Written Answers Nos. 372 - 389
372. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the annual cost to the Exchequer if the first €17,500, €20,000, €25,000, €27,500, €30,000, €32,500, €35,000 of public sector gross pay was exempted from the pension related deduction on gross salaries of €0 to €25,000, €25,001 to €35,000, €35,001 to €45,000, €45,001 to €55,000, €55,001 to €65,000. [21464/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra373. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the annual cost to the Exchequer if the first €17,500, €20,000, €25,000, €27,500, €30,000, €32,500, €35,000 of whole time equivalent public sector gross pay were exempted from the pension related deduction on gross salaries of €0 to €25,000, €25,001 to €35,000, €35,001 to €45,000, €45,001 to €55,000, €55,001 to €65,000. [21465/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.
Based on estimates of current PRD yield the data sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table. The yield figures comprehend both full-time and part-time staff. The PRD yield, and consequently the cost of implementing any such changes, may vary from time to time, depending on the actual staffing numbers and configuration.
|
Salary Range |
Increase PRD Threshold to €17,500 |
Increase PRD Threshold to €20,000 |
Increase PRD Threshold to €25,000 |
Increase PRD Threshold to €27,500 |
Increase PRD Threshold to €30,000 |
Increase PRD Threshold to €32,500 |
Increase PRD Threshold to €35,000 |
|
€ |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
0 - 25,000 |
1.0 |
1.7 |
4.3 |
4.3 |
4.3 |
4.3 |
4.3 |
|
25,001 to 35,000 |
3.5 |
6.9 |
34.5 |
47.9 |
60.3 |
70.1 |
74.3 |
|
35,001 to 45,000 |
6.3 |
12.8 |
63.7 |
89.3 |
114.8 |
140.2 |
165.8 |
|
45,001 to 55,000 |
3.6 |
7.2 |
36.1 |
50.6 |
65.1 |
79.5 |
94.0 |
|
55,001 to €65,000 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
27.2 |
38.0 |
48.9 |
59.8 |
70.6 |
|
TOTAL |
17.1 |
34.0 |
165.8 |
230.1 |
293.4 |
353.9 |
409.0 |
374. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if reductions in the public sector pension levy will apply equally to those who are working and those who are retired; when he anticipates that reductions in the pension levy will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21468/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts (FEMPI), provided for the implementation with effect from March 2009 of a Pension Related Deduction (PRD) or sometimes known as the "Pension Levy". The PRD applies on a progressive basis to the annualised remuneration of public servants currently employed. It does not apply to retired public servants. The recently announced proposals formulated by the Labour Relations Commission in relation to the Lansdowne Road Agreement provide inter alia for a two-step increase in the exemption threshold from €15,000 per annum to €28,750 in 2016 which will give an annualised reduction in PRD liability to each public servant of up to €1,000 per annum.
The Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR), commencing 1 January 2011, applies to retired public servants and imposed reductions on annual public service pensions in payment in excess of €12,000, using a progressively tiered set of bands and rates. In relation to the impact of PSPR on the income of public service pensioners I met with representatives of retired public service pensioners in May 2013 and indicated at that time that it was 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. I also met with the representatives of the Alliance of Retired Public Servants in March last and further meetings have been held between the Association and my officials regarding issues raised in a detailed presentation and submission made by the Alliance in recent weeks.
Following the recently announced proposals formulated by the Labour Relations Commission in relation to the Lansdowne Road Agreement on 29 May last, I indicated it is my intention to begin the orderly restoration of public service pension reductions made in recent years. In line with my stated commitments I will be bringing detailed proposals to Government shortly for approval providing for a reduction in the impact of the PSPR on public service pensions.
375. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe cé na bearta atá á ndéanamh ag a Roinn chun an pobal a chur ar an eolas faoi na seirbhísí i nGaeilge atá ar fáil ón Roinn agus ó na heagraíochtaí atá faoi choimirce na Roinne; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21526/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar fhreagra ar an gceist, is féidir liom a dhearbhú go bhfuil "Scéim Teanga 2015-2018" mo Roinne féin leis An Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta faoi láthair, ag fanacht ar fhaomhadh. Chomh luath is a tharlaíonn sé seo beidh an scéim foilsithe ar suíomh idirlín na Roinne agus scaipfear é chuig na heagraíochtaí a thagann faoi mo choimirce. Beidh grúpa bainistíochta sinsearach ag coinneáil fheidhmiú éifeachtach na Scéime Teanga faoi athbhreithniú.
