Wednesday, 20 Jul 2016

Written Answers Nos 1-30

Taoiseach's Communications

Ceisteanna (9)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

9. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach to report on recent communication he has had, written or otherwise, with the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker. [20702/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I attended the European Council meeting in Brussels on 28 June, and the informal meeting of 27 Heads of State and Government on 29 June. While I did not have any formal bilateral meetings with other European leaders on either day, I did have short exchanges with a number of them, including President Juncker. I reported to the House on 5 July in relation to the European Council and answered questions on 13 July in relation to my bilateral discussions.

Insofar as written communication is concerned, I wrote to President Juncker on 26 May, copying to President Tusk and European Council members, highlighting the need for consistency, transparency and predictability in EUROSTAT accounting treatment of PPP investments.

I should make clear that there was no question of Ireland seeking to break the EU fiscal rules. Rather, uncertainty in relation to EUROSTAT classification decisions had become a source of concern in Ireland and other Member States in terms of the implications for orderly planning of public investments consistent with the fiscal rules. Minister Noonan also raised this issue at ECOFIN on 17 June in the context of its discussion of the EU Investment Plan.

In his reply of 27 June, President Juncker acknowledged a large and unprecedented interest in the matters I raised with him and agreed that the Commission needs to go further in terms of available guidance. EUROSTAT will therefore publish in September, together with the European Investment Bank (EIB), a joint document to provide the further necessary clarifications.

Work is also underway to strengthen joint Commission-EIB advisory capacity and to deepen cooperation with Member States through the European PPP Expertise Centre (EPEC) of the EIB. Ireland is of course fully engaged with these networks through the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, and I understand that discussions are proceeding constructively and satisfactorily.

President Juncker also indicated in his reply that Commissioner Thyssen, who is responsible for EUROSTAT, is fully aware of the importance of this matter and suggested a meeting with her team to ensure that Ireland's concerns are fully understood in the context of the further EUROSTAT-EIB guidance that is being prepared. This offer is being pursued and the Government will continue to engage actively with the relevant EU institutions to ensure fully transparent and certain application of the rules.

My Department has provided copies of both letters to the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach.

I also wrote to President Juncker on 9 June thanking him for his letter of congratulations on my re-election as Taoiseach; and on 10 June indicating that I would be unable to attend the European Development Days forum on 15-16 June but that Ireland would be represented by senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which manages our development aid programme.

Ministerial Advisers

Ceisteanna (10)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

10. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the changes to staffing and to the salaries of advisers in his Department since 1 March 2016; the changes he will implement in the structure and responsibilities in his Department subsequent to the formation of the new Government; and if he will recruit a new economic adviser to work in his Department. [21097/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

My Department's core role is to support me, the Government and the Ministers of State assigned to my Department in relation to all our domestic, EU and international responsibilities, and to oversee implementation of the Programme for a Partnership Government.

The Programme for a Partnership Government tasks my Department with new and important challenges in areas such as the EU Digital Single Market, the proposed Citizen's Assembly, and Seanad reform. In addition, my Department will support the work of new Cabinet Committees, Government Action Plans on Jobs, Housing and Rural Affairs and other initiatives such as an initiative for the North East Inner City Dublin. This is in addition to my Department's many ongoing responsibilities across a wide range of areas.

The Programme for Government Office, based in my Department, will continue to monitor implementation of commitments across all Government Departments and regularly report progress to me. The structures used to advance key priorities include Cabinet Committees; bilaterals with relevant Ministers; and regular engagement at official level with Government Departments.

Taking account of the need to maintain a new relationship between the Oireachtas and the Government, the Office of the Chief Whip will have an expanded role in terms of more active management of all aspects of the legislative process, working with Government Departments and the Houses of the Oireachtas. As part of this process, the Chief Whip's Office will work closely with a new Parliamentary Liaison Unit and the Programme for Government Office to track progress across all policy and legislative commitments.

