Written Answers Nos. 364-383
364. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether he proposes to make any changes to the public sector’s pensions scheme that prevents the payment of a spousal pension where the surviving person marries again or cohabits with a new partner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46267/24]
View answerThe Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has overall policy responsibility in relation to public service occupational pension schemes, including those relating to the Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme (where the terms ‘spouse’ also relates to those in a civil partnership) and for the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, which makes provision for survivor benefits within the main scheme itself. Specific sectoral pension schemes in the wider public service are generally a matter for the Minister of the parent Department for the body concerned.
While various schemes and provisions apply across the public service, these provisions generally disallow ongoing payment of a spousal pension in situations where the spouse of the member subsequently remarries or cohabits with a new partner.
As set out in S.I. No. 132/1977 - Civil Service Widows' and Children's Contributory Pension Scheme 1977 and the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, in the event that a payment has ceased on the grounds of remarriage or cohabitation it is possible to grant or regrant, as may be appropriate, the pension on compassionate grounds from a date not earlier than the date on which the relevant application is received by the Minister.
At this time no decision has been taken to change the existing terms of the public service Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme or provisions for survivor benefits.
365. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of companies that applied to the OPW for approval to hold commercial events in the Iveagh Gardens during summer 2025; and the number of those companies that progressed to stage two of the application. [46300/24]
View answerIn November 2024,the OPW publicly advertised for individuals, groups, organisations and event management/production companies to submit expressions of interest for the staging of cultural, musical, educational or heritage events in summer 2025, in the Iveagh Gardens.
One expression of interest was received before the deadline of 28th November 2024. This submission was assessed and deemed suitable to proceed to stage two of the process.
366. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the Garda stations within the Dublin Metropolitan Region that are scheduled to be refurbished by the OPW in the first half of 2025 where the value of these works is in excess of €100,000; and the nature of works that will be carried out, in tabular form. [46301/24]
View answerThe OPW require more time to collate the reply and will respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
367. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW will respond to a number of matters linked to the flooding in Killocrim, Listowel (details supplied). [46321/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended. The location concerned forms part of the Feale Catchment Drainage Scheme (CDS)
There is also a proposed Flood Relief Scheme identified for Listowel, County Kerry, which will be funded under the Government's flood risk investment programme of almost €1.3 billion under the National Development Plan to 2030.
While the proposed scheme in Listowel is not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed, the OPW continues to liaise closely with Kerry County Council to ensure that the programme of flood relief projects identified for Co. Kerry is kept under review, and that all projects will be commenced as soon as possible.
As advance works ahead of the Listowel scheme, the OPW approved funding of almost €1 million to Kerry County Council in November 2023 for flood relief works in Listowel. This funding has been used for flood defences to protect some 50 properties at risk from flooding in the Clieveragh area in Listowel.
The Office of Public Works who are carrying out these works by direct labour, commenced mobilisation and vegetation clearance in February, 2024. These works are nearing completion and will include when completed an over ground storm water attenuation pond at Curraghatoosane, a new open channel to convey the outflow from the pond to the Clieveragh watercourse, a box culvert, together with biodiversity enhancements that have also been included as part of the works.
In relation to flooding at Killocrim, Listowel and the matters raised, Kerry County Council have engaged consultants to do a factual event report which is programmed to be available by the end of this month. In the interim I have been informed that significant detail would be required on the forestry location and drainage system in place to assess run-off characteristics and potential associated flood risk.
The Feale Catchment Drainage Scheme was executed for the purposes of draining lands and reducing flooding for the benefit of agricultural activities. Preliminary estimates indicated that the November flood event at Listowel and Killocrim was in excess of the 1 in 100 year return period (or 0.1% AEP) event.
While the Feale CDS did provide a level of protection to Listowel and the surrounding areas during the November flood event, the extreme severity of this particular flood event was such that it exceeded the standard of protection provided by this Catchment Drainage Scheme.
While any removal of part of the Feale Drainage Scheme requires OPW consent, the OPW has not identified any evidence to suggest that drainage scheme embankments along the northside of the Feale River, adjacent to Killocrim, were removed.
368. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of vacancies, by grade, currently within his Department; and the estimated timeframe for filling each of the vacancies, in tabular form. [46390/24]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Grade |
Number of Vacancies as of 31/12/2024 |
Estimated timeframe for filling each vacancy |
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Estimated time of filling this category of vacancy is indicatively 16 weeks from the date of advertisement. |
|
Principal Officer |
0 |
N/A |
|
Assistant Principal |
10 |
Estimated time of filling this category of vacancy is typically 3-4 months from the date of advertisement. The timelines can vary depending on the specifics of the campaign. |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
3 |
Estimated time of filling this category of vacancy is typically 3-4 months from the date of advertisement. The timelines can vary depending on the specifics of the campaign. |
|
Administrative Officer |
12 |
Estimated time of filling this category of vacancy is typically 3-4 months from the date of advertisement. The timelines can vary depending on the specifics of the campaign. |
|
Executive Officer |
10 |
Estimated time of filling this category of vacancy is typically 3-4 months from the date of advertisement. The timelines can vary depending on the specifics of the campaign. |
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
Estimated time of filling this category of vacancy is typically 3-4 months from the date of advertisement. The timelines can vary depending on the specifics of the campaign. |
|
Occupational Health Nurse |
2 |
Estimated time of filling this category of vacancy is typically 3-6 months from the date of advertisement. The timelines can vary depending on the specifics of the campaign. |
369. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the consideration the OPW has given to installing coastal erosion defences at Quilty, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46465/24]
View answerCoastal protection and localised flooding issues are matters, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.
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 flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. Applications for funding from local authorities for measures or studies costing up to €750,000 can be made under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the total cost is available, subject to meeting specific economic, technical, social, and environmental criteria.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of approximately €3.8 million to County Clare for some 41 projects. This includes approved funding of approximately €1.1 million for coastal erosion studies/projects in County Clare, including projects at Quilty and Miltown Malbay. Projects subject to approved funding are the responsibility of the relevant local authority to advance.
The Government recognises the risks associated with climate change and that increases in sea levels and storm surges will result in more frequent coastal erosion. In response to these challenges, the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy are being implemented. Amongst the key recommendations of the Report is the assignment of the lead coordination role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is responsible for chairing an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
The OPW has been designated by Government as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints. These assessments will build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher-risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change.
370. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will ensure that persons are not denied the opportunity to apply for some jobs in the public service because they do not have a degree; if he will ensure that necessary changes are made to that criterion without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46565/24]
View answerSection 58 of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 specifies responsibilities for recruitment policy across the Public Service. As Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, I have responsibility for all matters relating to recruitment in the Civil Service, including the eligibility criteria. Responsibility for recruitment in any other public service body outside of the Civil Service is a matter for the relevant Minister.
Reflecting the diversity of roles across the civil service, there are a range of skills requirements that may be considered when recruiting for posts which are reflected in eligibility criteria. These eligibility criteria may include qualifications, such as a degree, together with work experience. For the majority of roles, the value of experience and other forms of learning are taken into account when evaluating candidates to ensure that the best person for the job is selected. Recruitment competitions for the majority of roles in the civil service do not require a degree as an essential requirement.
The eligibility criteria and capabilities for all civil service grades are kept under review.
371. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in which month the Office of Public Works is planning to submit a planning application for segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian crossing points along Chesterfield Avenue. [46618/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is working with the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council to advance plans for permanent segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian crossing points along Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park.
The project is in the pre-planning stage and work is ongoing on the design of the scheme with a view to submitting the appropriate applications for planning and consents.
This project will be delivered by DCC. It is anticipated that the planning application will be lodged during Q3/Q4 this year.
372. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a breakdown of costs involved in the various public consultations held in relation to the Phoenix Park in the past ten years, including consultancy costs. [46619/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works will respond Directly to the Deputy on this matter.
373. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the OPW’s plans to accommodate parking on the west side of the Phoenix Park which the OPW has acknowledged does not have enough car parking options, particularly for older people who want to walk along Chesterfield Avenue. [46620/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is committed to making the Phoenix Park accessible to all visitors through sustainable public transport, active travel and through provision of 2,200 existing car parking spaces for those who need to drive to the Park.
On the west side of the Phoenix Park, there are approximately 150 spaces on the Furze Road and 40 spaces in the Upper Glen Road car park. The OPW recently refurbished Knockmaroon car park which has approximately 25 spaces. As part of these works, I am pleased to advise that the OPW installed the first age-friendly car parking spaces in the Park designed to serve those with mobility issues. The OPW plans to roll out further age-friendly car parking spaces throughout the Park this year. These are separate and distinct to the designated blue badge parking spaces.
