Written Answers Nos. 288-304
288. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide all the receipts from, and payments to, the Exchequer by the National Pensions Reserve Fund in each year from 2008 to date in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18471/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation in relation to the performance of the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) is available in the Fund's published Annual Reports which are available online at the following link; www.nprf.ie.
Section 18 of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 required the payment of a contribution equivalent to 1% of GNP from the Exchequer to the National Pensions Reserve Fund each year. Under 2009 legislation, an additional €1.416 billion was paid into the Fund in 2009 to help recapitalise AIB and BoI. In addition, €993 million was received from university and certain non-commercial semi-state pension schemes in 2009 and a further €1,079 million in 2010 under legislation which provided that the pension liabilities of those schemes will be met from the Exchequer. These additional contributions were offset against future Exchequer contributions to the Fund, with the result that no contribution was required in 2011 and a partial contribution would have been required in 2012.
However an amendment to the NPRF Act, which was inserted by the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010, empowered the Minister for Finance to suspend the payment of the annual contribution, in 2012 and 2013. Dáil Éireann approved the suspension of Exchequer contributions in 2012 and 2013 on 7 December 2012.
On 22 December 2014, the National Pensions Reserve Fund transitioned to the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) which has a statutory mandate to invest on a commercial basis to support economic activity and employment in Ireland.
Contributions to/Withdrawals by the Exchequer:
|
Year |
Contributions/Assets Transferred |
Withdrawals |
Details |
|
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
2015 |
0.0 |
1,634.2 |
Transfer to the Exchequer |
|
2014 |
0.0 |
10.0 |
Funding of SBCI |
|
2013 |
1.4 |
0.0 |
Residual cash balances from the universities' accounts |
|
2012 |
11.1 |
0.0 |
Residual cash balances from the universities' accounts |
|
2011 |
0.7 |
1,018.0 |
Residual cash balances from the universities' accounts (€0.7) & transfer of €1,018m to the Exchequer |
|
2010 |
1,079.1 |
0.0 |
Transfer of the assets of six university and non-commercial state bodies. |
|
2009 |
3,993.3 |
0.0 |
Minister for Finance 1%GNP contribution (€1,584m), Additional contribution from the Exchequer (€1,416m) and €993,297,237 transferred to the Fund certain universities and non-commercial state bodies |
|
2008 |
1,690.0 |
0.0 |
Minister for Finance 1%GNP contribution |
289. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the amount and a breakdown by institution of the dated subordinated bonds repaid in full during the period of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008. [18524/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have set out in the paragraphs below the information received from the relevant institutions in relation to dated subordinated debt that was repaid during the period of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 which ran from 30th September 2008 to 29th September 2010.
AIB
No dated subordinated debt was repaid in full. The only transaction involving dated subordinated debt from 30 September 2008 to 30 September 2010 was an exchange that was transacted in March 2010. This involved the exchange of €2,211m dated subordinated debt. Consideration of €1,768m of replacement dated subordinated debt notes was given. The replacement instruments were carried on AIB's books at a fair value with a premium to the par value, impacting on the capital gain to AIB.
Bank of Ireland
Please refer to the following pages of the Bank of Ireland Group Report and Accounts as available on the Group's website:
- 31 March 2009: See note 35 on pages 161, 163
- 31 December 2009: See note 9 on page 189 and note 39 on pages 218, 220
- 31 December 2010: See note 9 on pa ges 233, 236 and note 41 on pages 265, 267
PTSB
PTSB did not repay any dated subordinated debt between 30th September 2008 and 30th September 2010.
IBRC
The Special Liquidators note that the information requested pre dated their appointment, however from information and records available they have provided the following information:
Anglo: No dated subordinated debt was repaid in full. Bonds with a nominal value of €388m were redeemed at a price of 55% of par via a liability management exercise.
INBS: No dated subordinated debt was repaid in full. Bonds with a nominal value of €267m were exchanged for €147m of newly issued dated subordinated notes via a liability management exercise.
290. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the National Pensions Reserve Fund to divest from all companies involved in the production of nuclear weapons, expanding on the current prohibited securities list which obliges the fund to avoid investment in manufacturers of cluster munitions or anti-personnel mines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18552/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 22 December 2014, the National Pensions Reserve Fund transitioned to the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) which has a statutory mandate to invest on a commercial basis to support economic activity and employment in Ireland.
