Written Answers Nos. 391-409
391. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent by his Department on designing, implementing and supporting the Eircode system in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [28144/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question, I can confirm that there were no costs incurred by my Department in its implementation of the Eircode system. Eircodes were incorporated into new stationery when existing stocks were depleted at no extra cost.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has overall responsibility for the Eircode system.
392. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to restore public service pensions for retired public servants in parallel with the new WRC pay agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28180/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the past, the occupational pensions of public service pensioners were generally adjusted in line with changes in the wages or salary of the pensioner's grade at retirement. Sometimes referred to as "pay parity", this non-statutory linkage lapsed in 2010, when the values of pensions in payment were left unchanged notwithstanding salary cuts at the beginning of that year which affected all public servants under the financial emergency legislation.
Due to a grace period associated with the 2010 salary cuts, public servants, who retired in the 26 months following those cuts, i.e. in the period to end-February 2012, had their pensions based on the higher pre-cut salary levels. This has lead to the current situation whereby post February-2012 retirees, on a like-for-like basis, mostly receive lower pensions than their earlier-retired counterparts.
In addition, since the beginning of 2011 a progressively-structured "Public Service Pension Reduction" (PSPR) has decreased the values of public service pensions above specified thresholds. A significant part-reversal or unwinding of PSPR is under way as set out in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015.
The lapsing of pay parity along with the pension differential arising between pre and post-2012 retirees, have created the conditions under which, as we move beyond "FEMPI" legislation and the progressive removal of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) towards more normal pay and pension setting conditions in the public service, the issue of how to adjust the post-award value of public service pensions, through appropriate pay or other linkages has required consideration.
In this context, Section 6.2 of the proposed Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, which was published last week, indicates that, over the duration of that agreement if ratified, policy on public service pensions in payment will be guided by the following three elements:
First, the need to adopt an equitable approach to the various public service pensioner cohorts differentiated by date of retirement (in particular pre and post end-February 2012) is affirmed.
Second, for those who retired or will retire post end-February 2012, to the extent that they retired on reduced salaries for pension award purposes, they will receive pension increases in line with pay increases received by their peers currently in employment in accordance with the terms of the collective agreement.
Third, when alignment is achieved between pre and post end-February 2012 pensioners, as will happen progressively for salary ranges up to €70,000 in 2020 under the proposed collective agreement, pay increases will continue to benefit pensions in payment for the duration of the agreement.
393. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if public servants who are ill on a Thursday or Friday of any week and submit the necessary medical certification are recorded as being absent on the following Saturday and Sunday and possible bank holiday even though they do not normally work on such days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28232/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Sick Leave Scheme was introduced in March 2014 in the majority of sectors in the Public Service and in September 2014 in the Education Sector.
The Public Service Management Sick Leave Regulations 2014[1] provide the basis for the calculation of access to paid sick leave and sick leave records, including counting a Saturday or Sunday.
The following sets out the process, based on the Regulations, for calculating absence periods arising from sick leave in the context of the working week being Monday to Friday. Similar principles are applied in relation to other working patterns.
- A Saturday and Sunday are only counted towards an individual’s sick leave record if the sick leave spans the weekend. An absence on a Friday followed by an absence on the Monday is considered to have spanned the weekend.
- Sick leave that spans a weekend will include the weekend, and in this example will be counted as four days of sick leave as it includes Saturday and Sunday.
In contrast:
- If a public servant was absent on a Friday and returned on a Monday the Saturday and Sunday would not be included as the absence did not span the weekend.
Treatment of Bank Holidays:
- In the event of a Bank Holiday weekend the Bank Holiday would be considered as part of the weekend. If the sick leave spanned the weekend i.e. the employee was out sick on the Tuesday after a bank holiday, it would be counted as five days sick leave.
- In contrast, if the individual was absent on a Friday of a Bank Holiday weekend and returned to work on the Tuesday it would be counted as one days sick leave.
It is also important to note that in accordance with Section 21 of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, a public servant who is absent from work on certified sick leave immediately before and including a public holiday is entitled to benefit from that public holiday.