As the Deputy is aware, work is ongoing on a parking strategy for the Phoenix Park. The OPW is continuing to consider how more age-friendly spaces can be added throughout the park and how parking for older people can be best addressed in the future.
374. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 24 September 2024, which has not been answered, in relation to an update on ongoing works on the lodge at the Phoenix Park Castleknock Gate, a timeline and costs, to provide a summary of those works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46621/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works can confirm that restoration works on the lodge at the Phoenix Park Castleknock Gate include:
• replacement of the asbestos cement tile roofs with a lead rolled batten roof finish, necessitated by the shallow slope/ pitch of the existing roof;
• replacement of flat roof covering to the rear extension;
• replacement of existing uPVC windows with appropriate new hardwood sash windows.
• application of internal breathable insulation to all external walls, beneath suspended timber floors, and in attic voids to upgrade energy performance;
• installation of new mechanical system including plumbed radiators and boiler;
• installation of a new electrical system including full re-wiring of lodge, lighting and fire detection system;
• installation of new kitchen and bathroom;
• full painting and redecoration throughout;
• existing floor boards and joinery will be refurbished where possible, and matching pieces reinstated where missing;
• external works include the removal of the tarmac rear apron and replacement with a washed gravel surface supported by a cellular stabilisation system;
• works to drainage, and sundry other minor works.
The works at the lodge are substantially complete and are awaiting the final commissioning to systems to include the new macerator toilet and distribution board. The connection of the permanent electricity supply from the ESB was installed recently.
An overall cost can be provided when the final account is agreed and completed.
375. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update in relation to his commitment to consider the installation of eco-toilets in the Phoenix Park, as well as the timings and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46622/24]
View answerThe Phoenix Park is an Archaeological Complex and National Historic Park of international significance and the toilet facilities in the Phoenix Park have been developed to date where there is suitable water and wastewater infrastructure. These public toilets are available at the following locations;
• The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
• The Tea Kiosk adjacent to Dublin Zoo
• Farmleigh House
• Knockmaroon Biodiversity Centre
• Temporary toilets located at the Papal Cross carpark
Toilet facilities are also located within Dublin Zoo.,
The Office of Public Works continues to examine a variety of eco-toilet solutions for the areas in the Park which may benefit from additional toilet facilities. The installation of any system will be subject to all necessary planning permissions, availability of resources, and the availability of funds to support the initial capital costs and the ongoing costs to operate and maintain the system.
376. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to introduce a scheme with immediate effect whereby the arches of bridges are kept clear (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46636/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended. The arterial drainage maintenance programme comprises 11,500km of river channel and 800km of embankments. This provides drainage for 260,000 hectares of agricultural lands, as well as a level of protection from flooding to much infrastructure, including in excess of 20,000 properties, 2,400 kilometres of roads and 77 towns and villages. Some 2,100km of channel and some 135km of embankments are maintained annually.
The maintenance of all drainage schemes carried out under earlier Acts are known as Drainage Districts (DD), and local authorities are charged with the responsibility to maintain approx. 4,600 km of DD’s. The extent of the DD’s is available on www.floodinfo.ie under View Drainage Map tab.
Bridges which were modified to enhance conveyance during construction of the Schemes under the Arterial Drainage Act are routinely inspected and maintained as informed by Environmental Assessment when and where it is safe to do so.
Maintenance of road bridges is the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
377. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the plans in place to invest in coastal erosion works at Rossbeigh Beach, Glenbeigh, County Kerry, where massive erosion continues to take place; if the OPW will assist with efforts to put a marram grass programme in place to help save the dunes at Rossbeigh for future generations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46645/24]
View answer385. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide funding to carry out emergency coastal protection works to the sea wall adjacent to the Lower Road, Valentia Island, County Kerry before it is washed away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1132/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 385 together.
Local coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by OPW 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 flooding or coastal ersoion problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
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, technical social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.
Since 2009, OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for some 19 projects in Kerry relating to coastal works and studies amounting to approx. €2,809,574. Funding of €450,000 was approved for the construction of a rock revetment in 2018 at Rossbeigh. This rock armour protects dune habitat, the access road, and the playground. It is a matter for Kerry County Council to consider whether it wishes to make further applications under the Scheme in relation to Rossbeigh or Valentia Island.
