Friday, 16 Sep 2016

Written Answers Nos. 896-923

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (896)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

896. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is aware that a prison administration and support officer III with two increments and over three years' public service, has been informed that were they to cross over and become a prison officer they would have to start at the entry grade for a prison officer, their current service in the public sector apparently having no bearing on their entry pay scale; if he will provide clarity as to whether it is the case that previous and current service in the public sector is not transferable for pay grade purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25119/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The recruitment and appointment of Recruit Prison Officer (RPO) has been made in accordance with the conditions of service attached to direct entry grades and excludes incremental credit for previous public service employment. It is however the position that on appointment to the grade of RPO the incumbents concerned will attract a range of additional payments  including an operational allowance and an unsocial hours allowance in addition to their basic incremental scale salary and these payments will result in their gross salaries exceeding their previous held salary at Prison Administration & Support Officer level.  

Pensions Reform

Ceisteanna (897)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

897. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider the introduction of a State sponsored mandatory pension scheme in the private sector where the employer, employee and State contribute to the pension fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25120/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

National pensions policy, which would include consideration of the introduction of a State sponsored mandatory pension scheme, is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. I have asked him to write direct to the Deputy in response to the issues raised in this parliamentary question.

Public Sector Allowances Review

Ceisteanna (898, 899, 900)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

898. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of the public service allowances and premium payments that were abolished as a result of the outcome of the 2012 review of public service allowances and premium payments; the saving achieved by the abolition of these public service allowances and premium payments and for this information to be provided by sector and allowance/premia payment as per appendix A of the 2012 Outcome of the Review of Public Service Allowances and Premium Payments (details supplied) for each of the years 2013 to 2015; if the abolition of the listed public service allowances and premium payments affected new or existing public sector employees or both; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25134/16]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

899. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of the public service allowances and premium payments that were abolished as a result of the outcome of the 2012 review of public service allowances and premium payments but have since been reinstated; and the reason for their reinstating. [25135/16]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

900. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the figure for the saving achieved in 2012 through the suspension of public service allowances and premium payments for that year. [25136/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 898 to 900, inclusive, together.

Departments were notified in September 2012 of details of the Government Decision in relation to the outcome of the  Review of Public Service Allowances. The letters sent to Departments are published on my Department's website. Approval for payment of an allowance to a new beneficiary pending the outcome of the review was withdrawn from 31st January 2012 and was not restored in the case where the review found that there is no business case for its payment to new beneficiaries.

The Review was initiated centrally by my Department but following the Government Decision it was devolved to the relevant sectors to advance in the context of local circumstances. Because many allowances have been discontinued for new appointees to posts, the precise figures on the number of allowances discontinued and consequently, the number currently in place, is dependent on rates of staff turnover across the public service.

Flood Prevention Measures

Ceisteanna (901)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

901. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will enforce the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 to protect a property (details supplied) in County Kerry which is at risk of being flooded again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25162/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The river channel referred to by the Deputy does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. The OPW therefore has no responsibility for the maintenance of this channel.

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Kerry County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.

The Office of Public Works operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This administrative Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial are published on the OPW website at http://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/. It is open to Kerry County Council to submit a funding application under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the overall availability of resources for flood risk management and the scheme's eligibility criteria available on the OPW website.

Semi-State Bodies

Ceisteanna (902, 903, 904)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

902. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the guidelines on contracts for CEOs in commercial semi-State bodies were last updated; and the number of times they have been breached since its introduction. [25170/16]

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

903. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the maximum length of service for CEOs in commercial semi-State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25172/16]

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

904. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the maximum salary for a CEO of a commercial semi-State body. [25175/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 902 to 904, inclusive, together.

Generally, the Chief Executive Officer of commercial state bodies is appointed by the Board and holds office on terms and conditions determined by the Board with the consent of the relevant Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Guidelines on Contracts, Remuneration and Other Conditions of Chief Executives and Senior Management of Commercial State Bodies issued in 2006 provided general guidance at that time on remuneration, contracts, performance related pay and related matters for newly appointed Chief Executives of commercial state bodies. However, terms and conditions of appointment remain a matter in each case for consent by the line Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of policy developments on the remuneration and conditions applicable to CEO appointees which have changed significantly from the 2006 guidelines.

