Written Answers Nos. 466-480
466. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 per hour for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10101/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe remuneration of the staff of my Department is as sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in line with Government policy.
It is difficult to estimate the potential cost of introducing an hourly rate of €11.50 per hour for all employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as the Department recruits a large number of temporary clerical staff on a seasonal basis. This figure varies from year to year.
The best estimate of the cost per annum is in the region of €300,000 (lowest possible estimate) to €750,000 to include permanent and temporary staff.
There are no State Agencies funded by my Department.
467. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on US President Donald Trump’s change of policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 29 on 22 February, which was as follows:
The two state solution to the conflict between Israel and its Palestinian and Arab neighbours has been espoused by a consensus of the international community, and been supported by public opinion and responsible leaders in both Israeli and Palestinian society, for many years. This support has been based on clear reasoning and analysis of the various options and alternatives, and those reasons remain valid, despite growing concerns about the possibility of achieving such a solution.
The inescapable fact is that a two state outcome remains better than any other model that has been considered, and is the only one which can deliver peace, security, freedom and justice for both Israeli and Palestinian peoples.
An acceptable one state outcome could only be on the basis of full equality between all those living under its jurisdiction. Any belief that it will be possible instead to simply continue a version of the present occupation would be wholly unacceptable.
The recent remarks of President Trump have stepped back from the clear support for the two state solution which previous Presidents have given, but without putting an alternative view in its place. The Administration has yet to enunciate a considered policy for the Middle East. I hope very much that when it does so, it will recognise the logic which has guided US policy for many years.
For our part, the European Union has made clear that our support and advocacy for a two state solution remain unaltered. The strong international consensus on this basis was expressed only last month at the Paris Conference, which I attended, and in Security Council Resolution 2334 in December. We will continue to represent this view in our discussions with the new US Administration, bilaterally and at EU level, and in international fora such as the UN and the Quartet.
468. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with EU partners regarding a potential legal challenge to a US border tax proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10162/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUS President Donald Trump has been publicly quoted since his inauguration in January 2017 as intending to undertake a comprehensive review of the US tax code. However, as yet, no details of a potential reform package have been formally announced by the US Administration. Any reform would have to be agreed by the Administration with both Houses of the US Congress.
In the absence of any detailed proposal by the US authorities, it is not possible to assess the likely effect of a reform, nor the likelihood of a legal challenge. Nevertheless, I availed of the opportunity of my recent visit to Washington DC to explore the prospects of a border adjustment tax with various interlocutors in the US House of Representatives and with business groups.
Our Embassy in Washington DC is closely monitoring this issue, is engaging with the relevant stakeholders – including other EU Embassies - and is keeping the Government informed of developments as the tax reform debate evolves.
472. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of times the interdepartmental committee on the Irish abroad has met since it was established; if it has met to discuss the obstacles hindering Irish emigrants from returning to live here; and if not, if he will arrange a meeting of the committee to examine this issue. [10353/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad was set up following the publication of Global Irish – Ireland’s Diaspora Policy, in March 2015. The Committee, with participation from external stakeholders and Irish embassies and consulates as required, seeks to ensure that Government works in a joined-up way to realise the objectives of the diaspora strategy.
The Committee is chaired by the Minister for Diaspora Affairs and brings together key Government Departments and State Agencies. The Department of the Taoiseach provides the Secretariat for the Committee. As set out in the Diaspora Policy, it meets on a quarterly basis and will report periodically to Government on the progress of the policy.
Since its inception the Committee has met on six occasions.
Since his appointment in 2016 Minister of State Joe McHugh, T.D. has convened the Committee on a quarterly basis. In the two meetings chaired by Minister of State McHugh to date, discussion of disproportionate burdens facing Irish citizens wishing to return home has been the main agenda item.
Discussions chaired by Minister of State McHugh, with input from diaspora organisations and citizens, have identified a number of recurring issues such as: job opportunities, habitual residency, access to affordable housing, access to schools and affordable childcare, recognition and transfer of driving licences, high rates of motor insurance, recognition of qualifications, social protection issues including transfer of pensions.
On 24 November organisations working with citizens returning to Ireland who are financially supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Emigrant Support programme were invited to present to the Committee their experiences assisting returning emigrants.
Departmental updates will be discussed at the next meeting of the Committee, which is scheduled for the end of March 2017 and the main agenda item will again be barriers and disproportionate burdens facing Irish citizens wishing to return home. The timing of the next meeting is to allow Ministers to report back on issues raised by our communities abroad with them during their St Patrick's Day travel programmes.
474. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a full report on the actions and investigations being taken on foot of the reports of the Moriarty tribunal; the status of these investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10267/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may wish to note that one recommendation (62.15) of the Moriarty Tribunal falls within my remit. This recommendation seeks that consideration be given to Office Holders, (within the meaning of the Ethics in Public Office Acts, 1995 and 2001), being able to elect voluntarily to have their financial affairs audited by an inspector appointed by the Standards in Public Office Commission. This inspection could be carried out at any time during their period in office and for a defined period thereafter.
As the Deputy may be aware, a detailed review of the current statutory framework for ethics was undertaken by my Department. This included examination of the recommendations of the Mahon and Moriarty Tribunals and other relevant recommendations, as well as international best practice. On foot of this examination, the Public Sector Standards Bill 2015 was drafted and published on 23 December 2015. It completed second stage in the Dáil on 20 January 2016. This Bill is now scheduled to recommence at Committee Stage in the Dáil on 6 April with a view to enactment by the summer.
