Tuesday, 3 Feb 2015

Written Answers Nos. 281-298

National Debt

Ceisteanna (281, 282)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

281. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he has estimated the likely impact on the Irish fiscal situation from a write-down of Greek debt of the suggested minimum order of 50% in view of the Irish loan of €350 million to Greece, which he has referred to recently; and if he will take a leading role in ensuring economic justice for the Greek persons. [4901/15]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

282. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he has examined the net benefits which may accrue to Ireland from significant write-offs of Greek debt during 2015, especially in view of his and the Irish Government's piggybacking on the successful earlier efforts of previous Greek Governments to reduce repayment interest rates and alleviate repayment conditions. [4902/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.

At the end of last year, the total amount owing to Ireland under the Greek loan facility was €347 million (0.2 per cent of GDP). This arises by way of bilateral loans provided to Greece, prior to Ireland's entry into a programme in late-2010.

The bulk of Greece's obligations are to the official sector, and policy over the past five years has been to ensure that the repayment burden is affordable. As a result, there have been maturity extensions, interest rate reductions and interest holidays by the official sector. Accordingly, there is no suggestion that there should be any writing down of Greece's debt.

Tax Reliefs Costs

Ceisteanna (283)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

283. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the amount the child care services tax relief cost the State for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4997/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

Tax relief is not available to parents in respect of crèche fees or child care costs. A relief did exist in the form of a benefit-in-kind exemption where child care facilities were provided by an employer. However, this was abolished in Finance Act 2011, following a recommendation made by the Commission on Taxation, which cited equity issues in relation to those parents whose employers did not provide such facilities. No official figures are available for this exemption as it was not required to be reported to Revenue. However, it was estimated that the yield to the Exchequer from the abolition of the exemption would be €6 million in a full year.

An exemption from tax is available on income of up to €15,000 per annum for individuals who mind up to three children in their own home and the Deputy's question may be in relation to this scheme. The following table shows the cost of this relief for the 5 years up to and including 2012, the most recent year for which figures are available:

Cost of relief

Year	Cost €M	Numbers Availing
2008	0.8	440
2009	0.8	470
2010	0.8	450
2011	0.9	510
2012	1	560

I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government acknowledges the continuing cost pressures on parents, particularly those with young children. In recognition of these cost pressures, a number of support measures are in place to ease the burden on working parents. These include the Community Child care Subvention (CCS) programme, which funds community child care services to enable them to charge reduced child care fees to qualifying parents, the Child care Education and Training Support (CETS) programme which provides free child care places to qualifying Solas and VEC trainees and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme which provides for a free pre-school year for children in the year before commencing primary school. Generous entitlements to paid and unpaid maternity leave as well as child benefit payments are also provided.

National Payments Plan Implementation

Ceisteanna (284)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

284. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with the implementation of the national payments plan launched in April 2013; the progress in rolling out of basic bank accounts; the number of such accounts now in existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5000/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The National Payments Plan, published in April 2013, targets improving consumer payments systems, modernising business payments, promoting electronic payment methods, reducing costly cheque usage and increasing the efficiency of the use of cash. The National Payments Plan outlines that if Ireland were to match best practice in Europe, savings of up to €1 billion per annum could be made to the economy.

Good progress has been made in a number of areas. Data published by IPSO (now BPFI) shows a 41% reduction in the volume of cheques and other debit paper instruments used in Ireland from 2008 to 2013, a 29% reduction in the aggregate value of cash withdrawn from ATMs, while debit card usage has increased 88% over the same period. This migration has been supported by the implementation of a number of recommendations in the NPP, such as the implementation of 'e-Day' by Government on 19 September last year, the date from which Government Departments, Local Authorities and State Agencies will no longer use cheques in their dealings with businesses.