The ISIF currently operates a Responsible Investment policy and is a committed signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, which focus on engagement and active ownership rather than exclusion. Any exclusions from the Fund are mandated by legislation and in this regard the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008 is the only relevant legislation. The ISIF has excluded 14 companies from the Fund to comply with this legislation; some of these companies are also alleged to be involved in the production of nuclear weapons.
The ISIF is in the process of liquidating its investments outside Ireland and assets will be sold over time to fund Irish investment commitments as they arise.
291. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance the measures he is taking to establish an ethical framework for the investment of State funds, in order to prevent public finances being invested in companies or bodies involved in the manufacture of weapons that contravene international human rights law, such as nuclear arms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18553/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 22 December 2014, the National Pensions Reserve Fund transitioned to the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) which has a statutory mandate to invest on a commercial basis to support economic activity and employment in Ireland.
The ISIF currently operates a Responsible Investment policy and is a committed signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, which focus on engagement and active ownership rather than exclusion. Any exclusions from the Fund are mandated by legislation and in this regard the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008 is the only relevant legislation. The ISIF has excluded 14 companies from the Fund to comply with this legislation; some of these companies are also alleged to be involved in the production of nuclear weapons.
Given that the ISIF's mandate is focused on Ireland and the expected liquidation of global assets over the short to medium term, the establishment of a wider ethical investment framework beyond the cluster munitions legislation and the ISIF's responsible investment policy is not currently a priority.
The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) lends (via partner lenders) to Irish SMEs. The SBCI is excluded from financing activities forbidden by national or EU law.
292. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his views on the situation at a shopping centre (details supplied) in County Cork, in which the National Asset Management Agency has an interest, where many units are vacant, and former tenants who were never offered a rent abatement, are being pursued for mounting debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18555/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously advised, as Minister for Finance I am happy to respond to questions on general policy matters relating to NAMA. However it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual assets that secure NAMA's loans or on commercial arrangements between private parties.
On the more general point, the Deputy will note that NAMA does not own or manage commercial properties. NAMA's role is that of a secured lender and in that capacity it ensures the efficient management, occupancy and sale of properties securing its loans with the view to maximum loan repayment. To date, NAMA has generated €20 billion in total cash receipts through asset disposals and a further €5 billion in non-disposal income, mainly rental income from properties held by its debtors and receivers.
The Deputy will also note that NAMA has introduced a rent abatement initiative, details of which are available on its website, www.nama.ie. Under this initiative, which has been widely publicised, NAMA has approved rent abatements with an annual value in excess of €23m. To date, less than 3% of applications have been unsuccessful. In addition, NAMA has approved long-term rent reliefs worth more than €40m to small and medium retailers throughout the country.
The Guidance Note underpinning NAMA's abatement initiative is available on NAMA's website, www.nama.ie. As advised to the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question 202 (27/01/15), if any tenant considers that his or her landlord is not engaging with them in accordance with the Guidance Note they can contact NAMA directly at info@nama.ie and ask that NAMA look into the matter on their behalf.
293. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the consideration he has given to introducing measures to provide the Central Bank of Ireland with the power to set maximum mortgage interest rates in certain circumstances, in view of the reluctance of Irish banks to reduce mortgage interest rates in line with the rest of the eurozone; in view of the enormous cost to the Irish people of bailing out the banks through significant additional taxes, such as the universal social charge, and other charges, his views that such action in respect of mortgage interest rates is now urgently required. [18609/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I outlined last week in the Spring Economic Statement that the mortgage interest rates being charged by the Banks in Ireland have not been reduced in line with the rate reduction by the ECB. I discussed the issue of mortgage interest rates with the Governor of the Central Bank on 2 April. As a result of this meeting the Governor is currently reviewing the issue of the standard variable rates charged by the lenders. The Central Bank submitted the report to my Department yesterday and I am considering the contents. I have also arranged to meet the six principal Mortgage Lenders in order to discuss this issue.
The lending institutions in Ireland - including those in which the State has a significant shareholding - are independent commercial entities. I, as Minister for Finance, have no statutory role in relation to regulated financial institutions setting interest rates. The mortgage interest rates that financial institutions operating in Ireland charge to customers are determined as a result of a commercial decision by the institutions concerned.
Equally, the Central Bank has no statutory role in the setting of interest rates by regulated entities, apart from the interest rate cap imposed on the credit union sector in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Union Act, 1997 and the requirement to be notified of penalty or surcharge interest imposed in respect of arrears. However, if the Central Bank propose to me that they should get control of the regulation of interest rates I would legislate for that.
