Written Answers Nos. 250-267
250. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of residential units subject to the 10% rate of stamp duty with respect to the acquisition of certain residential property where a person acquires at least ten such units during a 12-month period, disaggregated by county in which the property was located, in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. [19509/24]
View answer251. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of residential units subject to the 10% rate of stamp duty with respect to the acquisition of certain residential property where a person acquires at least ten such units during a 12-month period; the total number of purchasers; and the total value of stamp duty paid, in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. [19512/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 251 together.
The application of the 10% rate of stamp duty to certain acquisitions of residential property is provided for in section 31E of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999, as introduced in 2021.
In relation to Parliamentary Question 19512/24, I am advised by Revenue that, based on the latest available returns for the period since the commencement of the Section, the available information for 2021, 2022 and 2023, is as shown in the table below. A breakdown of properties subject to the 10% rate in 2024 is not available at this time. This is due to the low number (less than 10) of purchasers subject to the 10% rate in 2024 to date. The data in the table is provisional and may change as additional returns are filed or amended.
|
Stamp Duty Section 31E |
10% Duty payable (€m) |
Number of Purchasers* |
Number of Properties |
|
2021 |
4.7 |
17 |
188 |
|
2022 |
14.3 |
15 |
395 |
|
2023 |
22.1 |
16 |
623 |
*Where an entity purchases multiple properties on multiple stamp duty returns in a year, they are counted once only.
In relation to Parliamentary Question 19509/24, the information has been aggregated for the relevant years (2021-2023) and for counties with low numbers of properties to protect taxpayer confidentiality. A breakdown of properties subject to the 10% rate in 2024 is not available at this time. This is due to the low number (less than 10) of purchasers subject to the 10% rate in 2024 to date. The data in the table are provisional and may change as additional returns are filed or amended.
|
Stamp Duty Section 31E - County |
Number of properties |
|
Dublin |
696 |
|
Cork |
172 |
|
Carlow |
64 |
|
Kildare |
56 |
|
Meath |
55 |
|
Wicklow |
52 |
|
Offaly |
23 |
|
Roscommon |
19 |
252. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of residents per county who accessed the voluntary homeowner’s relocation scheme for people whose houses flooded in 2015; if the scheme is currently open to people impacted by more recent floods and if not, if he plans to re-open it. [18746/24]
View answerThe Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme was introduced by the Government in 2017 to address the very serious flooding of those homes that flooded in the Winter of 2015/16, including those homes flooded by turloughs.
To be eligible for assistance under this once-off Scheme, a homeowner had to meet a number of conditions, including that floodwater entered and damaged the building during or as a result of flooding during relevant dates such as to render it uninhabitable and that there is no viable engineering solution that could protect the building from future flooding.
Under this national Scheme, a total of 174 potentially eligible homes were identified to the OPW in two ways, either by the local authorities or through direct expressions of interest from homeowners. At all times, participation in the Scheme has been voluntary for homeowners. Through follow-up meetings with the homeowners and both desk-based and engineering assessments, approximately half of those homeowners either were not interested in engaging with the Scheme or did not meet the Scheme criteria.
Some homeowners identified as being potentially eligible will benefit from engineering solutions that will protect their homes from future flooding. The OPW and the Local Authorities identified 33 homeowners who would otherwise be eligible for relocation who will benefit from inclusion in planned flood relief schemes and Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme projects. In addition to these projects, an important element of the administrative arrangements of the relocation Scheme was the establishment of a unique and once-off scheme of remedial works for identified engineering solutions for eligible homes for which there is no other funding source. To date, remedial works have been identified to protect some 15 homes from future flooding and work is continuing to explore possible engineering solutions for a further 4 homes.
Where an engineering solution is not feasible, based on best available information at the time of each decision, the OPW offers financial assistance towards relocation to a replacement home, equivalent to the cost to the relevant local authority, on a like for like basis.
To date, 29 homeowners have received formal offers of financial assistance for relocation. Of these, 20 homeowners have now completed the process, which has enabled them to relocate and purchase or build a replacement home under the Scheme. The remaining homeowners who have received formal offers of financial assistance are at various stages in progressing through the Scheme for relocation. There are no proposals to amend the Scheme at this time.
The overall number of homes in the scheme is relatively low which presents a risk that individual homeowners could be identified by providing data at local authority level. For that reason, it is not possible to provide figures at local authority level as requested by the Deputy.
253. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total number of copper communication lines within his Department that are currently in active operation and for which his Department is paying for on a monthly basis, inclusive of ISDN, PTSN and copper-based lease lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18842/24]
View answerThe Data and Telephony, which is voice over IP (VOIP), communication lines for the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Delivery Plan and Reform are fibre optic communication lines. There are a number of copper communication lines within my Department for facility related services, these facility services are provided by the Department of Finance as a shared arrangement and the Department of Finance are responsible for the monthly payments for these lines.
254. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the steps his Department is taking to create a more robust enforcement and implementation of the Protected Disclosures Amendment Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18957/24]
View answerLegislation to protect workers who raise concerns about wrongdoing in the workplace has been in place in Ireland for some time and this year will mark ten years since the Protected Disclosures Act was enacted in 2014. This legislation was further enhanced by the Protected Disclosures Amendment Act 2022 (the 2022 Act) which commenced in full on 1 January 2023.
The 2022 Act broadens the scope of those who can report wrongdoing beyond employees to include volunteers, shareholders, trainees, board members and job applicants. It also imposes new requirements on employers as regards the operation of formal whistleblowing channels.
It also provides for the establishment of the new dedicated Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner, which began operations in January 2023. To help to ensure reports are heard by those best suited to act upon them, the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner is there to help workers to direct reports of wrongdoing to the most suited regulatory body as well as having the power to investigate reports of wrongdoing if no suitable body can be found.
In addition, free, independent, advice on making a protected disclosure and on workers’ rights and protections under the Act is available from Transparency International Ireland’s Speak Up Helpline. This is an initiative supported by grant funding from my Department.
Statutory Guidance for public bodies was revised in November 2023 to assist leaders and managers in understanding their own requirements under the 2022 Act; in improving their internal processes in handling reports of wrongdoing; and in supporting the workers that make such reports.
This guidance also includes template procedures for organisations to consider when developing their own internal procedures and policies. While this guidance is to inform public bodies, it also contains information on best practices in the area and on legal requirements that will be beneficial to private sector organisations.
In 2017 my Department established a Protected Disclosures Advisory Group which comprises protected disclosures managers from all Government Departments and a range of public bodies and prescribed persons that handle large numbers of disclosures. The group meets regularly to discuss and promote best practice and raise awareness of any challenges arising from implementation of the 2022 Act.
My Department also facilitates regular Protected Disclosures training.
255. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to clearly outline which grades of employment are allowed to run in local government elections and which grades are prohibited from running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18960/24]
View answerI would like to highlight the provisions of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour ('the Code') (part 2, sections 5.1 to 5.4 – ‘Civil Servants and Politics’) which states that:
Civil servants above clerical level cannot stand for local election. Civil servants in clerical grades and certain non-industrial civil servants are free to engage in politics and may stand for local election. Eligible civil servants are expected to apply to their Department/Office for permission to engage in politics and may, at the discretion of their Department/Office, have their application refused where any conflict of interest is identified.
The Code forms part of the terms of employment of all civil servants, who are expected to adhere to it at all times. The Code is available at prod-g2g-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/Civil-Service-Code-of-Standards-and-Behaviour_1.pdf
Additionally, I would also like to highlight Section 9 of Circular 9/2009 ‘Civil Servants and Political Activity’ which makes reference to the specific restrictions imposed on civil servants engaging in political activity in Local Elections. The circular containing these restrictions is available at circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/finance/2009/09.pdf
256. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to list all Acts and Statutory Instruments sponsored by his Department which became law from 20 February 2020 to date in 2024 and which were necessitated, either in whole or in part, to transpose or give effect to regulations, directives or other measures passed at European Union level. [19171/24]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department from 20 February 2020 to date is set out in the table below.
|
2020 |
S.I. No. 367/2020 - Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (Disclosure to Prescribed Persons) Order 2020 |
|
2021 |
S.I. No. 376/2021 - European Union (Open Data and Re-use of Public Sector Information) Regulations 2021 |
|
2022 |
S.I. No. 603/2022 - Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) Regulations 2022 |
|
2022 |
Act No. 27/2022 Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022 |
|
2023 |
S.I. No. 524/2023 Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (Disclosure to Prescribed Persons)(Amendment) Order 2023 |
|
2023 |
S.I. No. 681 of 2023 European Union (Financial and Compliance Checks) Regulations 2023 |
|
2023 |
S.I. No. 694 of 2023 European Union (Financial and Compliance Checks) (No.2) Regulations 2023 |
|
2023 |
S.I. No. 375/2023 European Union (Protection of Persons Who Report Breaches of Union Law) Regulations 2023 |
257. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a substantive reply has issued to email correspondence sent to his office from a person (details supplied) dated 18 April 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19178/24]
View answerThe Deputy should be made aware that my office received this correspondence on 18 April.
