Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:404. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the turnaround time for online passport applications for adult renewals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16776/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Applications Data
Ceisteanna (404)
Freagraí scríofa
I launched the new online passport application service on 30 March. The new service is fast, convenient and secure and it allow adults to renew their passport books and cards online and twenty four hours a day wherever they are in the world.
The service has a target turnaround time of ten working days, plus postage time. The postage time will vary of course depending on the country in which the applicant resides.
People can apply via the Department’s website at www.dfa.ie, using their personal computers, tablets or mobile phones. The service is a key project within the Passport Reform Programme which is modernising technology platforms, business processes and controls.
National Monuments
Ceisteanna (405)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:405. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which a full examination has been undertaken into the improvements required at Taghadoe Abbey and Round Tower; when remedial works can commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16590/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has concerns about the structural stability of Taghadoe church which is adjacent to the round tower. The church is a relatively modern building built by the Board of First Fruits c. 1830. The OPW engaged a firm of conservation architects to complete an architectural and structural appraisal of the condition of the church and round tower with a view to developing a future works programme for the site. The commission also includes the production and installation of information panels at the site.
The round tower is the earliest surviving structure on the site and was part of the early Christian Monastery founded here in the 8th Century. The round tower is in reasonable condition and has no visible cracks or movement joints on the external surface. The flaunching (mortar) on the top of the tower and the interior and exterior walls were to be inspected as part of the project but it is not anticipated that any significant structural issues with the tower will be discovered.
The architectural assessment and condition report is currently being finalised and will shortly be available at which time the OPW will be in a position to determine what remedial works will be required to stabilise the building.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Ceisteanna (406)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:406. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects the mid-term review of the capital plan to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16002/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Capital Plan, published in 2015, set out a six year framework for substantial infrastructural investment in Ireland out to 2021. Total state backed investment under the Plan amounted to €42 billion over the period.
The substantial progress made in securing sustained economic growth and the further strengthening of the public finances has enabled the Government to commit an additional €5.14 billion in Exchequer Capital funding in support of the Capital Plan. €2.2 billion of this amount has already been pre-committed to support the Government's Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, while in Budget 2017 the Government also allocated additional capital funding for 2017, with carry-over implications for 2018 and 2019. The result of all of this is that there now remains €2.655 billion of additional uncommitted capital resources to be allocated over the period 2018-2021 on the basis of the outcome of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan that is now underway.
It is expected that the review process will be completed in Quarter 3 of 2017, in time to enable the Government to make final decisions in due course on how the remaining additional capital funding should be allocated.
The Deputy may wish to note that a public consultation has been launched on the Review to ascertain the views of the public and key stakeholders on what our national infrastructure priorities should be and to seek views on infrastructure investment priorities beyond the period of the current Capital Plan, which will help formulate a longer term Capital Plan for the next 10 years.
Garda Station Closures
Ceisteanna (407)
Noel Rock
Ceist:407. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated amount it would cost to reopen Stepaside Garda station in terms of work required to the existing building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16058/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The reopening of closed Garda stations is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána and is currently subject to a review being carried out by An Garda Síochána.
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that it is not possible to cost the reopening of the former Garda station at Stepaside as no decision has been reached on whether the former Garda station at Stepaside is to reopen as a Garda Station.
In addition, it is not possible for the OPW to cost any works without receiving a full brief of requirements from An Garda Síochána.
Freedom of Information Remit
Ceisteanna (408)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:408. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to include business improvement districts established under the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006 under the Freedom of Information Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16066/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Freedom of Information Act 2014 extended the remit of the legislation to a further 70 public bodies, bringing the overall total to some 600 bodies comprehended by the Act. The Act provides a very broad definition of public bodies at Section 6(1) and further provides that all new public bodies comprehended by this definition will automatically come under freedom of information (FOI) legislation, unless specifically exempted by order. This reversed the system under previous legislation whereby new bodies would have to be brought into the scope of the legislation by order.
The Act also provides the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with the power to make an order bringing a body under the Commissioner's remit if it is financed, wholly or partly, or directly or indirectly by means of monies provided by a Minister of the Government. I am sure that the Deputy would share the view that there has been substantial progress and a planned and structured approach of continuing to extend the Commissioner's remit is one that he would share.
With regard to the issue of Business Improvement District (BID) Companies, I am advised that FOI does not apply as the bodies do not meet the criteria set out in Section 6 (1) of the Act. Under the governing legislation, overseen by my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, a Business Improvement District company is required to be limited by guarantee and formed and registered under the Companies Act. The board of directors will be made up of businesses or their representatives and nominees of the local authority. At least two thirds of the directors must be ratepayers or ratepayer representatives.
