Written Answers. - Departmental Bodies.
Jim Mitchell
Ceist:
196
Mr. J. Mitchell
asked the
Minister for Finance
the different working groups, review groups, expert groups, commissions, interdepartmental working groups and various fora established by him since entering office in 1997.
[30443/01]
The details required by the Deputy are as follows.
The role of the Civil Service quality assurance group is to verify that the performance indicators for Civil Service Departments and offices are satisfactory and sufficiently challenging vis-á-vis the key objectives set out in PPF and to report progress achieved against these indicators at individual Department and office levels.
The Change Management Fund was established in 1999 with the aim of supporting Departments-offices in their efforts to implement the strategic change agenda. The Webmaster Group is to facilitate implementation of the web publication guidelines and to share experience and information. The Meta Data Group was established to advise and assist the Meta Data project co-ordinator in the development of a Meta Data standard for Internet resources in the public service. The Interdepartmental Year 2000 Monitoring Committee was established to oversee the achievement of Year 2000 compliance in IT systems and office equipment and plant in the Civil Service. The National Year 2000 Emergencies Co-ordination Committee was established to oversee and co-ordinate the Year 2000 contingency preparations, emergency management arrangements and millennium changeover structures so as to mitigate potential disruptions to the economy and society in the event of problems arising from Year 2000 computer related incidents. The VPN Procurement Group was established to oversee and progress the procurement of a national public sector virtual private network, VPN, and related services to support e-Government initiatives. The HRMS project board was established in July 1998 to oversee the selection and implementation of a software system for human resource management, HRM, in Departments-offices. The steering group on the review of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners was established in February 2000 to undertake a general review of the office of the Revenue Commissioners in accordance with a recommendation made by the Committee of Public Accounts, sub-committee on certain revenue matters parliamentary inquiry into DIRT, first report 15 December 1999. The Consultative Committee on Employee Share Ownership, Gain sharing and Profit Sharing was established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to look at the tax treatment of ESOTs, gainsharing, profit sharing and other financial employee incentives in developing and deepening partnership and increasing performance and competitiveness. The working group on the exchange of information between the Central Bank and the Revenue Commissioners was established on foot of the sub-committee of the Committee of Public Accounts concerning certain revenue matters to examine the issue of the exchange of information between the Central Bank and the Revenue Commissioners. The working group in relation to Corporation Tax issues is currently examining a number of issues relating to the introduction of the general 12.5% rate of corporation tax. The working group on the taxation of returns on credit union savings examined the taxation treatment of credit union members' savings. The working group on the taxation of pensions and personal retirement savings accounts, PRSAs, was established following the recommendation in the national pensions policy initiative, NPPI, report of the Pension Board to examine the taxation treatment for PRSAs and certain Revenue rules regarding pensions in general. The Environmental Taxation Group – The Green Tax Group – examines the role of green taxes and surveys the scope for amendments to same. The working group on benefit-in-kind on car parking was established in 1998 to examine the possibility of taxing employer provided car parking. The special working group on refundable tax credits was established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to examine the role that refundable tax credits can play in the tax and welfare system. The working group on work-related expenses and benefits was established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to look at the taxation treatment of work related expenses and benefits incurred by the self-employed and employees. The working group on tax credits was established under Partnership 2000 to examine the steps necessary to complete the move to a tax credit system. With regard to the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee in relation to the Charitable Lotteries Fund, the charitable lotteries fund enables charities, whose revenue earning capacity has been damaged by the national lottery, to supplement their charitable income with funding from the national lottery surplus. The Selection Board dealing with the National Lottery Licence Competitive Process devises and issues an invitation to apply and to evaluate the formal competitive bids before appointing a licensee. The Composite Account Working Group was established to review existing accounting arrangements with the aim of producing clear, accessible reports on the entire FEOGA operation for national accountability. The Steering Committee for Expenditure Review on Civil Service Accommodation was established to review arrangements for provision and maintenance of Civil Service accommodation. The Interdepartmental Committee on Asbestos in Public Buildings was established to examine issues arising in connection with the past presence of asbestos in public buildings and the programme of removal now in progress and to assess the extent of employee health and safety problems which may arise and how these might best be dealt with. The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Decentralisation comprises the Minister, Taoiseach, Tánaiste and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. The aim of this committee is to examine all relevant aspects of decentralisation with a view to submitting proposals to the Government for consideration. The aim of the joint working group – trade unions and official side – is to advise on the development of criteria for the next stage of decentralisation. The purpose of the C & A Arbitration Board is to make decisions on claims relating to pay and conditions of service of civil servants. The Public Service Benchmarking Body is an independent body which was established under the terms of the PPF to examine public service pay and jobs, by comparison with the private sector, and make recommendations thereon. The Travel Officers Group is responsible for co-ordinating the procurement of travel services and the implementation of foreign travel policy. This group was set up in March 1998. The Gender Equality Management Group was established in October 1999 following a government decision in July 1999 that specific measures should be introduced to address gender imbalance in the Civil Service. Among these measures was the adoption of a strategic approach to gender equality based on a new gender equality policy and a set of guiding principles, which were to be rooted in the current HR reforms in the Civil Service. The purpose of the Working Group on Equal Opportunities Policy for the Civil Service is to develop a policy in relation to the grounds on which discrimination in employment is prohibited by the Employment Equality Act 1998, other than gender.