It should also be noted that there have been moves on interest rates. On 1 May, AIB Group announced a number of reductions to its mortgage interest rates for owner occupier and buy-to-let mortgages.
A series of reductions over a fixed time frame would be acceptable to me and in that context I welcome AIB's announcement as a good first step. Competition between the banks will be crucial in ensuring that the price that the customers have to pay moves in the right direction.
294. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce an affordable housing mortgage scheme to assist families in negative equity who are in accommodation which is too small for their needs in order to enable them to move to more suitable accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18612/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues relating to affordable housing and State supported affordable mortgages are, in the first instance, a matter for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
In terms of the commercial mortgage lending market, these lending institutions are independent commercial entities and the Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for such financial institutions to consider what products they wish to make available to their customers. However, I note that a number of commercial credit institutions have introduced products to assist borrowers who are in negative equity and who wish to move to a new home.
To further assist people in negative equity to move to a new home, it should be noted that the recently introduced Central Bank macro prudential regulations on residential mortgage lending have excluded a primary home borrower from the loan to value part of the regulations so as to avoid unduly limiting the mobility options for borrowers in negative equity.
While the financial and property downturn unfortunately resulted in many borrowers experiencing negative equity, the overall economic improvement since then has had a positive impact on the situation of many mortgage holders and the Government intends to continue to work to maintain a sustainable economic recovery.
295. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance in view of the current housing crisis, his plans to introduce emergency powers to prohibit banks from evicting tenants in cases where a landlord is bankrupt and a receiver has been appointed and which would instead require banks to appoint rent receivers so that tenants can remain in their accommodation and not become homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18618/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that issues relating to the rental market and tenancy rights are for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, TD.
I am informed by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG), that in circumstances where a receiver is appointed to a landlord's interest in a dwelling it is essential that the rights of tenants are protected. While the circumstances of each case may vary depending on the terms of the mortgage or charge under which a receiver is appointed, the policies and procedures of banks in appointing receivers cannot affect the statutory or contractual rights of tenants. The tenant continues to enjoy the same security of tenure. The appointment of a receiver does not mean that a tenant loses their rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. The Residential Tenancies Act also sets out the procedures and notice periods that must be complied with when terminating a tenancy. In documentation submitted prior to recent meetings with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank confirmed that they adhere to the legislative framework when dealing with the repossession of buy-to-let properties.
Furthermore, I understand that the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) is aware of the impact on tenants of receivership and repossession proceedings. The Board will engage with the Central Bank and the financial institutions with a view to developing a code of practice to apply in such situations. The main purpose of the code would be to ensure that the financial institutions are fully aware of the rights, duties and obligations in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2004 and to ensure that there is a consistency and fairness in the treatment of tenants in these cases.
296. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the parliamentary question which he replied to on 3 April 2012, as stated in his speech on the Siteserv Private Members' business on 6 May 2015, in view of the fact that Dáil Éireann was in recess on this date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18644/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen the Deputy submitted the question in March 2012, it was originally for answer on Tuesday 3rd April 2012. Please note that this question was submitted prior to the electronic parliamentary question system coming into place.
When the question was received by my officials, it was recorded in electronic format for answer on Tuesday 3rd April 2012. When Dáil Éireann adjourned for the Easter recess on 29 March 2012, the question was rescheduled for answer on 18 April 2012.
So while the question was answered on 18th April 2012, the original date for answer of 3rd April 2012 remained in the text of the response, from which I drew material for my speech.
297. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Finance in view of representations this Deputy has received from Sligo Chamber of Commerce, the reason Sligo has not been included in the new Living City Initiative, in view of the fact it could prove to be a very important regeneration tool for a gateway city such as Sligo which is struggling to re-emerge from the financial crisis; if he will reconsider this decision and include Sligo in this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18649/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Living City Initiative, which was enacted in the Finance Act 2013, has been extended beyond the original pilot cities of Limerick and Waterford, to include the cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway and Kilkenny as well. In line with my Department's commitment to evidence based policy-making, the inclusion of these additional four cities was as a result of a comprehensive, independent ex ante cost benefit analysis.
This Initiative is targeting particular areas of these six cities which are most in need of regeneration. The designated areas have been decided upon following consultations with the relevant local authorities, other Government agencies and an independent adviser.
I do not currently intend to extend the Initiative further than the six cities. However, my Department will closely monitor the progress of the Initiative in the six cities, and will keep the matter of potentially extending the relief further under review.
It is important to note that I do not see this as a wide-spread Initiative, as it is targeted at those areas in the six cities which are most in need of attention.
298. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Government's response to the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal; if he will provide details of actions already taken and those proposed to be taken, and the timescale for same. [18135/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA substantial review of the effectiveness and efficiency of Ireland's current Ethics framework has been completed by my Department, including consideration of the recommendations of the Mahon and Moriarty Tribunals and other relevant recommendations, as well as international best practice.
Development of the Heads of a General Scheme for a comprehensive, reformed and modernised Public Sector Standards Bill has now been substantially progressed and are expected to be submitted to Government shortly for approval.
299. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of representations from a company (details supplied) in County Cork, his plans to allow for a revaluation of commercial property rates in the council areas of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18443/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Valuation Office is currently undertaking a systematic programme of revaluing, for rates purposes, all industrial and commercial properties in the State on a rating authority area basis. The purpose of revaluation is to bring more equity, fairness and transparency into the local authority rating system and to distribute the commercial rates liability more equitably between ratepayers. Following revaluation there generally will be a much closer and uniform relationship between rental values of property and their commercial rates liability. In essence, the exercise aims to ensure that each ratepayer bears a fair share of the rates burden relative to the value of the property that they occupy.
Section 9(10) of the Valuation Act 2001 provides that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions and decisions with regard to the selection of rating authority areas for revaluation is his sole prerogative. Section 19(1) of the said Act empowers the Commissioner, after consultation with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the rating authority concerned, to make a Valuation Order specifying a rating authority area over which a revaluation is to be conducted.
The revaluation programme which began with South Dublin County Council, Fingal and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council areas has been rolled out more recently to the Dublin City Council area, Waterford City and County Council area and Limerick City and County Council area. The statutory consultation process, required before a valuation order can be made, is now being conducted in relation to a further three rating authorities, Galway City Council, Kilkenny County Council and Carlow County Council.
The immediate objective of the national revaluation programme is to ensure that the first revaluation of all rating authority areas is conducted as soon as possible. Following the first revaluation, subsequent revaluations of each rating authority area will then be carried out on a cyclical basis no sooner than five years and no later than ten years after the first revaluation (Section 25 of the Valuation Act 2001). Accordingly, the next revaluation of the South Dublin County Council area will be undertaken between now and 2017 and the 2nd revaluation of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown will take place between now and 2020.
300. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will arrange to have appropriate lighting installed in the car park and drive between the gates of the park and the boathouse of the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge in Dublin 8, to help ensure the personal safety of those who use the park when it is dark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18529/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the War Memorial Gardens have lighting in the car park adjacent to the Boat Club and also at the car park closest to the South Circular Road.
The Gardens are closed at dusk each day. While there is a public right of way through the Gardens along the river Liffey, the public are not encouraged to use the Gardens when closed.
There is no footpath on the drive between the outer gateway and the gates to the Gardens. The provision of a path and lighting in this area would serve to attract public usage of this area after hours and create a focal point for anti-social activities.
301. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline progress made by the agency rationalisation programme; the number of agencies which have been merged or abolished since the Government came into office and the remaining issues to be addressed during the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18132/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the Report on the Implementation of the Agency Rationalisation Programme which is published on my Department's web site. The Report provides information on what has been achieved in reducing the number of state bodies as set out in the 2011 Public Service Reform Plan, including savings.
The Report based on information provided by Government Departments shows that measures involving more than 90 percent of the bodies to be rationalised and merged are complete. This means that as a result - there are today 170 fewer State Bodies than in 2011, with a further 11 due to go. The Report also shows that, to date, recurring annual savings of over €15 million are accruing to Central Government, with a further €2.8m in once-off revenue arising from the disposal of property. Further annual savings of the order of €9m will be achieved by 2018, as the full year efficiency savings from some of the measures are realised. It is also important to note that these figures are in regard to direct Exchequer savings. The Report shows that net savings worth some €40 million will accrue annually to the Local Authority sector on foot of the reform and rationalisation measures in Local Authority structures, which also forms part of the overall rationalisation programme.
The remaining measures to be implemented are highlighted in italics in Appendix 2 of the Report. These measures are well advanced and, where possible, arrangements have been put in place on an administrative basis prior to enabling legislation being enacted.
302. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the commitment in the programme for Government regarding extending the Freedom of Information Acts and the Ombudsman Acts to ensure that all statutory bodies are covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe programme for Government committed to extending Freedom of Information, and the Ombudsman Act, to ensure that all statutory bodies, and all bodies significantly funded from the public purse, are covered. Following the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014 and on the basis of the enactment of the Ombudsman (Amendment) Act, 2012, this is now being achieved.