Mar gheall ar nádúr na hoibre sa Roinn, bíonn go leor de na rannáin ag plé go díreach le Ranna Rialtais eile, leis an Aontas Eorpach agus institiúidí airgeadais, leis an Oireachtas agus lena bhfoirne féin. Ní bhíonn an Roinn ag plé le hardleibhéal teagmháil dhíreach nó scéimeanna agus seirbhísí a chur ar fáil do dhaoine den phobal. In ainneoin seo, déanann mo Roinn monatóireacht leanúnach ar an leibhéal éilimh atá ann ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge chun a chinntiú go bhfuil na riachtanais ar fad á gcomhlíonadh. Tá seachtar ball den fhoireann in ann obair na Roinne a dhéanamh trí mheán na Gaeilge agus cé is cosúil go bhfuil an uimhir sin íseal, comhlíonann sé na héilimh atá ann faoi láthair laistigh de mo Roinn. Beidh seirbhísí nach mór dúinn tiomanta do sheachadadh i nGaeilge faoi Scéim Teanga ar an gcaighdeán céanna leis na seirbhísí a ghlac an Roinn maidir le seachadadh seirbhísí dár gcustaiméirí.
376. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an bhfuil sé i gceist aige leagan dátheangach a chur ar fáil den ábhar maidir leis an gclár brústocaireachta a bhaineann le heagraíochtaí brústocaireachta; an mbeidh deis ag eagraíochtaí ar mian leo é clárú i nGaeilge ar an gclár seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21532/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar fhreagra ar cheist ón Teachta, is é an Coimisiún um Chaighdeáin in Oifigí Poiblí atá freagrach as cur chun feidhme an gClár Brústocaireachta 2015. Forálann Alt 9 den Acht go ndéanfaidh an Coimisiún um Chaighdeáin in Oifigí Poiblí an Clár Brústocaireachta a bhunú agus a choimeád ar bun. Deir an tAcht in Alt 10(2) go ndéanfar an Clár a choimeád i gcibé foirm is cuí leis an gCoimisiún um Chaighdeáin.
Cuirfear tús leis An Bille um Brústocaireacht a Rialáil ar 1 Meán Fómhair, 2015. Tá mo chuid oifigigh ag obair go dlúth leis an gCoimisiún um Chaighdeáin chun ullmhú do thosú na reachtaíochta. Mar sin féin, is comhlacht neamhspleách é an Coimisiún um Chaighdeáin agus comhlacht nach bhfuil feidhm dhíreach agam air.
Tugaim faoi deara gur comhlacht poiblí é an Coimisiún um Chaighdeáin. Ní mór dóibh cloí le riachtanais Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 agus ar ndóigh táim cinnte go ndéanfaidh siad amhlaidh. Tuigim go bhfuil rún ag an gCoimisiún um Chaighdeáin go mbeidh gach ábhar ábhartha agus riachtanach chun cabhrú le comhlíonadh cheanglais na reachtaíochta ar fáil ar an suíomh i nGaeilge. Tuigim freisin go bhfuil sé ar intinn ag an gCoimisiún um Chaighdeáin go mbeidh éinne ar mian leo a chlárú nó tuairisceán a chomhdú i nGaeilge a bheith in ann é sin a dhéanamh.
Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi pleananna an Choimisiúin um Chaighdeáin, ba mhaith liom a mholadh do pháirtithe leasmhara teagmháil a dhéanamh leis an gCoimisiún um Chaighdeáin go díreach. Ba mhaith liom freisin go rachaidh siad i gcomhairle leis an láithreán gréasáin ag www.lobbying.ie, a seoladh ar an 30 Aibreán 2015, chun deis a thabhairt do cláraithe a bheith eolach ar an gcóras.
377. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the three European Union procurement directives due to be enacted into Irish law by April 2016 have been implemented; the progress of their implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21574/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 March, 2014, the European Commission published three new Directives as a collective reform of the existing EU regime for public procurement under the existing provisions of Directive 2004/17/EU - coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and Directive 2004/18/EU - on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts.
The three new Directives, including the Directive referred to by the Deputy are:
- 2014/23/EU - on the award of concession contracts
- 2014/24/EU- on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EU
- 2014/25/EU - on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC
The three Directives are required to be transposed into national law by all EU Member States by April 2016. In this regard, the Office of Government Procurement, which is under the aegis of my Department, is progressing the process of transposition into Irish law to meet the April 2016 deadline and I intend to ensure that Directive 2014/24/EU is transposed into national law by the end of this year.
378. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way he will improve access for small businesses to public tendering processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21575/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reform of the public procurement infrastructure is a key element of the reform programme for the public service. This reform enables public service organisations deliver much needed services within the tighter budgets that they must now operate. The Government acknowledges, however, 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 this regard my Department issued Circular 10/14 in 2014 aimed at opening up opportunities for small businesses that want to tender for public contracts and also to ensure that engaging with public procurement is easy and low cost. This guidance set out positive measures that contracting authorities should take to promote the involvement of smaller enterprises and highlights practices that are to be avoided which may hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts.
The main thrust of the circular is as follows:
- buyers are advised to undertake market analysis prior to tendering in order to better understand the range of goods and services on offer, the competitive landscape, including the specific capabilities of SMEs, etc.
- the circular promotes transparency in procurement by requiring supplies and general services contracts with an estimated value of €25,000 to be advertised on the Government's electronic tendering portal, e-Tenders;
- it encourages suppliers including SMEs to fully use e-Tenders and avail of its facilities in relation to registration, e-tendering and automatic alerts in relation to future tendering opportunities;
- buyers are encouraged not to set turnover thresholds at more than twice the estimated contract value and the circular puts limits on insurance levels for suppliers where possible;
- it promotes greater use of "open" tendering and less use of "restrictive" tendering ;
- it encourages SMEs to consider using consortia where they are not of sufficient scale to tender in their own right or where they may lack certain capabilities necessary to provide a compelling proposition; and,
- it encourages Contracting Authorities to break large contracts down into lots where reasonable to do so and where it does not expose the State to undue risk or significant management overheads.
In addition, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) which falls under the remit of my Department, works with the various industry representative bodies (including ISME, IBEC, SFA, Chambers Ireland, and CIF) to promote the engagement of Irish business in public procurement as well as with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, InterTrade Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland. Last year, for example, the OGP supported two "Meet the Buyer" events in Belfast and Dublin which were attended by over 1,100 suppliers. The OGP also supported the 'Go 2 Tender' programme run by InterTrade Ireland which was attended by approximately 400 SME's. This year InterTrade Ireland also delivered a programme on consortia building to assist SME's to jointly bid for state contracts.
In relation to SME participation in public procurement, recent analysis carried out by the OGP indicates that 93% of government procurement expenditure falls within the State and that 66% of this is directly with Irish SMEs.
The OGP will continue to work with suppliers and business representatives on behalf of Government to ensure that winning government business is done in a fair, transparent and accessible way and to ensure that public procurement policies are business friendly.
379. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the comments made by the Minister for Social Protection by way of reply to the Topical Issue put before Dáil Éireann on 26 May 2015 in respect of the retention of the Department of Social Protection offices in Ballybay, County Monaghan, where she stated that the Office of Public Works is the exclusive procurer of office accommodation for the Civil Service and the sole authority in the allocation of space, the number of property owners in Ballybay he contacted, if he provided the specification required and listed criteria required by the Department of Social Protection to these property owners; the date such specifications and criteria were provided; when he was first made aware that any upgrades required would be carried out at the sole expense of the property owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21593/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra380. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the market research he carried out to ascertain the property that was available in Ballybay, County Monaghan for the Department of Social Protection offices; the local auctioneers he contacted in order to find out the property that was available; the steps he took on foot of the information received; if he provided the specification and criteria of requirements to the property owners identified and-or the auctioneers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21594/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together.
I am advised that the Commissioners of Public Works assessed a total of six properties based on the brief of requirements from the Department of Social Protection. None were found to be suitable from a cost and operational perspective.
While the Commissioners of Public Works have sole discretion as to which building is chosen, it is a matter for the Department of Social Protection as to where a building is located given their specific service delivery requirements.
The Department of Social Protection and the Commissioners considered this matter carefully and the decision has been taken to relocate this facility to Monaghan town.
381. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the contract for fuel cards for staff of the Office of Public Works transferred to a company (details supplied); and the basis for the change. [21823/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Charge Card contract was awarded to Topaz on 1 February 2014 for a period of 2 years with an option to extend by two further one year periods. It was awarded through a public tendering process by putting in place a single supplier Framework Agreement. The Framework is open to any public sector body to use.
382. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a landing permit will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21881/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is aware that there is some capacity currently within the permitted boat operators at Skellig Michael and it is, in response, preparing a competition process to issue new Boat Permits.
