including in relation to pension increases in the public service.
As the Deputy may be aware, a frequently used method of post-retirement pension adjustment for retirees public service pension schemes is known as ‘pay parity’. This method of pension adjustment was agreed by Government in 2017 to be used in relation to pre-existing (pre-2013) public service pension schemes. This was in the context of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020, and was extended under the successor pay agreement, Building Momentum 2021-2023, which expired at the end of 2023.
Pensions in payment under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme do not use this method, and are adjusted in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as provided for under section 40 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
Under the policy of pay parity, general round pay increases are passed on to pensions awarded under pre-existing public service schemes (pre-2013 pension schemes). Where applicable, salary increases awarded to serving public servants will be passed through to the pensions of those persons who have retired on an equivalent grade and pay scale point.
Negotiations are currently ongoing in relation to the successor to the Building Momentum agreement. These public service pay talks are attended by Trade Unions and Staff Representative Associations, who represent current public service employees.
While I have overall responsibility for pension increase policy, responsibility for implementing pension increases, where they fall due, rests with individual public service bodies and their associated pension administrator.
381. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a full list of heritage sites maintained by the OPW that have guided visitor experiences, in tabular form; the cost to the Exchequer of providing the visitor experiences free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56817/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating the country’s most important heritage sites. The mission of OPW Heritage Services is to conserve and protect the nation’s built heritage in our care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with our Nation's heritage.
The Office of Public Works receives funding through the Oireachtas to fund the staff, operational, maintenance and capital costs of caring for our National Heritage portfolio.
The OPW charges admission fees to virtually all sites where visitor services are provided i.e. sites that are staffed with a Guide service either year-round or seasonally. Free admission is offered at Sceilg Michíl UNESCO World Heritage Property, however, private boat operators provide access to the island and visitors pay the service providers directly. Free admission may be offered on occasion where part of an OPW site is closed for maintenance or for conservation works.
As such, there is no appreciable cost to the exchequer through loss of income from the provision of free admission in these limited instances.
Separately, the OPW cares for 780 National Monuments nationwide and there are a number of un-staffed monument sites across the country that are free to access by the public.
The 2022 income per site location is provided in tabular form below. Information on OPW sites which offer guided services is attached and set out in tabular form with the correlating admission charges.
|
Site |
County |
2022 € |
|
Ennis Friary |
Clare |
€30,380.00 |
|
Annes Grove |
Cork |
€16,323.00 |
|
Charles Fort |
Cork |
€275,150.00 |
|
Doneraile Estate |
Cork |
- |
|
Garinish Island |
Cork |
€196,019.00 |
|
Donegal Castle |
Donegal |
€154,664.00 |
|
Glebe House and Gallery |
Donegal |
€11,480.00 |
|
Casino Marino |
Dublin |
- |
|
Custom House |
Dublin |
€14,646.00 |
|
Dublin Castle |
Dublin |
€1,905,988.00 |
|
Farmleigh |
Dublin |
€32,890.00 |
|
Kilmainham Gaol |
Dublin |
€1,447,650.00 |
|
National Botanic Gardens |
Dublin |
€8,920.00 |
|
Rathfarnham Castle |
Dublin |
€5,449.00 |
|
Athenry Castle |
Galway |
€20,705.00 |
|
Aughnanure Castle |
Galway |
€65,068.00 |
|
Dun Aonghasa |
Galway |
€336,135.00 |
|
Pearse's Cottage |
Galway |
€17,147.00 |
|
Portumna Castle |
Galway |
€49,086.00 |
|
Ardfert Cathedral |
Kerry |
€10,967.00 |
|
Blasket Centre |
Kerry |
€86,237.00 |
|
Derrynane House |
Kerry |
€47,228.00 |
|
Ross Castle |
Kerry |
€105,726.00 |
|
Castletown House |
Kildare |
€71,034.00 |
|
Jerpoint Abbey |
Kilkenny |
€55,166.00 |
|
Kilkenny Castle |
Kilkenny |
€1,447,068.00 |
|
Parke's Castle |
Leitrim |
€37,023.00 |
|
Mellifont Abbey |
Louth |
€2,403.00 |
|
Ceide Fields |
Mayo |
€54,841.00 |
|
Battle of the Boyne |
Meath |
€7,843.00 |
|
Bru na Boinne |
Meath |
€1,056,439.00 |
|
Trim Castle |
Meath |
€101,384.00 |
|
Clonmacnoise |
Offaly |
€502,206.00 |
|
Boyle Abbey |
Roscommon |
€14,320.00 |
|
Carrowmore |
Sligo |
€84,761.00 |
|
Sligo Abbey |
Sligo |
- |
|
Cahir Castle |
Tipperary |
€218,340.00 |
|
Ormond Castle |
Tipperary |
€8,414.00 |
|
Rock of Cashel |
Tipperary |
€1,516,669.00 |
|
Swiss Cottage |
Tipperary |
- |
|
Reginald's Tower |
Waterford |
- |
|
J F Kennedy Arboretum |
Wexford |
€88,775.00 |
|
Tintern Abbey |
Wexford |
€43,908.00 |
|
Glendalough Visitor Centre |
Wicklow |
€151,418.00 |
|
Total |
€10,299,870.00 |
Where “Nil” return is recorded, this refers to sites where no income was received, due to closures while site works were being carried out.
