Written Answers Nos. 189-206
189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of carer's allowance payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17324/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of the maximum rate of Carer’s Allowance payable to a person caring for one care recipient of €209.00 per week.
This includes a budgetary increase of €5.00 per week effective from 16 March 2017.
In addition she is in receipt of the maximum rate payable for each of her 3 qualified children of €29.80 weekly per child.
Following a previous successful appeal, all arrears owing her from 28 January 2016 issued directly to her on 1 September 2016.
I hope this clarified the matter for the Deputy. If you require any further assistance on this query please do not hesitate to contact my office.
190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review a decision to refuse an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17328/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis gentleman submitted an application for disability allowance on 24 January 2017.
The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 25 March 2017 and of his rights of review and appeal.
No review or appeal has been requested to date.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17329/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA decision regarding Rent Supplement has been made in this case and it is now the subject of an appeal. If the person concerned wishes to apply for an Exceptional Needs Payment she should send an application to the CWS in Maynooth where it will be considered. An application form will be posted out to her to facilitate this. If she has any further queries regarding her Rent Supplement she should contact the Appeals Office or the Mid Leinster Central Rents Unit.
192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the refusal of a decision in respect of a disability allowance dated 7 March 2017 in the case of a person (details supplied); if this inquiry will be accepted as basis for appeal; if a basic social welfare payment can issue in the interim while awaiting the result of the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17333/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there is no record of any appeal having been received from the person concerned. In light of the Deputy’s representations, a form has been issued by the Appeals Office to the person concerned advising him that if he wishes to appeal the decision he should complete and return the form to that office setting out the grounds for his appeal of the Department’s decision. On receipt of his reply an appeal will be registered and processed in the normal manner.
The person concerned should contact his local Intreo Office regarding his possible entitlement to basic supplementary welfare allowance.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which it might be concluded that two persons, one in their 90s and one in late 80s, are deemed insufficiently dependent to require a carer, as in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17335/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 15 December 2016 in respect of the provision of care to both her parents.
It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person(s) being cared for must have a disability whose effect is that they require full-time care and attention. This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself, and being likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence, including a medical report, submitted in support of the application for CA for the mother of the person concerned was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence was insufficient to show that the requirement for full-time care and attention was satisfied.
There was no medical evidence submitted in support of the application for CA for the father of the person concerned. On 14 February 2017 a medical report was issued to be completed by a medical practitioner in respect of the father of the person concerned. To date it has not been returned.
It is also a condition for receipt of CA that the carer provides full-time care and attention. A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses outside the home for a maximum of 15 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
The person concerned was requested on 27 February 2017 to provide evidence to show that she was working outside the home for less than 15 hours per week. The required documents and evidence were not provided, which meant the deciding officer could not determine if the condition regarding the provision of full time care and attention was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 29 March 2017 of the disallowance of the applications for CA for both her parents, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal. If the person concerned now provides the requested information, the entitlement to CA will be re-examined.
Entitlement to CA is determined on evidence supplied and is never made solely on the age of an applicant.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for the delivery of public health community and home care supports at local level, including the Home Care Package (HCP) scheme. The HCP scheme is an administrative scheme, operated by the HSE. CA can be paid in cases where a HCP is in place.
The Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People announced in January that a consultation process is to be launched in the coming months with a view to establishing a new statutory homecare scheme. The consultation process will allow all those who have views on this topic to have their say, including older people themselves, their families and health care workers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
194. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the means a person (details supplied) was assessed on which resulted in a reduced disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17402/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm an application for disability allowance (DA) was received from this man on 8 March 2007.
DA was awarded to him with effect from 14 March 2007 at a reduced rate. Means were derived from rental income and were verified by a Social Welfare Inspector. Means of €147.50 per week were assessed.
If there has been any change to this person circumstances since their last assessment they can request a review of their weekly means.
195. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the new paid paternity benefit scheme per county since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17412/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaternity benefit was introduced in September 2016 and provides two weeks benefit, currently paid at the weekly rate of €235 per week, to support fathers in caring for their newly born babies. The number of people who have received the benefit, in each county, since its introduction is set out in the table below:
Paternity Benefit recipients from September 2016 – March 2017
|
County |
Total Awarded |
|
Carlow |
126 |
|
Cavan |
186 |
|
Clare |
235 |
|
Cork |
1359 |
|
Donegal |
306 |
|
Dublin |
2918 |
|
Galway |
623 |
|
Kerry |
310 |
|
Kildare |
524 |
|
Kilkenny |
247 |
|
Laois |
154 |
|
Leitrim |
77 |
|
Limerick |
399 |
|
Longford |
90 |
|
Louth |
287 |
|
Mayo |
280 |
|
Meath |
463 |
|
Monaghan |
141 |
|
Offaly |
159 |
|
Roscommon |
129 |
|
Sligo |
152 |
|
Tipperary |
329 |
|
Waterford |
263 |
|
Westmeath |
216 |
|
Wexford |
294 |
|
Wicklow |
336 |
|
Others |
40 |
|
TOTAL AWARDS |
10643 |
196. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17413/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 26 August 2016.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 14 November 2016 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. Enquiries by the SWI are continuing. Once the SWI report is received, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If you require any further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact my office.
197. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the name, costs, date of commission, date or expected date of publication and name of the external consultant of all external reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011 per annum, in tabular form. [17439/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being compiled within my Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a review of residency and, as a consequence, passport entitlement can be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17327/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service assessed the citizenship entitlement of the applicant referenced based on the evidence of immigration stamps for the required period in the parent’s passport that accompanied the application. The proofs submitted do not demonstrate the child’s entitlement to Irish citizenship under Section 6A of the 1956 Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, as amended (the Act).
My Department will consider additional evidence submitted in any new passport application of the lawful residence of the parent in the State which is reckonable for the purposes of section 6A of the Act.
199. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 283 of 28 March 2017, and in relation to a recent arrest (details supplied), if he has satisfied himself that there was appropriate handling of and investigation into an alleged sexual assault; if there was diplomatic or political interference in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17421/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy and I understand from media reports that the man was released without charge and that a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The question of whether or not a particular person should be prosecuted and for what criminal offence is the responsibility of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is completely independent in the performance of her functions. This is a long-standing principle of our system of justice.
My Department has no role in, and would not seek to influence decisions made at any stage of, the investigation, prosecution or trial of alleged offences.
In these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further.
200. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the name, costs, date of commission, date or expected date of publication and name of the external consultant of all external reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011 per annum in tabular form. [17434/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is responsible for two votes - Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).
The Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and in particular where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagement, these consultants and experts may prepare reports and other documentation for the Department.
In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed, and continues to inform on the Department’s policies, allowing for a more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.
