Written Answers Nos. 315-332
315. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans in relation to the public service pension reduction; if he will consider either abolishing or reducing the bands of this income graduated reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22747/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) was introduced in 2011 under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2010. It generates an estimated saving of some €125 million annually for the public finances, based on the estimated full-year position following the PSPR rate adjustments of 1 July 2013, which were legislated for by way of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013.
The PSPR forms part of the wider set of emergency fiscal measures introduced under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009-2013. Under section 12 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013, I must review these emergency measures, including the PSPR, on an annual basis and cause a written report of my findings to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. As part of that review I am required to consider whether the measures continue to be necessary having regard to the purposes of the legislation, the revenues of the State and State commitments in respect of public service pay and pensions. My next such report will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas by 30 June 2014.
316. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is an opportunity to review the lack of a definitive end date to the provision in the Haddington Road agreement whereby those working a 35 hour week are required to work an extra two hours per week without extra pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22832/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the terms of the Haddington Road agreement, the necessary changes in conditions of employment of civil and public servants have been put in place to increase the standard working hours for all public servants, with a net working week of less than 39 hours. Through its provisions, the Agreement is delivering an unprecedented and structural increase of almost 15 million additional working hours annually in the productivity of the Public Service. That productivity is contributing to the maintenance of our public services at a time of significant resource constraints and is a core enabler for a sustainable reduction in the cost of the public service paybill.
317. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the top 100 premises that the State is renting or leasing; the amount of rents paid for each of these premises per annum; the person to whom these rents are paid in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22841/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table schedules the top 100 premises that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is leasing on behalf of the State. The table shows the agreed rent per annum and the Landlord. The OPW is not in a position to supply details on leasing arrangements that may have been entered into by other Government Departments or Agencies on behalf of the State.
|
LOCATION |
PROPERTY NAME |
RENT PA |
LANDLORD |
|
ATHLONE |
Athlone DSP/Probation & Welfare |
€359,577.16 |
MMM PARTNERSHIP PROPERTY DEVELOPERS |
|
ATHY |
Athy Revenue Office |
€231,553.95 |
CERTAIN ASSETS OF BURKE & MCCALL C/O CORMAC O'CONNOR KPMG |
|
BALBRIGGAN |
Balbriggan Passport Office |
€390,000.00 |
BLESSVILLE LTD |
|
BLACKROCK |
Blackrock Trident House |
€678,500.00 |
SUPERQUINN SUPPORT OFFICE |
|
BRAY |
Block D Bray Civic Centre |
€471,541.36 |
BRAY LTD |
|
CARLOW |
Carlow D/ETE Office |
€369,436.00 |
MEALEY MURPHY FLEMING PARTNERSHIP, C/O WILLIAM FLEMING & PARTNERS, SOLICITORS |
|
CARRICK ON SHANNON |
Carrick-on-Shannon SWO |
€600,000.00 |
LIS CARA PARTNERSHIP |
|
CLONMEL |
Clonmel Government Office Harbour House |
€275,000.00 |
BRID CAREW (IN RECEIVERSHIP) |
|
CORK |