The Freedom of Information Act 2014 provides for the application of FOI to all bodies that conform to the definition of public body in Section 6 of the Act, unless they are specifically exempt or part-exempt under the provisions of the Act. As new public bodies are established, they will automatically be subject to FOI, unless a Ministerial Order is made to exempt them from FOI for particular reasons. This represents a major departure from the pre-existing situation under which a public body had to be explicitly identified under the legislation, in order for FOI to apply.
The Act also provides for the extension of FOI to non-public bodies in receipt of significant funding from the Exchequer by way of Ministerial Order in the future.
The Ombudsman (Amendment) Act 2012 extended the remit of the Ombudsman making some 180 additional public bodies subject to review. As such, it was the most significant extension of the Ombudsman's remit in 30 years. The Ombudsman is now empowered to investigate complaints about the administrative functions of bodies such as the Education and Training Boards, the higher education institutions and a range of other bodies whose administrative actions had not previously been subject to investigation.
The Act also provides for the extension of the Ombudsman's remit by Order to non-public bodies, where there is a clear public benefit in particular bodies being subject to review by the Ombudsman, in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government. In that regard, it is my intention to extend, by Ministerial Order, the Ombudsman's remit to private nursing homes whose residents are in receipt of State support or subvention and I have begun a consultation process in that regard. By extending the Ombudsman's remit, greater accountability and assurance will be afforded to patients of these nursing homes and to their families. Following this consultation process, I expect the Order will be in place by end June.
303. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to end the unacceptable practice of not keeping a record of ministerial involvement in an issue and the resulting decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe programme for Government contains a number of commitments focused on delivering greater Civil Service accountability including that of keeping a record of Ministerial involvement with an issue and resulting decisions.
The Civil Service Renewal Plan, which integrated the recommendations of the Independent Panel on Strengthening Civil Service Accountability and Performance, outlines the practical changes that will create a more unified, professional, responsive, open and accountable Civil Service. These changes include publication of "who does what" and setting a common governance standard in order to strengthen corporate governance in the Civil Service in line with international best practice.
A Corporate Governance Standard for Government Departments is currently being developed under the auspices of the Civil Service Management Board which is driving the implementation of the Renewal Plan. This will require each Government Department to produce a governance framework. This framework will also set out the Department's standards of conduct, values and principle of good governance by which it operates. This will include the formal processes and mechanisms for documenting decisions made within the Department including those considered by the Minister(s).
A Governance Framework will also formalise the role of the Management Board in Departments, and support greater ministerial and managerial interaction in jointly and regularly reviewing priorities and performance supported. It will also mean introducing a single governance standard for all Management Boards, and establishing an assessment for all Boards to measure delivery and performance.
This work is a practical measure consistent with our Government reform programme which would be expected to meet the objective reflected in the relevant commitment in the programme for Government.
304. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way he and his Department are implementing the Civil Service renewal plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15213/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Civil Service Renewal Plan was published in October last year. There are 25 major actions in this three year Plan which is focused on building on the strengths of the Civil Service and ensuring that the capacity and capability is enhanced to meet future challenges and to deliver excellent service.
Since the publication of the Renewal Plan, the focus has been on ensuring that the six priority actions identified in the Plan for delivery in the first 200 days are achieved. Progress is being made on these priorities and notable milestones include
- The establishment of the Civil Service Management Board
- Government agreement on the terms of reference for the Accountability Board, and
- The nomination of a Civil Service Spokesperson.
In addition, work on a range of other actions has commenced such as a new model for Learning and Development, Corporate Governance, Open Policy Seminars and a number of related HR actions.
The Civil Service Management Board, comprised of all Secretaries General and Heads of Major Offices, is overseeing phased implementation of all the actions in the Civil Service Renewal Plan. Three sub-groups have been formed to progress the actions on Governance (chaired by the Secretary General to the Government); Systems (chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform); and People (chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform). Within this governance framework, Secretaries General across the Civil Service are taking responsibility for leading particular projects acting as Project Sponsors.
A central Programme Management Office (PMO) in my Department is co-ordinating implementation of all of the actions in the Plan with support from the Department of the Taoiseach and a small number of staff on secondment from other Government Departments.
Engaging and communicating with staff is an important part of the implementation process and a major programme to engage with staff is underway including a series of implementation Townhall meetings around the country.
I am updating my Cabinet Colleagues on a regular basis and I am confident that significant progress will be achieved as set out in the Plan.
