Written Answers Nos 192-211
192. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public sector employees currently in receipt of a salary; the annual cost of these salaries; the cost of restoring pay to 2018 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18813/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on the current data available to my Department, the total number of public service employees currently in receipt of a salary at end of December 2016 was some 307,000 (full-time equivalent)-FTE). The Exchequer Paybill for 2016 at €15.7bn gross provided for the annual cost of the salaries for approx. 279,000 (FTE) public servants. It should be noted that Local Authority staff, of which there are some 28,000 (FTE), are not funded through the Exchequer Paybill.
Further relevant up-to-date information on public service numbers can be found on my Department's website http://databank.per.gov.ie.
The Government has, through the negotiation and agreement of a financially prudent public service agreement on pay and related issues, provided for a gradual unwinding of the FEMPI measures as they apply to public servants. The terms of this agreement, the Lansdowne Road Agreement, are being implemented under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015 with effect from 1 January 2016 at a full year cost of €844m to 2018. This approach has also enabled resources to be assigned for the ongoing recruitment of additional front line public service staff such as Gardaí, Teachers and Health professionals to support the delivery of our vital public services.
After full implementation of the Lansdowne Road Agreement, the cost of repealing the remaining FEMPI pay reductions is estimated at some €1.4 billion plus PRSI.
193. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount provided under the capital plan for the information technology infrastructure across his Department; the amount spent to date; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18847/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of capital investment undertaken by my Department, including the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) and the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), is to deliver greater effectiveness and efficiency across the Civil and Public Service. The nature of many of the reform initiatives set out in ambitious plans such as the Public Service Reform Plan and the Public Service ICT Strategy is that up-front investment is sometimes required to deliver service improvements and greater consolidation and efficiency across the Civil and Public Service in the medium and long term. Therefore, this can involve my Department taking on additional costs, including capital costs, in the short-term.
The total capital allocation to my Department's Group of Votes, excluding OPW, under the Capital Plan 2016-21 was €32 million. In 2016, IT Capital Expenditure was €2.3 million on my Department's Vote, €9.4 million on the NSSO Vote and €1.2 million on the OGP Vote.
The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) invests and develops IT infrastructure on behalf of my Department, the Department of Finance, the NSSO and the OGP. However, its broader role is to leverage ICT to gain efficiencies and to improve the effectiveness of service delivery across the Civil and Public Service. The OGCIO takes the lead on driving forward the implementation of the Public Service ICT Strategy, working with Departments and agencies across the Public Service. Good progress is being made in the five strategic themes of the strategy which are: Build to Share; Digital First; Data as an Enabler; Improve Governance; and Increase Capability. For instance, under the Build to Share pillar of the Strategy, the OGCIO continues to enhance the Government Network that has been in existence for many years. In 2017, as a result of this investment, the Network will operate at higher speeds, providing high capacity services to the wider Public Service. The enhanced network will support agencies in the roll-out of new applications, new ways of working and engaging with the citizen.
The NSSO continues to make significant progress in its task to generate efficiencies as well as to enhance the effectiveness of the public service support infrastructure. The NSSO investment in IT continues to develop the systems infrastructure so that the benefits of the Government's Shared Services programme can be realised. The key areas under the programme are the PeoplePoint Shared Service Centre (HR and Pensions Administration), Payroll Shared Service Centre and Financial Management Shared Services.
The OGP invests in its IT systems to deliver on its mandate to drive procurement savings to the State. The OGP is continuing to invest in the eTenders platform to support national and EU procurement requirements. In 2017, a Customer Relationship Management / Workflow Management System, is being implemented to support OGP's Customer Service function and sourcing activities of the OGP and its sector partners.
194. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the OPW's flood relief works and plans in respect of the east Meath and Louth constituency; the cost of such works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18881/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that construction commenced on the Northlands Estate, Bettystown Flood Relief works in late October 2016 with an estimated construction cost of €1.5m and will take an approximately 1 year to complete.
In 2016, the OPW approved funding of €511,200 under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme to Meath County Council for projects at Ashbourne and Woodtown, Co Meath.
In 2017, works commenced on the flood relief scheme at Bellurgan, Co. Louth and is progressing well. In addition, the OPW approved funding of €14,400 under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme to Louth County Council for a project at Rampark, Lordship, Co. Louth.