Cork Hibernian House |
€321,500.00 |
AVIVA TRUSTEE COMPANY IRELAND LIMITED |
|
CORK |
Cork HIQA Office |
€370,420.00 |
JOHN CLEARY DEVELOPMENTS |
|
CORK |
Cork Probation & Welfare Service Cove St |
€300,368.00 |
JOHN F SUPPLE & JACK CALLAN |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Abbey Street Upper 26 - 30 |
€994,569.76 |
ULYSSES PROPERTIES LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Abbey Street Upper 26 - 30 |
€672,175.55 |
ULYSSES PROPERTIES LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Abbey Street Upper 26 - 30 |
€1,206,096.51 |
ULYSSES PROPERTIES LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Amiens Street (Gandon House) |
€455,302.72 |
GANDON PROPERTY LTD |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Amiens Street (Gandon House) |
€596,446.57 |
GANDON PROPERTY LTD |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Bond Road Revenue Warehouse |
€733,092.00 |
DUBLIN PORT COMPANY |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Capel Street 89 -94 |
€689,321.76 |
ULYSSES PROPERTIES LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Frederick St North |
€702,000.00 |
WESTWARD GROUP |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Irish Life Centre |
€900,000.00 |
IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Irish Life Centre |
€650,000.00 |
IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Kings Inn House SWO & ESO |
€258,179.33 |
PARNELL PROPERTY PARTNERSHIP C/O BEN PEAT |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Kings Inn House SWO & ESO |
€558,200.00 |
VAULT CMBS (IN REC) DAVIS HUGHES C/O ERNST & YOUNG |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Parnell Sq 13-15 Parnell House |
€1,830,000.00 |
ALSTEAD SECURITIES |
|
DUBLIN 01 |
Parnell Sq 16 |
€1,493,644.72 |
ALSTEAD SECURITIES |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Adelaide Rd 65A (Davitt House) |
€1,680,000.00 |
IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Adelaide Road 29-31 |
€2,970,000.00 |
IBRC ASS. CO. |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Bishops Square |
€930,508.00 |
VIOLET YARROW REAL ESTATE LTD |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Bishops Square |
€1,243,814.00 |
VIOLET YARROW REAL ESTATE LTD |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Bishops Square |
€1,268,944.00 |
VIOLET YARROW REAL ESTATE LTD |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Clonmel Street [Clonmel Place] |
€804,500.00 |
IRISH PUBLIC BODIES MUTUAL INSURANCE TRUST |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
D'Olier Street (D'Olier House) |
€640,000.00 |
DUBLIN CITY ESTATES LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Earlsfort Terrace St Stephen's Green House |
€1,024,229.00 |
IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE IBI PROPERTY NOMINEE |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Earlsfort Terrace Earl Centre Block |
€1,210,000.00 |
CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
East Essex Street Dolphin House |
€655,000.00 |
DOLPHIN PROPERTY HOLDINGS LTD |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Ely Place 7-8 Ely Court |
€730,000.00 |
KNIGHTS OF SAINT COLUMBANUS |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Harcourt Road 4-5 |
€1,260,000.00 |
HALFPIPE LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Harcourt Road Dun Sceine |
€850,000.00 |
ALCOVE PROPERTIES |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Harcourt Sq Garda |
€1,278,800.00 |
PECAN PROPERTIES LTD |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Harcourt Sq Garda |
€417,250.00 |
VALUE EQUIPMENT LTD |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Harcourt Sq Garda |
€1,832,500.00 |
ALVERGOLD LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Harcourt Sq Garda |
€1,300,000.00 |
PECAN PROPERTIES LTD |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Harcourt St Harcourt Centre Block |
€228,500.00 |