I understand that the BID Companies are established under the Companies Act to implement the BID Scheme in particular areas. The Company implements the BID Scheme which is funded through a levy from business owners in the area. Given the composition and role of BID Companies, I do not currently have any plans to bring them within the scope of Freedom of Information but the matter could be considered under any future wider review of bodies to be brought under FOI.
Departmental Information
Ceisteanna (409)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:409. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of requests his Department received for material to be made available in Braille format in each of the years 2014 to 2016; the number of these requests which were accommodated by his Department; the cost implication and the person or body which provided the translation service. [16380/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the Deputy's question, my Department has not received any requests for material to be made available in braille format in each of the years 2014 to 2016.
Public Sector Pensions
Ceisteanna (410)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:410. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to fully restore pensions of retired public sector workers, which were reduced as a result of FEMPI legislation; when this restoration will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question no. 2701/17 on 24 January 2017.
Flood Relief Schemes
Ceisteanna (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:411. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of proposals for a voluntary home relocation scheme for domestic dwellings affected by flooding and unable to receive insurance cover or adequate remedial works; the number of homes due to be covered by the scheme; the amount due to be allocated; the timeframe of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16522/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:412. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for a voluntary farm building relocation scheme due to flooding issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16523/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:413. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the trial on lowering water levels in Lough Allen undertaken by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group; if there are legal or statutory impediments to such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16524/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:414. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of meetings held by the interdepartmental flood policy co-ordination group in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16525/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:415. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the establishment and operation of the national flood forecasting and warning service unit; the number of staff employed in the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16526/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:416. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of meetings held by the River Shannon co-ordination group in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16527/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:417. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of funding put aside for the pilot scheme of individual home protection measures; the amount of money drawn down; the timeframe for a decision on the future of the pilot scheme's national roll out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16528/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:418. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the minor works flood scheme review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16529/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:419. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Office of Public Works' work on riparian rights and landowners' legal obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16532/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 to 419, inclusive, together.
Home and Farm
Last November I announced that the Government had agreed a once-off Voluntary Home Relocation Scheme for those primary residential properties that flooded during Winter 2015/2016. This is a scheme of humanitarian assistance, targeting aid at those worst affected properties, for which there are no alternative, feasible measures.
The Office of Public Works is finalising the administrative arrangements for this scheme and working jointly with Local Authorities and the Department of Social Protection. Initial funding of €2 million for the scheme has been allocated this year. I expect to be able to appraise Government of the administrative arrangements and announce further details of these arrangements shortly.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has indicated that the administrative arrangements for the Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme will help it identify those farmyard buildings worst affected by the flooding during Winter 2015/2016. That department will work with these individual farms to determine if there are any alternative remedial works to protect those farmyard buildings at risk. This approach will inform the feasibility of any future once-off targeted scheme for Voluntary Farm Building Relocation.
Lake Levels and Shannon Group
The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group met on six occasions in 2016 and on one occasion to date in 2017. Information about the Group is available on the OPW website, www.opw.ie.
The Group took a decision in October 2016 to trial the lowering of the lake levels on Lough Allen, within the existing statutory framework, during the Winter 2016/2017 to help mitigate potential flood risk. A protocol was agreed between ESB, Waterways Ireland and the OPW to lower the late Autumn and Winter minimum lake levels in Lough Allen by approximately 0.7 metres with the first reduction implemented in October 2016. The Group has agreed that the trial will be repeated later this year, commencing in late Autumn.
The Group is also developing a plan for strategic maintenance, to help reduce further deterioration of the River Shannon, and is considering the development of viable flood risk reduction measures in the Shannon Callows, as a further commitment to enhance co-ordinated activities by the relevant State Agencies. These plans are taking into account the environmental, legal and resource implications involved.
Interdepartmental
The Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group that I chair met four times in 2016. Last November the Group presented for consideration and agreement by Government an interim report setting out progress on its work and making appropriate recommendations for consideration by Government at this time. The report is available on the OPW website, www.opw.ie. Progress continues to be made by sector leads on recommendations within the interim report and those policy areas identified that require further action. While the OPW remains in contact with sectorial representatives, who are members of the Group, I will convene a meeting of the Group in the coming weeks to start the process to co-ordinate a final report for consideration by Government.
Flood Forecasting
A Steering Group to establish a National Flood Forecasting Service has met on nine occasions to date, agreed a Terms of Reference and prepared and agreed an implementation plan comprising a number of phases, including an initial set-up phase (scheduled for completion by Q3 2018) and a development and trial phase (scheduled for completion by Q1 2020). Given the complexities involved in establishing, designing, developing and testing this new service, it is anticipated that it will take at least 5 years before it is fully operational and it is estimated it will require a staffing complement of 15 full-time posts. Met Éireann has appointed one new staff member to date to lead the project.