The OPW carries out its own programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500km of river channel and approximately 730km of embankments nationally. These maintenance works relate to arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945, whose purpose was primarily to improve the drainage of agricultural lands. The OPW has a statutory duty to maintain the completed schemes in proper repair and in an effective condition. The annual maintenance programme typically involves some clearance of vegetation and removal of silt build-up on an average five-yearly cycle.
During 2016 maintenance works was carried out on approx. 4km of the Mornington channel and also the Northlands channel.
The core strategy for addressing significant flood risks nationally is the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. For the purposes of the national Programme, the country has been divided into regional study areas based on river basin districts.
The following towns in Co. Louth, Annagassan, Ardee, Baltray, Blackrock South, Carlingford and Greenore, Dundalk, Termonfeckin and Drogheda, towns in Co. Meath, Ashbourne, Athboy, Ballivor, Bettystown, Clonee, Duleek, Dunboyne, Gormanston, Longwood, Mornington, Navan, Ratoath, and Trim have been identified as Areas for Further Assessment (AFA) under the CFRAM Programme. Flood maps and a range of options for managing the flood risk in these towns were presented to the public for consultation at local Public Consultation Days held during the end of last year.
The current position regarding the CFRAM Study is that flood risk management plans are now being finalised, taking account of the submissions made through the public consultation held in 2016. When this process is completed, scheduled for Spring 2017, a prioritised list of feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, will be drawn up to address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner. The Plans will then be submitted for approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and subsequently for the adoption by the Local Authorities.
195. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he travelled abroad as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the locations he travelled to; the duration of the trip; the cost of the trip, including travel and accommodation in addition to other expenses incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18900/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI travelled to Korea and Japan as part of the 2017 Irish Government's St Patrick's Day Promote Ireland programme. The programme included a 3 day programme in Seoul, Korea and a 3 day programme in Tokyo, Japan. I was accompanied on the visit by two officials; my Private Secretary and Special Adviser. The programme aimed to promote trade, investment and tourism in Ireland through a series of economic and cultural activities. The programme included engagements with major Korean, Japanese and Irish employers, meetings with Ministerial counterparts and speaking engagements at influential business organisations. The programme also provided an important opportunity to thank Ireland's partners in Korea and Japan for their investment in the relationship, and to highlight the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan.
Costs associated with the visit are contained in the following table:
|
Name |
Flight details Dublin Seoul Tokyo Dublin |
Flight details Seoul Tokyo |
Accommodation Korea Seoul |
Accommodation Japan-Tokyo* |
Other** |
Total |
|
Minister |
€3,423.82 |
€316.36 |
€515.47 |
Paid by Japanese Government |
€3,088.99 |
€7,344.64 |
|
Private Secretary |
€3,423.82 |
€316.36 |
€450.41 |
Paid by Japanese Government |
€0.00 |
€4,190.59 |
|
Special Adviser |
€3,423.82 |
€316.36 |
€450.41 |
Paid by Japanese Government |
€0.00 |
€4,190.59 |
Calculations are based on online currency exchange figures as there are a number of outstanding invoices to be received from D/Foreign Affairs.
*Accommodation for Tokyo paid by Japanese Government as part of the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic relations.
**Other includes gifts, business cards, translation costs, ministerial briefings and travel and subsistence.
196. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the review of the capital programme will be completed and published. [18918/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubmissions in relation to the mid-term review and the additional funding available, were sought from Departments in January and are currently being received by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
A public consultation process has also commenced, 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.
Submissions will be accepted up until 30 April 2017, and may be published on the Department's website.
My Department's assessment of the submissions received on the Capital Review will be based on, for example, updated analysis of infrastructure capacity and demand as well as the new National Planning Framework due to be published later this year in order to ensure that the additional capital resources are targeted on priority public capital infrastructure required to support Ireland's medium-term growth potential and underpin social cohesion.
It is expected that the review process will be completed in Quarter 3 of 2017, to enable the Government to make final decisions in due course on how the remaining additional capital funding should be allocated.
197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent of savings likely to be required in Departments in the course of the current years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18952/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he remains satisfied that expenditure and reform goals continue to be achieved throughout all Departments and subordinate agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18955/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of budgetary provisions affecting each Department; if he expects the original allocation to remain sufficient throughout 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18958/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has satisfied himself that expenditure overruns by all Departments barring exceptional circumstances are likely to be curtailed in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18961/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 197, 200, 203 and 206 together.
Budget 2015 marked a key turning point when overall expenditure reductions were not required to meet our key fiscal targets. The improving fiscal conditions have allowed the Government to allocate additional resources towards emerging expenditure needs with prudent increases in gross voted expenditure of 3% on average in the three year period since the end of 2014.