BANK OF IRELAND TRUST SERVICES IRISH PROPERTY UNIT TRUST |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Harcourt Street 75-78 |
€1,010,000.00 |
HAZELDALE LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Kildare Street 43-44 |
€563,420.00 |
SETANTA CENTRE |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Leeson Street Lower Ossory House |
€900,000.00 |
AVIVA LIFE & PENSIONS IRELAND |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Lombard St East 8 - 11 Joyce H |
€560,000.00 |
DERMOT KING |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Mespil Road 43-49 |
€1,637,756.00 |
DAVY TRANSPORT |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Molesworth Building Setanta Centre |
€1,145,000.00 |
BANK OF IRELAND TRUST SERVICES IRISH PROPERTY UNIT TRUST |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Mount St Lr 73-79 Ballaugh House |
€612,000.00 |
BANK OF IRELAND TRUST SERVICES IRISH PROPERTY UNIT TRUST |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Mount St Lr 79-83 Timberlay House |
€735,000.00 |
BANK OF IRELAND TRUST SERVICES IRISH PROPERTY UNIT TRUST |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Mount Street Lower 85 - 93 |
€1,743,000.00 |
GREEN REIT MOUNT STREET LTD |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Pearse St 212-213 Oisín House |
€1,120,000.00 |
THE PROVOST FELLOWS & SCHOLAR OF TRINITY COLLEGE |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Revenue Castleview Georges Street |
€1,827,522.00 |
SILVERWOOD DEVELOPMENTS LTD |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
St Stephens Gr 67-71 Hainault House |
€600,000.00 |
IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
St Stephens Green 94 |
€408,000.00 |
ULYSSES PROPERTIES LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
St Stephens Green 94 |
€612,000.00 |
ULYSSES PROPERTIES LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 02 |
Trinity St 10-12 |
€340,000.00 |
COLIEMORE PARTNERSHIP (C. K. F. & A RHATIGAN ) |
|
DUBLIN 03 |
East Wall PVII |
€278,000.00 |
MOLLOY & SHERRY EIRFREEZE LTD |
|
DUBLIN 04 |
Claremont Road Revenue Office |
€655,000.00 |
MANDON LIMITED C/O BCP ASSET |
|
DUBLIN 04 |
Shelbourne Rd 21 Shelbourne House |
€1,018,000.00 |
J FRANK & MYLES & JASON O'MALLEY T/A SHELBOURNE HOUSE PARTNERSHIP |
|
DUBLIN 04 |
Waterloo Road St Martins House |
€570,000.00 |
DAVY TRANSPORT |
|
DUBLIN 07 |
Bow Street 31-35 |
€450,000.00 |
VAULT CMBS NOMINEE LTD (IN REC) DAVID HUGHES RECEIVER & MANAGER C/O ERNST & YOUNG |
|
DUBLIN 07 |
Navan Road Ashtowngate |
€1,550,000.00 |
FRIENDS FIRST LIFE ASSURANCE CO LTD |
|
DUBLIN 07 |
Navan Road Ashtowngate Block B |
€254,401.00 |
IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE |
|
DUBLIN 07 |
North King St 90 Georges Court |
€655,940.00 |
DANNINGER (RECEIVERSHIP) C/O DAVID CARSON, DELOITTE & TOUCHE |
|
DUBLIN 07 |
North King St 90 Georges Court |
€1,353,509.00 |
DANNINGER (RECEIVERSHIP) C/O DAVID CARSON, DELOITTE & TOUCHE |
|
DUBLIN 07 |
Smithfield Office of Film Classification |
€255,955.00 |
JOSEPH & PATRICK LINDERS C/O LINDERS OF CHAPELIZOD |
|
DUBLIN 07 |
Smithfield Probation Services |
€1,207,670.00 |
LINDERS OF SMITHFIELD LTD |
|
DUBLIN 08 |
Conyngham Road Phoenix House |
€365,000.00 |
RYANAIR LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 08 |
Mountshannon Road Furniture Branch Office Block |
€460,000.00 |
SHARKEY & MAHER C/O DAMIEN SHARKEY |
|
DUBLIN 08 |
The Chancery Building |
€543,880.00 |
PHILIPS & FLEMING C/O TOM PHILIPS & ASSOCIATES |
|
DUBLIN 08 |
Thomas Street 126 - 7 |
€244,000.00 |
THE BUCKLEY PARTNERSHIP CO-OWNERSHIP EMERALD |
|
DUBLIN 09 |
Airways Industrial Estate |
€290,000.00 |
IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE |
|
DUBLIN 09 |
Santry Revenue Warehouse/Office |
€400,000.00 |
ANTHONY DUFFY |
|
DUBLIN 14 |
Clonskeagh Belfield Offic Park |
€760,000.00 |
IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE |
|
DUBLIN 15 |
Blanchardstown CG W/hse/Of |
€250,000.00 |
IBI PROPERTY NOMINEES LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 15 |