There are four groups that have an ongoing role in promoting better understanding of freedom of information, as follows: the FOI interdepartmental working group, IDWG, comprising FOI representatives from Government Departments-offices; the FOI public service users network, comprising FOI representatives from the wider public service, chaired by the Department of Finance; the FOI business advisory group, chaired by the Department of Finance; and the citizens advisory group, also chaired by the Department of Finance.
The "Banking Sector: Some Strategic Issues Report" was published in August 2000 by a group comprising officials from the Department of Finance and representatives of the Central Bank which had been established in November 1999 by the Minister for Finance. The report of the implementation advisory group on the establishment of a single regulatory authority for the financial services sector" was published in May 1999. The implementation advisory group was set up under the aegis of the Minister for Finance in November 1998.
The Working Group on Banking and Consumer Issues was established to investigate the law and practice governing the provision of financial services in Ireland and its impact on consumers. Before this group had completed its deliberations, the group's remit was overtaken by the Government's decision to establish a single regulator for the financial services area and to set up an implementation group to progress the necessary work.
The Investor Compensation Company Ltd. – ICCL – was established under the Investor Compensation Act, 1998. Its objective is to maintain a compensation scheme out of which payments can be made to customers of a failed investment firm.
The National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission is responsible for the control and management of the National Pensions Reserve Fund, the purpose of which is to part prefund the State's social welfare and public service pension liabilities.
The Budget Strategy for Ageing Group was assigned the following written terms of reference: "To bring forward specific proposals, in the light of present and prospective substantial budget surpluses, designed to ease the longer-term budgetary burden of the Exchequer's liability for (a) social welfare and (b) public sector employee pensions implicit, respectively, in the prospective ageing of the general population and of public servants".
The Department of Finance Regulatory Reform Working Group was established to prepare a report on primary-secondary legislation under the aegis of the Department arising from an initiative under the SMI programme.
The Expert Working Group on improving Public Finance Statements was established in March 1998. It was set up to examine ways in which public finance statements could be presented which would be more understandable to the general public.
The Tax Forecasting Methodology Group was established to examine the tax forecasting methodologies used by the Department of Finance in the preparation of the tax revenue forecast for budgetary purposes. The report of the group was published in November 1998.
The Budget Day Working Group was established to identify and assess alternative budget dates and make a recommendation on the date on which the 2002 budget and beyond should be presented to Dáil Éireann. The group was also to draw up an Estimates and budget timetable.
The Euro Changeover Board of Ireland – ECBI – has two basic tasks: to oversee the detailed implementation of the changeover to the euro and to provide public and consumer information regarding the changeover.
The purpose of the Interdepartmental Group on Public Private Partnerships is to develop criteria for and advise on the issues arising in implementing public private partnerships.
The objective of the informal public/private advisory group on public private partnerships is to report to the Minister on the issues arising in relation to public private partnerships.