The outcome of the UK referendum on EU Membership will also have structural and other implications for my Department and across Government. The next few years will see the most important negotiations Ireland has faced in a generation, on a par with the accession to the EU and the peace process. I have, therefore, made a number of decisions with a view to ensuring that we are best placed to deal effectively with the implications of Brexit for Ireland, namely:

- I will establish and chair a new Cabinet Committee on Brexit to oversee the overall Government response to Brexit, including both the economic impact and the negotiations at EU level and with the administrations in London and Belfast. The Minister of State for European Affairs will play a key role in the work of this Cabinet Committee;

- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will play a bigger role on EU matters, with the re-institution of a Division dealing with EU affairs in that Department, including Brexit, led by a Second Secretary General and working in close co-operation with my Department and other Government Departments;

- The EU work of my Department will be focused on direct support for me and the Minister of State for European Affairs, whole of Government and strategic issues, including Brexit, and the secretariat to Cabinet Committees. Some existing staff and functions within my Department's EU Division will transfer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade;

- My Department's existing EU, British-Irish and Northern Ireland, and International Divisions will be integrated under a Second Secretary General who will be appointed shortly. This will ensure that we have a comprehensive approach to all of the implications of Brexit, including opportunities as well as threats;

- There will also be a strengthening of staffing in other key Departments and Agencies and in our missions abroad to ensure that we have the capacity to deal with Brexit; and

- There will also be a broader public consultation - including on an inclusive all-island basis - and an ongoing engagement with other parties in the Oireachtas, as well as with the Brexit Stakeholder Group which has already been meeting for some time now.

There have been no changes to the staffing and salaries of advisers in my Department since 1 March, 2016. There are currently five Special Advisers employed in my Department, four of whom are my Special Advisers and one of whom is Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip.

On 5 July 2016, the Government decided to nominate Andrew McDowell for the position of Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB). The Department of Finance has notified the EIB Secretariat of the nomination from Ireland’s constituency.

The EIB Secretariat will now commence the Bank’s selection and approval process for the post of Vice President, including the initiation of the voting process by the Bank’s Board of Directors and subsequently the Bank’s Board of Governors representing each EU Government.

Question No. 11 resubmitted.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (12)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

12. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the position regarding his bilateral meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel on 12 July 2016; and if she agrees that Ireland has a special relationship with the United Kingdom particularly because of Northern Ireland, given that the majority of voters there voted to remain in the European Union. [22250/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I met Chancellor Merkel in Berlin on 12 July. Our discussion focussed on the outcome of the UK referendum and its implications for Ireland, Germany and the European Union more generally. I took the opportunity to reiterate to Chancellor Merkel Ireland’s strong commitment to EU membership.

Over the past year, including at the European Council on 27 and 28 June, I have had many constructive exchanges with the Chancellor and with other EU Heads of State or Government, where I have outlined Ireland’s particular relationship with the UK. I took the opportunity to elaborate on this at our recent meeting in Berlin and to explain to the Chancellor our particular concerns, including in relation to Northern Ireland, North-South relations, the Common Travel Area and bilateral trade.

I was pleased to find her fully aware and understanding of those concerns, and to have her assurances that we share the objective of constructive negotiations towards a close future relationship between the EU and the UK.

Chancellor Merkel and I were in full agreement that, when Article 50 is invoked and formal negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal commence, it will fall to EU Heads of State or Government, as members of the European Council, to set strategic direction and to make the key decisions. Ireland will be closely involved in framing the negotiating mandate for these discussions.

As I explained to the Chancellor, this is not a case of seeking a separate deal for Ireland, but of ensuring that Ireland’s specific concerns are addressed in whatever agreement is ultimately reached between the UK and the EU. I emphasised to Chancellor Merkel that these concerns, above all the preservation of peace and stability in Northern Ireland, are not only in the interests of Ireland and the UK, but of the EU as a whole.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (13)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

13. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach to report on his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. [22491/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I met Chancellor Merkel in Berlin on 12 July. Our discussion focussed on the outcome of the UK referendum and its implications for Ireland, Germany and the European Union more generally. I took the opportunity to reiterate to Chancellor Merkel Ireland’s strong commitment to EU membership.

