Written Answers Nos. 305-21
305. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is aware of any boards or agencies presently unable to function because they do not have sufficient members appointed for a quorum; and if he has a role in rectifying that situation. [18196/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that currently the state boards and agencies under my remit have quorate and active boards. I am not aware of any boards or agencies presently unable to function because they do not have sufficient members appointed for a quorum.
306. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the recent finding by the Global Competitiveness Report, which ranked Ireland's public infrastructure as thirteenth out of the EU-15, ahead of only Italy and Greece; if, in view of these findings, he is satisfied with the proposed 50:50 ratio of tax cuts to public services investment, as announced in the Spring Statement 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18130/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe World Economic Forum's Global Competiveness Report referred to by the Deputy is an interesting document that contains a number of comparative indices including the 'Overall Quality of Infrastructure'. This shows Ireland's ranking as on par with other highly developed economies. Based on this index, Ireland ranks well above average and has improved significantly since 2010. I understand that this data is based on a survey of executives' perceptions rather than an actual qualitative assessment. Such surveys are useful for tracking general trends in perception and opinions, however they are less reliable in terms of precise results.
For Budget 2016, the Spring Economic Statement (SES) has outlined that fiscal space amounting to €1.2 billion to €1.5 billion, evenly split between expenditure increases and tax reductions, will be available to the Government. This will provide us with the opportunity to reduce the tax burden for low and middle income earners, encourage further economic growth and increase investment in public services. Decisions regarding the division of fiscal space between tax and expenditure measures in future years will be taken in the relevant estimates cycle with due regard to the overarching principles of sustaining economic growth and enhancing public services.
The SES also assumes that post-2017, voted capital expenditure allocations are left unchanged in nominal terms. This is a technical working assumption only and these amounts will be finalised by Government in line with the forthcoming publication of the Capital Review.
307. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department plans to allocate funding to Duncannon Fort, County Wexford, which recently closed due to funding issues and which is an important source of local revenue due to its historical significance to the area; if he has been in contact with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport or the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to possible actions to reopen Duncannon Fort, which has in the past been the recipient of public funding grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18129/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that Wexford County Council recently announced that Duncannon Fort has been temporarily closed due to health and safety issues.
I note that the Deputy asked my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht a similar question in relation to Duncannon Fort recently. She explained that while part of the site is under her guardianship under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004, it is owned entirely by Wexford County Council. In accordance with arrangements in regard to all national monuments, the Office of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of that part of the site in the guardianship of her Department.
Therefore, I, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, have no direct role in this regard. The question of possible actions to reopen Duncannon Fort is a matter for Wexford County Council in the first instance. I understand that the Board of Duncannon Fort, in conjunction with Wexford County Council, is focused on a response to address not only the health and safety issues but also to develop a strategic plan to develop the fort's potential as a high quality tourist attraction.
308. Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in detail, the sums paid in respect of each allowance to each non-party Independent Member of Dáil Éireann, since the general election held in 2011; and the annual sum in respect of each allowance so paid, including the Leader's allowance. [18274/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, details of payments to all Members of the Oireachtas under the Parliamentary Standard Allowance are published on the Houses of the Oireachtas website.
Deputy Thomas Pringle receives an allowance as Chairperson of the Committee on Members' Interests of Dáil Éireann for which the current rate is €8,740 per annum. The amounts paid to Deputy Pringle to date in the current Dáil in respect of the allowance are as follows:
2011 - €4,803; 2012 - €9,500; 2013 - €9,120; 2014 - €8,740; 2015 - €1,457.
The current annual rate payable to an Independent Member of Dáil Éireann under the Parliamentary Activities Allowance, following the changes made in July 2014, is €37,037 per annum. The total amounts paid to date to each such Member in the current Dáil are as follows.
|
Independent TDs |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
Mar.Qtr. 2015 |
|
Catherine Murphy |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Finian McGrath |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
John Halligan |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Luke "Ming" Flanagan |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€16,535.95 |
€0.00 |
|
Mattie McGrath |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Maureen O Sullivan |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Michael Healy Rae |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Michael Lowry |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Michael Wallace |
€0.00 |
€75,935.16 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Noel Grealish |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Shane Ross |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Seamus Healy |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Stephen Donnelly |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Thomas Pringle |
€34,783.20 |
€41,151.96 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Tom Fleming |
€34,293.30 |
€41,641.86 |
€41,151.96 |
€39,094.50 |
€9,259.26 |
|
Michael Fitzmaurice |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Total |
€486,474.90 |
€652,552.50 |
€617,279.40 |
€563,858.95 |
€129,629.64 |
309. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the restoration of pensions for retired public servants is being considered by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18314/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy's question to refer to the impact on the pensions of certain retired public servants of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR), which was imposed as one of the pay and pension retrenchments in the public service under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation.