Below is a list of OPW Heritage Sites which provide a guided service, and the correlating admission fee
382. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the exact reason for the delay in resolving the issue regarding post-1995 retired Garda members having to apply for jobseeker’s benefit to access their pension entitlements, given it is affecting a large number of Garda members at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56834/23]
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.
Under the current rules pertaining to supplementary pensions, individuals are required to engage with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to exhaust their Social Insurance entitlements in order to qualify for the payment of an occupational supplementary pension. The rules surrounding qualifying for a Social Insurance benefit are a matter for the DSP.
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. This is a complex matter which is under active consideration.
383. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if any decision has been made or if any discussions have taken place with his Department that would see the current linkage between the salaries of serving members of An Garda Síochána and retired members being altered in any way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56855/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for public service pension policy, including in relation to pension increases in the public service.
As the Deputy may be aware, a frequently used method of post-retirement pension adjustment for retirees public service pension schemes is known as ‘pay parity’. This method of pension adjustment was agreed by Government in 2017 to be used in relation to pre-existing (pre-2013) public service pension schemes. This was in the context of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020, and was extended under the successor pay agreement, Building Momentum 2021-2023, which expired at the end of 2023.
Pensions in payment under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme do not use this method, and are adjusted in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as provided for under section 40 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
Under the policy of pay parity, general round pay increases are passed on to pensions awarded under pre-existing public service schemes (pre-2013 pension schemes). Where applicable, salary increases awarded to serving public servants will be passed through to the pensions of those persons who have retired on an equivalent grade and pay scale point.
Negotiations are currently ongoing in relation to the successor to the Building Momentum agreement. These public service pay talks are attended by Trade Unions and Staff Representative Associations, who represent current public service employees.
While I have overall responsibility for pension increase policy, responsibility for implementing pension increases, where they fall due, rests with individual public service bodies and their associated pension administrator.
384. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will list the ongoing research commissioned under the remit of his Department through the North-South Ministerial Council, Shared Island Initiative or through other all-island arrangements; if he will outline the research that has been completed; the date of publication of the research since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56919/23]
View answerMy Department has not commissioned any research through the North South Ministerial Council, Shared Island Initiative or other all-island arrangements since its establishment in 2011. My Department is co-sponsor, together with the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland, of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), a North South Implementation Body established under the Good Friday Agreement to advise on and manage EU co-funded cross-border PEACE and INTERREG programmes. In its capacity as Managing Authority for these programmes, SEUPB from time to time commissions research for the purposes of informing the development and evaluation of the PEACE and INTERREG programmes, most recently for the PEACEPLUS programme for the 2021-2027 period.
The SEUPB website, at www.seupb.eu, provides information on the PEACEPLUS programme as well as evaluations on the implementation and impact of previous programmes. In addition, the SEUPB recently launched the Peace Programmes Learning Platform to act as a unique living archive for key records relating to present and past iterations of the EU programmes it manages. The Platform is accessible at www.peaceplatform.seupb.eu/en/.
385. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will engage with representatives from an organisation (details supplied) during talks on the Building Momentum Agreement for pension parity between existing and retired members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56962/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for public service pension policy, including in relation to pension increases in the public service.
As the Deputy may be aware, a frequently used method of post-retirement pension adjustment for retirees public service pension schemes is known as ‘pay parity’. This method of pension adjustment was agreed by Government in 2017 to be used in relation to pre-existing (pre-2013) public service pension schemes. This was in the context of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020, and was extended under the successor pay agreement, Building Momentum 2021-2023, which expired at the end of 2023.