In particular, the Government approved a proposal in June 2011, to impose a general pay ceiling of €250,000 for future appointments to CEO posts within Commercial State Companies and the position remains unchanged. In imposing the pay ceilings for new appointees, the Government recognised that in a small number of cases exceptions may be necessary. Such exceptions will be limited to instances where the exception is for a role of substantial importance in a Commercial State Company and the person whose appointment is sought brings exceptional or scarce expertise and/or qualifications to the proposed role. Any such exceptions are subject to the prior approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. In line with the decision in 2011, the Government also reconsidered the issue of Performance Related Awards in 2012 and 2013 and confirmed the decision to omit provisions regarding Performance Related Awards from contracts of renewal or appointment in respect of the Chief Executive Officer of commercial state bodies. The recently published (effective 1 September 2016) updated Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies includes current guidelines on the contractual terms and conditions of appointment for CEOs in commercial state bodies. The Code provides that the term of a contract of a CEO is normally limited to a single contract period of between five and seven years but there is no maximum length of service for CEO's.

Driving Test

Ceisteanna (905)

Maria Bailey

Ceist:

905. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress that has been made by the OPW in securing a site for a driving test centre in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25261/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Commissioners of Public Works are working with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) on their driver testing strategic plan 2016-2020. While a potential site in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown was identified in early 2016, it did not meet the RSA requirements. The Commissioners continue to liaise with the RSA with a view to securing a suitable site that meets all their requirements.

Flooding Data

Ceisteanna (906, 907, 908)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

906. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question Number 456 of 12 July 2016, if the tree management package works scheduled to begin on 1 September 2016 are in line to begin on that day; when such works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25284/16]

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

907. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 456 of 12 July 2016, the funding applications under the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme that have been received by the OPW; if any determination on the applications has been made; the outcome of the funding applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25285/16]

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

908. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 456 of 12 July 2016, and with reference to the statement that certain works on the OPW channel have been identified, and these are being put in hand, the number and particulars of the works on the OPW channel which have been identified, in tabular form; when these works commenced; the stage of completion and when it is expected that they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25286/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 906 to 908, inclusive, together.

As outlined to the Deputy in my reply to Parliamentary Question number *456 of 12 July last, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has maintenance responsibility for those Catchment Drainage Schemes and Flood Relief Schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, including the Corrib-Mask-Robe Catchment Drainage Scheme which includes a channel in Cong. The OPW has no responsibility for the maintenance of channels which do not form part of OPW schemes.

The flooding issues in Cong are related to a number of sources, including underground channels. The capacity of the channel to discharge is dictated by levels in Lough Mask (upstream) and Lough Corrib (downstream). A detailed study is required to assess the impact of increasing flow capacity through Cong on the catchment downstream. The channel is an OPW maintainable scheme channel under the Arterial Drainage Acts and is maintained as required on an ongoing basis. However, flow and level will always be a function of the Corrib lake levels. It is a limited capacity channel in a highly protected area with significant fishery interests. Mayo County Council (MCC) has retained consulting engineers to look at flooding issues in and around the village of Cong. OPW Regional Staff have met with the Council, its consultants, residents affected by flooding and Inland Fisheries Ireland, and have also carried out a number of surveys in the area. OPW are working with the Council in bringing forward a funding application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

With specific regard to tree management in the channel, OPW is currently awaiting tenders from tree management contractors to carry out a robust tree management program upstream of the village, to optimise conveyance capacity and reduce the risk of blockages from timber dislodged in flood events. OPW drainage maintenance staff will then carry out any channel maintenance operations that may be required. These works are likely to commence in the next month or so, on completion of the tree management programme. OPW has met with Coillte and agreed that our Offices can work together to manage any offending trees or lumber on Coillte's property.

In relation to specific works on the channel, mentioned in my reply of 12 July last, OPW staff have met landowners and have sought access to lands at the mouth of the Cong canal, with a view to raising the existing canal sluice gates, which may have reduced the conveyance capacity of the canal last winter.