Blanchardstown Government Office |
€638,678.25 |
COSGRAVE PROPERTY GROUP |
|
DUBLIN 18 |
Sandyford Furze Road |
€255,000.00 |
IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE |
|
DUBLIN 18 |
Sandyford Ind Est Geological Warehouse |
€260,000.00 |
SANDYFORD PROPERTIES LIMITED |
|
DUBLIN 24 |
Airton Road Tallaght |
€1,051,020.41 |
TABMAZ PARTNERSHIP TOM KAVANAGH (RECEIVER) |
|
DUBLIN 24 |
Tallaght Government Office Plaza Complex |
€380,000.00 |
ASSETS L OMAHONY & T MCFEELEY DECLAN TAITE RECEIVER |
|
DUBLIN 24 |
Tallaght Government Office Plaza Complex |
€500,000.00 |
ASSETS L OMAHONY & T MCFEELEY DECLAN TAITE RECEIVER |
|
DUBLIN 24 |
Tallaght Government Office St Johns House |
€400,000.00 |
SPECIFIED ASSETS OF KELLY,MCCABE &WALSH. |
|
DUBLIN AIRPORT |
Dublin Airport Transaer House |
€565,235.00 |
DUBLIN AIRPORT AUTHORITY PLC |
|
GALWAY |
Galway Government Office Hynes Building |
€235,000.00 |
O'MALLEY PROPERTY LTD |
|
GALWAY |
Galway Revenue Fairgreen |
€1,214,221.40 |
J HUGHES & T BROWNE T/A BALLYBRIT P/SHIP |
|
LIMERICK |
Limerick DFA Office |
€900,000.00 |
EVERGREEN HOTELS LTD C/O MR LEN DINNEEN |
|
LIMERICK |
Limerick Government Office Houston Hall |
€373,568.00 |
PATRICK J NOONAN |
|
LIMERICK |
Limerick Revenue Office |
€341,760.00 |
BABA EXPORTS LIMITED |
|
LISTOWEL |
Listowel Revenue Office |
€244,923.70 |
CERTAIN ASSETS OF O'DONOVAN, L.MCAULIFFE AND KELLY C/O M.O'REGAN & W.O'RIORDAN REC |
|
NAAS |
Naas Government Office |
€254,034.00 |
GOLDSTATE LIMITED |
|
NAVAN |
Navan Athlumney House |
€439,921.00 |
THOMAS LYNCH & TIMOTHY BOLAND |
|
NAVAN |
Navan Government Office Kilcairn |
€573,700.00 |
JAMES RING & GERRY O'CONNOR |
|
NAVAN |
Navan Revenue Abbey Mall |
€575,360.00 |
MCLOUGHLIN ABBEY ROAD PARTNERSHIP |
|
NAVAN |
Navan SWO |
€230,000.00 |
MARIE CUSACK |
|
PORTLAOISE |
Portlaoise Agriculture Office Dublin Road |
€264,640.00 |
JOHN GRACE/MICHAEL LALOR |
|
SWORDS |
Swords Government Office |
€231,443.68 |
CANADA LIFE ASS. (IRL) LTD & BOI TRUST SERVICE |
|
SWORDS |
Swords Government Office |
€390,000.00 |
CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE (IRL) LTD |
|
SWORDS |
Swords National Museum Storage |
€1,000,000.00 |
GERARD GANNON |
318. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Office of Public Works will finish the viewing platform and repair the storm damage to trees and trails in Mooghaun Park, Newmarket on Fergus, County Clare; when it will be re-opened to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23086/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the recent storms over 100 trees were felled at Mooghaun, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, rendering the site dangerous to the public. The majority of the site is however now open following remedial work by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The OPW has temporarily fenced off a narrow pathway from its works compound to the viewing platform site so that works there can continue unimpeded and in order to ensure proper Health & Safety management of the construction site. The public can freely access the rest of the site along the forestry laneway and the pathway just north of the works compound. This pathway has been cleared of the fallen trees resulted in its closure. Off the pathways, tree surgery is still being carried out in localised and temporarily taped areas to remove further debris. Due to the archaeological nature of the site these cannot be removed using heavy machinery and the resulting work is very labour intensive. Public passage will not be impeded.
Separately from the storm damage, work has been progressing on the reconstruction of the viewing platform at the site. This project has been undertaken with the support local public representation and other interested parties who have been working for some time to have the hilltop viewing platform restored and have been involved with the OPW in the development of the works proposals there.