The Government's commitment to prudent and sustainable spending increases means that a core issue over the coming period is to ensure that the available resources continue to be directed towards meeting emerging social and economic priorities to best effect. In this regard, work on the Spending Review is now underway. This review will systematically examine existing spending programmes over a 3 year cycle to assess their effectiveness in meeting policy objectives and also to identify the scope for re-allocating funding to meet expenditure priorities.
Managing the delivery of public services within Budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister and their Department. The drawdown of funds from the Exchequer is monitored against the published expenditure profiles and this information is published monthly, as part of the Department of Finance's Fiscal Monitor.
Based on the expenditure figures reported in the March Fiscal Monitor, no significant spending pressures are evident from the Quarter 1 position. Gross voted expenditure to end-March was €130 million (-0.9%) below profile. There is an additional cost of €0.12bn arising this year from the decision to bring forward to April, from September, a pay increase due under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. This cost is to be met from available public resources taking into account the scope for reallocation of expenditure, while also ensuring that core public services are not adversely impacted. The extent to which Departments are in a position to meet this additional cost will only be determined later in the year. The position will be closely monitored and Government will consider how best to meet any additional funding requirements where the need arises.
198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which reform remains a feature of his Department's policy, with particular reference to ensuring good value for the taxpayer and quality service for the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18953/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Service Reform continues to be a key feature of my Department's policy. Considerable progress has been made since the first Public Service Reform Plan was published in 2011.
We are now moving from a stage of reform to one of development and continuous improvement which will cover the period 2017-2020. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are currently developing a new Public Service Development and Innovation Framework. This will set out a series of actions to be delivered out to 2020 which will both build on the achievements of the last six years and respond to new challenges.
The Framework will focus, first and foremost, on our customers. We aim to place the customer's needs at the core of every decision from policy formulation to service design through to the service delivery. The Framework will focus on increasing access, enabling better delivery and engagement with our customers using new tools such as increased digitisation, increasing accessibility of services and better data-sharing.
The development and future implementation of the Framework is occurring within a context of increased customer satisfaction with our service delivery. Last week I welcomed the publication of the Civil Service Customer Satisfaction Survey 2017. Overall satisfaction levels for service delivery and outcome are the highest recorded to date. 83% of customers were satisfied with both the service received (up from 76% in 2015). 82% were satisfied with the outcome of their most recent contact (also up from 76% in 2015), and 87% said service levels are mostly meeting or exceeding expectations (up from 83% in 2015).
Ensuring value for the tax payer is an important element of public expenditure management. In January of this year, work began on the 2017 Spending Review. This is the first in a planned series of 'rolling' selective reviews that will take place each year to 2019. The review will systematically examine existing spending programmes to assess their effectiveness in meeting policy objectives and to identify scope for re-allocating funding to meet expenditure priorities. This approach allows for an examination of the totality of Government spending on an ongoing basis and is intended to ensure that the maximum efficiency and effectiveness is achieved for every euro of public funding.
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which current expenditure levels are likely to impact on capital expenditure requirements in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18954/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to allow the various capital projects announced to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18959/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 204 together.
Both current and capital expenditure levels for 2017 were published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2017. All Departments have subsequently provided profiles for how this expenditure will be allocated across the year. As of March the Exchequer Returns indicate that spend is largely on target so far in 2017.
I assume the Deputy is asking when the mid-term review of the Capital Plan will be available. This process will involve a review of the key priorities for the period 2018 - 2021, having regard to the objectives of the existing plan, the priority areas identified for additional investment in the Programme for a Partnership Government, and also taking account of any other reprioritisation proposed by Departments (e.g. in light of developments since the original plan was agreed) together with any recalibration of the existing Plan that may be proposed as a result. The review will also report on achievements to date.
Following the review, it is expected that recommendations will be made to Government in Q3 2017, to inform final decisions by Government on revised capital allocations, to be announced in the context of Budget 2018.
201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which salary and wage cuts incurred during the economic downturn continue to be a priority in terms of restoration to the public, in line with good practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18956/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the planned progress for the restoration of pay cuts incurred during the economic crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18957/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
As the Deputy is aware, I am obliged under the legislation to undertake an Annual Review of the operation and effectiveness of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts (FEMPI) which is laid before the Oireachtas by the end of June each year. In doing so I must have "regard to the overall economic conditions in the State and national competitiveness" and the "revenues of the State and State commitments in respect of public service pay and pensions".