With reference to the eel weir at Ashford Castle, during last winter’s flood event the level difference between Lough Corrib (at Ashford Castle) and the water level in the village was 1.36m. The only restriction to flow between those points are the eel weir, the weed/tree island downstream of the weir and the channel itself. The OPW is working with Ashford Castle Management (ACM) that has indicated that it is willing to co-operate by removing the weir superstructure/weir.

OPW staff are working with the Council with its efforts to bring forward a funding application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme and once an application has been received it will be given every consideration.

Public Inquiries

Ceisteanna (909)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

909. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the process whereby staff are recruited to work on non-statutory inquiries. [25326/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy will be aware, the main difference between a Parliamentary Inquiry (non statutory) and a Tribunal of Inquiry is that non statutory inquiries are not vested with the powers, privileges and rights of the High Court whereas Tribunals of Inquiry are. Tribunals are established by resolution of the Houses of the Oireachtas to enquire into matters of urgent public importance.

In the case of a Parliamentary Inquiry (non-statutory), either the Government or the relevant Minister will appoint a Chairperson, usually a retired member of the Judiciary. I understand that the Department responsible for the inquiry will normally supply administrative support from staff within that Department.

Any outside expert or legal support will be supplied at the request of the Chairperson of the Inquiry. These appointments may require an excluding order from the Commission for Public Service Appointments under the Public Service (Management and Recruitment) Act 2004.

Public Service Contracts

Ceisteanna (910)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

910. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the widespread use of agencies to staff Government projects, in particular the low rates of pay and overtime often offered by such agencies, as for example by an agency (details supplied), which pays general operatives €10.25 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25327/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The enforcement of tax, social welfare, and employment legislation, including the minimum wage; health and safety, and building control regulations etc. apply to public and private sector contracts. 

It is the responsibility of each contracting authority to ensure that contracts are awarded to compliant businesses through the standard procedures contained in the procurement process.

I understand from my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation that staff employed through recruitment agencies are covered by the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 Act. As the Deputy will be aware, this Act applies the principle of equal treatment in terms of basic working and employment conditions for agency staff as applies to employees recruited directly to do the same or a similar job.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (911)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

911. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the landlords that his Department or bodies under his aegis paid rent to in each of the past three years; and the sums paid in each case. [25422/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In response to the Deputy's question, the Commissioners of Public Works hold leases on properties on behalf of Government Departments / Offices. Details of the landlords and rents paid to them for the last three years under such leases are set out in the following table to this reply.

Information in relation to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is set out below.

Year	Office:  Belfast	Office: Omagh	Office: Monaghan
	Landlord: Ovolo Ltd	Landlord: P&K Fox	Landlord: Monaghan County Enterprise Fund
2013	£181,935	£42,000	£48,320
2014	£145,548	£42,000	£48,320
2015	£145,548	£42,000	£48,320
2016 (Jan-Aug)	£146,054	£31,500	£32,213

  To note: 2013 included an additional quarterly payment due to the timing of invoices sent by the landlord. The entry of 2016 (Jan-Aug) in Belfast also includes a single back-payment to cover a rent increase (following the outcome of a rent review stipulated within the lease) which took effect from 1 January, 2015.

Comhlachtaí Aistriúcháin

Ceisteanna (912)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

912. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe cé na coinníollacha a bhaineann leis an gcaighdeán Gaeilge i ndáil le tairiscintí a lorgaítear ó chomhlachtaí aistriúcháin le hábhar a aistriú go Gaeilge; an éilítear go mbeidh gach aistritheoir cáilithe agus ar an bpainéal a bhunaigh Foras na Gaeilge chuige seo, le tacaíocht ón Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [25447/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

D'fhoilsigh an Oifig um Sholáthar Rialtais iarraidh ar thairiscint mar gheall ar Sheirbhísí Aistriúcháin Ghaeilge 23ú Lúnasa 2016.