Over the past year, including at the European Council on 27 and 28 June, I have had many constructive exchanges with the Chancellor and with other EU Heads of State or Government, where I have outlined Ireland’s particular relationship with the UK. I took the opportunity to elaborate on this at our recent meeting in Berlin and to explain to the Chancellor our particular concerns, including in relation to Northern Ireland, North-South relations, the Common Travel Area and bilateral trade. I was pleased to find her fully aware and understanding of those concerns, and to have her assurances that we share the objective of constructive negotiations towards a close future relationship between the EU and the UK.

Chancellor Merkel and I were in full agreement that, when Article 50 is invoked and formal negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal commence, it will fall to EU Heads of State or Government, as members of the European Council, to set strategic direction and to make the key decisions. Ireland will be closely involved in framing the negotiating mandate for these discussions.

As I explained to the Chancellor, this is not a case of seeking a separate deal for Ireland, but of ensuring that Ireland’s specific concerns are addressed in whatever agreement is ultimately reached between the UK and the EU. I emphasised to Chancellor Merkel that these concerns, above all the preservation of peace and stability in Northern Ireland, are not only in the interests of Ireland and the UK, but of the EU as a whole.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (14)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

14. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel. [22496/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I met Chancellor Merkel in Berlin on 12 July. Our discussion focussed on the outcome of the UK referendum and its implications for Ireland, Germany and the European Union more generally. I took the opportunity to reiterate to Chancellor Merkel Ireland’s strong commitment to EU membership.

Over the past year, including at the European Council on 27 and 28 June, I have had many constructive exchanges with the Chancellor and with other EU Heads of State or Government, where I have outlined Ireland’s particular relationship with the UK. I took the opportunity to elaborate on this at our recent meeting in Berlin and to explain to the Chancellor our particular concerns, including in relation to Northern Ireland, North-South relations, the Common Travel Area and bilateral trade. I was pleased to find her fully aware and understanding of those concerns, and to have her assurances that we share the objective of constructive negotiations towards a close future relationship between the EU and the UK.

Chancellor Merkel and I were in full agreement that, when Article 50 is invoked and formal negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal commence, it will fall to EU Heads of State or Government, as members of the European Council, to set strategic direction and to make the key decisions. Ireland will be closely involved in framing the negotiating mandate for these discussions.

As I explained to the Chancellor, this is not a case of seeking a separate deal for Ireland, but of ensuring that Ireland’s specific concerns are addressed in whatever agreement is ultimately reached between the UK and the EU. I emphasised to Chancellor Merkel that these concerns, above all the preservation of peace and stability in Northern Ireland, are not only in the interests of Ireland and the UK, but of the EU as a whole.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (15)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

15. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to Germany and the various meetings that he held. [22552/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I met Chancellor Merkel in Berlin on 12 July. Our discussion focussed on the outcome of the UK referendum and its implications for Ireland, Germany and the European Union more generally. I took the opportunity to reiterate to Chancellor Merkel Ireland’s strong commitment to EU membership.

Over the past year, including at the European Council on 27 and 28 June, I have had many constructive exchanges with the Chancellor and with other EU Heads of State or Government, where I have outlined Ireland’s particular relationship with the UK. I took the opportunity to elaborate on this at our recent meeting in Berlin and to explain to the Chancellor our particular concerns, including in relation to Northern Ireland, North-South relations, the Common Travel Area and bilateral trade. I was pleased to find her fully aware and understanding of those concerns, and to have her assurances that we share the objective of constructive negotiations towards a close future relationship between the EU and the UK.

Chancellor Merkel and I were in full agreement that, when Article 50 is invoked and formal negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal commence, it will fall to EU Heads of State or Government, as members of the European Council, to set strategic direction and to make the key decisions. Ireland will be closely involved in framing the negotiating mandate for these discussions.

As I explained to the Chancellor, this is not a case of seeking a separate deal for Ireland, but of ensuring that Ireland’s specific concerns are addressed in whatever agreement is ultimately reached between the UK and the EU. I emphasised to Chancellor Merkel that these concerns, above all the preservation of peace and stability in Northern Ireland, are not only in the interests of Ireland and the UK, but of the EU as a whole.