My last review was informed by the instability in the international economy (including risks posed by Brexit), the still fragile nature of our economic recovery, the need to protect hard won competitiveness gains, the high level of debt, the continuing fiscal deficit, the obligation to comply with the Stability and Growth Pact, and the need to balance competing demands within the available fiscal space. To date none of these factors have lessened appreciably, while the risks of international economic instability have, if anything, increased.
The Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA), which provides a negotiated pathway for public service pay increases through a phased partial unwinding of the FEMPI measures at a full year cost of €844m in 2018, represents a considerable investment in public service remuneration. A comprehensive Collective Agreement of this kind allows for strong fiscal planning, with budget allocations ring-fenced within multi-annual expenditure ceilings and pay increases taking an appropriate share of available fiscal space. This phased and sustainable programme of pay increases underpins the fiscal targets in Budget 2017 and our international commitments to a prudent fiscal policy under the Stability and Growth Pact. In addition, the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) is being significantly reversed in three stages under FEMPI 2015, via substantial restoration of the PSPR cuts on 1 January 2016, 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018. The cost of these PSPR changes is estimated at about €90 million on a full-year basis from 2018.
The forthcoming report by the Public Service Pay Commission, which has been asked to provide input on how the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest legislation should proceed, will inform engagement with staff representatives on a successor to the Lansdowne Road Agreement that is both sustainable and affordable.
205. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which procurement procedures continue to achieve good value for the taxpayer and speedy delivery to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18960/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraProcurement reform is a key element of the Government's overall reform programme and is aimed at delivering increased value for money, more accurate and timely data and improvements in the capacity and capability of the procurement function across the public service and supporting increased compliance. The fragmented procurement arrangements across the public service which existed prior to this facilitated amongst other things suppliers charging different public service bodies different prices for the same goods and services. This was not sustainable, as the State could not afford to continue to purchase works, goods and services in a manner that undermined the efficient delivery of services.
All public bodies are keenly aware of the importance of maximising the value for money achievable when procuring any commonly acquired goods or services. The central procurement frameworks and contracts established by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) have been designed to optimise benefits to the public service through the strategic aggregation of its buying power.
Central procurement frameworks are targeted at securing best value for money and facilitating contracting authorities to deliver services within their budgetary constraints. In this regard, public bodies are encouraged to use these frameworks arrangements. The benefits arising from these central procurement frameworks include: cash savings; administrative savings from reduced duplication of tendering; greater purchasing expertise; improved consistency; enhanced service levels and legal certainty. It is Government policy, as set out in Circular 16/2013, that public bodies, where possible, should make use of all such central arrangements. Where public bodies choose not to utilise central procurement frameworks they should be in a position to provide a value for money justification. It should also be noted that the OGP issued Circular 10/2014 which contains initiatives aimed at facilitating SME access to public contracts.
The State spends around €12 billion on goods, works and services each year. This represents a very significant portion of overall spending and it is, therefore, essential that the public service achieves maximum value for money and operational efficiency in its approach to public procurement. Developing a strategic approach to public procurement means that the state can deliver much needed public service in a sustainable manner at a time when Exchequer resources are limited.
While each procurement arrangement is different, each and every procurement competition must adhere to the rules and timelines prescribed in the relevant regulations. Notwithstanding this the professional service provided by the OGP enables the delivery of compliant arrangements within the most expeditious time frame possible. In particular, availing of OGP Frameworks offers a shorter timeframe than running standalone competitions. In terms of delivery of the OGP's programme of work, the OGP Schedule of Frameworks and Contracts sets out the OGP's service delivery plan for Q4 2016 to Q3 2017 and provides details of when key contracts and frameworks will be available for use by public sector bodies. The Schedule has been published to inform public sector bodies and suppliers. The Schedule is updated on a quarterly basis so that a rolling nine month forward view is visible.
Ireland's procurement reform programme has been successful in establishing new structures and building momentum but, of course, more needs to be done and the OGP, in line with the Programme for Government Commitments, will continue to refine the model.
207. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to update freedom of information guidelines in view of a case (details supplied) in the European Court of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19029/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Freedom of Information Act 2014 at section 11 provides for a right of access to information as follows:
"Subject to this Act, every person has a right to and shall, on request therefore, be offered access to any record held by an FOI body and the right so conferred is referred to in this Act as the right of access"
The Act provides for the refusal of access to information only in certain clearly defined and limited circumstances. These exemption provisions are proportionate to legitimate policy considerations and are in most instances subject to a further consideration of relevant public interest factors before a decision is made to refuse access.