There are a number of legal issues to be assessed before any competition is held and these are being considered currently. If the relevant legal matters can be satisfactorily addressed, it will be the intention to advertise the competition publicly and any party who wishes can apply to be considered.
Any award of permit will be made only following the assessment and evaluation of all submissions and all applications received will be afforded due consideration.
383. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is aware of the flood levels at the Little Brosna, especially at Riverstown in County Tipperary; his plans to liaise with Offaly County Council and Tipperary County Council to seek a solution to avert dangerous water levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21946/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently undertaking, in partnership with its consultants, local authorities and other stakeholders, the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. This is a strategic approach that recognises the need, in line with international best practice, to move to a more sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to dealing with flooding problems. The CFRAM Programme, which is focused on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (or “AFAs”) countrywide, is the principal vehicle for implementing national policy on flood risk management and the European Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risk (2007/EC/60). Further information is available on the Programme website www.cfram.ie. In brief, the CFRAM Programme has three principal milestones:
- Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (Completed 2011)
- Predictive Flood Mapping (for finalisation 2015)
- Flood Risk Management Plans (for finalisation 2016)
Draft predictive flood mapping for Birr, Co. Offaly, which incorporates flood mapping for Riverstown, Co. Tipperary and part of the Little Brosna, has been produced by engineering consultants under the Shannon CFRAM Study. A Public Consultation Day on the draft flood maps was held in Birr on 12th November, 2014. The draft flood maps are currently available for inspection on the Study website www.shannoncframstudy.ie and members of the public may provide feedback on same. A national statutory consultation is due to be held later this summer. All feedback received during the draft flood maps consultation period will form part of the process of finalisation of the flood maps. Following the finalisation of the flood mapping and the assessment of appropriate flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated Flood Risk Management Plans containing specific measures to address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risks identified. The CFRAM Programme will be used to determine national priorities for future State investment in flood defences.
The Little Brosna river itself is part of a Drainage District, day to day responsibility for the maintenance of which lies with the Local Authorities in question, Tipperary and Offaly County Councils.
384. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, when the provisions exempting parts of buildings used by sporting clubs from commercial rates will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21952/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 was enacted on 23rd April 2015 and I have provided for it commencing generally on 8th June 2015. This Act amends Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 and will provide a partial exemption from commercial rates for Community Sports Clubs that are licensed under the Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act, 1904. Community Sports clubs that do not have a licence were exempt from rates prior to this Schedule 4 amendment and will continue to be exempt.
For Community Sports Clubs that have a bar, it will only be the commercial parts of their premises that will be valued for rates purposes rather than a valuation of all of their premises.
The Commissioner of Valuation is responsible under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 for the valuation of commercial property and the legislation gives me as Minister no role in that regard. I am informed by the Commissioner of Valuation that his office will now initiate a process of updating the valuation lists for community sports clubs that will benefit from the amendment to Schedule 4. This process will involve seeking information from Community Sports Clubs so that the necessary changes to the valuation lists can be made. Any changes resulting from the amendment to Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 will be made in 2015 and will be effective for rates purposes in 2016.
The calculation and collection of commercial rates is a matter for Local Authorities.
385. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the collapse of a bank at the quay in Garrane, Killorglin, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21970/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated in my reply to the Deputy's Question of 18 May 2015 on this matter the refurbishment of this stretch of flood defence of approx 1 kilometre in length at Garrane, Killorglin, Co. Kerry is included in the Office of Public Works (OPW) 2015 programme of works.
The proposal is to strengthen the defence in this location to defend against the extreme events experienced last year and this stronger defence requires an increase in land mass to support the greater footprint. OPW has had initial discussions with affected landowners about the work in question.
As the location of the proposed works is within a designated Special Area of Conservation the OPW is also in discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Subject to the OPW making progress in the discussion with affected landowners and the NPWS it hopes to be in a position to commence works this Summer.
386. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the restoration of public service pay (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21983/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the impact of PSPR on the income of public service pensioners, I met with representatives of retired public service pensioners in May 2013 and indicated at that time that it was 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. I also met with the representatives of the Alliance of Retired Public Servants in March last and further meetings have been held between the Association and my officials regarding issues raised in a detailed presentation and submission made by the Alliance in recent weeks.
Following the issue of the Labour Relations Commission on the proposed Lansdowne Road Agreement I indicated it is my intention to begin the orderly restoration of public sector pension reductions made in recent years. In line with my stated commitments I will be bringing detailed proposals to Government shortly for approval providing for a reduction in the impact of the PSPR on public service pensions.
387. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if certain public servants earning just above the €65,000 threshold for pay reductions under the Haddington Road agreement, who were recruited after 1995, are potentially worse off than colleagues on an equivalent grade, recruited before 1995, as for the same net salary they have a higher gross pay and a higher pay related social insurance liability, and are therefore subject to the cuts imposed under Haddington Road, whereas their pre-1995 colleagues may not have taken an equivalent reduction; if this anomaly will be addressed in the Lansdowne Road agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21994/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a reform measure, with effect from 6 April 1995, Regulations were introduced by the then Minister for Social Welfare which provided that modified social insurance status no longer applied to civil or public servants appointed on or after 6 April 1995. Staff subsequently appointed to established positions in the civil service were liable to make Class A PRSI contributions and were also covered by revised conditions of service which took account of their entitlement to the full range of social insurance benefits. Employer benefits under such arrangements take into account that the benefits available to post 1995 recruits are "coordinated" with the full range of social insurance benefits available to those employees.
The major reform of superannuation arrangements in the established civil service for persons hired on or after 6 April 1995 included provision for an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits for those employees covered by Class A insurance, where no such employee contribution was previously applicable. As a result, revised salary scales were introduced, equivalent to 20/19ths of the corresponding salary scales applicable to established members of the relevant grade at 5 April 1995.
In relation to the threshold of €65,000 referred to by the Deputy, this refers to the application of the pay reductions to persons earning more than €65,000 under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013. It is accepted practice, when considering changes to the remuneration of public servants in the context of inclusive negotiations on pay and conditions, to have regard to gross salary scales at all levels for the purpose of calculating increases or decreases to base rates. The consideration of salary scale levels in this way has also applied to the discussions which have taken place in relation to the Public Service Stability Agreements. There is no anomaly as such. The difference in pay reflects the now long-standing employee contribution towards pension benefits, allied with the revised and improved social welfare benefits available to that class of public servant and I have no intention of making any changes to these arrangements.
In addition, it should be noted that the 2013 legislation provides that the legislated pay reductions should in no case serve to bring the then existing annualised pay rate of a public servant from marginally above €65,000 per annum (up to €68,783) to below €65,000. In such cases the reduction is restricted to reducing the scale to €65,000 only.
388. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 300 of 24 March 2015, the status of the flood relief plans for the River Deel, Crossmolina, County Mayo; his plans to bring same to a statutory public exhibition during this summer as per his earlier reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22111/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is anticipated currently that the River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme will be brought to public exhibition in Autumn this year. There are a number of outstanding environmental issues including the methodology to manage the freshwater pearl, mussel a protected species, during the execution of the works. Discussions are on-going with the National Parks & Wildlife Service of the Dept. Of Arts Heritage & Gaeltacht, which are expected to resolve the issues and to be concluded in the next month or so. The scheme can then proceed to exhibition stage.
I wish to reaffirm that the Commissioners of Public Works remain committed to implementing the proposed scheme, subject to its general acceptance by the public and the required approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
389. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to improve accountability in the Civil Service and public sector and to ensure that every employee has a clear job description; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22188/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the central characteristics of effective accountability arrangements is knowing 'who does what and to whom they are answerable'. The Public Service Management Act 1997 provides a statutory framework for the assignment of specific functions from the Secretary General to officials within Departments, with accountability flowing upwards to the Secretary General for the performance of those functions.
The Civil Service Renewal Plan contains a commitment to publish the framework of assignments for all Departments down to Principal Officer level. Currently work is underway on developing a centralised webpage for each Department to display information on their framework of assignments. This webpage will be publically available and accessible and ensure that the responsibilities of senior managers in the civil service are clear for the public to see.
My Department has overall responsibility for policy on the management of staff performance through the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) which applies in the Civil Service. The management of staff performance in the wider Public Service is a matter for each individual sector.
PMDS places a strong emphasis on individual performance and accountability through the setting of goals and the monitoring of performance. A key challenge across the Civil Service is the delivery of high performance and to fully engage staff and managers in the management of performance. Action 11 in the Civil Service Renewal Plan is to 'strengthen the performance management process' and is aimed at fulfilling the commitment to 'maximising the performance and potential of all Civil Service employees and organisations'. On the basis of this, my Department will continue to review how we manage performance in the Civil Service and we will continue to make changes aimed at improving performance in the Civil Service.