On the specific queries that the Deputy has raised regarding basic bank accounts, the Strategy for Financial Inclusion called for the nationwide launch of a Standard Bank Account as a first step in promoting Financial Inclusion. A pilot project for a Basic Bank Account was run, which finished on 31 March 2013 after a 9-month pilot period. A total of 205 accounts were opened during the Pilot, which the Financial Inclusion Working Group (FIWG) felt was disappointing.

The Report of the Working Group on the Pilot project noted a number of reasons for this, including the view of stakeholders that one of the key elements required as part of the preparations for a successful national roll-out of a Standard Bank Account is greater involvement by An Post and the credit unions. My Department is currently exploring with the relevant stakeholders how to make progress on this issue.

Tax Data

Ceisteanna (285)

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

285. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the number of self-assessed taxpayers by county for the years 2011 to 2014, inclusive; the number and type of attachment orders placed by the Revenue Commissioners by county for 2011 to 2014, inclusive, and to date in 2015; the amount of income collected by these means; the way taxpayers are notified if there is an attachment order; the average length of time these were in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5018/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

In regard to the first part of the Deputy's Question, I am advised by Revenue that the total number of chargeable self-assessed Income Tax payers is set out in Table 1. It was not possible for Revenue to breakdown the data on a county basis in the timeframe available for responding to the Question.

In regard to the second part of the Deputy's Question on the use of Attachment Orders, I am advised that the data requested is set out in Tables 2 and 3 for the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The data in relation to January 2015 is not yet available.

By way of general information in regard to the deployment of its various debt collection and enforcement options, including Attachment, Revenue has assured me that before any such action is considered, the defaulting taxpayer is given every opportunity to engage and agree mutually acceptable arrangements in respect of the outstanding debt. The enforcement process only starts where there is no meaningful engagement by the taxpayer in seeking realistic solutions. Revenue has also assured me that Attachment Orders are normally only deployed where other enforcement options have failed to secure the outstanding tax debt.

The deployment of Attachment Orders is provided for by Section 1002 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, which allows Revenue to instruct financial institutions to transfer funds from any account in the name of a defaulting taxpayer, or, to instruct any third party 'relevant person' that owes a debt to the defaulting taxpayer to pay those funds directly to Revenue.

When Revenue serves an Attachment Order (or a Revocation Order) on a 'relevant person' in respect of a taxpayer, it also forwards a copy of the Notice to the taxpayer for information. Within ten days of receiving the Attachment Order, the 'relevant person' must deliver a written 'return' to Revenue, confirming whether or not any debt is due to the specified taxpayer. Where there is a debt due to the taxpayer, this amount must also be paid directly to Revenue within the ten day period.

Table 1

Tax Year	Number of Self-Assessed Income Tax Taxpayers
2010	554,715
2011	557,174
2012	570,364
2013	590,459

[Data in relation to the tax year 2014 is not yet available]