These services are procured by open competitive tendering processes in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objective of the Department.
Separately, a low number of consultancies are occasionally engaged directly by our Missions abroad from time to time and in some instances prepare technical reports relating to the overseas development programme.
|
Commission |
Experts/Consultants |
Report/Subject |
Cost (€) |
Date of publication |
|
2011 |
Kevin Moore |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
17,861 |
Not Applicable – see footnote* |
|
2011 |
Paul Sheane |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
9,965 |
* |
|
2011 |
Stefanie Meredith |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries |
10,100 |
* |
|
2011 |
Samia Saad |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries |
9,198 |
* |
|
2011 |
Paud Murphy |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work) |
9,064 |
* |
|
2011 |
80:20 |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work) |
9,870 |
* |
|
2011 |
Eilis Murray |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work) |
6,068 |
* |
|
2011 |
ISOS |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work) |
42,247 |
* |
|
2011 |
Bernard McLoughlin |
Review of the Irish Aid Centre, Dublin |
6,143 |
* |
|
2011 |
Cathal Higgins |
Preparation of a report on the programme of education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development in Karamoja region and skills development in the oil sector (Uganda) |
5,000 |
* |
|
2011 |
Mike Williams |
Review of Humanitarian Programme Plan for Irish Aid |
18,742 |
* |
|
2011 |
Humanitarian Policy Ltd |
Review of Security Policy & Practice among Irish Aid Humanitarian Partners |
33,930 |
* |
|
2012 |
Mike Williams |
Evaluation of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation |
12,247 |
July 2013 |
|
2012 |
PA Consulting Group |
Evaluating the value of the economic relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland |
73,083 |
July 2013 |
|
2012 |
Cathy Roche |
Review of the Our World Awards 2005-2011 |
6,300 |
* |
|
2012 |
Everywhere Consulting |
Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Humanitarian Hub at Shannon Airport |
74,982 |
December 2012 |
|
2012 |
Fintan Farrelly |
Review of the Irish Aid Strategic Environmental Partnership Programme |
6,000 |
* |
|
2012 |
Mike Williams |
Review of Misean Cara |
15,099 |
* |
|
2012 |
Pham Quang Hoa |
Local consultancy contract 'Review of P135 infrastructure projects funded by Irish Aid' |
5,453 |
* |
|
2012 |
IOD Parc |
South Africa Country Strategy Programme 2008-2012 Final Report |
73,256 |
January 2013 |
|
2012 |
Itad |
Evaluation of the Irish Aid Ethiopia Country Strategy Programme 2008-2012 |
143,886 |
May 2013 |
|
2013 |
Peter McEvoy |
Evaluation of a number of Organisations funded by the Emigrant Support Programme(ESP) |
13,075 |
July 2013 |
|
2013 |
Wright Consultancy Ltd |
Gender Equality Audit |
14,000 |
December 2014 |
|
2013 |
Mary Jennings |
Review of HRD (Human Rights and Democratisation) Scheme Irish Aid Palestine |
15,500 |
* |
|
2013 |
Bronagh Hinds & Karen McMinn Consultants |
Report on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security |
20,811 |
June 2013 |
|
2013 |
Gareth Williams |
Review of Financial and Programme of the Camara Education Programme |
20,000 |
* |
|
2013 |
John Geraghty |
Review of University College Cork’s Programme of Technical Support Internships for Food Security |
7,568 |
* |
|
2013 |
Natural Research Institute |
Review of Irish Aid Support to Fair and Ethical Trade Initiatives |
19,292 |
* |
|
2013 |
Pham Quang Hoa |
Review Programme 135 (for Ethnic Minorities) of Irish Aid funded infrastructure projects |
5,588 |
* |
|
2013 |
Gareth Singleton |
Review of Irish Forum for Global Health |
8.395 |
* |
|
2013 |
IOD Parc |
Evaluation of Irish Aid's Sierra Leone Strategy Paper, 2011-2013 |
77,907 |
August 2014 |
|
2013 |
Mokoro |
Evaluation of Ireland's Support to Timor Leste, 2001-2014 |
85,203 |
August 2014 |
|
2014 |
Gareth Singleton |
Review of Royal College of Surgeons |
25,756 |
* |
|
2014 |
Tierney & Associates, Risk & Governance Consultants |
Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme |
19,934 |
* |
|
2014 |
Hogan Lovells, Washington |
Review of tax, social insurance and health obligations and other conditions of service in respect of locally-recruited staff members at our missions in the United States |
57,756 |
* |
|
2014 |
Gallup Korea (Korea Gallup Poll Co. LTD) |
Working Holiday Agreement Report |
7,217 |
March 2015 |
|
2014 |
Andy Pollak |
Review of Irish Aid support for Initial Teacher Education |
11,564 |
* |
|
2014 |
ADETEF |
OECD DAC EVALNET Study on Collaborative Partner- Donor Evaluation Work |
25,000 |
* |
|
2014 |
Tran i Ngoc Diep |