IPP Pilot
The Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group is considering the potential costs and benefits associated with the introduction of an individual property protection scheme. The Group is being informed by two different pilot projects, which are currently underway in Thomastown and Graiguenamanagh in County Kilkenny and Crossmolina in County Mayo. In respect of the Kilkenny pilot, the OPW is funding the costs of a research and feasibility study into the potential provision of individual property protection. No funding has yet been drawn down by the Council on the pilot study, which is due to conclude and make recommendations in April. In Crossmolina, consultants have undertaken surveys of individual properties and Mayo County Council has procured a contractor who is currently installing the defences at the relevant properties. To date, no funding has been drawn down by the Council. The Co-ordination Group’s work, when completed, will be submitted to Government for consideration in the context of the merits of the introduction by Government of any scheme to support individual property protection measures.
Minor Works Review
A review of the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme is currently underway with a view to examining the criteria for consideration within the Scheme, including for example the various thresholds for the assessment of benefit. Consultations are underway with Local Authorities with a view to examining any potential improvements, administrative or financial, which will encourage applications under the scheme. It is expected that the review will be completed shortly.
Riparian
Work to develop guidance to clarify the rights and responsibilities of landowners in relation to the maintenance of water course on or near their lands is at an advanced stage and will in the coming weeks be subject to legal advice before being finalised.
Office of Government Procurement
Ceisteanna (420, 421)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:420. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of the cancellation of a number of competitions (details supplied); if he is satisfied that due process has been followed in these cases; the actions he undertook when contacted about these competitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16563/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDara Calleary
Ceist:421. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of competitions and mini-competitions that were cancelled by the OGP, Office of Government Procurement, in 2016; the total cost of these cancellations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16564/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 421 together.
Procurement is a key element of the Government's Reform agenda. Given the volume of spending, in the order of €12bn per annum on goods, services and works, it is essential that a strategic approach is adopted and value for money is achieved. The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) was established to drive the reform agenda, adopt a strategic approach and professionalise public procurement, leverage the State's spending power and deliver significant savings to the State.
Framework agreements are one of a number of ways in which the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) engages with the market to achieve value for money in the delivery of much needed public services. Framework agreements are established through competitive procurement processes and are agreements with suppliers or service providers which set out terms and conditions under which specific contracts can be made during the term of the agreement. Once established, public sector bodies can then avail of goods and services from the suppliers on the Framework. In general, contracts emanating from framework agreements take one of the following two forms:
- by means of direct draw down (i.e. the Contracting Authority does not need to hold a mini competition as there is a single supplier or a rota from which the next available supplier is chosen) - the framework establishes a panel of suppliers that compete for specific contracts awarded (mini-competitions) by Contracting Authorities over the lifetime of the agreement.
The OGP carries out market analysis to assess the need for a good or service and the nature of the market for that good or service. In consultation with public service bodies the OGP develops and manages the process to establish a framework. While the OGP facilitates contracting authorities through supporting mini-competitions under frameworks, it is the Contracting Authority that is legally responsible for any drawdowns/mini-competitions or awards given under the framework agreement.
In this regard, it should also be noted that competitions can be cancelled for a variety of reasons, e.g. each tender has a provision that allows for cancellation, for example where no tenders are submitted by the framework suppliers; where no suitable tenders or no suitable requests to participate were submitted; where the public body's requirements have changed; or where the proposal is more expensive than anticipated. Given the remit of the OGP and the value of aggregated arrangements such as frameworks, it is important that our approach to the market is done in a way that ensures value for money for the taxpayers and fairness for those suppliers competing for the procurement opportunity. The small number of cancellations, whilst unfortunate, are necessary to ensure value, suitability of good or service and the appropriate approach to market.
I am informed by the OGP that the latest available data on the eTenders system for 2016 indicates that of the 688 competitions run by the OGP in 2016 on behalf of Contracting Authorities throughout the State, 15 competitions were recorded as cancelled. I am advised that this figure is subject to change as work continues on processing tender competitions which commenced in 2016.
In relation to the specific cases referred to by the Deputy, the competitions were cancelled by the client after due consideration of the circumstances of the particular cases. The OGP advises clients having regard to the procurement regulations. The procurement regulations provide inter alia for due process for all parties.
From the OGP perspective, the costs for cancelling competitions are not recorded separately and are absorbed into overall running costs.