The Internal group for review of Estimates and Budgetary Process was set up in May 2001, following a Government decision to align the income tax-PRSI year with the calendar year, with effect from 1 January 2002. The group was chaired by an official of the Department of Finance. The terms of reference were: "To review the general Estimates and Budget process and timetable against the background that the Budget for years subsequent to 2002 is likely to be delivered earlier in the year than at present, and to recommend whatever changes it considers appropriate in that context to accommodate the revised time scale that would be involved and to ensure that the Government can be provided with high quality information on which to base its Estimates and Budget decision".
The Interdepartmental Group on Compensation Issues was set up in 2000. The purpose of the interdepartmental group, which was chaired by an official of this Department, was: "To examine further the broader issues relating to the growth in compensation claims against the State, including consideration of certain policy issues". Two sub-groups were subsequently established to consider (i) the management of claims against the State and (ii) broader legal issues relating to compensation.
The Information Society Fund was introduced in 2000 to support projects and initiatives undertaken by Departments under the Government's action plan for the information society. Activities in the areas of electronic Government, electronic commerce and information society awareness provide the focus for the fund over the three year lifetime of the fund, 2000-2002. Proposals received from Departments are assessed for funding by an evaluation team chaired by the Department of Finance and which includes representation from the Department of the Taoiseach.
The terms of reference of the Freedom of Information Working Group are "To consider the practical implications of freedom of information legislation for Government Departments (and public bodies) by,inter alia:
Developing understanding as to key requirements for public service bodies arising under FOI.
Accessing the manuals, rules, guidelines and other data promulgated by Departments abroad which enable citizens to exercise statutory rights under FOI.
Determining the organisational arrangements put in place by Departments abroad to implement FOI, having particular regard to the development of effective information management systems, the training of personnel, the handling of requests, and the processing of appeals.
Enabling individual Departments here to establish contacts with parallel Departments abroad, who may support and advise on the operation of FOI in their particular functional areas.
To provide a forum for discussion for general issues relating to FOI.
The High Level Steering Group to undertake an overall review of systems of control in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development was established pursuant to a decision of the Government on 12 January 1999. The terms of reference for this group were as follows:
To review the systems of control employed by that Department and their operation, with particular regard to FEOGA and including all relevant aspects of financial management and information technology.
Make recommendations for future action where these require improvement in their application or otherwise.
Submit a report (which may be interim) to the Minister for Finance within three months.
The Department of Finance-Central Bank Working Group on Strategic Issues facing the Banking Sector was established in 1999. The terms of reference for this group were to examine future developments affecting the structure of financial services, the implications for the economy, and the need and scope for policy initiatives.
The Foreign Travel Management Group was set up in 1997 to examine travel management practices in Government Departments and to make recommendations on how they should be improved.
The Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting Officers was established following a Government decision of 31 May 2000. It had its first meeting on 20 September 2000. The terms of reference of the group are as follows:
(a)To examine the authority, responsibility and accountability of Accounting Officers in relation to financial management in the context of the performance management initiative within the overall strategic management initiative SMI.
(b)On the basis of this examination, to prepare for the consideration of the Government new rules of good governance taking account of
(i)the complexities and sensitivities of the relationship between Secretaries General and Ministers, and
(ii)the specific functions exercised by Secretaries General who are Accounting Officers.
(c)To consider whether separate arrangements should be put in place in relation to Accounting Officers and, if so, what these might be.
(d)To report to the Minister within 12 months of its establishment.
The working group on the implications of EMU membership for various aspects of public policy was set up as anad hoc Department of Finance principal officer group in February 1998 with terms of reference as follows: “To examine and report on the implications of EMU membership for economic and fiscal policy, with particular regard to competitiveness, taxation, spending and incomes policy, and to suggest what action the Department needs to take in this regard in relation to the formulation and implementation of policy post 1999”. The group's report, with some input from the assistant secretary group, was published on the Department's website in June 1999.
With regard to EU structural funds, committees set up since 1997 are as follows:
(i)The National Development Plan/ Community Support Framework – NDP/CSF – Monitoring Committee.
This committee was set up in 2000 and had its first meeting on 20 October of that year. This committee is charged with monitoring developments under the NDP/CSF programme during the period 2000-2006.