Lorg an Oifig um Sholáthar Rialtais aighneachtaí ó gheallsealbhóirí éagsúla san earnáil phoiblí roimh don iarraidh ar thairiscint a bheith foilsithe ag an Oifig. Ba iad An Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta agus Rannóg an Aistriúcháin i dTithe an Oireachtas na geallsealbhóirí sa phróiseas seo. Thairis sin, chuir Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga aiseolas ar fáil don Oifig um Sholáthar Rialtais.

Bhíodh Seirbhísí Aistriúcháin don Ghaeilge san áireamh sna creataí a bhain le teangacha éagsúla roimh thús an chomórtais seo. Tá comórtas ar leith do Sheirbhísí Aistriúcháin Ghaeilge foilsithe ag an Oifig um Sholáthar Rialtais bunaithe ar an bpróiseas comhairliúcháin thuas luaite agus mar gheall ar stádas na Gaeilge mar chéad teanga oifigiúil na hÉireann.

Cuireann Dlí Soláthair Phoiblí cosc ar chritéir cháilíochta srianta a bheith mar chuid den chomórtas iomaíoch. Dá bhrí sin, níl sé ceadaithe coinníoll go mbeadh creidiúnú Fhoras na Gaeilge bainte amach ag aistritheoirí mar chuid den chomórtas. Mar sin féin, tá an comórtas oscailte d'aistritheoirí a bhfuil creidiúnú Fhoras na Gaeilge acu.

Is é sprioc an chomórtais seo ná go gcruthóidh sé creat d'aistritheoirí agus do chomhlachtaí a bhfuil taithí acu in earnáil an aistriúcháin Ghaeilge. Ní dhámhfar conarthaí go dtí go reachtófar próiseas iomaíoch eile i ndiaidh bhunú an chreata. Is gá go mbeadh na ceanglais íosta comhlíonta ag comhlachtaí aistriúcháin le go mbeadh siad cáilithe don chreat; is gá go mbeadh conarthaí do Sheirbhísí Aistriúcháin Ghaeilge comhlíonta ag na comhlachtaí roimhe seo agus líon áirithe aistrithe ag na comhlachtaí. Is gá go gcuireann na hiarratasoírí teistiméireachtaí sásúla ar fáil. Déanfar meastóireacht faoi na Critéir Mheasúnuithe ar na comhlachtaí a chomhlíonann na ceanglais íosta- dáileofar 75% ar na marcanna ar chaighdeán na hoibre agus 25% ar chostas na hoibre.

Ní dhámhfar conarthaí do Sheirbhísí Aistriúcháin Ghaeilge ag an bpointe seo den chreat. Dámhfar conarthaí do Sheirbhísí Aistriúcháin i ndiaidh bhunú an chreata agus tar éis próiseas iomaíoch bunaithe ar riachtanais an Chomhlachta Phoiblí a bhfuil na seirbhísí de dhíth air. Féadfaidh comhlachtaí earnála poiblí triail chaighdeáin a chur ar na cliaint ón gcreat mar chuid den phróiseas seo. Cuirfear sonraí an choinníoll seo, má bhaineann sé leis an bpróiseas áirithe, ar fáil do gach comhlacht den chreat mar chuid den phróiseas.  

Flood Relief Schemes Status

Ceisteanna (913)

Ciaran Cannon

Ceist:

913. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when work will commence on the Kiltiernan/Ballinderreen Flood Relief Project. [25515/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

In November 2015 an application by Galway County Council (GCC) for funding of €247,870 was approved under the Office of Public Works (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for a project in Kiltiernan/Ballinderren, Co Galway. This was approved on the basis that GCC sourced the additional funding required for the project.

The progression of a minor works project is a matter for the local authority in question. I am advised that GCC have sourced additional funding to undertake works on this project and the Council is now considering how to progress the works having regard to the currently applicable environmental assessment requirements.

Flood Relief Schemes Data

Ceisteanna (914)

Ciaran Cannon

Ceist:

914. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the minor works flood relief projects for County Galway which have been sanctioned by the OPW since January 2016 to date; and the amount allocated to each project. [25516/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works has approved funding of €365,869 to Galway County Council for 12 projects under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme since January 2016.