Pensions in payment under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme do not use this method, and are adjusted in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as provided for under section 40 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
Under the policy of pay parity, general round pay increases are passed on to pensions awarded under pre-existing public service schemes (pre-2013 pension schemes). Where applicable, salary increases awarded to serving public servants will be passed through to the pensions of those persons who have retired on an equivalent grade and pay scale point.
Confidential negotiations are currently ongoing in relation to the successor to the Building Momentum agreement. These public service pay talks are attended by Trade Unions and Staff Representative Associations, who represent current public service employees.
While I have overall responsibility for pension increase policy, responsibility for implementing pension increases, where they fall due, rests with individual public service bodies and their associated pension administrator.
386. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to address concerns arising from the discontinuation of the pay/pension parity link that will severely impact serving members of An Garda Síochána; if he will consider maintaining this precedent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57163/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for public service pension policy, including in relation to pension increases in the public service.
As the Deputy may be aware, a frequently used method of post-retirement pension adjustment for retirees public service pension schemes is known as ‘pay parity’. This method of pension adjustment was agreed by Government in 2017 to be used in relation to pre-existing (pre-2013) public service pension schemes. This was in the context of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020, and was extended under the successor pay agreement, Building Momentum 2021-2023, which expired at the end of 2023.
Pensions in payment under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme do not use this method, and are adjusted in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as provided for under section 40 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
Under the policy of pay parity, general round pay increases are passed on to pensions awarded under pre-existing public service schemes (pre-2013 pension schemes). Where applicable, salary increases awarded to serving public servants will be passed through to the pensions of those persons who have retired on an equivalent grade and pay scale point.
Negotiations are currently ongoing in relation to the successor to the Building Momentum agreement. These public service pay talks are attended by Trade Unions and Staff Representative Associations, who represent current public service employees.
While I have overall responsibility for pension increase policy, responsibility for implementing pension increases, where they fall due, rests with individual public service bodies and their associated pension administrator.
387. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the refurbishment of a Garda station (details supplied) what works will be undertaken; the timeline for their commencement and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57194/23]
View answerI have asked my officials in the OPW to look into this matter and I have been advised that they will response directly to the Deputy this week
388. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress update on the Greystones Coast Guard station; when the tender process will be completed; the timeline for construction and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57195/23]
View answerI have asked my officials in the OPW to look into this matter and I have been advised that they will response directly to the Deputy this week
389. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide a schedule of the personal and or person-specific data sets his Department holds that have been provided and/or shared with other Departments and/or Ministers and/or State bodies and/or agencies and/or local authorities in the past 20 years to date; if he will clarify if the transfer of data and/or records was in aggregated form or on an individual basis; and the reason the data and/or records were provided. [57216/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to her in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 51(1)(b).
390. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what progress has been made on reviewing the criteria of qualification for the occupational supplementary pension in relation to allowing part-time work in addition to a pro-rata pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57225/23]
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.
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 would exclude a retired public servant from the payment of the full value of the occupational supplementary pension, though the individual may qualify for a partial occupational supplementary pension on a pro-rata basis.
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 Job seeker’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.
391. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if, in line with Action 75 of the Autism Committee’s Final Report, he has plans to undertake a review of public sector recruitment and employment practices to ensure that they are autism-friendly; and the estimated first- and full-year cost, respectively, of implementing this proposal. [57264/23]
View answer392. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if, in line with Action 77 of the Autism Committee’s Final Report, he has plans to ensure that all environments where public employment processes are undertaken (interview offices, examination rooms, waiting rooms, and so on) are autism-friendly; and the estimated first- and full-year cost, respectively, of implementing this proposal. [57266/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 392 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, the responsibility for recruitment in each sector of the Public Service is a matter for the relevant Minister. In the case of recruitment to the Civil Service, for which I have policy responsibility, the Public Appointments Service (PAS), which is the centralised provider of recruitment, assessment and selection services across the Civil and Public Service, recently carried out an internal review of their practices and procedures from a diversity perspective at a cost of approximately €15,000.
There have been a number of improvements since this review, including an increase in the range of reasonable accommodations provided to candidates with autism at interview stage, when permission for sharing this information with the board is given by candidates. PAS has also developed a number of modules on topics such as Disability Awareness and Unconscious Bias which are taken by all individuals interviewing for PAS. PAS inform me that these modules have also been made available to all of their Public Sector clients to share with their interviewers as a way to educate individuals in these critical areas, promote best practice and ensure equality of opportunity for all.