The approach adopted in the Bill aims to secure the relevant objectives of the Tribunals to significantly strengthen the regulatory framework for the effective management of conflicts of interest and for minimising corruption risks. It is strongly guided by the analysis and findings contained in the Tribunal reports. In this context the proposed legislative reforms include, for example, a significant broadening of the material and personal scope of declarations of interest, increased frequency of declarations where changes have taken place and broadening and significantly enhancing the powers of the regulator for the ethics system. The proposals draw on the Moriarty recommendation and make provision for the regulator to carry out "own initiative" investigations which would encompass the Moriarty recommendation relating to voluntary audits.
475. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the construction of the new Garda divisional headquarters in Kevin Street, Dublin will be fully completed; when it will open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10361/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA contract was placed with JJ Rhatigan & Co. Ltd on 30 January 2015 for the construction of a new Garda Divisional Headquarters at Kevin Street, Dublin. Construction works commenced on site in February 2015 and are due for completion by end Q.3. 2017. Thereafter, the staffing and timing for the opening of the station to the public is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
476. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the necessary funding is likely to be approved for drainage and flood prevention works associated with the Morell river, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10438/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Lower Morrell River flood relief scheme is being progressed by Kildare County Council (KCC) as the Contracting Authority for the scheme with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
I am advised that KCC and its consultants are currently finalising the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and detailed design of the scheme which includes liaising with the various landowners/stakeholders who will be impacted by the proposed works. It is envisaged that the scheme will be submitted for planning approval in the first half of 2017. Funding arrangements to proceed with the scheme will be agreed by OPW and KCC in advance of the scheme being submitted for planning approval.
It is not possible to indicate when exactly works can be commenced until the scheme has been advanced through the planning process by the Council as outlined above. It is hoped that works could commence before the end of 2017 dependent on planning approval being received. I can confirm that the Lower Morrell Scheme remains a priority and the OPW has included provision for the cost of the proposed works in its financial profiles in the period up to 2020.
477. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual pensions paid to each retired member of the Judiciary in each of the years 2011 to 2016, in tabular form. [9588/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra478. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of individual lump sum payments made to a retiring member of the Judiciary for each of the years 2011 to 2016, in tabular form. [9589/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 478 together.
The following pension conditions apply to members of the judiciary:
(1) Benefits: The benefits provided are lump sum and pension on retirement.
(2) Membership: The members of the Scheme are the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Circuit Court and the District Court (note all new entrants to the public service on or after 1 January 2013 are in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme).
(3) Contributions: The Scheme is non-contributory.
(4) Retirement conditions: The normal age of retirement varies as between the different groups of Scheme members. For Judges of the District Court, it is age 65, but these members may be retained in pensionable service on a year-to-year basis beyond that age up to age 70. For Judges of the Circuit Court, High Court, court of Appeal and Supreme Court it is age 70 for members appointed on or after 15 December 1995. Judges of the Higher Courts may retire voluntarily with pension and lump sum benefits if they attain the appropriate age before reaching their compulsory retirement age. The appropriate age in this context means:
(a) the age at which a Judge completes the service required for maximum benefits (15 years' service); or
(b) age 65
whichever age is later.
(5) Calculation of Pension and Lump Sum: Calculation of Pension and Lump Sum: Pension and lump sum benefits are calculated by reference to (i) total reckonable service and (ii) salary on the last day of service. A minimum of 2 years' reckonable service is required for benefit, and part years are reckoned on a pro rata basis.
Pension comprises
1. in the case of Judges of the District Court, 1/40th of salary per year of service; (b) in the case of other Judges, 1/40th of salary for each of the first 5 years' service and 3/80ths of salary for each subsequent year of service; subject in all cases to a maximum of 40/80ths (i.e. half salary).
Lump Sum comprises
1. in the case of Judges of the District Court who retire on or after 19 December 1996, 6/80ths of salary per year of service; (b) in the case of Judges of the higher courts who retire on or after 19 December 1998, 6/80ths of salary for each of the first 5 years' service and 18/160ths of salary for each subsequent year of service, subject in all cases to a maximum of 120/80ths (i.e. one and one half years' salary).
For details of the actual amount paid each year with respect to pensions, retirement lump sums and death gratuities relating to judicial services, I refer the Deputy to Statement 1.4 to the Finance Accounts, available on the website of the Department of Finance. This discloses this information for each calendar year from 2009 onwards. The 2016 accounts have not yet been published.
479. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all Ministers and Ministers of State are adhering to the guidelines for claiming travel and subsistence in addition to overnight accommodation expenses here; and if there has been any change in policy since the Government entered office. [9616/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra480. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any Ministers and or Ministers of State have claimed overnight accommodation expenses while staying in Dublin; and if there has been any change in policy in this area since the Government entered office. [9617/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 480 together.
A Minister or Minister of State cannot claim overnight accommodation expenses while staying in Dublin as all Ministers are headquartered in Dublin.
A Minister or Minister of State may claim the vouched cost of a hotel room and up to 15% service charge where they are required, while on official business within the State, to stay overnight more than 100 kms from their home or headquarters. They may also claim an overnight subsistence allowance equal to half of the civil service overnight rate of €125 increased by one-third.
Where Ministers travel abroad including Northern Ireland they may claim for the vouched cost of a hotel room including tax and up to 15% service charge plus the civil service conference rate for the location increased by one third with the exception of the USA and Canada, where it is increased by a half.
My Department does not maintain records of the travel costs incurred by each Minister and Minister of State.
There have been no changes in policy in this area under the current Government.