Table 2 Attachment Orders 2011-2014

-	-	-	2011	-	-	-	2012	-	-	-	2013	-	-	-	2014	-
County	No.	Value€000	Payments€000	Avg. No. Days	No.	Value€000	Payments€000	Avg. No. Days	No.	Value€000	Payments€000	Avg. No. Days	No.	Value€000	Payments€000	Avg. No. Days
Carlow	51	1,383	185	77	63	3,884	334	132	23	981	117	99	41	1,053	200	47
Cavan	53	2,952	888	128	33	3,007	307	106	51	1,139	371	99	29	889	153	55
Clare	132	4,333	452	103	105	3,665	403	139	163	3,555	410	123	89	2,262	383	60
Cork	597	23,940	2,887	108	619	20,523	3,943	102	569	23,130	4,320	84	737	24,858	3,951	54
Donegal	80	5,822	1,266	75	65	2,683	361	98	52	3,326	303	128	55	1,157	191	66
Dublin	1,528	74,132	10,641	122	1,466	73,069	11,721	91	1,521	70,606	11,652	76	1,670	60,168	10,188	41
Galway	174	7,158	773	111	169	8,418	1,133	96	171	7,925	955	95	270	6,366	1,267	50
Kerry	151	9,813	3,705	142	93	3,244	270	133	95	1,970	220	109	99	2,086	568	47
Kildare	190	7,477	1,647	91	127	6,218	732	99	104	4,345	915	65	148	4,797	582	44
Kilkenny	72	3,824	657	168	67	3,555	331	116	37	654	267	89	54	1,286	99	54
Laois	35	968	82	181	47	1,526	141	159	24	866	218	25	22	839	134	23
Leitrim	24	885	67	153	17	1,274	180	62	20	356	28	47	17	462	70	26
Limerick	164	9,988	851	122	156	5,817	1,408	112	210	6,965	745	97	433	10,869	2,114	46
Longford	35	1,023	101	104	28	1,196	56	100	28	1,234	162	72	31	803	119	26
Louth	132	9,801	517	156	115	4,157	726	139	120	4,650	481	49	155	5,008	636	41
Mayo	68	3,536	649	221	87	3,986	735	163	115	5,510	576	126	248	7,031	884	57
Meath	224	8,189	1,290	169	196	8,022	1,207	115	160	5,613	1,055	94	164	6,137	1,303	53
Monaghan	46	2,496	317	166	27	1,420	672	77	51	1,547	666	72	23	875	414	65
Offaly	57	2,681	271	155	60	2,344	269	226	83	3,104	1,394	70	73	2,825	296	56
Roscommon	34	1,078	224	157	24	2,236	149	136	36	4,899	284	113	36	991	246	46
Sligo	40	1,706	357	59	43	1,020	62	56	58	1,891	368	37	47	3,467	77	44
Tipperary	99	7,117	565	74	106	4,071	605	81	108	4,907	733	57	69	3,084	290	54
Waterford	88	5,466	513	112	37	2,459	358	129	68	2,091	152	56	31	3,068	125	63
Westmeath	67	2,852	352	252	67	2,738	261	90	104	3,462	651	78	112	4,217	859	46
Wexford	146	8,765	661	124	120	3,789	1,083	93	98	3,831	675	100	123	2,942	1,090	35
Wicklow	176	5,653	733	84	102	4,155	1,073	43	130	4,975	907	79	159	3,681	937	40
Total	4,463	213,037	30,651	123	4,039	178,476	28,519	103	4,199	173,532	28,625	83	4,935	161,223	27,176	47

Table 3 - Attachment Orders Issued to Relevant Persons by Category 2011-2014

-	-	2011	-	-	2012	-	-	2013	-	-	2014	-
Relevant Person -Category	No.	Value€000	Payments€000	No.	Value€000	Payments€000	No.	Value€000	Payments€000	No.	Value€000	Payments€000
An Post	14	451	216	16	544	88	13	183	98	8	132	13
Banks/Building Society	3,646	174,570	23,959	3,325	146,852	20,453	3,444	143,680	20,866	4,005	128,747	20,477
Co-op/Creamery	4	188	4	3	85	0	7	132	33	3	72	17
Credit Union	45	1,484	91	44	1,786	122	37	1,211	53	49	886	145
Dept of Agriculture & Food	73	4,045	816	113	5,773	1,317	105	3,485	1,211	158	4,178	1,421
Dept of Arts, Sport & Tourism	3	9	2	1	16	6	3	26	0	0	0	9
Dept of Justice, Equality & Law Reform	11	371	139	16	275	119	23	494	196	24	532	138
Dept of Social & Family Affairs	6	208	8	4	80	12	8	147	21	8	202	51
Employer				6	132	28	6	483	51	3	49	78
Health Service Executive	51	2,101	759	55	3,009	1,833	72	4,889	1,726	53	1,627	484
Insurance Company	19	2,306	176	13	891	268	13	2,607	161	20	2,856	367
Limited Company	108	5,992	300	64	3,233	383	74	3,634	446	124	5,529	761
Local Authority	112	4,114	1,948	96	2,597	862	108	2,057	984	84	2,209	639
Office of Public Works	10	330	119	14	1,038	294	13	326	235	14	831	246
Other	273	13,244	1,776	227	10,930	2,159	230	8,557	2,381	315	11,695	2,020
Principal Contractor	75	3,046	303	35	1,097	441	33	1,366	125	56	1,299	271
Supplier	13	578	35	7	137	133	10	257	37	11	378	38
Total	4,463	213,037	30,651	4,039	178,476	28,519	4,199	173,532	28,625	4,935	161,223	27,176