Question No. 16 resubmitted.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

17. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Ms Theresa May. [22251/16]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

18. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach his views on the main issues of concern he outlined to the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following the Brexit referendum result and its implications for the relationship between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom and for the subsequent relationship with the European Union. [22252/16]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

19. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he has met or plans to meet with the new Prime Minister of Britain and the issues he will raise at any such meeting. [22494/16]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

20. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the new British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May. [22553/16]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

21. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when he is scheduled to meet the new British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May; the contacts he has had with the new Prime Minister since her appointment; his plans to meet the new United Kingdom Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Mr. David Davis; and if he has instructed any of his Ministers to make contact with the new Secretary of State. [22820/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 21, inclusive, together.

I spoke with the new British Prime Minister on the phone on 13 July.

I offered my congratulations and best wishes to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland following her appointment.

We discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including the importance of continuing to work together to build on the excellent relationship that now exists between Ireland and Britain, including our joint support of the peace process and the wider development of co-operation between our two countries.

We also discussed the important challenges that arise from the recent vote by the UK to leave the European Union. I outlined Ireland’s key areas of concern in respect of the economy, Northern Ireland and the Common Travel Area and shared my perspective on the challenges that lie ahead in the forthcoming negotiations. 

We agreed to stay in touch and that we would meet each other in the coming weeks.

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Ceisteanna (22)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

22. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on housing last met; and when the next meeting is scheduled for. [22243/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The new Government established the Cabinet Committee on Housing, as committed to in the Programme for Partnership Government, to deal with the challenges around housing, homelessness and mortgage arrears. It has met eight times to date: 12, 20 and 26 May; 2, 9, 15 and 30 June, and the most recent meeting, which was held on 7 July 2016.

The Cabinet Committee on Housing will meet again in the autumn.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (23)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

23. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he has made contact with the leaders of the main political groupings across the European Union, including the group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, the group of the European People’s Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, in the context of Ireland's post-Brexit strategy. [22493/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

As this Government prepares for the complex negotiations triggered by the UK decision to leave the European Union, we fully appreciate that engagement with a wide-range of stakeholders is essential.

It is most welcome that the members of the House share this view. I think we all recognise that the protection of Ireland’s interests in future EU-UK negotiations and in bilateral discussions with the UK is a national priority of the highest importance.

Rightly and necessarily, a significant element of engagement involves the Oireachtas and political parties. We will also of course consult with all other stakeholders.

Since the UK referendum, I have twice met with opposition leaders and representatives for a discussion about its implications. As mentioned when we last met on 14 July, I intend to continue this dialogue as the situation evolves. I imagine that the Dáil and the Seanad, as well as the Committee on EU Affairs, will also wish to consider their own roles in terms of contributing to the national debate.

Political engagement at the European level is also critically important. When attending meetings in Brussels and elsewhere, or indeed when receiving counterparts in Dublin, Government Ministers and I myself have continually highlighted our particular links to the UK, and our specific issues of concern.

In relation to engagement with the broader political groupings at European level, I myself, relevant Government Ministers, and indeed Minister of State Dara Murphy in his role as Vice President of the EPP, have taken every opportunity to flag Irish priority issues to our colleagues within the EPP grouping. I know that Deputies with affiliations to other European groupings have undertaken similar engagement and I take this opportunity to thank them for their efforts.

There are also political and official channels open to all Irish MEPs, to ensure that they are fully briefed on the latest developments. This includes through Ministerial visits to the European Parliament, the most recent of which was Minister of State Dara Murphy’s visit to Strasbourg in early July, when he had a very constructive exchange with MEPs.

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Ceisteanna (24, 25, 26)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

24. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach his plans to reform his Department to manage the response to Brexit. [22525/16]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

25. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach to report on the new Cabinet committee on Brexit. [22821/16]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

26. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach his plans to reorganise his Department in response to Britain's exiting of the European Union; if this will involve the transfer of departmental functions or staff from other Departments; and the number of staff who will be working on Brexit exclusively in his Department. [22822/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 to 26, inclusive, together.

It is necessary to put in place new structures across Government to deal effectively with the implications for Ireland of the UK's vote to the leave the EU.