[1] the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations 2014 S.I. No. 124 of 2014 http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2014/si/124/made/en/pdf.
394. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which an institute (details supplied) is funded; the amount of funding it received on an annual basis in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28283/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Institute of Public Administration has two main sources of funding, namely, earned fee income and a State block grant. The Institute’s earnings over the past five years were made up of training and international services, education-fee income, research income, publications, membership income, release of capital grants, and the grant allocation from my Department.
The table below, which has been provided by the IPA, sets out its funding sources over the last five years. These figures are also available in the IPA's published annual financial statements.
|
Year |
Total Income € |
Earned Income € |
Grant € |
|
2012 |
10,888,671 |
8,138,671 |
2,750,000 |
|
2013 |
10,640,802 |
7,890,802 |
2,750,000 |
|
2014 |
10,910,348 |
8,160,348 |
2,750,000 |
|
2015 |
10,985,903 |
8,260,903 |
2,725,000 |
|
2016 |
11,853,463 |
9,128,463 |
2,725,000 |
395. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to unwind the pay and pension inequality in his annual review of FEMPI measures due before Dáil Éireann by the end of June 2017; his further plans regarding the restoration of pay for teachers and the ending of PSPR in view of the fact that the financial crisis has ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28411/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing publication of the Report by the Public Service Pay Commission, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and public service employers entered into negotiations with public service unions and staff representative associations in order to secure agreement on an extension of the Lansdowne Road Agreement. Following detailed and complex negotiations, facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission, the terms of a proposed Agreement was commended to the parties by the Workplace Relations Commission. The proposed agreement, which deals with the further orderly unwinding of FEMPI reductions in a manner that is compatible with fiscal constraints, is available on my Department’s website http://www.per.gov.ie/en/government-approves-terms-of-proposed-extension-to-the-lansdowne-road-agreement/
I am obliged under Section 13 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act (FEMPI) 2013 to carry out an annual review of the operation of the FEMPI Acts. My next review and report on the FEMPI legislation is due before the Houses of the Oireachtas before the end of June 2017. My considerations and report, which will encompass all measures provided for under the FEMPI legislation will, inter alia, take into account the current budgetary and economic context and the outcome to the recent public service pay negotiations.
396. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated annual cost over the next four years of the public pension contribution reforms agreed in June 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28418/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra397. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated annual cost over the next four years of the public sector pay changes agreed with unions in June 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28419/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 397 together.
The proposed Agreement runs from 2018- 2020 and has a total cost over that period of €887 million, with annual costs as follows:
2018: €178 million
2019: €370 million
2020: €339 million
The pay measures also have a carry-over cost into 2021 of €227 million.
The costs of the proposed pension contribution reforms are included in the annual cost outlined above. The yield from PRD will fall from over €700 million at present to some €550 million in 2020 which will now become a permanent additional pension contribution. These reforms will make a major contribution to the future sustainability of public service pensions.
398. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a review is planned on the role of PPPs and the rules surrounding them; when such a review will take place and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28420/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that a mid-term review of the Capital Plan is currently underway, the findings of which will ultimately help Government to put in place a new long term Capital Plan which is consistent with the new National Planning Framework to be published later this year.
In that context, Government needs to formulate a strategic view on the extent to which PPPs should be used to assist in delivering additional infrastructure, to complement that provided directly with Exchequer funding.
With that in mind, I asked my Department to review our experience of using PPPs and to advise on the scope for further use of this procurement option in the context of the Government's capital investment plans.
A senior level group has been established to assist my Department in this regard, 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. This group is reviewing past experience with PPPs and its report, once complete, will provide an evidence based analysis of the potential for further use of PPPs, and concessions, as a procurement option for the delivery of additional capital infrastructure as part of the new long term capital plan. Assessing the affordability, sustainability and value-for-money of PPP procurement will be key elements of the Group's work, while the Group will also have the opportunity to make recommendations in relation to other aspects of PPP policy and guidance, if appropriate.
The report of the Inter-departmental group will help inform a final decision on how to proceed in relation to off-balance sheet PPPs in the context of the new long-term capital plan to be published later this year.
399. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the schedule for the full restoration of pensions which have been the subject of FEMPI deductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28519/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) reduces the value of those public service pensions which have pre-PSPR values above specified thresholds. It does so in a progressively structured way which has a proportionately greater effect on higher value pensions.
A very significant part-unwinding of PSPR in three stages is taking place under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015, with PSPR-affected pensioners getting pension increases via substantial restoration of the PSPR cuts on 1 January 2016, 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018.
On 1 January 2016 all pensions of up to at least €18,700 became exempt from PSPR; from 1 January 2017, all pensions of up to at least €26,000 are now exempt from PSPR, and from 1 January 2018 all pensions of up to at least €34,132 per year will be exempt from PSPR. Those pensioners not fully removed from the reach of PSPR by dint of these changes will, in the majority of cases, benefit by €1,680 per year from 2018. The cost of these changes is estimated at about €90 million on a full-year basis from 2018.
Under section 12 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2013, I as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform am required to review the necessity of the FEMPI legislation annually and cause a written report of my findings to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. The next report is due by end June 2017 and in the context of that report, I shall review the scope of the existing financial emergency measures including the PSPR.
400. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is an appeal system for voluntary non-profit bodies that owing to circumstances beyond their control did not make a lobbying return before the deadline and are now subject to a €200 fine. [28630/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the Standards in Public Office Commission (the Standards Commission) is as an independent statutory body which is responsible for the Register of Lobbying. As an independent statutory body it is not accountable to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform or to the Government in the performance of its functions.
I am advised that the Standards Commission does not exercise any discretion in relation to the issuing of Fixed Payment Notices. The Register (“lobbying.ie”) has been designed to automatically issue a Fixed Payment Notice to any registrant who submits a late return. A Fixed Payment Notice has, therefore, issued to anyone who has submitted a late return of their lobbying activities for the periods 1 September 2016 – 31 December 2016 and 1 January 2017 – 30 April 2017. (The respective relevant dates for receipt of these returns was 21 January 2017 and 21 May 2017.)
I am advised that the Standards Commission has issued reminders to all registrants at the end of each return period and again prior to each return deadline to ensure that they are aware of the pending deadline. These reminders included details of the offences and penalties for failing to submit a return by the statutory deadline. The Standards Commission has also strongly encouraged registrants to identify back-up administrators in the event that the primary “lobbying.ie” account administrator is unable to file the return by the deadline.
I am also advised that the Standards Commission has, in a small number of cases, exercised some discretion in cancelling a Fixed Payment Penalty. This has only happened, however, where the Standards Commission has been satisfied that a technical issue with “lobbying.ie” may have contributed to the person submitting a late return or where the registrant had misunderstood the requirements of the Act and was not actually required to register.
I am advised that the Standards Commission has not cancelled any Fixed Payment Penalties where the failure to submit a return on time was due to an administrative failure by an organisation or due to an oversight or human error on the part of the person submitting the return.
The Act does not provide for an appeal process in relation to the issuing of Fixed Payment Notices. Section 21(5) of the Act provides that the Standards Commission may proceed to prosecute the offence of submitting a late return if the person does not pay the Fixed Payment by the specified date.
Section 20(3) of the Act provides that it shall be a defence in proceedings for an offence for a person to prove that the person took all reasonable steps to avoid the commission of the offence.
In considering whether to proceed with a prosecution under section 21(5) of the Act, the Standards Commission have advised that they will consider any representations or explanations provided in relation to the submission of a late return and the payment of the Fixed Payment.
The Deputy might wish to advise the voluntary body concerned to contact the Standards Commission directly. They can be contacted by:-
Address: 18 Lower Leeson Street,
Dublin 2, D02 HE97
Phone: +353-1-639 5722
Email: info@lobbying.ie.
401. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he will take to ensure that small suppliers can compete for State contracts; if the barriers to competing for State contracts, such as the scale of contracts, the turnover required and so on, are removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28646/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Procurement is governed by EU and National rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers the best value for money. It would be a breach of the EU rules for a public body to favour particular candidates on grounds such as organisation size, locality, nationality, etc. and there are legal remedies which may be used against any public body infringing these rules.