Construction of the cairn, which will form the basis for the new viewing platform is now up to the top platform level. The steps, metal handrail and guardings, and the limestone cladding remain to be completed. The metal elements are complex and are being fabricated offsite by contractors. The replacement interpretive panels are in production also and will be installed shortly. The creation of selected vistas to allow people to view the surrounding countryside have also been formed and are complete.
Having resolved the result of the storms, the estimate for completion of the viewing platform is now early August 2014. The precise date will depend in particular on the metal elements provided by external contractors being provided on schedule.
319. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a final response will issue in relation to an issue (details supplied) regarding the purchase of a garden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23320/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda station at Clonmany, Co. Donegal is currently operational and any sale of land at the rear would depreciate the overall value of the site.
The Commissioners of Public Works are therefore not in a position to accede to the request.
320. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of former Ministers that are in receipt of a ministerial pension; the total cost of these pensions to the State; and the average annual pension payment to these former Ministers. [22169/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 119 former Ministers in receipt of a Ministerial pension. The estimated cost to the Exchequer is €3,723,643 with an average Ministerial pension of €31,291. The final audited figure for 2013 will be available when the relevant Finance Accounts are published in September 2014.
321. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of moneys reallocated from the Department of Social Protection to other Departments in 2013 and 2014 including the size of the moneys; if the moneys arose from an underspend or from an increase in PRSI income; and when the reallocation was made and to which Department. [22474/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll moneys allocated to Government Departments are voted upon by Dáil Éireann. If there is an underspend it reverts to the Exchequer. Where a deficit arises there is a requirement for a supplementary estimate voted upon by Dáil Éireann. My Department cannot reallocate money between Departments; the only mechanism through which money can be reallocated is through a vote in the Dáil.
In 2013 expenditure by the Department of Social Protection was €10.8 million below that provided for in the Revised Estimates. PRSI income and appropriations in aid were respectively €209.4 million and €9.7 million above profile.
322. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the provision of a flood relief scheme in respect of an area (details supplied) in County Cork; the progress that has been made to date on this scheme; the prospective timeline in which he expects work to get under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22662/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsultants were appointed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in December 2010 to undertake a study of the flooding problem in Bandon. The proposed recommendations in the completed study were brought to formal public exhibition in June 2012 under the Arterial Drainage Acts. The proposed scheme which would provide protection to over 360 properties in the town was welcomed at the time by the public. Some changes were made to the proposed scheme as a result of submissions made by interested parties, with the main change being the addition of two new areas into the Scheme.
Detailed design of the flood relief scheme for Bandon commenced in early 2013 and is now almost completed. The first stage of the procurement process for a civil works contractor was commenced in November 2013. However, as a result of a technical legal issue the OPW terminated the process. The OPW will recommence the pre-qualification process very shortly.
The effect of having to re-run the process has meant that construction works are now expected to commence in the first quarter of 2015 rather than the previously anticipated start time of September 2014. While the delay in starting the works is unfortunate, it does not affect the completion date of the Scheme, which will still be programmed for completion towards the end of 2016. The reason for this is that the Scheme requires two summer seasons of channel works due to environmental constraints, and the scheme programme provides that works would take place in the summers of 2015 and 2016.
The OPW is fully committed to the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme and has included for its cost in its multi-annual budget profiles to 2017.
323. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a VAT waiver exists for renovation works on Office of Public Works owned properties that have been leased out to groups for community use (details supplied). [22676/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe former Finglas Garda Station is licensed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to Finglas Childcare Ltd. Any issue concerning VAT waivers on renovation works being carried out is a matter between the Revenue Commissioners and Finglas Childcare Ltd.
324. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide year on year in tabular form the amount of public moneys spent on capital construction projects between 2011 and 2013 inclusive. [22737/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's public capital plan is set out in Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework which was published in November 2011. The Framework outlines the Government's key capital strategic priorities for the period out to 2016. While most of this investment will lead to construction activity, there is also provision in the Framework for other types of capital investment which do not necessarily lead to construction activity e.g. enterprise supports, research and development capital, agriculture and forestry grants, information technology investment and replacement vehicle purchase (including public transport vehicles).