Section 11 of the Act also makes clear that FOI is not the only means by which access to information may be granted. My Department has prepared and published a guidance note on the release of information outside of FOI, setting out best practices in this regard (CPU Notice No 2, available from http://foi.gov.ie/).
It is the function of the Information Commissioner and the Courts to reach authoritative determinations on the interpretation of the Freedom of Information Act in light of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.
Nevertheless, having considered the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights referred to by the Deputy, and having regard to the provisions of the 2014 Act and in particular the guidance notes published to date by my Department, it does not seem that there is a basis upon which to conclude that the extant position as reflected therein is inconsistent with the European Court's reasoning.
Accordingly, in the absence of any finding to the contrary by the Information Commissioner or the Courts, it is not proposed to amend or issue further guidance at this time.
208. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to reform the management of conflicts of interests with the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19031/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Sector Standards Bill 2015 aims to significantly enhance the existing framework for identifying, disclosing and managing conflicts of interest and minimising corruption risks, to achieve a shift towards a more dynamic and risk-based system of compliance and to ensure that the institutional framework for oversight, investigation and enforcement is robust and effective. This Bill consolidates the current legislative framework governing the ethical obligations of public officials and gives effect to the recommendations of the Tribunals.
The Bill was published on 23 December 2015, and completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 20 January 2016. The first session of Committee Stage in the Dáil was held on 6 April and the next session will be held after Easter. It is my intention to that the Bill will be enacted before the summer.
209. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount provided under the capital plan for the revitalisation of rural towns and villages; the amount spent to date; the progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18844/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year I launched a new Town and Village Renewal Scheme with €10 million in capital funding available to support the rejuvenation of towns and villages across rural Ireland. The scheme was administered by the Local Authorities and funding of €9.88 million was issued to them to support 170 towns and villages across every county in Ireland.
I have today launched an enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2017, with funding of €20 million to be allocated to support up to 300 rural towns and villages over the next 15 months.
This year’s scheme will place an emphasis on measures which have a clear and sustainable economic impact on rural towns and villages. Projects will be selected by means of a competitive process, initially at Local Authority level, with the final project selection being made in July by my Department.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is part of a package of measures at national and local level to support the rejuvenation of towns and villages across rural Ireland. Other measures include initiatives in areas such as heritage, arts and culture, the re-use of vacant premises, energy efficiency and business supports.
I will also be announcing a separate pilot initiative under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme later in the year to encourage people to take up residential occupancy of vacant properties in town and village centres. Further details of this pilot will be announced in the second half of the year.
210. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount provided under the capital plan for the allocation to the regional development office in the western region; the amount spent to date; the progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18845/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021, which was published in September 2015, included a commitment to provide €1 million each year in 2016 and 2017 to establish a Strategic Regional Development Office in the western region under the Western Development Commission (WDC) for the purposes of co-ordinating the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission for Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) in the region. This office was intended to be pilot initiative which, if successful, could be replicated in other regions.
While capital funding was ring-fenced for the WDC in 2016 and 2017, the original intention that this would support the implementation of the CEDRA report has been overtaken by the assignment of responsibility for regional and rural affairs to my Department.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government launched the Action Plan for Rural Development, Realising our Rural Potential, in January of this year. The Action Plan provides an overarching framework to support rural development in all regions. The Plan contains over 270 actions for delivery by Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies. Any outstanding CEDRA recommendations will be reviewed as part of the Action Plan, to determine how best they can be progressed.
The Action Plan is overseen by a Monitoring Committee, which I chair. The Monitoring Committee will review the progress of each of the actions in the Plan on a regular basis. The first meeting of the Monitoring Committee took place last month and Progress Reports will be published every six months, with the first report due in July.
As part of the Action Plan, my Department is also progressing the concept of developing an Atlantic Economic Corridor along the western seaboard, in collaboration with stakeholders and State agencies, including the WDC.
211. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount provided under the capital plan for the pier development on Inis Oírr; the amount spent to date; the progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18846/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of €621,961 was spent by my Department over the period 2004 to 2007 on consultancy services aimed at the development of Inis Oírr pier. Under the Government’s capital investment plan, Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016 – 2021, additional funding of €8 million has been earmarked for this development. My officials have met recently with officials from Galway County Council, who are the facilitators of the development, and I understand that, as a result, steps are being taken by the Council to re-engage consultants in order to progress the development.