Tax Yield

Ceisteanna (286)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

286. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form the annual relevant contract tax revenue collected and tax refunded between 2000 and 2007. [5019/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the annual tax revenue collected from and tax refunds relating to RCT between 2000 and 2007 is as set out in the following table.

Year	RCT Gross	RCT Repayments / Offsets	RCT Net
	€m	€m	€m
2000	339.3	287.1	52.2
2001	422.2	365.2	57.0
2002	394.3	365.2	29.1
2003	477.0	423.7	53.3
2004	613.0	532.3	80.7
2005	759.8	660.9	98.9
2006	949.8	856.1	93.8
2007	1,033.4	983.5	49.9

Public Sector Reform Implementation

Ceisteanna (287)

Derek Nolan

Ceist:

287. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the establishment of the accountability board of the Civil Service will be set up as per the committee for review of public service report 2014; the way the representatives of this board will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4451/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Establishing an Accountability Board for the Civil Service for the first time is one of the priority actions in the Civil Service Renewal Plan and work is at an advanced stage to progress this priority, set out the criteria for membership and establish the Board.  The Board will be chaired by the Taoiseach and balanced with ministerial, civil service and external membership. The nomination process for external members will issue shortly, using the procedures set out for State Boards.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (288, 289, 290)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

288. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, for the years 2007 to 2010, inclusive, the total photography costs in his Department, including a list of which photographers were booked, the photographers used and breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4498/15]

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

289. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, for the years 1997 to 2007, inclusive, the total photography costs in his Department, including a list of which photographers were booked, the photographers used and breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4514/15]

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

290. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, a list of all external public relations firms hired by his Department and associated costs incurred from 2007 to 2010, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4548/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 to 290, inclusive, together.

As the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform only came into being in March 2011 there were no expenditure costs incurred before this time.

Freedom of Information Remit

Ceisteanna (291)

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

291. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any semi-State companies have made a business case to his Department seeking an extension of time before that company will be subject to freedom of information legislation; if so, the names of these companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4555/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Section 1(3)(b) of the FOI Act 2014 provides that in respect of a body that was not subject to FOI under the 1997 Act but is subject to FOI under the new Act, the Act will come into operation 6 months following enactment or on such later date, not later than 12 months from enactment, as the Minister may by order appoint .  The FOI Bill was enacted on 14 October 2014. 

The decision to apply FOI in respect of the functions of ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland and EirGrid was made during the progress of the Bill through the Oireachtas.  I concluded, having consulted with my Government colleagues, that the rationale for excluding commercial state bodies generally from FOI, on account of the potential adverse impact on their commercial position in a competitive market, did not apply  to the network utilities to the same extent as they operate on a monopoly. 

Subsequently, these companies sought an extension in relation to this lead-in period on the basis that they had received significantly less advance notice that they were to be made subject to FOI than other bodies who were being made subject to FOI for the first time under the new Act.  Having considered the business cases submitted carefully, I have agreed that the maximum lead-in time provided for under the Act for the application of FOI could be allowed in respect of these companies in order to allow them sufficient time to make the necessary administrative arrangements required.  

I also decided that Irish Rail should have the same lead-in period as the energy network companies.  I made that decision on the same basis as the decision in respect of the energy network companies and also to bring about a level of consistency in terms of the application of FOI to network utilities.