In addition to the above review a recent project, funded from the Public Service Innovation Fund and headed by PAS, commissioned a review of the assignment and onboarding stage of the recruitment process for disabled candidates, including neurodivergent candidates. Colleagues from my Department, disabled employees, disability advocacy groups, local civil service recruitment teams, and PAS recruitment teams are collaborating to co-design a blueprint with recommendations for a more inclusive process for these candidates. The cost of this work to date has been €61,000.
PAS is also committed to ensuring that all candidates have an equitable opportunity to access employment in the civil and public sector and to delivering on Actions 8.2 to 8.4 in the national Autism Innovation strategy regarding the collection of relevant data to monitor progress.
In relation to the environment in which recruitment processes are run, PAS have recently completed a refurbishment of their offices in Chapter House. In advance of the refurbishment PAS consulted with AsIAm to get advice on what was required for an autism-friendly interview room. Their advice informed the allocation of 3 autism friendly interview rooms, a sensory room that candidates with autism can utilise and both public waiting areas and individual rooms for candidates to wait in. There is some additional work required to fully complete these rooms and PAS will be seeking expert advice to ensure that they are completed to the required standard.
More generally, my Department is committed to reviewing and enhancing policies, processes and structures that promote better inclusion for disabled employees and are considering the relevant recommendations of Autism Committee’s Final Report in this regard.
393. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason the widows and orphans/spouses and children's superannuation scheme is compulsory within the civil service, yet is optional in public sector organisations such as the HSE; his plans to make this optional within the civil service for staff without dependents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57389/23]
View answerAs you may be aware, I have overall policy responsibility in relation to public service occupational pension schemes. However, specific sectoral pension schemes in the wider public service are a matter for the Minister of the parent Department for the body concerned, in this case the Minister for Health.
The specifics of some of the below material therefore relates to the history of the civil service Spouses' and Children's Scheme (S&C Scheme), for which I hold primary responsibility.
• When the ‘Original’ S&C Scheme (formerly named widows’ and orphans’ contributory pension scheme) was introduced for male civil servants in the late 1960's and for female civil servants in 1981, the beneficiaries were confined to the spouses and children of marriages that took place prior to the individual leaving public service employment.
• The Revised Spouses and Children’s Superannuation Scheme was introduced in 1984. Membership of this scheme is mandatory for anybody who joined the civil service as a new entrant after 1 September 1984.
Following each of these launches, membership of the applicable S&C Scheme was made optional for serving staff, but mandatory for new entrants.
Revised versions of the applicable S&C Schemes were also introduced from the mid-80s onwards in many parts of the public service, and membership was similarly mandatory for new entrants. The Local Government Employees (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, 1986 is an example of this.
The revised S&C Scheme is structured on a group insurance basis and the member contribution rates take account of the fact that payment of benefits will not arise in respect of all members. If each scheme member who did not derive a benefit from the S&C scheme were to be granted a refund of their S&C contributions, this would significantly undermine the financing of the scheme and potentially result in an inflated contribution falling on beneficiaries who do derive a benefit from the scheme. The nature of the scheme is such that it provides for contingent benefits.
The Revised Scheme which was introduced in agreement with staff interests, extended the benefits payable to include post-retirement marriages and also extended the children's benefit to include adoptive, post-retirement/resignation and non-marital children of the member.
Member contributions are compulsory under the Revised Scheme and there are no exemptions available based on marital or parental status. In certain circumstances where a member has in excess of 40 years' service, they are entitled to a refund in respect of the excess period only, starting with the initial contributions paid.
For members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (the Single Scheme), membership of a separate S&C Scheme attached to their main pension scheme is not applicable, as provision of survivor benefits is embedded in the main scheme and accounted for in the relevant contribution rates. Membership of the Single Scheme is mandatory for all new entrants to the public service since 2013 including HSE staff.
There are no plans to make membership of civil service S&C schemes, or the survivor benefits provisions in the Single Scheme, optional for civil service members.
394. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will source and release a survey (details supplied) for use on a project. [57399/23]
View answerEnnis Friary, founded by the O’Briens of Thomond who once ruled much of north Munster, dates to the early 13th century and is home to a unique collection of stone panel carvings dating to the 15th century.
Since care of the Friary was vested in the OPW in the late 19th century, concern has been expressed about the vulnerability of the stone carvings. Following the preparation and presentation of a conservation plan and extensive public consultation in 2009, the OPW drew up plans for maintaining the historic site and improving visitor access. The project commenced in 2010 with the analysis of the damaged and decayed carved stonework by a stone conservation specialist. The stonework was then removed to the National Monuments depot in Athenry for consolidation and repair.