A reply to this person has been issued.
More generally, as the Deputy is aware, legislation to protect workers who raise concerns about wrongdoing in the workplace has been in place in Ireland for some time and this year will mark ten years since the Protected Disclosures Act was enacted in 2014. This legislation was further enhanced by the Protected Disclosures Amendment Act 2022 (the 2022 Act) which commenced in full on 1 January 2023.
The 2022 Act broadens the scope of those who can report wrongdoing beyond employees to include volunteers, shareholders, trainees, board members and job applicants. It also imposes new requirements on employers as regards the operation of formal whistleblowing channels.
It also provides for the establishment of the new dedicated Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner, which began operations in January 2023. To help ensure reports are heard by those best suited to act upon them, the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner is there to help workers to direct reports of wrongdoing to the most suited regulatory body as well as having the power to investigate reports of wrongdoing if no suitable body can be found.
In addition, free, independent, advice on making a protected disclosure and on workers’ rights and protections under the Act is available from Transparency International Ireland’s Speak Up Helpline. This is an initiative supported by grant funding from my Department.
Statutory Guidance for public bodies was revised in November 2023 to assist leaders and managers in understanding their own requirements under the 2022 Act; in improving their internal processes in handling reports of wrongdoing; and in supporting the workers that make such reports.
This guidance also includes template procedures for organisations to consider when developing their own internal procedures and policies. While this guidance is to inform public bodies, it also contains information on best practices in the area and on legal requirements that will be beneficial to private sector organisations.
In 2017 my Department established a Protected Disclosures Advisory Group which comprises protected disclosures managers from all Government Departments and a range of public bodies and prescribed persons that handle large numbers of disclosures. The group meets regularly to discuss and promote best practice and raise awareness of any challenges arising from implementation of the 2022 Act.
My Department also facilitates regular Protected Disclosures training.
258. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if all front-line workers are covered by the same criteria to qualify for the long-Covid payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19282/24]
View answerSince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Leave with Pay has been used in lieu of sick leave in the public service for self-isolation or a diagnosis of COVID-19 for all public service employees. It has been clear over this period, through the “Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19” document, that Special Leave with Pay is a temporary measure that is kept under regular review. Changes have been made to the arrangements over the course of the last number of years in line with changes to public health, Government guidance and the general return to the workplace.
Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 is not intended to replace sick leave in the Public Service, nor was it designed to address long COVID. Special leave with pay currently applies for the duration of the HSE recommended ‘stay at home period’ following a positive COVID-19 test result. This applies for the duration in place at the time of the absence, which is currently 5 calendar days.
Following this, if a Public Service employee remains unwell, they may avail of the provisions of the Public Service sick leave scheme, which is a form of paid leave for the Public Service. The Public Service Sick Leave scheme provides for the payment of the following to staff during periods of absence from work due to illness or injury:
• A maximum of 92 days on full pay in a rolling one-year period
• Followed by a maximum of 91 days on half pay in a rolling one-year period
• This is subject to an overall maximum of 183 days’ paid sick leave in a rolling four-year period.
There is potential for access to additional sick leave payment in certain circumstances, either in the form of Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration or under the Critical Illness Protocol, both of which are subject to defined limits. In all cases, access to these additional supports will be determined by local management, taking into consideration individual circumstances and a medical assessment by the relevant Occupational Health physician.
Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) can provide for extended sick leave available up to a maximum of double of that available under normal sick leave conditions before Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR) might be available. TRR may also be approved for an extended period of up 2 additional years reviewed at 6 monthly intervals.
All illnesses are treated equally under the Public Service Sick Leave Regulations and equity is a fundamental part of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.
Notwithstanding the above and recognising the specific circumstances that the HSE faced, a ring-fenced arrangement for a small cohort of healthcare employees unfit for work post COVID-19 infection, was introduced on a temporary basis in July 2022. This scheme, which provides for full pay, has been extended until 30 June 2024.
259. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his plans to reform legislation around the single public service pension scheme to allow fast accrual schemes such as for firefighters and gardaí to access a State pension when they retire in the same way as all other public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19321/24]
View answerThe Single Public Service Pension Scheme is a statutory Public Service Career-Average Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, established on 1 January 2013 under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The Single Scheme was established to place publicly-funded retirement benefits on a more sustainable footing in the context of longer life expectancies.