Local input into Review of Irish Aid scholarship programmes |
1,502 |
* |
|
2014 |
Tom Collins |
Feasibility Study - Celebrating and Sustaining Ireland’s relationship with Africa |
5,000 |
* |
|
2014 |
ITAD Limited |
Mid-Term Review of the Civil Society Support Programme |
68,135 |
* |
|
2014 |
David Goodman Payne |
Review of Irish Aid Civil Society Facility in Vietnam |
8,589 |
On-going |
|
2014 |
Cathy Gaynor/Niamh O’Grady/Gill Roe |
Evaluability Assessment of the Programme of Strategic Cooperation |
43,200 |
* |
|
2014 |
Willis Risk Services (Ireland) Limited |
Consultancy for insurance policy report and tender documentation for the Rapid Response Corps |
6,150 |
* |
|
2014 |
Mekong Dev Research Institute |
Impact assessment of Irish Aid funded infrastructure projects under P135 in 2011 & 2012 |
43,912 |
* |
|
2014 |
Karen McMinn |
Report and final review on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security |
9,750 |
2015 |
|
2014 |
Mokoro |
Evaluation of Irish Aid’s Uganda Country Strategy Paper 2010-2014 |
113,739 |
* |
|
2014 |
ASM (B) Ltd |
Payroll System Audit |
11,636 |
* |
|
2014 |
Ground Work Consultancy |
Review of Nutrition Options for Irish Aid in Mozambique |
5,000 |
|
|
2014 |
Ground Work Consultancy |
Review of performance and lessons learned for Irish Aid funded OFSP projects |
3,500 |
|
|
2014 |
Ground Work Consultancy |
Review of Irish Aid Nutrition programming in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos PDR |
13,829 |
|
|
2015 |
ASM |
Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme |
24,500 |
* |
|
2015 |
Coffey International Development Ltd |
Review of the Irish Aid Programme Grant Mechanism |
23,588 |
* |
|
2015 |
Tran i Ngoc Diep |
Local input into scoping study to explore Ireland’s cooperation in the agriculture & agribusiness sector under the IDEAS programme |
4,442 |
* |
|
2015 |
Johnny O'Regan |
Organisational Assessment of Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice |
4,400 |
* |
|
2015 |
Mazars |
ICT Audit |
27,552 |
* |
|
2015 |
Crowleys DFK |
Payment System Audit |
19,004 |
* |
|
2015 |
Saferworld |
Conflict Analysis input to the Embassy of Ireland Country Strategy Paper(CSP) development process - Uganda |
15,450 |
* |
|
2015 |
Dr Cornelius Chipoma |
Review of the education Sector programme in the context of Irish Aid Zambia 2013-2017 CSP - Zambia |
3,738 |
* |
|
2015 |
Charles Abola |
Review of Irish Aid support to Acholi Education initiative (AEI) - Zambia |
12,000 |
* |
|
2015 |
Firetail Ltd |
Evaluation of the MVIWATA Strategic Plan 2010-2014 - Tanzania |
21,450 |
* |
|
2015 |
Centre for Social Research |
Review of Irish Aid’s support of the Forum from Women’s Educationalist – Uganda Chapter(FAWEU) |
18,942 |
* |
|
2015 |
Gemma O’Reilly |
UNFCCC Reporting and Climate Finance Mapping 2014-2015 |
27,041 |
* |
|
2015 |
Wilberforce MUHWANA |
Design of the Quality Education Component for the Development of the Country Strategy Paper 2016 - 2020 |
14,400 |
* |
|
2015 |
Transparency international |
Consultancy to assess the current Governance and Management status of institutions in Education Sector to appraise Performance, and propose Recommendations to improve Accountability and Transparency |
15,362 |
* |
|
2015 |
Stephens Moore |
Audit and Verification of Grants awarded to the Platform for Social Protection Zambia for 2013 and 2014 |
31,550 |
* |
|
2015 |
Ann Nolan |
Review of the Irish Aid – HSE collaboration - 2015 |
6,300 |
October 2015 |
|
2015 |
Sebastian Kevany |
Review of Irish Aid- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Partnership 2011-2015 |
21,368 |
* |
|
2015 |
Ms Mpala Nkonkomalimba |
Mid Term Review Process Irish Aid Zambia Country Strategy 2013-17 |
6,300 |
* |
|
2015 |
Kate Bridges |
Review of Partners Logic Models/ theories of change- Zambia |
6,680 |
November 2015 |
|
2015 |
Mr Isaac Ngoma |
Mid Term Review Public Financial Management (PFM) Assessment - Zambia |
5,000 |
November 2015 |
|
2015 |
Lahluva Consultores |
Annual Planning Report of G19 and Government of Mozambique and Assessment of Irish Aid Annual Comm to GBS - Mozambique |
24,000 |
March 2016 |
|
2015 |
OPTIMOZ |
Facilitation & Capability Strengthening for Niassa Provincial Leadership Team re Design of Niassa Provincial Strategic Framework for the PEN – 2027 - Mozambique |
25,000 |
November 2015 |
|
2015 |
OPTIMOZ |
Capability Assessment and Initial Facilitation of Planning Exercise for Niassa Provincial Leadership Team 2017-27 - Mozambique |
4,900 |
October 2015 |
|
2015 |
Option Consultancy Services Ltd |
Review of Social Accountability Approaches in Health |
12,872 |
January 2016 |
|
2015 |
Anne Nolan |
Review of HSE MOU |
8,100 |
October 2015 |
|
2015 |
Michael Shannon |
Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Review |
4951 |
January 2016 |
|
2015 |
Alasdair Collins DP Evaluation |
Evaluation of IDEA’s (Irish Development for Education Association) Capacity Development Programme 2013-2015 |
5,212 |
* |
|
2015 |
Cathal Reidy |
A review of Ireland’s Humanitarian Emergency Relief Supplies |
36,290 |
* |
|
2015 |
Ground Work Consultancy |
Review of Irish Aid Nutrition programmes in Tanzania |
6,558 |
|
|
2016 |
Right to Change |
Planning of Irish Aid Country Strategy Programme Tanzania 2017-2022 |
13,974 |
* |
|
2016 |
Bronagh Hinds Debbie Donnelly |
Midterm Review of the 2nd National Action Plan on Women , Peace and Security |
Est.15,000 |
May 2017 |
|
2016 |
e Institute of International and European Affairs |
Comprehensive study mapping that Ireland Japan relationship to mark the 60th anniversary of Ireland-Japan Diplomatic Relations in 2017 |
22,000 |
January 2017 |
|
2016 |
Grant Thornton |
Audit Services |
100,000 |
* |
|
2016 |
Emily Mates |
Stocktake of Nutrition Engagement |
13,612 |
* |
|
2016 |
Noel Casserly |
UNFCC Reporting and Climate Finance Mapping 2015-2016 |
25,370 |
* |
|
2016 |
REEV Consult International |
Evaluation of the CSF and the Partnership Fund |
25,000 |
* |
|
2016 |
ASM |
Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme |
26,533 |
|
|
2016 |
Emmanuel Sulle |
Land Rights Scoping Study / Consultancy |
7,500 |
* |
|
2016 |
Ishihaka Mwandalima |
Gender Based Violence scoping study |
3,750 |
* |
|
2016 |
McQuillans |
Accounting, Audit and Financial Services |
6,240 |
* |
|
2016 |
PWC |
Internal audit of Embassy, and external audit of selected projects/programmes |
75,000 |
* |
|
2016 |
Dr Cornelius Chipoma |
Review of the Irish Aid Zambia Education programme |
9,000 |
* |
|
2016 |
Luiz Genedio Mendes Jorge |
Review of the Supreme Audit Institution’s report and opinion on the State Accounts 2014 |
4,800 |
* |
|
2016 |
Southern Cross Consulting |
Review of Embassy of Ireland’s approach to Fellowship in Tanzania |
11,430 |
* |
|
2016 |
Willis Towers Watson |
Study of Compensation Levels - Locally engaged staff in diplomatic missions (USA) |
3,150 |
* |
|
2016 |
Mercer International |
Study of Compensation Levels - Locally engaged staff in diplomatic missions (Irish Aid) |
13,200 |
* |
|
2016 |
Eamon Brehony, Alais Nakuyukuyo Morindat |
Review of Irish Aid support to Pastoralism in Tanzania |
10,450 |
* |
|
2016 |
Centre for Law and Democracy |
Analysis of anti-corruption legislation in Tanzania |
2,670 |
* |
|
2016 |
CASE International |
Consultancy to evaluate the Civil Society Fund |
49,800 |
* |
|
2016 |
Ingrid Obery |
Review of partner results and internal capacity building on results based Management |
25,000 |
* |
|
2016 |
Anne Nolan/Janet Gruber |
Review of Global Health and HIV AIDS Review |
39,535 |
* |
|
2016 |
Technopolis |
Review of Product Development partners |
19,375 |
* |
|
2016 |
Caoimhe Hughes |
Review of Annual Reports of Programme Grant Partners |
4,000 |
* |
|
2016 |
Mr. Sean Mc Gearty |
Review of Co-Operation Ireland |
Est. €10,000 + vat. Final cost on completion of the report in 2017 |
* |
|
2016 |
M Horizon (UK) Ltd |
Analysis of recent recommendations issued by the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf |
€1,788 |
Not Applicable – see footnote* |
*Certain reports commissioned by the Department are for internal management usage and not for publication. However, many Irish Aid related reports are published on www.irishaid.ie
201. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the rationale for imposing the rule that the total cost of public private partnerships, PPPs, including up front direct Exchequer costs, must be limited to 10% of the total annual Exchequer capital spending; if he has reviewed this rule and if he will consider revising the rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17354/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPPPs offer an alternative model for delivering infrastructure that can be effective in particular circumstances. However, the long-term nature of the financial commitments arising under PPPs require that the use of such arrangements must be carefully planned in order to ensure that they are used to address infrastructural needs in a manner that is sustainable in the long term and which the public finances can afford.
It was for this reason that the Government introduced an Investment Policy Framework for PPPs in 2015. The purpose of the framework was to set a limit on the extent to which the annual costs of PPPs would pre-commit capital funding available to future Governments for investment purposes, in terms of the overall aggregate Exchequer capital allocation projected to be available in any individual year.