I have invited the Public Services Committee of ICTU to discussions on an approach to commencing the gradual unwinding of the FEMPI legislation. Both I and my officials have also had a number of meetings and ongoing engagement with the Association of Retired Public Servants (ARPS) regarding the impact of the PSPR on public service pensions under that legislation.
I have previously stated my intention, as a matter of priority, to move towards reducing the burden of public service pension reductions, with the initial focus on the people in receipt of low pensions, at the earliest date economic progress permits.
310. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of agencies, quangos or other bodies within his Department, funded or established by his Department, which have been scrapped, merged or reduced since this Government was formed; the amount saved in each case; the reduction in staff as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18439/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the Report on the Implementation of the Agency Rationalisation Programme which is published on my Department's website. 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, and can be found at www.per.gov.ie.
The Report based on information provided by each relevant Government Department shows that measures involving more than 90 percent of the bodies to be rationalised and merged are now complete. In terms of those bodies which are within my own area of control:
(i) the office of the Commission on Public Service Appointments was merged into the Office of the Ombudsman, with effect from October 2012.
(ii) the Valuation Office is to merge with the Property Registration Authority and Ordnance Survey Ireland to form a new single body - Tailte Éireann, subject to legislative change being brought forward by the Minister for Justice and Equality. It is anticipated that Ministerial responsibility for the Valuation Office and Ordnance Survey Ireland will be transferred to the Minister for Justice and Equality in advance of the establishment of the proposed new body.
The associated savings for each of the measures, derived from a reduction in the number of public servants and from other administrative savings, is set out in Appendix 3 of the aforementioned published Report.
311. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will sanction funds for storm damage repair projects (details supplied) submitted by Clare County Council under the minor works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18488/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare County Council has submitted an application under the Office of Public Work's (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for funding for the projects mentioned by the Deputy. The OPW has reviewed and discussed the material received with Clare County Council and to finalise its application has requested the Council to provide to the OPW material on the measurement of benefits that would accrue from these proposed works.
Following receipt of information to support a complete application under this administrative scheme, the OPW will be in a position to assess the application including whether the proposed measures are cost beneficial and in accordance with the eligibility criteria for the scheme which is published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie.
312. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding tendering of Government contracts (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18636/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Government Procurement (OGP) was established as a key element of the Public Service Reform agenda to reduce costs and achieve better value for money through reform of public procurement. The OGP's mission is to deliver sustainable procurement savings for the tax payer by optimising value for money across the public service.
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) established a multi- supplier framework agreement for stationary and office supplies in May 2014. Six firms are members of the framework agreement and all are eligible to bid for tender competitions under the framework:
1. Banner Business Service
2. Codex Office Products Limited
3. Lyreco (Ireland) Limited
4. Office Depot (Ireland) Ltd
5. Office 26 Consortium
6. Supplies Team Solutions
To date four tender competitions have been carried out under the framework agreement:
1. Irish Health Sector (Estimated value €1.8m)
2. University Group (Estimated value €2.0m)
3. Education Procurement Service (Estimated value €450,000)
4. Central Government, Local Authorities and Schools (Estimated value €3.7m)
The number of products covered under the stationary and office supplies framework is 963.
The Office of Government Procurement does not currently have any contracts or frameworks established in relation to Lighter & Shaver products.
313. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains confident that public expenditure and reform expectations remain in line with previously identified targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18656/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra314. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he may be in a position to facilitate the funding of strategic infrastructural requirements, in line with economic growth expectations in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18657/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which Government policy in respect of public expenditure and reform remains in line with original expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18658/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he and his Department have identified various Departments, currently experiencing difficulty, remaining within expenditure guidelines; if he proposes any particular action in such areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18664/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra324. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which ongoing analysis takes place, throughout each Department and-or its subsidiary bodies, to identify where any adjustments may be possible to encourage economic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18667/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 313 to 315, inclusive, and 321 and 324 together.