The site of the 18th century church, which was built within the walls of the medieval nave, was chosen as the most appropriate location for the protection and presentation of these medieval sculptures.
Following essential conservation works, the design of the modern roof reflects the original profile of the church and its lightweight structure has a minimal impact on the original walls; the materials used externally match the fabric of the adjoining historic buildings. The medieval carved objects are mounted on display plinths accompanied by information panels; parts of the McMahon or Royal Tomb form some of this display.
Further medieval fragments were incorporated in the display as they were conserved. The visitor to Ennis Friary can also see the sacristy, an impressive structure with ribbed, barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Work to Ennis Friary was completed in 2012 and reopened to the public on Monday 18th June, 2012.
Please find attached the following pdf drawings in relation to Ennis. There is a dedicated conservation team with responsibility for the technical conservation of Ennis Friary who will be happy to engage with you. Please contact Ursula Jennings by email ursula.jennings@opw.ie or phone on 046 9423143 to make the necessary arrangements.
395. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to elaborate on his plans to discontinue the long-standing and well-established pay/pension parity link which retired members of An Garda Síochána share with their serving colleagues in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1041/24]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for public service pension policy, including in relation to pension increases in the public service.
As the Deputy may be aware, a frequently used method of post-retirement pension adjustment for retirees public service pension schemes is known as ‘pay parity’. This method of pension adjustment was agreed by Government in 2017 to be used in relation to pre-existing (pre-2013) public service pension schemes. This was in the context of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020, and was extended under the successor pay agreement, Building Momentum 2021-2023, which expired at the end of 2023.
Pensions in payment under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme do not use this method, and are adjusted in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as provided for under section 40 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
Under the policy of pay parity, general round pay increases are passed on to pensions awarded under pre-existing public service schemes (pre-2013 pension schemes). Where applicable, salary increases awarded to serving public servants will be passed through to the pensions of those persons who have retired on an equivalent grade and pay scale point.
Confidential negotiations are currently ongoing in relation to the successor to the Building Momentum agreement. These public service pay talks are attended by Trade Unions and Staff Representative Associations, who represent current public service employees.
While I have overall responsibility for pension increase policy, responsibility for implementing pension increases, where they fall due, rests with individual public service bodies and their associated pension administrator.
396. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the date on which the OPW updated their vehicle details in 2021, 2022 and 2023 on the National Fleet Database.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1072/24]
View answerIt is my understanding that the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) has launched a new National Fleet Database (NFD) that will contain the insurance details and licence plate numbers for all commercial fleet and motor trade vehicles on Irish roads.
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has confirmed to the OPW that there is no requirement for the OPW to update the National Fleet Database as its vehicles are covered under State indemnity and do not purchase commercial insurance for its vehicles.
397. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if each heritage site under the OPW and has at least one floor for public viewings within that site has a lift for public use to get to each floor of that site. [1079/24]
View answerMy officials are currently evaluating each Heritage Site regarding lifts for public use to get to each floor for public viewing. Once the information has been collated I will respond directly to the Deputy
398. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if it is intended to retain the link between current salary increases for serving members of An Garda Síochána and retired members; whether breaking this link is on the agenda for the present round of public service pay talks; if so, if it is intended to have representatives of retired members participating in these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1188/24]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for public service pension policy, including in relation to pension increases in the public service.
As the Deputy may be aware, a frequently used method of post-retirement pension adjustment for retirees public service pension schemes is known as ‘pay parity’. This method of pension adjustment was agreed by Government in 2017 to be used in relation to pre-existing (pre-2013) public service pension schemes. This was in the context of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020, and was extended under the successor pay agreement, Building Momentum 2021-2023, which expired at the end of 2023.
Pensions in payment under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme do not use this method, and are adjusted in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as provided for under section 40 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
Under the policy of pay parity, general round pay increases are passed on to pensions awarded under pre-existing public service schemes (pre-2013 pension schemes). Where applicable, salary increases awarded to serving public servants will be passed through to the pensions of those persons who have retired on an equivalent grade and pay scale point.
Confidential negotiations are currently ongoing in relation to the successor to the Building Momentum agreement. These public service pay talks are attended by Trade Unions and Staff Representative Associations, who represent current public service employees.
While I have overall responsibility for pension increase policy, responsibility for implementing pension increases, where they fall due, rests with individual public service bodies and their associated pension administrator.