All new entrants to the public service, hired after 1 January 2013, are members of the Single Scheme.
Members of An Garda Síochána, firefighters, members of the Permanent Defence Force and Prison Officers are categorised as members of the ‘Uniformed Accrual’ cohort of Single Scheme members. The uniformed grades have certain enhanced benefits that other members of the Single Scheme do not have, in recognition of their earlier retirement age, such as accelerated pension benefits accrual and early payment of scheme benefits, compared with Standard Accrual members. This enables them to accrue more Single Scheme benefits over the expected shorter public service careers in these roles.
Once members of the ‘Uniformed Accrual’ cohort reach their normal retirement age, as provided for in Section 26 of the 2012 Act, they can retire at that earlier age and receive their occupational retirement benefits accrued at a higher rate, including their retirement lump-sum and the commencement of their pension benefit payments.
Government Policy is to facilitate longer active working lives, with the social welfare system continuing to provide a safety net for those who, for health or other reasons, are not in a position to work longer. Single Scheme pension benefits are integrated with the State Pension (Contributory) as members pay Class A PRSI.
In the period between a uniformed member's retirement and the State pension age of 66, they receive benefits under the Single Scheme. These benefits are separate, and in addition to any future entitlement that they may have to the State Pension (Contributory) administered by the Department of Social Protection.
Whilst Uniformed Accrual members have compulsory retirement ages lower than the State Pension (Contributory) retirement age, they are still able to work in other employment in the intervening period, while fully accessing their Single Scheme pension benefits (subject to abatement, where applicable). The Single Scheme does not provide for a ‘Supplementary Pension’ or any other mechanism to access additional State pension benefits, and my Department has no plans to amend the Single Scheme at this time.
260. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the first and full-year cost of applying a 10% increase to the amount spent under service level agreements and grant aid agreements with the community, voluntary, charity and social enterprise sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19349/24]
View answerThe community, voluntary, charity and social enterprise is a vibrant sector providing a wide range of services to citizens under service level agreements and grant in aid agreements across multiple Departments and agencies.
Due to the nature of its role, my Department does not directly provide services to the public. Hence, questions about specific aspects of service delivery, its related costs or your specific question regarding the cost of applying a 10% increase to the amount under the various agreements should be directed to the relevant Ministers.
261. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide the amount of grant-aid returned and or surrendered to his Department, by local authority in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, to include the heading of which it was intended for. [19366/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department had no grant-aid returned or surrendered in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, €50,000 grant-aid was returned to this Department by Limerick City and County Council under the Public Service Innovation Fund.
262. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of appointments made from the 2022 principal officer panel in 2024; the balance between internal and external appointments during the lifetime of this panel; the number of applicants remaining on the panel; the number of appointments he expects to be made before a new competition is initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19409/24]
View answerThe Public Appointments Service have informed me that 84 appointments have been made in total with 5 of those assigned in 2024. 92% were internal appointments and 8% external.
There are 51 remaining on panel. The Public Appointments Service advise that it is not possible to predict the number of appointments which will be made as this is dependent on receiving requests from clients.
263. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW will detail the amount of funding provided to a project (details supplied); the details of the scheme through which this funding was provided; where the promoters of similar projects can apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19444/24]
View answerOffice of Public works (OPW) was not involved in the provision of the new Patrickswell Community Centre, and did not provide funding for same.
During the construction phase of the Community Centre, OPW staff provided advice to the community group’s design team, specifically regarding the boundary treatment to the rear of their development. The new Community Centre shares a boundary with Patrickswell Garda Station, which is within the responsibility of OPW. OPW negotiated a solution to the boundary, to provide a concrete retaining wall for additional security and to adequately separate both sites. The cost of the boundary treatment upgrade was accepted by OPW, at a total cost of €60,797.95 inclusive of VAT and design team fees.
264. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a map (details supplied) prepared by the OPW is available; if so, where a copy of same can be obtained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19445/24]
View answerBetween 2002 and 2021, three separate flood relief schemes were designed and constructed in Ennis: the River Fergus (Ennis) Upper Certified Drainage Scheme, the River Fergus (Ennis) Lower Certified Drainage Scheme, and the River Fergus (Ennis South) Flood Relief Scheme. The Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme represents the final of three flood defence schemes throughout the town.
The Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme included the construction of new culverts at St Flannan’s and Ballybeg, pumpstation, sluices and attendant drainage requirements and sheetpiling along the old embankments at Clareabbey.