Full details are available at http://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/listsofminorworksapprovals/

Flood Relief Schemes

Ceisteanna (915)

Ciaran Cannon

Ceist:

915. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that Galway County Council has sufficient resources in terms of funds and staff, to design all of the flood relief projects that are necessary to prevent a reoccurrence of the numerous flooding incidents across County Galway in January 2016. [25517/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The most significant flood risk issues in County Galway are being examined under the Western Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) project. The draft Plan is currently at public consultation stage and will run for another ten weeks. Following the public consultation process, the draft Plan will be finalised taking on board the comments received. The finalised Plans will include a prioritised list of measures, both structural and non-structural, that can address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner. All Plans, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016, will then be sent to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for his approval. Any measures to be advanced through detailed design and planning and then implemented in County Galway will be undertaken, following finalisation of a ranking system, by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Galway County Council. Decisions on who will be the Contracting Authority on individual projects will be decided following discussions with the Council once the Plans are finalised. Any projects to be undertaken will be funded by OPW.

In addition, the Council is continuing to make applications to OPW for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Since the beginning of 2015, a total of 30 projects have received approval from OPW for projects put forward by the Council, with approximately half of them being fully completed and funds already drawn down by the Council. The level of resources required for such projects is a matter for the Council.

Flood Risk Management

Ceisteanna (916)

Ciaran Cannon

Ceist:

916. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether the creation of a County Galway flood forum, consisting of representatives from Galway County Council, the OPW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte and public representatives, is necessary; and if so, when he envisages the forum being established. [25518/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, is the principal and core mechanism through which the most significant flood risk throughout the country is being identified, assessed and managed. This comprehensive Programme is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the Office of Public Works (OPW) working in partnership with the local authorities in all Counties in Ireland including Galway. The Programme involves the production of predictive flood mapping, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of detailed flood risk management plans. The Programme involves and provides a forum for close collaboration and consultation with all the main stakeholders involved in flooding both at a national level and at Regional and County level.

Following the finalisation of the flood mapping and the preliminary flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated Flood Risk Management Plans containing specific measures that can address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risks identified.

The most significant flood risk issues in County Galway are being examined under the Western CFRAM project. The draft Plans under the Western CFRAM were made available for Statutory Public Consultation on 13 September, 2016. The public consultation will run for ten weeks. Further details are available on the dedicated consultation website www.opw.ie/FloodPlans. Copies of the draft Plans, related Environmental Assessments and an information leaflet are available at the principal offices of each local authority.

Following the public consultation process, the draft Plans will be finalised taking on board the comments received. The finalised Plans will include a prioritised list of measures, both structural and non-structural, that can address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner. The Plans, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016, will then be sent to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for his approval.

There are other areas not covered by the CFRAM process such as the Gort lowlands where Galway County Council will be taking the lead in bringing forward solutions.

Taking all into account I consider that there is merit in establishing such a flood forum subject to broad agreement being received from all of the stakeholders involved.

Flood Prevention Measures

Ceisteanna (917)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

917. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to his visit to Crossmolina, County Mayo in July 2016, if he will provide the details of the planned flooding prevention works for 2016 on the River Deel; the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25723/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Pending the commencement of works on the main flood defence scheme for Crossmolina which is currently in preparation, a number of interim measures are being progressed to address flood risk in the town and to enhance the resilience of the community to deal with flooding.

Mayo County Council (MCC) in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the local Flood Action Group, are currently progressing a pilot project for the installation of flood gates for properties in Crossmolina that flooded last Winter. All parties are working together to progress this project as quickly as possible. MCC has carried out a survey of households in the town and has received expressions of interest from over 60 homeowners for the installation of flood gates. OPW will shortly be appointing consultants within the next week to undertake surveys of individual properties to determine their suitability for floodgates, and to make recommendations for each property. MCC will procure a contractor to supply and install the flood gates based on the recommendations of the consultants.