When Ireland was subject to an EU-IMF programme, this Government faced the challenge of restoring stability to our public finances and creating the environment to support sustainable economic growth and job creation. The recent publication of the Spring Economic Statement and the Stability Programme Update has allowed us to take stock of the progress made in returning the public finances to a more sustainable position. Having successfully exited the Troika programme in December 2013 we remain fully on course to meet our fiscal target of a General Government Deficit of below 3% of GDP in 2015 as required under the Excessive Deficit Procedure.
The positive results from our approach to expenditure adjustments are now clear. While implementing expenditure reductions, the Government's approach was to maintain the effectiveness of our social safety net and also to focus investment on key areas of social and economic need. Our approach towards expenditure management enabled Ireland to regain its fiscal credibility, restore its international reputation, and reach a position as Europe's fastest growing economy.
In relation to the funding of strategic infrastructure requirements, my Department has been undertaking a review of the public capital programme. The purpose of the review was to assess all areas of public capital investment and to refresh the existing investment strategy and multi-annual envelopes. This is to help ensure that they are in line with emerging Government priorities and that our resources are focussed on the areas that can best underpin continued economic growth. The report of the capital review is currently being finalised and will set out the capital envelope to 2020. I intend to publish the report in June.
As the Deputy will be aware, managing the delivery of public services within agreed budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and Department to ensure that Vote-level allocations are adhered to while at the same time ensuring that they continue to provide essential services and respond appropriately to increasing demands. My Department continually monitors voted expenditure throughout the year to compare drawdown of funds from the Exchequer against published expenditure profiles. There is regular communication with all Departments and Offices to ensure that expenditure is being managed within agreed allocations. I report a monthly analysis of spending trends to Government, and we publish information each month as part of the Exchequer Statement. The position at the end of April was a gross total expenditure underspend of €115 million (-0.7%) against profile. Expenditure will continued to be monitored closely for the remainder of the year so as to ensure that our fiscal targets are met.
Finally, Departments regularly review and analyse matters and areas for which they have responsiblity. In this regard, the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) is an integrated cross-Government service which enhances the role of economics and value for money analysis in public policy making. IGESS staff operate in designated economic evaluation units and are engaged with almost all Government Departments.
316. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all aspects of the Haddington Road and Croke Park agreements have been successfully complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18659/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Haddington Road Agreement is comprised of measures which have been implemented through the enactment of legislation and other central measures, and sector specific measures, which are set out in the relevant sectoral agreements. The central measures under the Agreement were, for the most part, fully implemented from 1 July 2013.
In addition to delivering on monetary targets, a number of reforms and changes to work practices, such as additional working hours, have been implemented since 1 July, 2013. It is the responsibility of managers in all public service bodies, working with staff and their representatives, to ensure that the maximum benefits from the additional hours, both in terms of cost reduction and changes to work practices to build overall productivity, continue to be realised.
Through the Haddington Road Agreement and its predecessor the Croke Park Agreement, together with the FEMPI legislation, public servants have made a significant contribution to the fiscal recovery of the State including by way of direct reductions in pay and pensions. From 2009 to 2014 the cost to the Exchequer of public service pay was reduced by €3.7 billion, or more than 21%. As well as reducing the pay and pensions bill, the HRA is a key enabler for the Government's Public Service Reform programme, as set out in the Public Service Reform Plan 2014 2016.
In relation to the Croke Park Agreement, I am satisfied that the Agreement delivered on its objectives, facilitating the delivery of €1.8 billion in cost reductions over its lifetime, a view shared by the Implementation Body in their final report.
317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which procurement has featured in a positive way, in the context of achieving savings, in the course of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18660/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reform of the procurement system across the public service is a key element of the reform programme for the public service. The fragmented procurement arrangements across the public service have enabled suppliers to charge different public service bodies different prices for the same goods and services. Public Procurement savings are necessary to enable public service organisations deliver much needed services within the tighter budgets that they must now operate.
Since the start of the Procurement Reform Programme savings of €100m in 2013 and 2014 have been reported by the OGP and its partners, equivalent to saving 2,000 front-line jobs. The €100m excludes €16.5m in Utilities savings from OGP sourcing activity in 2014 as this would be regarded as a cost avoidance procurement benefit rather than a cash saving as the savings arise from beating inflation.