I will chair a new Cabinet Committee that will oversee the overall Government response including both the economic impact and the negotiations at EU level and with the administrations in London and Belfast. A senior official will be appointed to the Department of the Taoiseach who will head-up a division incorporating the EU, British-Irish and Northern Ireland and International Divisions and who will be responsible for ensuring a comprehensive whole of government response.

The Department of Foreign Affairs will also have a bigger role on EU matters.

In addition, there will be a strengthening of staffing in other key Departments and agencies and our missions abroad to ensure we have the capacity to deal with Brexit.

There is also a clear need for broader public dialogue - including on an inclusive all-island basis, on all of the many issues that may face the people of the island, North and South. There will also be an ongoing engagement with other parties in the Oireachtas. This is in addition to engagement with the Brexit Stakeholder Group which has already been meeting for some time now.

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Ceisteanna (27)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

27. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on European affairs last met. [22554/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Cabinet Committee on European Affairs CCEUA was established on 23 May 2016. It has met on one occasion since its establishment, on 21 June.

Cabinet Committees

Ceisteanna (28)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

28. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach to provide details of any new Cabinet committees he is planning. [22770/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Government has established the following Cabinet Committees: Housing; Health; Social Policy and Public Service Reform; Justice Reform; European Affairs; Regional and Rural Affairs; Economy, Trade and Jobs; Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action; Arts, Irish and the Gaeltacht; and Brexit.

The Government will keep under review the need to establish any further Cabinet Committees in the light of evolving needs and emerging issues.

Census of Population Publication

Ceisteanna (29)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

29. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach when the latest census data will be completed. [20907/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The Census Preliminary Results were published on Thursday 14 July 2016. This report contains a preliminary count of the population by County, Electoral Division and Dáil Constituency. It also contains preliminary data on total housing stock, along with figures on the number of holiday homes and other vacant dwellings by Electoral Division. The results are available on the CSO website in the form of electronic release, interactive tables, and interactive maps.

Processing and capture of the complete census data is scheduled to be completed by December this year. The first definitive results of the census are due to be published in March 2017. The remaining results will be released throughout 2017 in the form of published reports, electronic releases and Small Area Population Statistics in an interactive mapping tool. This will include a wide range of analysis across all census variables such as age, sex, marital status, migration, nationality, disability, travel patterns, education, industry and occupation.

It is planned to publish the detailed Census 2016 publication timetable in September 2016. The overall strategic goal is to maintain the 2011 timetable.

The following table contains the 2016 preliminary population for each constituency under the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2009:

Persons in each Constituency, as defined in the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2009

Constituency	Population 2016	Dáil Members in each Constituency	Population per Dáil Member in each Constituency
Carlow-Kilkenny	151,492	5	30,298
Cavan-Monaghan	124,289	4	31,072
Clare	112,702	4	28,176
Cork East	121,269	4	30,317
Cork North-Central	124,699	4	31,175
Cork North-West	89,187	3	29,729
Cork South-Central	122,013	4	30,503
Cork South-West	85,028	3	28,343
Donegal	150,342	5	30,068
Dublin Bay North	152,830	5	30,566
Dublin Bay South	120,562	4	30,141
Dublin Central	96,048	3	32,016
Dublin Fingal	151,758	5	30,352
Dublin Mid-West	117,588	4	29,397
Dublin North-West	96,898	3	32,299
Dublin Rathdown	94,125	3	31,375
Dublin South-Central	119,121	4	29,780
Dublin South-West	150,816	5	30,163
Dublin West	122,507	4	30,627
Dún Laoghaire	123,149	4	30,787
Galway East	93,604	3	31,201
Galway West	154,816	5	30,963
Kerry	147,554	5	29,511
Kildare North	122,248	4	30,562
Kildare South	91,989	3	30,663
Laois	92,625	3	30,875
Limerick City	117,352	4	29,338
Limerick County	83,748	3	27,916
Longford-Westmeath	120,533	4	30,133
Louth	150,481	5	30,096
Mayo	120,092	4	30,023
Meath East	91,151	3	30,384
Meath West	90,358	3	30,119
Offaly	88,851	3	29,617
Roscommon - Galway	84,901	3	28,300
Sligo-Leitrim	118,818	4	29,705
Tipperary	149,593	5	29,919
Waterford	116,401	4	29,100
Wexford	149,605	5	29,921
Wicklow	146,833	5	29,367
State	4,757,976	158	30,114