Details in relation to the overall annual Exchequer capital budget for the period to which the Deputy refers along with a breakdown by Department can be found on the databank website hosted by my Department, http://databank.per.gov.ie/. Departmental allocations are also broken down to programme level spend; however, there is no breakdown of construction/non-construction spend.
Ultimately it is a matter for each Minister how they disburse their capital allocations, within the context of relevant Government decisions and the parameters laid out in the Investment Framework. Queries in relation to expenditure by Departments at project level should be directed to the relevant Minister and his/her Department.
325. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the freedom of information legislation. [22992/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Freedom of Information Bill 2013, which comprises a comprehensive reform and modernisation of Ireland's FOI regime completed Committee Stage in the Dail last November. I am currently finalising the Report Stage amendments for the Bill which, following approval by Government, will be published for consideration by Dáil Éireann in due course.
326. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action he is taking to offset any adverse impacts that the public sector procurement programme may have on small and medium enterprises and their local economies; if he has examined the benefit that the awarding of public sector procurement tenders to indigenous businesses would have; if he has taken such factors into consideration in determining the way a decision is to be reached where the award of such a tender is between an Irish based company and a foreign based company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23092/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Procurement is governed by EU and National rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. It would be a breach of the EU rules for a public body to favour or discriminate against particular candidates on grounds such as nationality, organisational size, etc. and there are legal remedies which may be used against any public body infringing these rules.
The Government acknowledges the significant role that SMEs play in the Irish economy and is committed to ensuring that SMEs are fully engaged with public sector procurement and the opportunities presenting.
In order to encourage greater SME participation the Office of Government Procurement has conducted a targeted programme of education for suppliers who wish to learn more about doing business with the Irish Public Service. This programme consists of seminars, workshops and large scale 'Meet the Buyer' events hosted nationwide. These 'Meet the Buyer' events are run in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and InterTrade-Ireland. To date the OGP has facilitated workshops and presented at seminars to over 4,500 SMEs nationwide. These events afforded suppliers an opportunity to meet and discuss the issues with public service buyers and provide networking opportunities for suppliers and encourage consortia-building.
My Department has also recently finished reviewing and updating existing guidelines and procedures aimed at promoting SME participation in public procurement. Circular 10/14, launched on 17 April, sets out new initiatives aimed at opening up opportunities for small businesses to bid for State business. These new guidelines are aimed at reducing the administrative burden on businesses that want to tender for public contracts. The SME Working Group, established under the Government's Action Plan for Jobs, was consulted on the new Guidelines. The SME Working Group is chaired by the Office of Government Procurement and includes representatives from ISME, IBEC, Inter Trade Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the Competition Authority, the Small Firms Association, Chambers Ireland and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The new Circular has been broadly welcomed by industry representative associations.
In 2011, 10.55% (valued at €240 million) of the total known awarded contracts above EU threshold by the State went to non-domestic companies. This represents less than 5% of the overall annual public procurement spend (approximately €13.1 billion. It is also important to remember that open tendering is a two way street and that it provides Irish companies with opportunities to compete abroad. The public procurement market in the EU is estimated to be valued in excess of €2.4 trillion. The open market regime offers opportunities for Irish companies to win business abroad and reliable EU studies indicate that many Irish businesses are successful in this regard.
The reform of public procurement across the public service is on-going and will continue to provide opportunities to the SME sector to win business. The Office of Government Procurement will continue to work with industry to ensure that winning government business is done in a fair, transparent and accessible way and to ensure that government procurement policies are business friendly.
327. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the delay in his signing of the commencement order for the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23221/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act was signed into law on 12th April 2014.
Section 6 provides that commencement of the Act would be subject to Ministerial Order, or Orders, as necessary.
The relevant Order, and another Order under the Act, were prepared in the normal way in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and were signed by the Minister immediately on presentation to him on May 15th last.
328. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount paid to each qualifying party leader in respect of Deputies, not including payments made in respect of Senators; the amount paid to each independent Deputy under section 10 of the Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 1938 in each year of the 28th and 29th Dáileanna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23403/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply on 15 April 2014 to her previous question on this matter (number 284 - ref. 17940/14).
329. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the discussion between the EU and the US on a trade agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22397/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the EU Council’s Decision in last June, to start negotiations with the US on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Agreement, five negotiating rounds have taken place, the most recent one last week in the US. This Round covered extensive technical discussion on a broad range of issues including regulatory issues, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, government procurement, intellectual property rights, electronic commerce and telecommunications, environment, labour, small and medium-sized enterprises, and energy and raw materials. Some discussion has already started on the text of an agreement in relation to helping SMEs, technical barriers to trade and on competition.
Negotiations on TTIP can be summarised as covering three broad areas:
The first is market access, for goods, services, and public procurement. The first tariff offers, that is, the immediate or phased elimination of import tariffs on an extensive list of goods, were exchanged earlier this year, and I expect that, over the next few weeks there will be further work and negotiations to extend the range of tariff free trade that can take place once TTIP comes into effect. On services, I understand that the US tabled its first offer last week, and Member States will meet shortly to discuss what has been proposed by the U.S. The Commission expects that the EU’s first offer on services will be ready soon. Naturally there is an important level of confidentiality about the detail of both sides’ negotiating position, but I am hopeful that the greatest level of market access can be achieved for our services exporters and for those looking to penetrate the very large U.S. public procurement market.
The second area covered by the talks is “rules”, on trade facilitation (EU and US customs systems), state-owned enterprises (these should operate on commercial lines), on raw materials and energy (EU is looking for access to US oil/gas exports that are currently restricted), and on labour and the environment issues (no weakening of standards/protections). Coming to agreement on these will also serve to set the standards for other Free Trade Agreements with trading partners, reduce the complexity for small companies to comply many standards and market regulations, and regulate markets in an open and transparent manner.
The third most difficult and complex, but most important aspect of the negotiations, is reducing regulatory burdens, which will involve a multiplicity of sectoral regulations. In particular, areas of regulation such as financial services, environment, and health and public safety are important here, where there are legitimate but in many cases unfounded concerns about possible lowering of regulatory standards. In fact, both the EU and the US are equally committed to the retention of high standards that serve to protect consumers. The objective is to address differences in standards between our two economies while at all times maintaining the high levels of health, safety, environmental and other protection that is reflected in EU legislation.
Progress in respect of regulation, through harmonisation, mutual recognition or convergence, is the most important area, as the result of studies show it will yield the most net gains. The Commission’s impact assessment suggests that between two thirds and four fifths of the gains from a future agreement would come from cutting red tape and having more coordination between regulators. It is important to see this as a two part issue: the process of how regulation is enacted, and the sector specific solutions being negotiated. How regulations are made, needs to be more transparent, with regulators deepening relationships in order to address emerging issues together such as setting standards for new technologies. Regulators are also discussing how to reduce the cost of meeting existing standards without affecting the levels of protection afforded by them.
In addition, real progress on issues like car safety standards, ending double inspections at pharmaceutical and medical device plants, should, over time, reduce costs for business, regulators and consumers. Bringing about more regulatory convergence will help exporters and investors by reducing the cost of doing business across the Atlantic. It will make it easier for companies to comply with both US and EU laws at the same time at lower cost. This is important for SMEs that often don’t have the scale and resources to meet regulatory requirements on both sides of the Atlantic for the same products. Indeed, extending the scope for mutual recognition across many professional bodies, for example, would make it easier for professionals to source new job opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
It is important to note that while regulatory aspects are one of the main elements of the TTIP negotiations, there is nothing in the negotiations that should prevent or undermine the rights of both sides to regulate, and the level of regulatory protection on both sides, be it environment, food, consumer safety, will not be lessened.