Following discussions, the OPW, Inland Fisheries (IFI), and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have agreed a course of action for maintenance works in the area immediately downstream of the bridge on the right bank. This work which involves the removal of silt build up on a stone deflector structure in the river is subject to environmental screening and this is being progressed as quickly as possible. Tree cutting will be carried out by the OPW at different locations along the river in the environs of the town where this is environmentally feasible and of benefit and with MCC approval where required upstream of the bridge.

The OPW has also approved MCC's application for funding under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for a number of minor works projects in the town. The total funding approved for these minor works is €189,270. MCC has advised that a contractor started works on site on 12 September with an expected 6 week duration on site and subject to weather conditions.

In relation to the main flood defence plans for Crossmolina, a Public Information Day (PID) was held in April 2016 to inform the public and stakeholders of the current situation, and to seek views on the main options for protecting the town which are either by way of fixed flood defences in the town or a diversion channel option outside of the town. The majority of those who attended the PID were in favour of the diversion channel option.

The design team for the project is currently carrying out a detailed options assessment which cannot be completed until more detailed surveys concerning the ground conditions along the most likely route for the diversion channel have been completed. The survey work is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2016 (weather permitting). This will indicate whether or not the diversion channel option is feasible. If, following the completion of the survey work, the diversion channel proves to be feasible then, subject to design work on this option progressing satisfactorily, the latest program indicates that formal Public Exhibition of this option could be held by mid- 2017. As there is a requirement under this option to have sufficient data on low flow measurements in the river in order to properly inform the design of the channel, the program is critically dependant on having the right weather conditions to allow such measurements be taken. If the diversion channel option does not prove feasible then it should be possible to advance the alternative scheme option of flood defence walls etc. in the town more quickly with possible commencement of construction in 2018.

Office of Public Works Properties

Ceisteanna (918)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

918. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans the OPW have for Westgate House (details supplied) in Drogheda which was acquired by the OPW in Drogheda and is now in a very dilapidated state and located in a historic town centre site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25736/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Westgate House is currently vacant, however, the carpark to the rear is leased to Drogheda Town Council under licence. Recently OPW officials have discussed the condition of the building with Louth County Council who have agreed to redecorate the facade of the building.

National Monuments

Ceisteanna (919)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

919. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of funding for Carrigafoyle Castle, Ballylongford, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25757/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The car-park at Carrigafoyle Castle is not in the ownership of the State. Budgetary allocations allow the OPW to fulfil its obligations under National Monuments legislation for the monuments under its care. There are no funds available to be used for any works on areas not in State ownership/guardianship or control.

In relation to the request to illuminate the Castle at night-time, there are a number of aesthetic and practical considerations involved in deciding whether floodlighting of particular sites is either feasible or appropriate. The nearby availability of a power source, financial economy, rural light pollution and the appropriateness of floodlighting isolated sites are all considerations that must be taken into account. As the general policy of the OPW is not to floodlight National Monuments in rural areas, it is not intended to provide illumination at Carrigafoyle Castle.

Flood Risk Management

Ceisteanna (920)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

920. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a matter (details supplied) will be addressed at lands in Ardcanaught, Castlemaine, County Kerry following previous works to address flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25831/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The works property referred to by the Deputy does form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act.

Each year the OPW carries out work to approximately 2,000km of channels and some 200 structures around the country as part of its ongoing and rolling arterial drainage maintenance programme. While the average cycle of maintenance is generally in the range of 4 to 7 years, the OPW does routinely inspect all channels and structures for which it has maintenance responsibility.

The OPW is aware of the works requires at these lands. The timing of work on individual projects is determined having regard to the needs of regular maintenance and the prioritisation of urgent jobs.

It is not possible at this stage to provide a specific timeframe when work will proceed at the location mentioned by the Deputy.

Flood Prevention Measures

Ceisteanna (921)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

921. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the OPW is not taking responsibility for the River Erne in the constituency of Cavan/Monaghan; the funding measures that can be accessed to clean this river and alleviate flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25841/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works (OPW) does not have an Arterial Drainage Scheme on the River Erne and has therefore no responsibility for channel maintenance in this area.