The framework applies to the future cost of unitary payment charges in respect of both existing PPPs already in place and new PPPs currently in procurement or planning, together with the up-front Exchequer costs associated with procuring the planned new PPPs. The current requirement is that, taken together, such future costs in respect of PPPs should not pre-commit more than 10% of the overall aggregate capital funding projected to be available to future Governments in any individual year.
In the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, I have asked my Department to consider the scope for further use of PPPs to complement the direct provision of infrastructure using Exchequer funding, on a basis that is sustainable and affordable in the long term. A senior level group has been established, comprising relevant officials from the Departments with experience of procuring projects by PPP, together with the Department of Finance, the National Development Finance Agency and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, to review past experience of PPPs and to provide an evidence based analysis of the potential for further use of PPPs (and concessions) as a procurement option for the delivery of capital infrastructure. The terms of reference of this Group includes consideration of existing PPP guidance and governance which encompasses the investment policy framework for PPPs set out above.
202. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the construction projects on which the State has engaged companies (details supplied) as main contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17159/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset the management of the tendering process for a public contract and the administration of the contract once awarded is a matter for each contracting authority. The complete data on public works contracts is held by the contracting authority concerned. It is the responsibility of individual contracting authorities to publish contract award notices following the signing of a contract. This process is facilitated through the national eProcurement portal www.etenders.gov.ie, which is managed by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
Under EU Directives on public procurement public works, supplies and service contracts above certain thresholds must be advertised on the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) and awarded on the basis of objective and non-restrictive criteria. For works contracts the current threshold is €5.225 million. The EU Directives require contract award notices for contracts above this threshold to be published in the OJEU following the award of the contract. The publication of contract award notices is made possible by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) through eTenders which automatically forwards award notices to the OJEU for publication. Circular 10/14 issued by my Department requires public bodies since 1 August 2014 to publish all contract award notices over €25,000 on eTenders.
The information requested by the Deputy, that has been input by contracting authorities onto the eTenders portal, is being collated by the OGP but will not be available within the time allowed. The information will issue directly to the Deputy.
203. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the proposed scheme to provide financial assistance to persons to relocate due to constant flooding at their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17171/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast 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.
204. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider extending the opening hours of a public amenity and visitor attraction (details supplied); and if he will direct the organisation responsible to provide an explanation of the limited difference between summer and winter opening hours. [17182/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Botanic Gardens is one of the Office of Public Works most visited attractions, last year there were over 580,000 visitors to the Gardens. The present winter opening hours are 9-4:30pm on weekdays and 10-4:30pm on weekends and public holidays. In summer, weekday opening hours extend till 5pm and weekends to 6pm. Winter closing is predicated by day length and summer closing by the end of the working day for staff. Opening at weekends requires that a minimum number of staff are on duty to oversee the collections and the glasshouses as well as the safety of the visiting public.
Whilst the Gardens do provide an important public amenity, they are also a scientific collection. Unlike a public park such a collection requires greater oversight, of which the care and attention given to plants on a daily basis is very different to how other parks are managed. This is due to both the rarity of some of the specimens, but also on account of legal undertakings made with donor countries and institutions, which are governed by the Nagoya Protocol to which Ireland is a signatory (since 2012).
There are restrictions on certain activities in the Gardens, including picnicking, running, cycling, ball games and dog walking all of which are incompatible with the scientific and conservation aspects of the collection. These activities are catered for in the numerous surrounding public parks; which include Griffith Park, Tolka Valley Park, Johnstown Park and Albert College Park. These latter parks stay open later than the National Botanic Gardens and include playgrounds and a diversity of places to walk and relax.
205. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the assets owned by the OPW in the Templemore district. [17229/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland own the following properties in the Templemore district.
1. The Garda Training College
2. Dromard House Estate, Clonmore
3. Templemore Golf Club
4. Bungalow at Tallavera
5. 7 Garda Houses in Templemore.
206. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the lands owned by the OPW in Clonmore; and the rent received each year by the OPW from these lands from 2007 to 2016, inclusive. [17230/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW own Dromard House Estate at Clonmore which consists of 256 acres of land made up of 160 acres of grazing and the remainder in woodland. The rents received per annum are as follows:
Rents received per annum
|
Year |
Rent |
Rent received by |
|
2007 |
€35162 |
OPW |
|
2008 |
€4858 |
OPW |
|
2009 - 2013 |
unknown |
Let by Garda Training College |
|
2014 |
€27000 |
OPW |
|
2015 |
€27000 |
OPW |
|
2016 |
€30000 |
OPW |