(ii)NDP/CSF Technical Assistance Monitoring Committee.
This committee was also established in 2000 and held its first meeting on 29 November of that year. The committee is charged with the ongoing monitoring of measures under the NDP/CSF technical assistance operational programme during the period 2000-2006.
(iii)The Programme for Peace and Reconciliation 2000-2004 Monitoring Committee.
This committee was established in 2000, and held its first meeting on 20 December of that year. The committee is charged with the ongoing monitoring of developments under the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation during the period 2000-2004.
(iv)Action Team on the role of Cross-Border corridor groups in use of EU funding along the Border corridor was set up by myself and the Minister for Finance and personnel in Northern Ireland in January 2001. It reported to the North South Ministerial Council on 4 April 2001. The terms of reference of this committee are as follows. The scope of the work of the action team was to consider how best the Border corridor groups could contribute to decisions on spending from the new round of EU structural funds support in the Border corridor, in particular the Ireland/Northern Ireland INTERREG IIIA CIP and the cross-Border components of the Peace II Programme. In this context, the action team was to consider the following: maximising the role of the groups to bring practical benefits to the communities on both sides of the border; the potential for a performance indicator which will optimise the outcome of spend on the Border corridor, regardless of spending authority; complementarity with existing structures North and South; complementarity of actions across related expenditure programmes, both EU and national; linkages with other district councils/sectoral representatives within the eligible area for INTERREG III and Peace II.
In carrying out this remit, the action team was to give due consideration to the following factors: the legal, operational competences and remit of local authorities North and South; EU Structural Funds regulations; the role of the member states, Government Departments, special EU programmes body and other delivery agents; accountability; efficiency and effectiveness; and transparency and inclusiveness in EU funds management and delivery.
(v)The Working Group on the Implementation of the Common Chapter was set up by the North-South Ministerial Council, NSMC, in 2000 in the special EU programmes sector to review progress on the implementation of the common chapter in the development plan North and South and to bring forward proposals to the next meeting of the NSMC in the special EU programmes sector. The first meeting was held on 2 July and the working group's report is in preparation.
(vi)A selection committee, consisting of interdepartmental representatives together with a representative from the EU Commission, was established in March 1997 in order to select consultants for upgrade of the financial management and control systems of both the European Regional Development Fund, and the Cohesion Fund. The group selected Arthur Andersen from those companies who tendered for the project. Subsequently, a steering committee was established in May 1997, again with interdepartmental representation and an EU Commission representative, to oversee the management of the project. The group monitored the study and finally accepted Arthur Andersen's reports on both funds.
A secondary tax group was set up by the Department of the Taoiseach in July 1998. There are no formal terms of reference – the purpose of the group is to discuss technical tax issues to do with the dismantling of the ring-fence around the IFSC. No formal report is expected. The issues raised by the group are addressed in the various Finance Bills since the group was set up.
Since 1997, however, the Department has chaired and provided the secretariat for a number of working groups established under Partnership 2000 and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. These include the working group to examine tax credits and standard rating and the Partnership 2000 working group on tax credits established under the former, working groups examining work related expenses and benefits and the role of refundable tax credits, and a consultative committee on employee financial participation, respectively, established under the latter agreement.
The Inter-Divisional Group to deal with the Department of Finance's Response to the Recommendations-Findings of the Public Accounts Committee report on DIRT was established in December 1999, and had a number of meetings over a six month period. No formal report was prepared but the group acted as a co-ordination mechanism in regard to the responses of individual sections of the Department to the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee report.
The Department of Finance currently chairs the Interdepartmental Group to Review Arrangements for Delivery of Local Authority Veterinary Services. The group has met on two occasions but has yet to report its findings. It is made up of representatives from the DAFRD, DH&C, DE&LG and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The group's first two meetings took place on 13 June and 7 August.
The Working Group on Debt Policy was set up to establish an appropriate debt policy after EMU and included representatives from the NTMA and the Department of Finance.
The Committee for Performance Awards was recommended by the review body on higher remuneration in the public sector to oversee the new scheme of performance related awards for assistant secretaries in the Civil Service and certain other posts, including posts at deputy secretary level. The committee was appointed in November 2001.