Local flooding issues are, in the first instance, a matter for each local authority to investigate and address, they may carry out flood alleviation works from their own resources, or apply to the OPW for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor works to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, which comprise economic, social and environmental criteria including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management. Details are published on the OPW website www.opw.ie.

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding, is the OPW's Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. 300 locations nationwide are being assessed under the Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities. It involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans.

In relation to the River Erne system, Cavan Town is an Area of Further Assessment (AFA) being assessed as part of the North Western-Neagh Bann CFRAM Study. Those parts of the Erne system which affect Cavan Town have been modelled, mapped and assessed for options to manage flood risk. Public consultation events were held in Cavan Town on 19 February 2015 on the draft flood maps, on 17 February, 2016 on the preliminary options and a further event is scheduled for 27 September, 2016 on the draft plans. This event will be advertised locally. The OPW works in close co-operation with the Rivers Agency of Northern Ireland on the North Western-Neagh Bann CFRAM Study.

The draft Plans for the North Western–Neagh Bann River Basin District are available for Statutory Public Consultation from Friday 19th August, 2016 to Friday 28 October 2016. Further details are available on the dedicated consultation website www.opw.ie/FloodPlans. Copies of the draft Plans, related Environmental Assessments and an information leaflet are available at the principal offices of each local authority. Submissions on the draft plans can be made in writing to Draft Flood Risk Management Plans Consultation, Engineering Services, OPW HQ, Jonathan Swift St., Trim, Co. Meath or by email to [e-mail]

Following this public consultation process, the draft plans will be finalised taking on board the comments received. The finalised plans will include a prioritised list of measures, both structural and non-structural, that can address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner. The plans, when finalised, will be sent to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for approval.

The Government recently announced increased levels of investment in the area of flood relief as part of the overall Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 and this investment programme will allow for consideration of measures arising from the Flood Risk Management Plans.

Postal Codes

Ceisteanna (922)

Jim Daly

Ceist:

922. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the efforts his Department and agencies under its remit have made to use Eircode when communicating with households via An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25876/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department does not administer any large schemes aimed at households or the general public which would necessitate the immediate inclusion of Eircode data on to the Department's databases. It will be incorporated into databases on an ongoing basis and as the need arises. The position in relation to bodies under the aegis of the Department is set out below.

The Office of Public Works (OPW)

Eircodes have been incorporated into the OPW style guide for stationery including headed paper, business cards, etc. These will appear on new stationery for Trim, Dublin and Claremorris offices, when existing stocks have been run down. The Eircode for the new Cork Regional Office was incorporated into the new stationery for the new office address. An open data file featuring data for all OPW heritage sites will be made available later this month. This includes Eircodes for the all the sites which have them i.e. sites which receive post.

Public Appointments Service (PAS)

All PAS letterheads have been amended to include its postcode. This letterhead is used for all correspondence with candidates, clients and suppliers. Templates for compliment slips and business cards are also being amended to include the postcode on future orders. The inclusion of a candidates postcode on their application form is being included in a review of PAS's IT platform. This will be included in a candidate portal, which is the first deliverable from the review.

The Institute of Public Administration (IPA)

The IPA is re-designing its application forms for student enrolments to include Eircode as part of the address section. It also forms part of their new student record system in that any correspondence between the Institute and the student includes Eircode in the address (where the student has provided it).

The Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman has added the Eircode to its address details for:

- contact details on all websites;

- letterheads, business cards and official stationery;

- published documents, booklets and leaflets; and 

- the Ombudsman casebook.

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)

The SEUPB does not communicate with households via An Post. Where an Eircode is provided by the individual or organisation requesting information, it is used in any subsequent correspondence.

The State Laboratory

The State Laboratory do not communicate with households.

Public Sector Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (923)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

923. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when payment will issue to a person (details supplied). [25961/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In relation to the Deputy's enquiry about the outstanding retirement benefits due to a named person, I am informed by the National Shared Services Office that the delay of four weeks was due to an administrative error. The person in question will receive all amounts outstanding by 22nd September. I have also been advised that this person has been contacted directly on the matter and is aware of its status.