The following table contains the 2011 population for each constituency under the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2009 and Electoral (Amendment) Act 2013:

Persons in each Constituency, as defined in the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2013

Constituency	Population 2011	Dáil Members in each Constituency	Population per Dáil Member in each Constituency
Carlow-Kilkenny	145,659	5	29,132
Cavan-Monaghan	120,483	4	30,121
Clare	111,336	4	27,834
Cork East	114,365	4	28,591
Cork North-Central	117,165	4	29,291
Cork North-West	86,593	3	28,864
Cork South-Central	117,957	4	29,489
Cork South-West	82,952	3	27,651
Donegal	152,358	5	30,472
Dublin Central	89,030	3	29,677
Dublin Bay North	146,512	5	29,302
Dublin Bay South	116,396	4	29,099
Dublin Fingal	141,162	5	28,232
Dublin Mid-West	110,427	4	27,607
Dublin North-West	90,534	3	30,178
Dublin Rathdown	87,470	3	29,157
Dublin South-Central	114,660	4	28,665
Dublin South-West	144,908	5	28,982
Dublin West	113,179	4	28,295
Dún Laoghaire	118,791	4	29,698
Galway East	89,564	3	29,855
Galway West	150,874	5	30,175
Kerry	145,502	5	29,100
Kildare North	115,350	4	28,838
Kildare South	87,776	3	29,259
Laois	87,745	3	29,248
Limerick City	113,835	4	28,459
Limerick County	83,834	3	27,945
Longford-Westmeath	116,802	4	29,201
Louth	143,272	5	28,654
Mayo	120,332	4	30,083
Meath East	86,572	3	28,857
Meath West	85,550	3	28,517
Offaly	87,640	3	29,213
Roscommon - Galway	84,586	3	28,195
Sligo-Leitrim	119,153	4	29,788
Tipperary	147,801	5	29,560
Waterford	113,795	4	28,449
Wexford	145,320	5	29,064
Wicklow	141,012	5	28,202
State	4,588,252	158	29,040

Census of Population Data

Ceisteanna (30)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

30. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied regarding the way in which the CSO collects its data, the criteria being used, the comparisons with previous data and reclassifying methodology, particularly in respect of Ireland's growth rates. [22555/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The CSO is fully compliant with international standards of European System of Accounts (ESA) 2010 and Balance of Payments and International Investment Position (BPM) 6th edition methodologies for the estimations and aggregations required for calculating GDP and its components for Ireland. As always, the CSO continues to compile National Accounts and Balance of Payments results in accordance with these legally required international standards. The results are based on information collected directly from our data providers, and the CSO works closely with data providers to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information provided.

In particular, the CSO’s Large Cases Unit works with a core group of the largest multi-national companies to ensure that the data provided correctly reflects the structures and activities of these companies in Ireland.

Adherence to the legally required standards for the statistics ensures that a consistent approach is followed at all times. This allows valid comparisons of growth against earlier periods to be made, either on a seasonally adjusted basis or with the same period in the previous year. The consistent application of the standards also allows comparisons of economic activity or growth rates across countries.

The reclassifying methodology, or treatment of a number of entities who relocated significant operations and balance sheets to Ireland, has been discussed with EUROSTAT, and EUROSTAT agree that the CSO’s recording of events in the results is in accordance with the standards for the statistics. The results are also subject to audit by EUROSTAT and this audit will take place in the next two to three months.

As the Director General of the CSO has indicated, the CSO intends to convene a high-level, cross-sector consultative group to examine how best to provide insight and understanding of all aspects of the Irish economy including:

- the development and expansion of existing indicators within the National Accounts framework;

- identification of key CSO indicators where additional detail in these indicators would provide additional insight;

- the potential to develop new indicators; and

- the potential that new presentations of existing information would improve understanding and insight.