The Government recognises the risks associated with climate change and that increases in sea levels and storm surges will result in increased frequency of coastal erosion. In response to these challenges, the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy are being implemented. Amongst the key recommendations of Report is the assignment of the lead coordination role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is responsible for chairing an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
The OPW has been designated by Government as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints. These assessments will build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study, and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
378. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform now that the Castlemaine Harbour pilot study is complete, the plans in place to invest and protect homes and properties, bearing in mind that some of these houses have previously been destroyed as a result of tidal flooding at Cromane Point, Killorglin, County Kerry, where families cannot sleep in their homes when high tides coincide with a storm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46646/24]
View answerUnder the Office of Public Works (OPW), Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, funding of €116,660 has been approved to Kerry County Council (KCC), to undertake a coastal erosion and flood risk management study and associated survey work for the location concerned.
The OPW is aware that a draft report has been completed and is awaiting receipt of the final report from KCC.
It is open to KCC to apply to the OPW for funding for works which the final report identifies under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the scheme, 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, with the balance being funded by the Local Authority concerned. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, which comprise economic, social and environmental criteria including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
379. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will examine the case of a person (details provided); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46849/24]
View answerI am advised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) that the original decision taken in this case was subject to formal review. This review was carried out by a formal reviewer from the Compliance function in PAS, which operates independently of recruitment. The formal reviewer issued the outcome to the candidate on 5th December 2024.
The candidate raised issues in relation to his previous employment and was advised that the focus of the review was on the decision made by PAS and the evidence for that decision. He was advised that any grievances, complaints or issues he might have had with his employer were outside of the scope of the review, as was his request that PAS review his employer’s PMDS process.
All of the relevant information provided by the candidate was considered in the course of this review.
The candidate was also advised that, as the Section 7 review is final, there is no recourse to further review by PAS. Section 7.3 of the Code of Practice for Appointments to the Civil Service and Public Service published by the Commission for Public Service Appointments states that:
“Where a formal review of a recruitment and selection process has taken place under Section 7 of this Code of Practice, a complainant may not seek a further review of the same process under Section 8, other than in the most exceptional circumstances that will be determined by the Commission at its sole discretion.”
Outside of this, the candidate was also informed that candidates are also free to exercise their rights as they see fit and that PAS would fully engage with any enquiries that may arise from such processes.
380. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46859/24]
View answerThe Single Public Service Pension Scheme was introduced in 2013 to place publicly-funded retirement benefits on a more sustainable footing. The Single Scheme is the default public service pension scheme for all new entrant public servants since 1 January 2013.
While all public servants recruited after 2013 are enrolled in the Single Scheme, uniformed staff such as firefighters, members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, have certain enhanced benefits that other members of the Single Scheme do not have, in recognition of their earlier retirement age, such as additional early payment of scheme benefits. This enables them to accrue more Single Scheme benefits over the expected shorter public service careers in these roles. When uniformed staff reach their normal retirement age, 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.
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.
A Supplementary Pension has never been a feature of the Single Scheme, nor was it ever envisaged that it would be. It is not intended that the Single Scheme would be amended to provide a Supplementary Pension to uniformed staff.
An increased mandatory retirement age of 62 for Gardaí was introduced by Government in September 2024 via the Garda Síochána (Retirement) Regulations 2024. This followed the commencement of the relevant Part 11 provisions of the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024. This legislative change facilitates an increase in the number of years over which Gardaí, and other Uniformed Accrual members, can accrue pension benefits, should they choose to do so. Individuals can continue to retire at age 55 or at any age up to 62 and avail of their lump sum and the commencement of their pension payment. This option is available to Uniformed Accrual members of the Single Scheme as well as those in pre-existing public service pension schemes.
381. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a list will be provided of all persons appointed to State or semi-State boards under his remit since 1 November 2024. [46933/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that there were no such appointments in the time period specified.
382. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on any potential property searches for the much-needed new Garda station for east Meath, to include details on any communications between the OPW and An Garda Síochána on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1016/25]
View answerA new Garda station for east Meath is a priority for both An Garda Síochána and the Office of Public Works. Both organisations have been working closely together to realise this goal. AGS has drafted a preliminary Business Case for a new station and this was received by the OPW late last year. The OPW has recently completed a market trawl for suitable sites in the area.
The results of the market trawl will be reviewed internally by the OPW with further meetings to be held with AGS to bring this part of the process to conclusion. The results of this review will dictate the next steps.
383. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 8 October 2024 (details supplied), if he is in a position to provide the answer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1082/25]
View answerI regret the delay in responding to the Deputy's question. The information requested is being finalised and a direct response will issue to the Deputy shortly.