However, there is a recognition at EU Level of the need to promote and facilitate SME participation in public procurement. The new EU Directives on Procurement, transposed into Irish law in May 2016, are intended to make it easier for businesses and SMEs to tender for public sector procurement contracts. Measures specifically designed to improve access for SMEs and start-ups include:
- financial capacity criterion is generally limited to twice contract value - there are no centrally imposed requirements for a minimum turnover. Establishing the appropriate suitability criteria that are relevant and appropriate to a particular contract is, of course, a matter for the contracting authority concerned. This is because the contracting authority is in the best position to gauge the appropriate levels of financial capacity that are appropriate to the needs of that specific contract.
- discretion to divide public contracts into lots, with the proviso that opting not to divide a contract into lots must be explained in the procurement documents or the report on the procurement process
- electronic methods of communication are mandated in parts of the tender process
- the introduction of the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), a self-declaration form aimed at reducing red tape for suppliers
- provision for “consortia bidding” may assist SMEs to participate in procurement procedures where they would not have the relevant capability or scale if they were to bid as sole tenderers
- explicit provision for pre-market discussion with suppliers and independent experts, subject to safeguards against distorting competition or violating transparency and non-discrimination principles
- reductions in the time limits for receipt of tenders by approximately 30% compared to the position under the 2006 Regulations
- Member States are required to report back to the Commission every 3 years on SME participation in public procurement
A number of these measures had been accelerated into policy in 2014 in advance of the transposition of the new Directives by Circular 10/14 - Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement - issued by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
The reform of public procurement across the public service is on-going and will continue to provide opportunities to the SME sector to win business. The OGP works with industry to ensure that winning government business is done in a fair, transparent and accessible way and to ensure that government procurement policies are business friendly. It does this by facilitating quarterly meetings of an SME Advisory Group, which have been chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for public procurement, so that the voice of Irish SMEs (including ISME, IBEC, SFA, Chambers Ireland, and CIF) can be heard by Government. SMEs are also encouraged to register with the Government's eTenders portal so that they can be notified of upcoming tendering opportunities.
The OGP works with the SME industry representative bodies as well as the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, InterTrade Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to promote the engagement of SMEs in public procurement. Evidence of the work and co-operation in the area can be seen in events such as "Go-2-Tender" workshops and "Meet the Buyer" events.
Minister of State Eoghan Murphy launched the OGP's 2014 Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis Report in September 2016. The data analysed indicate that 95% of the State's expenditure is with firms within the State and the majority of spend analysed is with SMEs.
The OGP will continue to proactively engage with business and strive to enhance the significant measures already in place to support SME access to public procurement opportunities.
402. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all State bodies under the aegis of his Department have furnished a report confirming the State body has complied with its obligations under tax law for 2015 and 2016 as required under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies; the action which was taken regarding those bodies that did not submit such requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28674/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies applies to the Regulator of the National Lottery. The Regulator has furnished a report confirming that he complied with his obligations under tax law for 2015. The Regulator has complied with his obligations under tax law for 2016 and this will be formally confirmed following completion of the audit of the Regulator’s accounts for 2016.
The Institute of Public Administration and the Economic and Social Research Institute are not State bodies. However, as they receive funds from the Department, some aspects of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies apply to them. Both organisations complied with their obligations under tax law for 2015. The 2016 position will be formally confirmed following their respective Annual General Meetings which are scheduled to take place shortly.
403. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if dog fouling prevention measures including bins, bags and appropriate signage can be put in place at a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [28680/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDog-litter bins and associated signage will be provided at this site shortly.
404. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to address the future use of a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28692/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Garda station at Mulgannon Road, Wexford Town is scheduled to be completed and ready for occupation in September 2017.
When An Garda Síochána vacate the existing station at Roche’s Road, Wexford, OPW Property Management Division will examine the property to establish if there is any alternative State use for it.
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that on completion of this examination a decision on the future use of the property will be made.
405. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the awarding of a tender (details supplied). [28710/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a public procurement process a contract for the Tea Room concession was awarded to Messrs. Brambles Deli Café Ltd. The initial contract period is for 12 calendar months from 1st February 2017. Subject to review consideration will be given to extending this concession for a further period.
406. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of appointments made to the boards of State bodies under the remit of his Department in May and June 2017; the dates of the appointments; the State bodies involved; the application process that was followed; the number of vacancies left on the boards of State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28858/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe boards of the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) are the only State boards under the remit of my Department.
No appointments were made to the PAS board in May or June 2017.
There was one appointment made to the IPA board on 16 May 2017 in line with the Institute’s memorandum and articles of association. The new member is a representative of the commercial state agency sector and was nominated by the Association of CEOs of Commercial State Agencies. There are no remaining vacancies on the Institute’s board.
407. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of houses his Department owns in Templemore, County Tipperary; the location of each; the purpose for which they are used; and if his Department has had communications with Tipperary County Council regarding their use for social housing. [28879/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that there are 14 houses in State ownership in Templemore. They are as follows –
|
No. |
Address |
Use |
|
1 |
The Mall |
Occupied by An Garda Síochána |
|
3 |
The Mall |
For disposal |
|
4 |
The Mall |
For disposal |
|
5 |
The Mall |
For disposal |
|
6 |
The Mall |
Occupied by An Garda Síochána |
|
9 |
Church Avenue |
For disposal |
|
10 |
Church Avenue |
For disposal |
|
11 |
Church Avenue |
Used by Garda Training College |
|
12 |
Church Avenue |
Used by Garda Training College |
|
2 |
Manna South |
Occupied by An Garda Síochána |
|
3 |
Televera |
Sale agreed |
|
4 |
Televera |
Occupied by An Garda Síochána |
|
Bungalow |
Televera |
Templemore Flood Relief Scheme |
|
Dromard House |
Dromore, Clonmore, |
Vacant, part of Garda Tactical Training facility |
The five properties identified above for disposal were offered to Tipperary County Council in 2016 under the protocols set out in Circular 11/15: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets. The Council declined the offer to acquire the properties.
408. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff under the remit of his Department who have applied to be transferred to Department or State agency offices located outside the Dublin region in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the estimated average cost incurred for each staff member who relocated outside the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29043/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that during the period from 2014 to date in 2017, in my Department there were seventeen staff who transferred to offices located outside the Dublin region. The information requested by the Deputy is laid out in the following tables.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Core)
|
Year |
Grade |
Region |
Relocation Cost |
|
2014 |
Administrative Officer |
Limerick |
Nil |
|
2014 |
Assistant Principal |
Galway |
Nil |
National Shared Services Office (NSSO) Staff
|
Year |
Grade |
Region |
External/Internal Transfer |
Relocation Cost |
|
2015 |
Clerical Officer |
Tullamore |
Internal |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Higher Executive Officer |
Galway |
Internal |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Executive Officer |
Cavan |
External |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Clerical Officer |
Dundalk |
External |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Clerical Officer |
Tullamore |
Internal |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Clerical Officer |
Tullamore |
Internal |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Clerical Officer |
Tullamore |
Internal |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Clerical Officer |
Tullamore |
Internal |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Clerical Officer |
Tullamore |
Internal |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Clerical Officer |
Wexford |
External |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Clerical Officer |
Wicklow |
External |
Nil |
|
2017 |
Higher Executive Officer |
Galway |
Internal |
Nil |
|
2017 |
Clerical Officer |
Donegal |
External |
Nil |
Office of Government Procurement (OGP)
|
Year |
Grade |
Region |
External/Internal Transfer |
Relocation Cost |
|
2016 |
Category Specialist (EO equivalent) |
Trim |
Internal |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Category Specialist (EO equivalent) |
Tullamore |
External |
Nil |
Information is not available on actual transfer applications as where staff apply for a transfer, these requests are usually made directly to the department/office they are looking to transfer to.
409. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the OPW funding for the renovation of Abbotstown House; the timeline of works for its renovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29047/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW does not own the property at Abbotstown House. That property in question is owned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who have ultimate responsibility for the maintenance and renovation of same.