My decisions as set out above will require a Ministerial Order before they come into effect.  I intend, therefore, to make the Order shortly to provide that FOI will apply to Irish Rail, EirGrid, ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland with effect from 14 October 2015.

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Ceisteanna (292)

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

292. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if an application for funding has been received from Limerick City and County Council in respect of flood alleviation measures in Askeaton and Ballysteen, County Limerick; if the council has estimated a total cost for the works involved; if an assessment on site has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4586/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Finance

Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) submitted applications for funding for projects at Askeaton and Ballysteen under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

The application for Askeaton sought funding to enable LCCC to engage consultants to survey the existing flood defences and to prepare a detailed design of proposed improvements to include costings and a Cost Benefit Analysis. LCCC indicated that, based on initial assessment, the overall cost of the project could be in excess of €250,000. The OPW recently requested additional information from the Council in relation to this application. When this information is received the application will be fully assessed under the eligibility criteria of the Scheme. I would point out also that Askeaton is an Area for Further Assessment (AFA) under the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study that is being carried out by the OPW to identify specific flood mitigation measures for the area. The OPW's assessment of the application for funding under the Minor Works scheme will also have regard to that fact.

In relation to Ballysteen, LCCC sought funding for works estimated to cost €20,000. This application does not meet the minimum benefit to cost ratio of 1.5:1 required under the criteria of the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme and consequently has been refused.

Public Procurement Contracts Social Clauses

Ceisteanna (293)

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

293. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of evaluating the use of social employment clauses in public sector procurement under the devolved schools programme; and if such an approach will be rolled out across public sector procurement. [4950/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy is aware, a pilot social clause has been included in the three devolved schools bundles which are being administered by the NDFA on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills.

In summary the pilot clause requires that:  

             At least 10% of those working on the sites being drawn from the live register and having been unemployed for more than 12 months; and

             At least 2.5% of workers on the sites will be engaged in an approved registered apprenticeship, training or educational work placement scheme.

In total the three contracts cover fourteen sites with the works comprising both stand-alone, new build and extensions/refurbishment works. Construction work started on all three of the contracts during Spring 2014. The aggregate capital value of the contracts is c. €70m.

I understand that overall compliance in relation to the pilot clause has been good. The Department of Social Protection and its local Intreo offices are working closely with the appointed contractors to support the pilot initiative and there has been strong positive engagement from the contractors involved in each of the projects.

The most recent monthly progress reports (Dec 14) provided by each of the main contractors involved indicate that they are on target to achieve the cumulative percentages set out in the pilot clause. At present, across the three contracts the contractors' reports indicate that there are 50 employees who had been unemployed for more than 12 months and 17 further employees who are either apprentices or trainees.

The Department of Social Protection, through its local Intreo offices is continuing to liaise with the contractors on all three contracts to identify and fill further positions from the live register.

Once initial evaluations on the performance of the clause have been undertaken any necessary amendments will be tabled at GCCC before they are incorporated into the €1.5bn, PPP element of the €2.25bn Stimulus Programme that I announced in July 2012. 

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (294, 295, 296)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

294. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way and the reason the decision to revive Irish Nonprofits Knowledge Exchange was made; if alternative approaches were considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4957/15]

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

295. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the budget or funding that has been allocated for Irish Nonprofits Knowledge Exchange; if there was a tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4958/15]

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

296. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the objectives that have been set for Irish Nonprofits Knowledge Exchange; the timeframe; the way its performance will be measured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4959/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 to 296, inclusive, together.

There are in excess of 12,000 non-profit entities, which receive more than €4.4 billion annually in government funding. In line with the Public Sector Reform Plan 2014 2016 my Department is progressing solutions to design and deliver complete data on the funding received by the not-for-profit sector. The establishment of such an evidence base will assist Government in evaluating and delivering a higher quality impact assessment of public spending.