As regards investment protection, the public consultation launched by the European Commission last March on the investment protection provisions of a future Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, is still under way and will run until 6 July. All stakeholders have the opportunity to respond to this consultation, so that specific interests and concerns on investor protection and settlement of related disputes are well understood by the European Commission, and can be used to better define the EU’s approach to investor protection in the TTIP negotiations. The public consultation can be accessed at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/consultations.
Further information on the negotiations, including background documents, are available on the European Commission’s TTIP website: [http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/ttip.
Last week, as in all previous negotiating rounds, both negotiating teams maintained close dialogue with a large number of representatives of the academic community, consumer groups, labour unions, environmental groups, farmers and employers. The negotiators met with over 300 representatives of civil society. These discussions and briefings have become an integral part of the EU’s negotiating approach to TTIP, both during each Round and also between each Round, so that as much information as possible can be given to interest groups.
I understand that the next negotiating round is scheduled to take place in July in Brussels.
330. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding JLC rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22442/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn January 28th 2014, I signed Orders to give effect to recommendations of the Labour Court Review of the then 10 Joint Labour Committees (JLCs). The Review had its genesis in Section 41A of Industrial Relations Act 1946 (inserted by Section 11 of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012), which provides that reviews of each JLC be carried out by the Labour Court, as soon as practicable after the commencement of the Act, and at least once every 5 years thereafter.
Industrial Relations Officers of the Labour Relations Commission have been appointed to the positions of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of seven JLCs, excluding Agriculture.
It is a matter for the Labour Court, under the Industrial Relations Act 1946, to ensure that equal numbers of representatives of workers and employers in the relevant sectors are on each of the JLCs. In this context, I understand that nominations have been received from employer and worker representatives for the Contract Cleaning and Security JLCs. Nominations are still awaited in respect of the other JLCs.
These Orders provide the framework within which employers and employee representatives can come together voluntarily and negotiate terms and conditions of employment for workers in their respective sector. In this regard, the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012 introduced new provisions to establish the principles and policies to which a JLC must have regard when formulating proposals for Employment Regulation Orders. The new provisions will guide the formulation by JLCs of proposals on the fixing of remuneration and conditions of employment and will also provide for the regulation of the JLC’s own decision-making process.
For vulnerable workers, the advantage of JLCs is that they see fair terms and conditions such as wage rates, sick pay etc. agreed and given effect by an ERO, while for some employers, the advantage of the JLC system, based as it is on the principle of self-governance, means that they can agree and set minimum pay and conditions, agree on work practices which are custom-made to their industry – a flexibility which cannot be achieved by primary legislation. Where both parties to a JLC see commonality of purpose and outcome then an agreement may emerge.
331. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an employment permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22193/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named by the Deputy has never held an employment permit. An employment permit application in respect of this person was refused by my Department on 9th April 2014 as certain occupations are not deemed eligible for employment permits where it is considered that there is already a sufficient supply of labour in the labour market for the filling of such vacancies, or where the occupation requires a low level of skill and experience and therefore can be filled by the existing supply of labour or where it is not in the broader public interest to fill the vacancy. It appeared from the information received in support of the application that the position on offer, Duty Manager, was one of the occupations currently ineligible for a new employment permit. It should be added that under the category of Hotel Tourism and Catering in my Department’s list of ineligible occupations for work permits all occupations in that area of employment are ineligible with the exception of chefs. This policy is outlined on my Department’s website.
The applicant in this case submitted a request that this decision be reviewed in accordance with Section 13 of the Employment Permits Act, 2006. The refusal decision was subsequently upheld on appeal on 8th May 2014. In light of these developments there is no further action that my Department can take with regard to this application.
Issues relating to conditions of residency, such as circumstances where employment is permitted without the requirement for an employment permit, are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.
332. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if a work permit will be restored on a temporary basis in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22256/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with S. 16 (3) and S. 16(4) of the Employment Permits Act 2006, the decision to revoke the permit in question shall not take effect until the expiry of a 28 day period following the notification of the decision to revoke. This is in order to allow either the employer or the permit holder to seek a review of the decision, as provided for under S. 17 of the same Act. The relevant notification of the decision to revoke the permit issued week beginning 12 May 2014.