Under the auspices of the Scheme Climate Change Adaption Plan project for Ennis, the Office of Public Works is currently preparing to tender for the production of post-scheme mapping for Ennis that considers all three schemes in their entirety. A contract notice and request for tenders to undertake this work is due to be issued in the second half of this year.
265. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the funding allocated on an annual basis for flood relief schemes to Cavan County Council from 2019 to 2024 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19456/24]
View answerThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 for flood relief measures. In Budget 2024 the Office of Public Works, (OPW), was allocated just under €645 million of which approximately €140 million has been assigned for Climate Responsive Flood Risk Management which is sufficient to meet the current needs of this area.
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 stages to some 100 schemes at this time.
Cavan County Council is the lead authority in the delivery of Cavan Town Flood Relief Scheme. The Council is working in partnership with the OPW.
Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed to the scheme in May 2022. The development of Cavan Town Flood Relief Scheme is overseen by a project Steering Group with representatives meeting monthly typically from the OPW and Cavan County Council. There are five distinct, sequential and related stages in the scheme development. Aligned to the decision gateways of the Infrastructure Guidelines these are assessing the flood risk and identifying options; seeking planning consent, detailed design, construction and maintenance. Stage 1 of the project commenced in June 2022 and Cavan County Council and the OPW are currently reviewing a number of key deliverables produced by the consultant at the end of March 2024 and the consultant is progressing with hydraulic modelling.
Funding of some €0.8 million has been provided to Cavan County Council for this project since 2019. (see table below).
|
- |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
To date 2024 |
|
Cavan Town |
0 |
€49,000 |
€94,000 |
€146,000 |
€487,000 |
€2,000 |
In addition to the funding outlined above, since 2009, OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €463,302 to County Cavan for some 10 projects. The OPW welcome applications under this scheme and is happy to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
The table below details the approved funding to Cavan County Council for the years requested.
|
- |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Cavan Co. Co. |
0 |
€75,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short timeframe. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers, and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
Under the scheme, which is demand led, applications 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.
266. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the funding allocated on an annual basis for flood relief schemes to Monaghan County Council from 2019 to 2024 inclusive and if he will; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19457/24]
View answerThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 for flood relief measures. In Budget 2024 the Office of Public Works, (OPW), was allocated just under €645 million of which approximately €140 million has been assigned for Climate Responsive Flood Risk Management which is sufficient to meet the current needs of this area.
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 stages to some 100 schemes at this time.
There are three proposed Flood Relief Schemes identified for County Monaghan; Ballybay, Inishkeen and Monaghan, as part of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme was the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and culminated with the launch in 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which propose 118 new outline flood relief projects.
Given the highly specialised market for designing flood relief schemes it is not possible to progress all proposed new schemes at once. The proposed schemes in County Monaghan are not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed and the OPW continue to liaise with Monaghan County Council to ensure that the programme of flood relief projects identified for Monaghan is kept under review, and that all projects will be commenced within the timeframe for the National Development Plan.
A new delivery model for flood relief schemes is being piloted which will better inform the future scheme delivery which includes those for Co. Monaghan.
In the interim it is open to Monaghan County Council to make an application under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding.
This demand led scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council. The OPW welcome applications under this scheme and is happy to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
Since 2009, OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €2.5 million to County Monaghan for some 27 projects.
The table below details the approved funding under this scheme to Monaghan County Council for the years requested.
|
- |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Monaghan Co. Co. |
€500,000 |
0 |
€76,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
267. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 23 April 2024, if he will provide further information in relation to production staff for fish processing in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19195/24]
View answerThe occupation of Food Process Operative, which is the job category for workers involved in the processing of fish, is currently on the Ineligible Occupations List and, as such, employment permits cannot be granted for this occupation.
The outcome of the most recent review of the occupations lists for employment permits was announced last December. The review comprised a public consultation which was held over the summer of 2023. The final recommendations announced in December included changes to 43 roles. Although a submission to the review was received from the fish processing industry, the evidence provided was not deemed sufficient to merit its removal from the Ineligible Occupations List.
An occupation may be eligible for an employment permit where evidence supports that, for example, no suitable Irish/EEA nationals are available to undertake the work; development opportunities are not undermined; genuine skills shortages exist; and recruitment or retention issues are affected by factors other than salary and/or employment conditions.
The timing of the next Review of the Occupations Lists is under consideration. It will again, by way of a public consultation, provide stakeholders with the opportunity to make an evidence-based submission to support the request to change an occupation’s eligibility status.