However, I would point out that reforms in this area are being carried out in a manner that recognises the importance of SMEs. 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. Circular 10/14 issued in 2014 by my Department is aimed at opening up opportunities for small businesses that want to tender for public contracts and also to ensure that engaging with government procurement is easy and low cost. This guidance set out positive measures that contracting authorities are to take to promote the involvement of smaller enterprises as well as highlighting practices that are to be avoided because they can hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts.
I would add that the OGP supports the work of Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland in building awareness of public procurement and supporting training for small suppliers in bidding for public contracts. For example, last year the Office of Government Procurement supported two "Meet the Buyer" events in Belfast and Dublin which were attended by over 1,100 suppliers. The Office of Government Procurement also supported the 'Go 2 Tender' programme run by InterTrade Ireland which was attended by approximately 400 SMEs. This year InterTrade Ireland also delivered a programme on consortia building to assist SME's to jointly bid for state contracts.
The OGP will continue to work with suppliers and business representatives 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.
318. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects recruitment throughout the public sector to take place in the course of the current year, with particular reference to areas currently experiencing pressure as a result of the embargo on public sector recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18661/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt Budget time last October, I announced an end to the Moratorium on Recruitment and Promotion in the Public Service, with new delegated management arrangements to be phased in during 2015. These delegated arrangements are designed to give Public Service managers the means to respond to service needs as they arise, including considerable flexibility to make staffing and service delivery decisions. As highlighted in the most recent Annual Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan, which issued in March, the new arrangements represent a significant shift from the central control of the Moratorium, and it has been made possible by the stability we have brought to the public finances and by the 'Reform Dividend' arising from service level efficiencies achieved under the Public Sector Reform programme. I have always maintained that Reform is about enhancing public services that respond to and meet the needs of our citizens, and the new staff management arrangements, where effectively managed, will help to underpin that.
In terms of recruitment in 2015, there is and will be a considerable level of recruitment across the Public Service, including in Health, Education and An Garda Síochaná. The timing and nature of the recruitment is a matter for the relevant Departments and Offices, in accordance with their assessment of priority needs within agreed budget allocations.
319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which suppliers of goods and services remain on a central mailing list for referral in the context of procurement, with the objective of achieving best results for the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18662/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no central mailing list in existence but a notifications feature exists on the national eTenders procurement portal. It is the responsibility of individual contracting authorities to publish tender notices with an estimated value of more than €25,000. This process is facilitated through the national eProcurement portal www.etenders.gov.ie. This portal is the Irish Government's public platform for advertising public sector procurement tenders. The eTenders system automatically sends out email notifications of tender notices published on the system above €25,000 to registered suppliers who have expressed an interest in the particular type of goods, services or works specified in the tender notice by the contracting authority. This is driven using the Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) codes of the European Commission.
The Supplier Register in eTenders holds company information as entered by each supplier. Historically many suppliers have registered their company multiple times and often provided incorrect business profiles. Accurate registration and the correct settings for eNotifications gives suppliers maximum exposure to tendering opportunities in the Irish Public Sector. While significant progress was made during 2014 in cleaning up supplier data, work is still on-going.
The Office of Government Procurement is working with industry representative bodies to promote the engagement of Irish business in public procurement (including ISME, IBEC, SFA, Chambers Ireland, and CIF) as well as the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, InterTrade Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Last year, for example, the OGP supported two 'Meet the Buyer' events - one in Belfast and the other in Dublin attended by over 1,100 businesses, 20 Go To Tender workshops and 4 Taking Care of Business events with a combined attendance in excess of 2,000 businesses. In addition, the OGP proactively launched a campaign to get more businesses to register on the eTenders system and existing Suppliers to correct their profiles which resulted in 12,300 new supplier registrations in 2014.
320. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full extent of the disposal of any State assets in the past ten years; the degree to which such disposals have been concluded; the benefit to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18663/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrior to this Government taking office, Aer Lingus was partially privatised in 2006 via an Initial Public Offering on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. The partial sale yielded €241m for the Exchequer.
Under the State Assets Disposal Programme announced by this Government in February 2012, there have been three further asset disposals:
- ESB sold its 50% stake in two overseas assets, in the UK and Spain, yielding special dividends for the Exchequer of approximately €197m.
- In 2014, the sale of Bord Gáis Energy was completed, which is expected to yield net proceeds for the Exchequer of approximately €1 billion over the period 2014-2017. The special dividends will be paid to the Exchequer as required by Government, and in a prudent manner that protects Ervia's investment grade credit rating.