The Irish Nonprofits Project Limited (formerly INKEx) previously worked on the development of a single repository of financial, governance and other relevant data on the not-for-profit sector. This project was designed to significantly enhance the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of Government support and interaction with the non-profit sector. It was part-funded through significant State investment. However funding was withdrawn due to economic constraints and the project was put into abeyance.

The Irish Nonprofits Project Limited (formerly INKEx) have secured philanthropic funding toward the re-establishment of this project and I have committed to providing match funding. My Department are engaged in discussions with the Irish Nonprofits and philanthropic organisations on the practicalities and structures involved in re-establishing this project. Any investment will build on the earlier investment and seek to realise the value of the State's previous funding of this project. This is in keeping with the Government's aim to develop alternative models of delivery and to provide for greater public accountability and transparency in Government grant-making and its support of the non-profit sector.

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (297)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

297. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding job vacancies in the Civil Service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4991/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the centralised recruiter for the Civil and Public Service. Recruitment competitions conducted by the PAS cover a broad range of areas including, professional/ technical; clerical/ administrative; senior management/ executive, etc. 

Recruitment competitions conducted by the PAS are advertised on www.publicjobs.ie. By logging on to this website, individuals can also register to be notified by e-mail or text message of vacancies as they arise.

In Budget 2015, it was announced that there would be a targeted programme of recruitment into the Civil Service to address service needs and a shortfall in key skills which commenced in late 2014 and is ongoing in 2015.

General Service recruitment competitions currently underway include the following:

Clerical Officer

A recruitment competition to fill clerical vacancies was advertised in mid-2014. Over 28,000 applications were received and, to date, just over 300 individuals have been assigned to vacancies. Approximately 130 have been assigned in 2015 and clerical vacancies notified to PAS over the next year to 18 months will be filled from this competition.

Administrative Officer (Graduate Recruitment) Competitions

The graduate Administrative Officer competition was advertised in October 2014 and it is likely that at least 20 will be assigned from that competition. The Administrative Officer competition to fill Graduate Economist posts in the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) is ongoing and interviews will take place shortly.

Executive Officer

A competition for Executive Officer was recently advertised attracting approximately 13,500 applicants. The selection process is currently underway.

Executive Officer (ICT)

The selection process is also currently in train to fill vacancies for the position of Executive Officer (ICT)

Principal Officer and Assistant Principal Officer Competitions

An open competition for Principal Officer will take place in the first quarter of 2015. It is also expected that competitions for Assistant Principal - both open and interdepartmental - will take place in 2015. 

Following a selection process PAS creates panels of qualified individuals from which vacancies are filled. It is not possible to determine in advance the total number of vacancies to be filled from such panels as this is determined from time to time having regard to demand from Departments and Offices.

The above recruitment programme supports Action 8 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan, to "open up recruitment and promotion processes at all levels". Under the Renewal Plan the established policy of open competition for all senior management positions (Assistant Principal and higher) will be extended. Further consideration will be given throughout 2015 to resourcing and staffing needs for the Civil Service.

Semi-State Bodies Remuneration

Ceisteanna (298)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

298. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of all bonus payment to chief executives of commercial semi-State agencies under the remit of his Department paid in each year from 2011 to 2014; if bonuses were withheld by commercial semi-States during the period; the reasons for withholding of bonuses; the current policy regarding the payment of bonuses in the commercial semi-State sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4994/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In 2013 the Government reviewed the position on the payment of performance related reward schemes or bonuses for Chief Executive Officers in Commercial State Companies and agreed to continue with the policy which it introduced in 2011 of requesting the State Companies concerned not to award such bonus payments in light of the serious state of the public finances. Furthermore the Government agreed to continue with the practice of excluding the payment of bonus provisions in the employment contracts of newly appointed CEOs to such State Companies as well as in respect of contract renewals for incumbent CEOs.

With regard to commercial semi State agencies under my remit no bonus payments were made to, nor sought by, the Chief Executive of the National Lottery since 2011.